Operations Plan
Paint a Pot Café operates with a lean, efficient, and highly customer-focused staffing model designed to support consistent daily operations while maintaining strong cost control. The operational structure emphasizes owner involvement, cross-trained team members, and a phased approach to staffing as customer volume grows.
Daily Operations
The studio operates seven days a week with a combination of owner-led coverage and part-time support staff. Daily operations include customer check-in, project guidance, glazing, firing, cleanup, retail transactions, and (in Phase 2) café service. All staff are cross-trained to support both studio and customer-facing tasks.
Lean Labor Model (Year 1)
The business launches with a lean staffing structure that ensures high-quality service while keeping operating expenses low. This model is fully integrated into the confirmed annual OPEX of $84,340.
| Role | Hours / Month | Hourly Rate | Monthly Cost | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio Assistant | 60 hrs | $18/hr | $1,080 | Customer support, glazing, kiln loading/unloading, studio maintenance, project guidance |
| Café Attendant (Phase 2) | 30 hrs | $18/hr | $540 | Beverage preparation, café service, POS support, cross-trained for studio tasks |
| Owner (Leah) | Unpaid | N/A | $0 | Management, customer experience, marketing, scheduling, inventory oversight, community partnerships |
| Operations Lead (Timothy) | Unpaid | N/A | $0 | Systems design, process optimization, financial oversight, staff training |
| Total Monthly Labor Cost | $1,620 | Included in OPEX |
Staffing Philosophy
The staffing model prioritizes flexibility, cross-training, and owner involvement. This approach ensures that the studio can operate efficiently during both peak and off-peak hours without overextending payroll. As customer volume increases, additional part-time staff will be added to support expanded programming and café operations.
Labor Expansion (Years 2–3)
As revenue grows, the business will add additional part-time team members to support increased customer volume, expanded class offerings, and full café service. Staffing expansion will be demand-driven and financially conservative, ensuring that payroll scales responsibly with revenue growth.
Operational Strengths
- Lean staffing keeps OPEX low and cash flow strong
- Owners provide stability, leadership, and operational continuity
- Cross-trained staff maximize efficiency and customer experience
- Phased staffing supports sustainable growth
- Labor model aligns directly with financial projections and SBA requirements