Taipei pottery workshop delivers exceptional visitor experiences

2020/11/02

Versammeln Pottery Workshop in Taipei City’s Ximen District is satisfying the demand of customers seeking novel experiences through engaging, hands-on activities.
 
 Operated by artisan Andrew Hsu, the studio attracts people looking to de-stress and socialize with like-minded individuals. Its classes covering techniques such as shaping pinch pots, glazing, mold making and wheel throwing are open to anyone from complete beginners to advanced potters.
 
 Versammeln is one of many businesses in Taiwan serving the growing number of consumers who prefer to invest in memorable events rather than physical goods. Together these companies make up the country’s experience economy, which is gaining momentum under the guidance of talented entrepreneurs like Hsu.
 
“People come to us because they want to do something practical but also social, which stands apart from the online worlds so many of us frequent these days,” he said. “Most importantly, it has to be fun for our customers.”

Polla-Ilariya Kozino from Kazakhstan has been living and working in Taiwan for three years. She and her friend Sasha Kolotova from Russia are regular customers at Versammeln.
 
“Working with clay is relaxing, like a kind of self-therapy,” Kozino said. “Humans are designed to keep learning and developing new skills, so it makes perfect sense to seek out these kinds of experiences.”
 
According to Kozino, Versammeln’s friendly and supportive atmosphere is what makes creating at the studio so rewarding.
 
“Hsu explains things in a clear and concise manner and helps us out if we’ve got a problem,” she said. “Each item we make holds a special value that can’t be compared to something in an ordinary shop, which means they’re great gifts for family and friends.”

Likewise, Hong Kong couple Tseng Kui and Arman Kwok, who immigrated to Taiwan earlier this year, appreciate the creative, interactive experience offered at the studio. “In addition to learning all the basic techniques, we get to develop our own ideas and methods,” Tseng said.
 
 The couple are grateful for the friends at Versammeln who have helped them adapt to their new life. Moreover, a newfound love for all things pottery has motivated them to think about a business opportunity.
 
“Hong Kongers like stuff made in Taiwan,” Tseng said. “If we keep working on mastering the techniques, who knows, maybe we can sell what we’ve made back home.”
 
Driven by the human desire to create long-lasting memories, the experience economy embodied by Versammeln is changing expectations of the relationship between customer and business in Taiwan.
 
“Our customers include people from all ages and backgrounds,” Hsu said. “We provide an inclusive environment that can cater to the different needs of each group so they keep coming back,”

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)