Women In Business // Frankie's Studio

March is Women's History Month and with International Women's Day on the 8th, we continue to highlight our creative, small brands with a Women in Business focus.

Below we chat with Frankie Atkinson, Founder of Frankie's Studio discussing her business startup experiences, advice for others and current inspirations.

Can you tell us a little about the beginnings of Frankie's Studio ?

Whilst I was at university, I started an evening pottery class in New Cross and like so many others, I completely fell in love with clay. What began as curiosity quickly became something I turned into a business.

Frankie’s Studio came about rather organically. We were house hunting when a friend, who had just opened a shop selling my ceramics, encouraged us to go for a property with a shop space below. It felt like a leap, but we started with a few borrowed tables and some makeshift shelving and here we are today!

What's the best piece of advice you have had in regards to running a business ?

I have always been told Collaboration is the key to success, and it’s at the heart of Frankie’s Studio. Some of our strongest ideas and most-loved pieces have come from working closely with others over time. I’m fortunate to have an incredible team of women (and a few men) beside me — people who share ideas, energy, and the joy of making. Frankie’s has never been a one‑person operation; it’s a collective effort built on trust and shared creativity. To trust your instincts and play the long game. Growth doesn’t have to be immediate to be meaningful. Building something sustainably and creatively takes time, patience, and resilience.

Where do you draw your inspiration from ?

My Grandpa’s work has always been a huge source of inspiration. It instilled in me a sense of confidence and a deep respect for ceramics. Day to day, I’m inspired by the people around me and the beautiful Suffolk countryside. The shifting colours, textures and quiet rhythms of life inevitably find their way into my ceramics.

What is your favourite part of the creative process ?

Throwing will always be a favourite. Since my year studying at the Royal College of Art, I’ve also found real joy in the planning and designing stage - I get very excited over the planning of new and exciting projects and rarely say no. 

Which other female led brands do you admire ?

I work closely with many female led brands through the shop who I admire and love to support, we love our local heroes, Tornado Ices, The Marmaladelist,  The Lodge & many more. We’ve always had Bold Beans stocked and I really admire the Brand Amelia Christie has created.

Not forgetting Mercantile, seeing the brand Debra has created over all the years since opening. I am inspired by the Mercantile community, collaboration and quality.  

Your gallery is based in Hadleigh, Suffolk, any recommendations if we were to visit ?

Oh so many! For a day trip from Grundisburgh, I would recommend going up the Suffolk coast, stopping in Orford first for a trip to Pump St Bakery, visiting Aldeburgh for a dip in the sea and fish and chips. Popping into Woodbridge for some shopping, back via the Greyhound at Pettistree which is always sensational. Closer to Hadleigh we love the Kings Head for wine and music and amazing food at the Peacock in Chelsworth.

How would you spend a day away from work ?

Probably on a long walk with Seren, normally ending at a cosy pub. If not that, then catching up with friends around the country — community and connection are as important to me personally as they are to the brand.

What would you like to see next for Frankie's Studio ?

At Frankie’s Studio, we’ve been working on new products and colourways, and planning some new events which is always exciting. Behind the scenes, I’m also developing new slip-cast porcelain pieces to continue the body of work I began last year

Shop Frankie's Studio ceramics here