Black-owned businesses in Robinson showing their strength: Kolor-N-Kiln—home of art and culture | New Pittsburgh Courier

ALYSON BLACKBURN OWNS KOLOR-N-KILN POTTERY STUDIO WITH HER MOTHER, JEANINE BLACKBURN. (PHOTO BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

The holiday season is upon us, and the next time you travel to The Mall at Robinson, take note of the four Black-owned businesses there that are making their mark, aiming high on the success meter each day in front of a diverse group of shoppers.

by Maia Williams

For New Pittsburgh Courier

Alyson Blackburn and her mother, Jeanine Blackburn, own and operate Kolor-N-Kiln, a Black-owned family-run pottery studio at The Mall at Robinson, located on the first floor. The pottery studio offers an environment where visitors can relax, connect and tap into their creativity by making ceramic paintings, glassware, wood cutouts and more.

The mother-daughter duo started the business in 2012, inspired by a shared hobby. Alyson Blackburn, reflecting on her childhood, recalls her mother taking her to spaces on the outskirts of Pittsburgh where she could explore her creativity. “When I was a child, I was interested in doing pottery,” she told the New Pittsburgh Courier in an exclusive interview. “My mom was into finding these random places like an hour or two outside of the city. We’d take a day trip to like Sharon, Pa., and some other random places. So as a kid, I just always had some type of connection with pottery.”

Running the studio involves a wide range of daily tasks, from booking parties and attending to walk-in customers to handling administrative duties and engaging with the audience. “Typically, we’re answering phones or just taking care of the back end of things. Every day, I’m processing pottery,” said Alyson Blackburn. “Something is always being worked on or created, or some type of brainstorming is always happening.”

Kolor-N-Kiln is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THE OWNERS OF KOLOR-N-KILN POTTERY STUDIO—JEANINE AND ALYSON BLACKBURN. (PHOTO BY ROB TAYLOR JR.)

Alyson Blackburn, a graduate of Norfolk State University with a bachelor’s degree in music education, draws on her musical background when hosting pottery sessions at Kolor-N-Kiln. “I think it’s like a show every day, so when the gate goes up, it’s kind of like the curtain going up,” she explained. Alyson Blackburn adjusts her energy, tone and approach based on her audience, whether she’s working with children or adults. “I literally have to have, like, a different voice for different things.”

Kolor-N-Kiln is the only pottery studio in The Mall at Robinson. Alyson Blackburn says being Black-owned and family-operated is what sets them apart from competitors. “We can take parts of our culture, parts of who we are and infuse that into something.”

For example, Alyson Blackburn says she crafts handmade Kwanzaa Kinaras during the holiday season because the celebration is important to her. “I know what that feels like to be able to be seen and so I try to infuse that for people who look like me, but then also for other people as well.”

The Blackburns have faced challenges as Black entrepreneurs, including instances where some White customers questioned their ownership of the studio and times when they were overlooked in their previous location in Kennedy Township. “I used to be more reactionary to things,” Alyson Blackburn admitted. “But over the years, especially since moving to the mall, we’ve encountered more open-minded people.”

She says The Mall at Robinson has exposed them to a more diverse customer base and it is rewarding when people are excited to see her in leadership. “I am a young, Black, plus-size woman with locks,” she said. Alyson Blackburn finds it especially fulfilling when people are surprised to learn that she co-owns and operates Kolor-N-Kiln. “They seem surprised—pleasantly surprised, sometimes—and that’s always rewarding.”

Returning customer Randis Doster has had positive experiences at the studio. “I went to an event that was a collaboration between Iota Phi Theta fraternity and Sigma Gamma Rho sorority,” Doster said. She shared that she has visited Kolor-N-Kiln about five times. “I have several pieces from there, including a painting, wine glasses, and a cute little piggy bank. I love that I can support a Black-owned business and relax and be creative.”

Kolor-N-Kiln also partners with local schools to expose children to art. “It is rewarding to see kids get involved with art,” Alyson Blackburn said. The studio participates in philanthropy as well. “I love when charities are able to work with us on different things. We’ve helped out with charity fundraisers, whether it’s facilitating it in our space or donating.”

Alyson Blackburn encourages aspiring Black entrepreneurs to persevere through fear and focus on their goals. “Whatever it is that you want to do, that you think you can provide, go for it. Also, do your homework,” she said. “If you know that you want to open a particular business, make sure you know the ins and outs of it and give yourself grace.” She emphasizes that starting a business is a learning experience at every stage, no matter how advanced you are.

Looking to the future, Alyson Blackburn hopes to expand Kolor-N-Kiln with additional locations.

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