Business Echo - Cheryl Gawley

In partnership with WeBC, Okanagan Echo is proud to spotlight women entrepreneurs who are building, rebuilding, and redefining business in British Columbia.

Through this collaboration, we are highlighting founders whose journeys reflect resilience, strategic growth, and community impact - women who are not only scaling companies, but creating spaces of belonging and economic opportunity. Welcome to Business Echo.

After spending over 30 years in accounting and the oil and gas industry, Cheryl Gawley made a bold and deeply personal decision to step into a completely different chapter—one rooted in creativity, community, and self-expression. As the founder of Work of Art Pottery Studio, she has built more than just a business; she has created a space where people can slow down, explore their creativity, and connect with others.

Her journey wasn’t about abandoning a successful career, but about listening to a growing desire for something more aligned with who she was becoming. With a lifelong love for creativity and a passion for teaching, Cheryl leaned into the unknown and reimagined what her next chapter could look like. What followed is a story of resilience, especially launching just before a global pandemic, quiet confidence, and the courage to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Today, Work of Art Pottery Studio stands as a reflection of that vision—a welcoming, community-driven space that has become a go-to destination in Kelowna for creativity, connection, and experience.

In this Business Echo feature, we spotlight Cheryl’s journey and the story behind Work of Art Pottery Studio.

OE: Please tell us a little about yourself, what is your story?

CG: I am a wife and a mother. Two of the best things in my life. I believe we should be able to reach our potential and dreams. I am an introvert. So taking on a customer service role takes a lot out of me! 

I need to recharge frequently and I do this through the hobbies of reading and knitting. I have a wonderful puppy who is almost 10 years old. I thought she would be my emotional support animal but it turns out I’m her emotional support human. I love taking her places and going for walks. 

I grew into leadership. For quite a few years, I sat back. I thought I was too shy to speak up and lead. It turns out I was just learning. I picked up what great leaders did and I started to find my voice. Once I became more confident, leading came easier.

OE: You spent 30 years in accounting and oil & gas before entering the creative space. What was happening internally that made you ready for a completely different path? 

CG: Growing up, I didn’t really know what I wanted to be. I was good at math, so accounting was a natural path to follow. ‘The world always needs accountants’. It is and still is a good path. It’s just not what I wanted anymore. I was working for big companies and there was an expectation of following the corporate line that I just couldn’t do anymore. 

I had always had this creative side. Whether it was sewing costumes for the kids, baking, knitting, you name the craft, I was into it. I also found that I wanted to be more of a ‘teacher’. I wanted to pass on my knowledge. It happened in my corporate job and passing on skills to my kids. The “paint your own pottery” fell right into this journey and adventure.

OE: You moved from Grande Prairie to Kelowna in 2019 with this vision already in mind. What did you see in Kelowna that convinced you this was the right place?

CG: Part of it was because I remember the summers here as a kid. We were so tired of winters and although I do love Alberta, it was time for a change. We did visit and do have friends who live in Penticton who were trying to convince us for years to move here. We were trying to decide between Penticton, Veron, or Kelowna. From the practical side and business research, Kelowna was the place. There was a similar business before I started mine, but it had closed down. We did a lot of research for the business plan.

OE: Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

CG: Surviving Covid. I opened in February 2020. I nearly gave up and moved back to Grande Prairie. I didn’t know if I should stay open, close or sell. But I got up everyday and went to the studio. I had the motivation and drive to keep going and I knew I had a great business plan.

We started getting the word out about what we do. People needed a place to go and forget about the outside world. Now we are a place to go when people look for things to do around town.

OE: What’s a piece of advice you’d give to women looking to start their own business?

CG: I am very lucky that I had the support of a loving husband and daughters. My advice is - build a plan. Really look at what you want and how to achieve it. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It can be family or hire a consultant. I had a lot of people look at my plan. Take advice. You don’t have to change your dream or plan, just listen. Fresh eyes are an amazing help.

OE: If you had unlimited funds for one day, what’s the first thing you’d do for your business?

CG: I would do a few more renovations to the studio. We have an event room that I would expand. I would expand our kiln room area or renovate to make better use of the space.

OE: What’s your favorite spot to relax or find inspiration?

CG: I live in West Kelowna and one of my favourite walking areas is Shannon Lake. I find it very peaceful. City Park is great in the summer too. I find a shady tree and people watch.

OE: How has WeBC supported your journey?

CG: I met the CEO of WeBC, Shauna Harper, one day in the studio. She came in with her family and introduced herself and WEBC. I wish I knew about them sooner.

I have used their online programs for HR, business growth and information about loans. They had programs where you get to meet and talk to other women business owners and discuss your challenges. The collective information and insight these wonderful women have is amazing. It is wonderful knowing you’re not alone.

I also have been given the opportunity to be a part of the Pollinator program. I hope to be able to tell other women business owners about my journey and how through WEBC they can get the help they need to fulfill their dreams.

OE: What’s one thing about you that people might not know?

CG: I’m a fan of Sci-fi. Not just Star Wars, but ones that have us exploring and living on different planets or eras. I’m a big fan of Firefly. I can watch The Martian over and over again.

OE: How can we reach you?

CG: Work of Art Pottery Studio Ltd.

#400, 1544 Harvey Ave

Kelowna BC V1Y 6G2

Phone 778-478-1196

www.workofartpotterystudio.ca

Instagram: @workofartpottery

Facebook: workofartpotterystudio

About WeBC

WeBC is a not‑for‑profit that exists to make entrepreneurship more accessible for women across BC. Through business loans, free and low-cost programs, one‑to‑one support, and community, we help women turn ideas into resilient businesses. Learn more about WeBC and the support available at www..we-bc.ca