We also provide outstanding education in our Arizona School of Fired Arts and specialty classes in our second studio. Marjon got it's start in 1952 so in this year of 2019, we're celebrating our 67th Anniversary. We're proud of our roots as well as our accomplishments. Our customers, staff, friends and family are amazing and we appreciate each of you for your support throughout the years. Sincerel
y,
The Marjons Family
Here is a bit of our history:
It all began in 1949, when Marj Hadley started attending ceramic classes which her husband John Hadley fully supported. Her talent as a ceramic artist brought her to the attention of a glaze manufacturer who contracted with her to create new techniques for their products and produce finished samples. Soon after they offered her a chance to be a sales rep for their company. In 1952 this interest became a new business and needed a name so Marj and John decided on combining their names and came up with Marjon Ceramics. They took the next step and moved a studio into an old farm house in Central Phoenix. Eventually in 1956 they had saved enough money to purchase property in a commercial location. At this time, their daughter, Carol Richard, became an apprentice learning Marj's artistic skills and John's business techniques. Their combined efforts allowed them to cater to the retail hobby ceramic trade while also developing as a wholesale distributor of ceramic supplies. In 1963, Marj wrote a book that was the first of it's kind, and is still the finest source of ceramic info for the hobbyist and teacher. It was titled "Beginners Manual for Low-Fire Ceramics". The public quickly accepted it and retitled it by several names: "Marj's manual", "The Little Red Book", and "The Ceramic Bible"... all these terms came from the one book that helped so many newcomers and teachers in the ceramics hobby. The book was sold worldwide and by 1980 had over 100,000 copies in print. In 1965 John passed away and Carol was brought in as a full partner. In this time of re-direction the decision was made to expand the wholesale business and make it easier for people to own their own studios. Marj became the "teacher's teacher" and Carol passed on business info to interested people who wanted to become business owners. In 1972, Marjon Ceramics (which had become Incorportaed) opened a second location in Tucson, Arizona. With statewide distribution, the growth factor was even greater and the Phoenix facility had to be updated and enlarged encouraging us to move to our current location in Phoenix; 3434 W. Marj had the honor of making the first sale. In 1980 Marj passed away, leaving a fantastic legacy of friends and family who's lives she greatly enriched through her love of ceramics. Carol passed in 2017 leaving a legacy to numerous ceramic artists. Marj's grandchildren: Stephen Hieb, Eileen Shepherd and Elaine Herbert, great grandchildren: Shannan Vickery, Dean Vickery, Joseph Speissegger and David Shepherd work actively in the business. They continue to help the business and the industry grow locally and nationally through available education.They uphold the same family tradition to ensure that there will be a continuation of quality customer service and products.
