When you speak to experienced founders who’ve really built something, you quickly realise there’s no overnight success story, just a lot of courage, learning on the job, and staying the course when things feel uncertain.

In the latest episode of the Class Business Podcast, I sat down with Christina Taylor-Chisholm, founder and franchisor of Popolo Ceramico, and proud Partner Sponsor of the Class Business Awards, where Popolo Ceramico is sponsoring the New Business of the Year Award.

This conversation is packed with real-world insight for anyone building a class-based or creative business, especially those in the early stages questioning whether they’ve made the right decision.

A Business Born From Motherhood, Not a Masterplan

Christina didn’t set out to become a business owner.

With a background in art, interior design and sales, everything changed when she became a mum. Like so many parents, she wanted keepsakes that captured just how small those early moments were, but struggled to find anything that felt stylish and timeless.

So she did what many great founders do.

She made it herself.

Starting with a small kiln at home, Christina began creating ceramic hand and footprint keepsakes. Demand quickly grew through friends, then friends of friends, and eventually through class providers inviting her into their sessions.

Before long, the business was pulling her forward, not the other way around.

The Early Lesson Most Business Owners Learn the Hard Way

Despite having a beautiful product and strong demand, Christina is refreshingly honest about one early mistake.

She underestimated marketing.

Word of mouth helped, but it wasn’t enough to build a sustainable business. It was only when she intentionally stepped up her visibility and marketing that things really changed.

That moment marked the shift from “side business” to something with real commercial potential, a lesson many class-based business owners will recognise.

Why Winning an Award Was a Turning Point

Christina went on to win New Business of the Year at the EWIF Awards, and she describes that recognition as a genuine turning point.

Like many founders, she battled imposter syndrome, even while the business was working. Winning an award judged by experienced peers validated what she had built and gave her the confidence to think bigger.

This is exactly why Popolo Ceramico is sponsoring the New Business of the Year Award at the Class Business Awards, to give that same encouragement to businesses right at the start of their journey.

Because when you’re in year one, a simple “you’re doing well, keep going” can make all the difference.

Scaling Through Franchising (Without Losing Family Time)

As demand grew across the UK, Christina faced a familiar challenge.

She could grow bigger locally, or scale smarter.

Franchising became the answer.

Not just as a growth model, but as a way to:

• protect family time
• maintain creative control
• help other women build flexible, profitable businesses

Today, Popolo Ceramico has 30 franchisees covering 64 territories, supported by a strong HQ team, updated training systems and quarterly coaching.

The journey wasn’t perfect, and Christina is open about learning by doing, but that experience is exactly what now allows her to support others so effectively.

“I’m Very Picky”, Why Fit Matters More Than Sales

One of the strongest moments in the interview is Christina’s approach to recruitment.

She’s clear, franchising is not about selling to everyone.

It’s about values, culture and long-term fit. If someone isn’t right for the brand, she will actively point them towards something better suited, protecting both the individual and the network.

It’s a powerful reminder that strong businesses are built on people, not just systems.

Her Advice to Anyone in Their First Year of Business

Christina doesn’t sugar-coat it.

The first year is the hardest.

No stats. No certainty. Lots of emotional highs and lows.

Her advice?

Keep going.

Year one gives you the data, confidence and foundations to build from, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.

Why This Conversation Matters

This episode isn’t about theory.

It’s about lived experience.

It’s about what happens after you leave the safety of employment, back yourself, and build something meaningful, even when it feels messy.

And it’s exactly why conversations like this sit at the heart of the Class Business Awards, recognising the courage, resilience and growth behind every successful class-based business.

Watch the Full Interview on YouTube

If you’re building a class-based, creative or family-focused business, especially in the early stages, this is a conversation you’ll want to watch in full.

👉 Watch the interview with Christina Taylor-Chisholm on YouTube.

And if you’re entering or supporting the Class Business Awards, Christina’s story is a powerful reminder of why recognition matters, especially at the beginning.