CYstarters Spotlight: A 14-part series highlighting student entrepreneurs pursuing their business ventures as part of the CYstarters 2025 summer cohort. Through this program, students have the unique opportunity to prioritize the development of their own startup or business idea. Each individual receives $6,500 and access to resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational sessions on entrepreneurship and business startup.
Sam Morrow is shaping more than clay with her business Clay-mations Studio
Sam’s headshot photographed by Shayla Timm at Belle Brand Artistry.
Sam Morrow never set out to be an entrepreneur. A creative at heart, Sam dreamed of becoming an art teacher—someone who could pass on the joy of the creative process to others. But as she neared the end of her time at Iowa State University, where she earned her BFA in Integrated Studio Arts in Spring 2024, Sam began to envision a different path: one where she could build something of her own, on her own terms.
“I think entrepreneurship gives you the freedom to create whatever business you want,” said Sam. And that’s exactly what she’s doing with Clay-mations Studio, her new ceramics-based business in downtown Ames.
Clay-mations Studio will offer a cozy, welcoming space where anyone, regardless of experience, can come in, get their hands muddy, and leave with something beautiful and handmade. Each two-hour session includes a one-on-one or small group lesson in wheel-throwing, where participants learn to center, pull, and shape a bowl or cup, then select from an array of vibrant, food-safe glazes to finish their piece. “Working with clay is really a meditative process,” shared Sam. Which is why she has designed her sessions to be approachable, meditative, and fun!
A young Sam working on an art project.
Sam’s journey started years ago in Waukee, Iowa, where growing up, her art teachers helped plant the seeds of her passion. She remembers one funny turning point: “My high school engineering teacher told me I should go to the Iowa State College of Design. My English teacher—who was married to him—thought I should study English. Mr. Coats won, I guess!”
Sam began her time in the Iowa State University College of Design undecided, but it didn’t take long for the foundational design courses to reveal where her heart was. A break during the COVID-19 pandemic gave her the perspective she needed to understand how deeply she valued creative ownership. That clarity, along with the mentorship of her ceramics professor Ingrid Lilligren, whom she credits with teaching her “everything I know”, led her back to her long-held desire to teach art.
She still sees teaching in her future, maybe even pursuing a master’s degree or certification to teach in high schools or colleges. But in the meantime, she’s found a way to begin sharing her love of ceramics through her business.
Sam wants to create opportunities for people to express themselves through art. “My dream is to have a space where I can offer art lessons to everyone.”
Six months ago, Sam began pursuing Clay-mations Studio. She noticed something curious when doing market research: there was plenty of demand for ceramic throwing lessons, but not many options in the area to meet that demand. “People were paying around $25/hour for lessons, but they didn’t have instruction or ownership. I realized I could create that space, offer something more personal and structured, and I could be the one in charge.”
What sets Clay-mations Studio apart is its flexibility. Many studios require beginners to commit to a full package of lessons. Sam’s offering is simpler: book a single two-hour session, come in solo or with a friend, and give it a try. With prices starting at $80 (and discount options offered), the experience is accessible, beginner-friendly, and best of all, personal. She wants to offer not just lessons, but a full, unique experience, by inviting people to learn the art of ceramics in a clean, relaxing, and welcoming space.
Through CYstarters, Sam has gained confidence and momentum. She first heard about the program in an informational session this spring and immediately knew she wanted in. “The money was appealing, sure,” she said, “but what was really appealing was the free education, especially because it is accelerated in this program,” shared Sam.
Sam pitched Clay-mations Studio during the 2025 College-by-College Pitch Off, taking second place in the College of Design’s preliminary round. “Winning that competition gave me my competitive spark back. It made me realize I am smart and I can do this. So it was pretty empowering.”
Before joining CYstarters, Sam wasn’t entirely comfortable with pitching or the business side of her venture. “I’m really good at communicating with my customers. I’m a natural teacher and I don’t talk down to people like they’re kids, because they’re not.” But professional communication and business strategy were all new.
Through the mentorship of CYstarters director Megan Graettinger and the community of like-minded student entrepreneurs, she’s started to find her footing.
“Having Megan there, teaching me how to be my own CEO, has been so helpful,” Sam said. “I’ve never been in a place surrounded by so many like-minded people. It’s been incredible to be around other creatives who aren’t afraid to share wild ideas—it gives me energy.”
When asked what advice she would offer other students thinking about entrepreneurship, Sam doesn’t hesitate:
“Start by talking to Megan or the people that are involved right away. That makes the process way less scary and gives you the confidence you need to win at pitch competitions. Without that support, I don’t think I would have been confident enough to deliver the pitch I did.”
Sam recently formed her LLC and is preparing for a full launch of Clay-mations Studio this month. She’s taken big steps—purchasing studio equipment, running customer discovery interviews, and even bidding on pottery wheels in Alaska to get the best deal. As the business grows, she hopes to offer group sessions for bachelorette parties and friend outings, eventually expanding the studio’s offerings to include other art mediums.
Long term, Sam would love to hire other artists, giving them the teaching, creating, and income opportunities that can be so hard to come by.
“People are always worried about how much profit you’re making, and that’s important,” she said. “But I always want to remember that at the end of the day, I want to help people.”
Support Clay-mations Studio
Sam is currently booking individual sessions! You can learn more and sign up at www.clay-mationsstudio.com, and follow along on Instagram at @claymationsstudio.
Let’s support Sam and her mission to make art more accessible in Ames! Come create something with your hands, and walk away with something beautiful!
And don’t miss your chance to meet Sam and the rest of the incredible CYstarters at Demo Day on July 31. And this year, we are celebrating 10 years of CYstarters, so the celebration will be bigger than ever!
👉 Register to attend 2025 CYstarters Demo Day
Check out our video interview with Sam Morrow below!
