“ I started asking them questions like,‘ How do I get this started?’ My wife and I came up with a business plan. We started looking at buildings. We went to the bank. We got turned down for a loan from the bank because our equipment is too specialized.
“ We put it on the back burner for a little bit. I was going to renovate my home studio to do private lessons – like maybe one or two people at a time. Then the owners of the Drafthouse would come into Neighbors all the time. We had found this little building where we’ re in right now. I just happened to ask them if they know who owns the building on the corner and they said,‘ We do, actually.’”
Rives then signed a lease and began renovations. He said a private lender provided the start up money and the business, named Potter Rey Studios, opened Dec. 4. 2024.
“ Whenever you become a potter, that’ s the moniker you get – Potter So-and-So,” he said. Although his first name is Justin, he named the shop using his middle name – Rey.
“ I thought Potter Rey’ s just had a ring to it. It kind of sounds like a fancy way of saying pottery,” Rives said.“ It means king in Spanish. So, it’ s fun, too – Potter King. It worked out several ways. It sounded great and I loved it.”
Now in business, some of his mugs are sold at Neighbors Coffee as well as Postmasters Coffee, Crema Coffee Company in Tyler and Lost Sheep Coffee in Bullard.
He has participated in community events such as Tomato Fest, which he said allows him to sell his product and promote his classes.
Potter Rey Studios is located at 421 E. Commerce St. in downtown Jacksonville. The business is open from 10:30 a. m. to 5 p. m. Thursday through Sunday. His wares include bowls, pots, game boards and
10 Jacksonville Progress | Spring 2026