Big Dog Pots Pottery

Review as a pottery buyer:
I recently had the owner, Lori, create a larger version of an Owl pot that I had bought in the store several months ago. I talked to her on the phone and sent her a picture of my existing piece with text as to specs regarding dimensions. She sent me a picture of the final piece before sending to me to make sure it was what I wanted before shipping.
This was such a such a nice, easy and friendly transaction — very customer focused.
I would definitely do business with her again.
Also, I had discovered the store on a Sunday drive — nice pottery store with a diversity of pieces — should be able to find something you like. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

My fiancée began buying studio time here several months ago because she loves to throw pottery and it’s close to home. I did business with them once, purchasing a tool for her, and even that was a fiasco. After accruing a laundry list of problems (some that are mind blowing and odd) we won’t be returning. Read on for a list of very specific reasons.
1. When my fiancée was looking for a place to throw, the owner informed her that the local community center had offered classes in the past, but no longer had a program. That was a lie, and not simple misinformation because she is very aware that the community center has a active pottery program. I know she’s aware because she has a meeting in December in which she’s attempting to shut the program down because she feels it cuts into her business. I’m fairly certain I’ve seen no less than a thousand movies featuring a villain attempting the exact same thing for the exact same reasons and thought to myself, «Who does that? Really?»
2. The owner doesn’t know how to fire a kiln. She teaches classes and offers beginner instruction, so there’s a reasonable expectation that with the right combination of instruction and technique, a student can pay a sum of money determined by the owner, attend a class, and take home some finished pieces. During my fiancée’s attendance she had about a dozen pieces break or explode in the kiln, a process controlled by the owner. Other students and customers experience the same thing. It’s difficult to stomach putting money, time, and creative energy into something only to have someone then simply tell you it broke and it’s likely your fault. I understand why an owner wouldn’t want to take responsibility for a constant issue that would make them look unprofessional and cost them money, but it isn’t right.
3. Be ready for a sewing circle atmosphere. Women gossip. Guess what… men gossip too. It’s not unusual for people in a social circle or even work atmosphere to talk about other people. I’ve managed construction crews and I had to learn that when someone is in a leadership role, whether it be managing people, representing a company, or providing costumer service, the professional thing to do is to exclude yourself from those conversations. The owner should learn that, because I don’t even know her, but I know far too much about her personal life and negative feelings about customers and people in general.
(Warning, this is where it gets weird)
4. Upon buying a wire tool last Sunday, Lori, the owner whom I’ve met on a few occasions, didn’t recognize me. She asked where I threw, justifiably fishing for business, and I clarified who I was and that I was picking up the tool for Amber. Now, the only thing I can think of to even begin to excuse the behavior that would follow this transaction is that I made a comment about the tool being exactly what I’ve seen used as an assassin’s tool in mafia movies… a piano wire with two handles. Perhaps that was enough to frighten her, but I had no idea if I had made her uncomfortable because she began talking about a movie with Richard Gere where he has the wire in his watch etc. My uncle was with me. We’re both large bearded mountain looking men. He’s the gentlest man I’ve ever met, very active at The Life Church in Manassas, and he tries everywhere he goes to make people smile. He kids and teases, but the man won’t even say a «curse» word. I felt his humor was lost on her as she said it was nice to meet him and he responded with «only because you don’t know me». There was no negativity during this visit from anyone at all, and I wished her well and thanked her as I left.
It seems Lori’s husband called one of their employees and told them to call the police if we showed up there, and had a vague but extravagant story about an altercation that, from what I hear, involved threats and her calling us «white trash». None of that ever happened. None of it. Even as we were leaving she said «nice to meet you» again to him and he tried to be funny, smiled and said «you already said that.» And then excused himself saying «we’ve got some football to go watch.»
I have no earthly clue what kind of motivation an adult has for making up a story like that. I really wish I knew, but it’s beyond me. I do know that it is extremely hurtful for good honest people to be accused of things like threatening a woman. It makes me sick to my stomach to think about.

A true destination spot: creative, welcoming, innovative, quality service and great, unique pottery. A wonderful venue for learning pottery, watching it be made, and creating personal, custom pieces. A must experience for everyone.

Shocked to see the first review.
Beautiful store. Very friendly staff. My wife and I took an individual l lesson and had a great time.
Highly recommend Big Dog Pots Pottery!

Had a great team building experience with loads of laughs and fun for a relaxing afternoon