Walking into Slip Studio feels a bit like stepping into a friend's home. Owner, Ariella Toeman has built a welcoming space for new and experienced folks to dive into the world of pottery and ceramics. From the moment she invited us (I brought my two boys!) inside, it was clear this studio is as much about connection as it is about clay. Ariella generously showed us around, introducing us to every corner of the studio (including her beloved kiln, Hot Mama), and sharing how she makes pottery feel approachable and achievable for everyone.
What stood out most was the way Ariella breaks down each project piece by piece, thoughtfully guiding beginners so they feel confident and successful from the very start, no experience required. It’s the kind of environment where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcome, and creativity unfolds naturally at your own pace.
Slip Studio is conveniently located in White Plains near the Cross County Center, with easy parking and set inside a vibrant building filled with other local businesses and artisans. It’s a true creative hub and one that families, teens, and adults alike will feel excited to return to again and again.
| What is the story behind your business? How did you get started? Well, it's a long and short story all at once. Slip Studio came to be quite quickly as I needed a new home for my kiln. I used to work out of my home studio in Irvington, but life changes and once I decided to move I needed a new studio location. I found the Switch 210 building in White Plains and fell in love with the vibe. Everything else fell quickly into place! |  |
The long story is that I've had several small businesses along the way. My career started out in the pastry kitchens of 4star restaurants in NYC and Paris, then one day I moved to Montreal (my home town) and opened my first business, Cane et Cacao (designer cakes and wedding cakes). My second venture was in San Francisco, Cocoa Designs was an artisan chocolate business selling confections to retailers like Whole Foods, Dean & Deluca and many others across the west coast.
Once I had my children, I stopped working all together and this is when my life in ceramics began. I started selling my own wares under Ariella Ceramics in 2021. So I like to think that all of these experiences, opening different small businesses along the way have lent themselves in helping me envision and create Slip Studio!
What are some fun facts about you or your business?
- You can make anything you want out of clay!
- Clay is pretty much just mud.
- Slip Studio opened in October 2025
- I named my kiln "Hot Mama"
- Most of my students are beginners.
- Making clay pieces blindfolded is super fun and liberating!
- Working with clay is the ultimate meditation
And the hidden secret about my business is that I LOVE to host a good party! That is exactly what I offer- a clay party, either once a week or a one-time workshop. My classes are ME in a nutshell: I open my doors, welcome you into my studio where you get to relax, connect with others, making stuff with your hands and eating good food. What can be better?!
What does your business offer its' customers?
Slip Studio offers weekly pottery classes for adults - hand building in clay. We also offer kids clay camp, birthday parties and private events. My favorite offering is our series of workshops: one-time classes combining pottery + food + education all rolled into one!
What are you most proud of?
I'm proud of getting Slip Studio off the ground, and I'm especially proud of the reception from customers and students.
It feels like I took a million baby steps (both personal and professional) in getting to here, so this makes me happy thinking back on how all of these steps paved the way in bringing Slip Studio together. This makes me proud. Slip Studio feels like a culmination of 51 years -3 babies, 3 businesses and so much all rolled into one!!
Be in touch!
Email: ariella@slipstudiony.com
IG: @slip_studio_ny
Website: https://slipstudiony.com
