Megan Jacobsen’s birthday gift to herself last year was a warehouse.
As texts from Jacobsen’s loved ones streamed in to celebrate her birthday, she was marking the beginning of Wheelcraft Studio with her signature on lease papers.
“A lot of friends were like, ‘Happy birthday and congrats on the business, what do you want for your birthday?’ And I said, ‘I want your help,’” Jacobsen said.
The former Keller ISD art teacher and her friends spent the day assembling and organizing “piles and piles” of furniture and supplies while celebrating two birthdays: hers and the studio's.
After signing the lease for the warehouse in September 2025, Wheelcraft Studio held its soft opening a month later.
What they offer
Wheelcraft Studio offers structured, teacher-led instruction for those building artistic skills from scratch as well as a workspace for independent artists.
For learners, the studio offers structured six-week classes and single-session workshops across ceramics, sewing, stained glass, drawing and painting, according to the website. Tuition includes all materials.
Monthly open studio memberships provide independent artists with unlimited access hours, dedicated shelf storage, firing services and glazes, Jacobsen said. The warehouse also houses private offices for artists to rent.
Additionally, Wheelcraft Studio offers free weekly art clubs rotating through sketching, fiber arts, crafting and journaling, per the website.
The catalyst
Throughout her 13 years as a public school art teacher, Jacobsen said a recurring request from parents of her students laid the groundwork for Wheelcraft Studio.
"So many people would say to me, 'Oh, I wish you could teach me pottery or painting or sewing,'" Jacobsen said. "Over the years, I was like, 'Well, maybe that's a real business model that could work.'"
Looking for an opportunity to transition out of public school education, Jacobsen spent months researching the business models of studios in Dallas and around the country. She identified a gap in the local market between casual entertainment and serious artistic instruction.
"Our classes are focused on really learning a skill," Jacobsen said. "You go to a paint-and-sip and everyone paints a cute landscape, but how do you do a landscape from scratch?”
What’s next
During Thanksgiving weekend, the studio will offer holiday craft workshops lasting 2-3 hours from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 27, and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. Throughout the two-day event, workshop registration fees start at $10.
On Nov. 28, the studio will also host a free pop-up market showcasing handcrafted ceramic and glass pieces by studio members.
The next round of six-week classes will begin Jan. 3.
Jacobsen aims to expand her current membership base of roughly 60 artists to 100 members by Wheelcraft Studio’s second anniversary.
"I would love it if people came here and made beautiful art and became talented artists," Jacobsen said. "More important to me is that we're here building community, that people have a creative outlet and that they have a place where they can connect with other people."
