We recently caught up with Kirsty Punton, the talented artist behind Punts Pots, the vibrant, hand-painted plant pots that bring joy to any space (or face, as Kirsty likes to say).

Kirsty has recently opened a brand-new studio in the heart of Glasgow’s Southside, a shop and art space where she runs fun painting workshops for all ages.

During our chat, she gave us a glimpse into her colourful world, sharing where she finds inspiration and offering plenty of helpful tips for anyone thinking about starting their own business.

Let’s dive in! 

Hey Kirsty, tell us about Punts Pots. How did it all come about? 

Punts Pots started accidentally. I began painting during lockdown as I had lost my job in theatre and was desperate for a creative outlet! 

My house has always been a bit of a jungle, so I started painting bright and bold plant pots to match my own interiors. Three years later and here I am!
 

What do you like the most about your job?   

Our workshops. Giving people space to be creative and get messy brings me so much JOY. I fully believe connection is built through creativity. 

You can’t start your day without...?  

An oat milk flat white... duh!
 

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?  

Punts Pots are inspired by JOY. A good coffee, sweet fruit, sunlight spilling through an open window. I'm majorly influenced by colour too! I go through phases and right now, I’m really into cobalt blue and yellow. 

What – in your opinion – makes your pieces unique? 

Punts Pots have purpose, they're colour-pop fun, designed to brighten up the dullest of faces (ehm, I mean spaces). And they make a sustainable, functional home for your house plants. 
 

We know you’ve recently opened a brand-new studio in Glasgow - congratulations! Do you have any advice for someone about to start their own business?   

Take. Messy. Action.

Rip the bandage off and take a step in the right direction. Perfectionism isn't the goal here - in fact, it only holds you back. Blag it. Make friends with other business owners. Do it before somebody else does. Oh, and keep good accounts.

You often organise pot painting workshops and events. What do you enjoy most about these?     

We hear "I'm not creative" at least once at every workshop and my absolute favourite moment is when the “not creative” pulls it out of the bag and makes something magical. 

I truly believe all you need is a little encouragement, a paintbrush and to enjoy yourself. 

Do you ever wish you’d gone down a more traditional route? 

Never. Ever. I paint, play shops and talk to people for a living.

How important is sustainability to you and your work?  

Massively. We only use the highest quality terracotta and aim for Punts Pots to be a lifetime purchase. 

Everything is hand-painted, hand-varnished and made on a tiny, tiny scale. 

And lastly, what does it mean for you to Live Naked?

For me, it's about making your own rules! Do whatever makes you happy and do it unapologetically. 

Being a business owner was never on my bingo card, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Cheers Kirsty!

You can find out more about Punts Pots’ world here and don't forget to follow us on Instagram to catch our next edition of 2 Minutes with Someone Naked!