In news that absolutely no one saw coming…
The U.S. Mint is officially pulling the plug on the penny in 2026.
Yes, the humble copper coin that’s been rolling around in junk drawers, coat pockets, and the bottoms of studio aprons since forever is finally being laid to rest. And honestly? It’s about time — considering each penny costs 3.7 cents to make.
Let that sink in.
We’ve literally been manufacturing losses for over a century.
But here’s the plot twist:
Your studio might be doing the exact same thing without realizing it.
Just like the penny, some of your offerings might look harmless… but are quietly draining your profit, your time, and your energy. And unlike the Mint, you don’t have the luxury of losing money “just for tradition’s sake.”
This is where the magic of pyop accounting comes in — supporting women-owned studios, creative entrepreneurs, and ambitious business owners who want to build profitable, sustainable businesses that fund real life, real freedom, and real retirement.
Because life is too short for low returns on big energy.
The only thing sadder than a penny costing three times its value…
is a studio offering doing the same.
Here’s how to make sure your pricing, your products, and your profits don’t go extinct.
Every single item and service in your studio needs a brutal profitability check.
Not “I think this makes money…”
Not “Customers love this glaze bar…”
Not “But this has sentimental value!”
Nope.
If it costs more to produce than it earns, it’s your studio’s version of a penny — adorable, nostalgic, and absolutely dragging you under.
Calculate:
If the math says it’s a loser…
Cut. It.
Your business is not a charity — unless you’re secretly running a nonprofit pottery foundation, in which case, carry on.
Add-ons sound great… until they’re not.
Ask yourself:
✔ Does this add-on truly solve a customer problem?
✔ Does it add meaningful value?
✔ Does it increase the customer experience AND profit margins?
If your brain hesitates, stutters, or sighs… it’s a no.
We’re building clean financial systems here — no clutter, no emotional baggage, and no “but I love this cute little thing” energy.
Your creative brain won’t love this part, but your bank account will:
Your minimum margins should be 75–85% (before labor).
Then labor?
Another 20%.
Anything else is a hobby.
And you did not build a studio to run a hobby that never pays you.
Review:
If something doesn’t hit the margin, restructure it or eliminate it entirely.
Remember:
Your studio’s job is to support YOU — not the other way around.
You need a system — not vibes.
Schedule:
Look at:
The market evolves fast — your studio must evolve faster.
Think of this like cleaning out the glaze cabinet: a little painful, a lot necessary.
If your pricing strategy is “don’t upset people,” congratulations — you’re the U.S. Mint.
High margin > high volume
Quality > quantity
Profitability > popularity
You do not want hundreds of unprofitable customers.
You want fewer, happier, higher-value customers who actually sustain your business.
Raise strategically. Communicate confidently.
Your expertise deserves it.
The penny is being discontinued because it fails the most important test:
It costs more than it contributes.
Your studio can’t afford to keep anything like that around.
By:
…you transform your studio into a profitable, sustainable, community-growing machine — one that gives you the freedom, income, and life you actually want.
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please make sure to check out our blog and our website link below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell to be notified when we post. You can email me at donna@pyopaccounting.com.
Donna Bordeaux, CPA with PYOPAccounting.com
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.
