Why Emma Hallatt Stopped Overthinking Content and Went All-In on Her Creative

What happens when the business you started alongside your job becomes the work your heart is really in? In this episode of The Class Business Podcast, Krissy Monaghan speaks to Emma Hallatt, owner of Popolo Ceramico Brighton & Hove and a finalist in the Content Marketing category of The Class Business Awards 2026. Emma bought her franchise in 2023 while working part-time in higher education. After balancing a demanding university role with Popolo’s busiest Christmas season, she reached a sliding-door moment and chose to take voluntary severance, reduce her guaranteed income and give the business her full attention. In this episode, we talk about: • Growing up surrounded by ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent • Moving from higher education into business ownership • Turning a pottery hobby into a new career • Choosing a franchise model for confidence and support • Balancing Popolo with a demanding university role • Marking 600 student assessments during Christmas season • Following her heart and going full-time • Capturing meaningful family memories through ceramics • Building strong collaborations with local class providers • Why customers return with siblings and for new milestones • Creating a personal service from first print to final delivery • Managing hundreds of Christmas baubles • Building a new customer-facing garden studio • Becoming a Content Marketing finalist • Why authentic content works better than perfection • Telling the story behind the product Watch this interview to hear how Emma combined creativity, customer care and honest social media content to build a business that feels deeply personal to the families it serves. Find out more about Emma and Popolo Ceramico Brighton & Hove: https://www.popoloceramico.co.uk/team... Instagram: @popoloceramicobrighton Emma Hallatt is a finalist in the Content Marketing category of The Class Business Awards 2026. Join us on Saturday 10 October 2026 at the National Conference Centre in Solihull for The Class Business Live, followed by The Class Business Awards & Afterparty. Book your tickets here: https://www.kristinemonaghan.online/o... #TheClassBusinessPodcast #TheClassBusinessAwards