Booked a couple's visit and the instructor was very patient (we have never thrown on a wheel before). Felt like it was a good value to make two pieces, but the selection is minimal and the pieces didn't quite turn out as we hoped. You might need to temper your expectations if it is your first time :( Takes a few weeks before you get to go back and paint. On the day we went to paint, the first person was not at all helpful and was SUPER stingy with the paint! But luckily there are several people working, so we got another person to help us and she was helpful, gave us some tips to get the outcome we wanted, and gave us enough paint. It sucks that you have to ask for enough, IMO. Once you paint your pieces, they fire them in a kiln for you, which takes a couple more weeks. We would recommend and will go again, as this is a fun hobby! read more

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Extremely disappointed with how my clay piece was handled. After spending time and money creating it, I was handed the finished product--broken--with no warning, no apology, and no real solution. The associate casually said, "Yours broke. You can super glue it together," and shrugged it off as something that "just happens." There was no disclaimer that breakage could occur, no communication when it happened, and no effort to make it right. I was told to contact customer service because the staff had "no power" to help. Worse, they couldn't even notate that I wasn't the one who broke it--I was just told to take a photo and hope for the best. That leaves me worried I'll be blamed for something I had no part in. To top it off, they ran out of proper wrapping tissue paper and used plain paper towel to package the broken piece. Yet another sign that care and customer experience are not priorities here. If you value your time, creativity, and basic customer service, I'd think twice before coming here. read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - broke clay piece - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

Date night! You're given the choice to choose between 4 or 5 items to make (ranked from easy to hard) and can choose a stencil for designing your item. We both chose to make wine cups (hard but not too hard) The instructor walks you through the basics and then just lets you be. They do step in when they see your clay not forming in the way it should be but leave you to fend for yourself for the most part. It may feel rushed because they're so busy and trying to tend to everyone so if you think you need more attention - don't get discouraged. Going back soon to add finishing touches to my wine cup!! read more

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Came for a couples class and genuinely enjoyed it. My 1 star is because their communication is poor. After class we were confused as to how we'd be notified about receiving our pieces so we asked an employee at the desk and she said they'd email us. 2-3 wks went by and heard nothing so I called and was told that we were supposed to fill out some kind of form after our class. I told her we didn't and described our pieces to her, then she said that they'd check their inventory and get back to me. Days went by so I called again and she said that the pieces were more than likely moved to their offsite storage and they'd look there and get back to me. Followed up again just for them to tell me that the pieces were recycled...complete waste of $85 and I'll never be back. read more

We really enjoyed our session at Smashed Clay + Studio. It was very busy on the weekend but the staff was attentive and helpful. The only issue we ran into was that when you make your items you have to return. We live really far and therefore never made it back for our items. We do of course have pictures and our memories to commemorate our time. Which is nice since our works weren't brilliant. Just fun to create. read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - Markings for you to identify your pieces after they are fired in kiln - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Based on current rating it seems like the place is very hit or miss. Though I did have a good experience. September 2022-First went in for my birthday, boyfriend planned the couples challenge and we loved it. He did what looks like a planter and I did a candle holder. I dont remember feeling rushed, quite frankly it was a great time for us. Maybe we didn't have an instructor that tried to rush us. Or maybe it wasn't too busy of a day (we did go around noon on a saturday if im right). Nonetheless we had no problem with our pieces, we made sure to have them as thick as they had instructed so then they wouldn't crack when being fired. We picked them up ourselves vs getting them shipped and they weren't chipped or anything. And without glazing they held up well for over a year. At the very least I think their web page needs to reflect that it is an EXTRA COST for glazing in the description of the couples challenge. January 27th, 2024- I texted them about 2 days in advance with a few questions in regards to glazing since we did not do that on our first visit. When we went it we were greeted right away, employee was really nice and had us set up within a few minutes. True to their word we did not need an appointment, we arrived close to about 5pm on a saturday and there was thankfully 2 seats available right away so that we could sit and paint our pieces. They only have about 6 seats for that though, so i suggest going on a wrekday or for sure early on a Saturday. They were out of some the glazing colors, so that was unfortunate. We took about 35 minutes to paint our pieces. Did our check out process as instructed which was easy. Costs $15 to get it glazed and fired again. March 2, 2024- went in to pick up the pieces finally, we got the text/emails 2 weeks ago that they were ready and I finally had a chance to pick them up. Took them 20 minuts to find my pieces upon pickup, so either they need better organization or should tell us to text them ahead of time with order info so they have time to look for it before we get there. read more

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My friends and I attended a class on a Wednesday. It was us 5 and another couple. The instructor did an amazing job with instructing with patience, humor and knowledge. She was extremely patient and quick to fix any mistakes or concerns we had while creating our pottery. The class even extended a little longer and all staff were not rushing us or making us feel like we needed to hurry up and finish. Our pottery was ready in about 2 weeks and pick up process was just as smooth. My pottery was in tact and has held up its quality since our class in May. It was a fun and memorable experience! read more

Great date night activity planned by my fiancé. They greeted us when we checked in and asked us to pick the type of piece we want to make (vase, cup, bowl, candle holder or planter). For couples you each get a piece of clay to work with and can do it together or take turns. They do allow you to bring beverages like wine. In the beginning of the class they explain how to handle the clay and the spin plate. They walk you through making your design along the way. I've always wanted to take a clay pottery class and this was very fun and very messy! They have aprons but I recommend you wear something that you don't mind to get dirty. The clay does wash out but I still wouldn't wear anything you love. At the end of class you take a picture of your item and scan it in under the QR code. They said it takes about 3 weeks to be "ready". I guess they have to let the clay set and completely dry. When you come back to pick it up, you have the option paint it or leave it in its natural state. You may opt to glaze it. I would do this especially if you plan to put water in it, such as a vase, bowl or cup. read more

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I went for a church group event. Did the clay throwing and shaping. I made a cup. You can't take it home because it has to go in the fire, you're supposed to wait to receive an email to come pick up your item after it's been in the fire. Never received the email so I took it upon myself to show up three separate times to ask about my item and each time I was told it wasn't ready, it's at the other facility to go into the fire. So what do I do? I wait and hear nothing, I let time go by and send an email, they say I missed the pick up window?!?! I ask how since I never received any correspondence AND I showed up three times to pick it up. They claim my item was recycled and they give no refunds. I ask them to send proof of contact stating my pick up time is ready and never get the proof. I told them they can check their cameras to see I've been a few times to pick up my item with no luck. DO NOT GO HERE EXPECTING TO KEEP YOUR CREATION. YOU ARE GOING TO PLAY WITH CLAY AND THEY KEEP YOUR ITEM AND RECYCLE THE CLAY. WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ID GIVE 0 STARS IF I COULD!!! I can play with clay at home. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. First of all, the class was rushed which I thought was annoying, but I can deal with that. The main problem was during pickup. My cousin came in earlier today to pick up our orders and my vase has a huge chip on the top. You can see the red clay underneath even though the whole vase was glazed. Obviously someone chipped it after glazing and they tried to hand it off like there was nothing wrong. When the matter was addressed, they tried to say that they could reglaze it. Definitely no. The vase is chipped. They ended up holding onto the vase and seeing what they could do to fix it. Easy fix? Give me the refund that I asked for. You clearly do not take care of the only items that your store makes. Do better. To clarify they also managed to chip off my other cousin's plate that she made. They kept telling her that they will reglaze it. No. You should have addressed the issue when it occurred. Extremely poor communication and professionalism. There are plenty of other places similar to this in the area. Do not go here. read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - 2 chipped and broken pieces that they tried to bag up quickly hoping we wouldn't notice. - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

Got my hands dirty at Smashed Clay + Studio, and it was such a dope experience! Went in planning to make a candle holder... walked out with a whole vase (one of the hardest pieces to make, but totally worth it). We had to leave it behind so it could go through the full process, but I'll be going back to coat it, and then it's coming home with me! Can't wait to see the final result. read more

Unfortunately I can't provide a rating on my experience in the studio because the studio was locked. We arrived 15 minutes early. We called and emailed to see what was going on. Nothing. I'm really disappointed in this business and lack of professionalism. I would steer clear of this place. There are a ton of other studios to enjoy. read more

Had so much fun today at Smashed in Sawyer Yard! My daughter and I made a mug and a planter... Katie was our instructor and she was so helpful! It was our first time doing something like this. She made it relaxing and gave us the tools we needed and the instruction to let our creativity fly! The pieces will be fired and glazed and ready for pickup in a few weeks. We were given the option to return and paint them but we decided that we liked how they looked as is. We will definitely be going back! read more

If I could give zero stars I would. It's been almost 2 month at (in 5 days) and still have not received my pottery. Me and my so went and the class was over booked, they had another class starting right after ours. The session was rushed. When we inquired about our pottery and paid extra for the glaze and color change, we never got a response. After repeated attempts and using multiple different numbers, I FINALLY got someone to text Me back. I have attached for reference. Turns out, they obviously aren't as professional at this as you would like to think. They BROKE one of our pieces. Not once did someone reach out to use stating that this happened, and after having to hunt them down like a pack of Wolves, they send me this text. Worst experience EVER!!!!! I would not recommend this as a date night, birthday event, or ANYTHING!!!! Don't waste your time or Money!!! read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

Impossible to get hold of anybody. I made my piece but can't find out if it has been fired already. It's been over 2 weeks. There isn't a phone number to contact anyone. read more

This review is going to span over the entire process, which takes 3 turns in going to the studio. Parking is tricky at City Centre, but we found that parking near Chipotle was more accessible. It's not far. Consider it a block over. When we arrived, it took a while to be greeted and checked in, we picked our pottery - a cup and bowl - and were seated at a wheel to wait for others. We did the couples session, which meant we were splitting an hour between our pottery. The instructor was very nice and helped everyone, but the class was very rushed. We ended up being the last people there, and they luckily didn't seem to mind since there was still time until the next class. The biggest issue I had was that while booking, there was no mention of a fee to glaze your items. We paid $80 for the both of us and were told during the class that to glaze it, it would be another $16 per item if you wanted to do it yourself or pay $26 for them to do it for you. It was a bit upsetting that they didn't disclose this from the very beginning. Nevertheless, we were told we would receive an email to return to glaze. Our second trip was about the same upon entry. It took a long time to be checked in and receive our items. We were told to pick up to 3 colors and were given a small amount of each but were told to ask for more if needed. I assume it's a way to prevent waste, which I understand. While we were painting, a class was about to start, and the entrance was packed. The tables to paint are right next to the door, so the space isn't the best layout. After we painted, we were told it would take another 4 weeks. We hadn't heard anything, so we texted them asking if the items were ready for pickup and didn't receive a response but shortly had an email saying it was ready. At pickup, I walked in and gave my order number. The employee brought back the items but expected me to take them in my hands without a bag or a box. I asked for either one and was told they didn't provide them, but she could possibly give me a box. She returned with a large box and said I could use paper towels to prevent them from hitting each other. As I was about to leave, I decided to inspect them, and on the cup, there were parts of chipped clay. I brought them to her attention, and she stated we could repaint it if we wanted, but it would take another 4 weeks! Now, I was a bit irritated at that point since they had the item for 3 weeks and had paint to touch up the parts that were clearly visible and didn't. It may have taken them a week extra, but that would have been fine. Due to the distance and the inconvenience of returning, I took the item, but overall, this was a sour experience. They don't allow enough time to throw your pottery. They hide the glazing fee, and they don't care to protect the only item they sell. read more

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This was a really fun couples activity. The class was well-taught and the instructors were really nice too. We had a little hiccup because they mistakenly shipped my partner's piece and charged us $14.50 for it. But, they made up for it by allowing us to do a free glaze which is also $14.50, so it evened out fine. Overall, we had a great time, and the service was good. read more

Me and my boyfriend came for a cute date night thinking it would cute but nope...We paid almost $100 for a small area that you cant stretch your arms without touching another couple next to you. I felt very uncomfortable in that tiny space especially being rushed during the 30 minutes they give you to mold the clay like if you know how. We were told to wait 2 weeks but it took almost a month for them to email us that our clay was ready to be painted, and in the email it said we could arrive at any time without an appointment but come to find out when we showed up we were told that we had to wait 40 mins to paint. I was already frustrated so I had to go and buy everything myself. It was a cute idea for a date...but never again read more

We came here to celebrate our anniversary, my husband booked us 2 individual spots so we could both have our own wheel. We came prepared & excited to try a new craft, brought our own wine and glasses to enjoy during the class. When we arrived we went to check in, the main check in lady told us we would be the only people in the class. The lady next to her rolled her eyes and said "ugh that's my class." First red flag. Our instructor, I learned her name was Heidi, quickly rushed us to our seats, giving us barley any time to pour our wine or set our things down. We started the class and she was extremely unenthusiastic and seemed like she didn't care to teach us anything. Any time we would run into little mistakes, she would take over and essentially do the skill for us. If we asked a question, she would seem irritated that we asked. I tried asking how long she'd been doing this, how she got so good, etc, and every time she seemed annoyed at anything we asked. Many times my clay would pop off the wheel & her and another employee would "put it back on the illegal way" (what they were calling it) instead of starting with new clay. I would say I maybe had my hands on clay for 10 minutes max. We took no photos, we felt extremely rushed and uncomfortable. Our class was supposed to be 2 hours and we were done in 45 min. It started at 4:00 and we were walking out at 4:47. Before we could even finish washing our hands, we were rushed to checkout and seemed like they wanted us out as soon as we could be. This class felt like a complete waste of money and ruined the experience for us. We most definitely will not be returning, and I would advise everyone to chose a different place, as these employees do not care about your time, experience, or money. read more

So yes this location is small; I read all the reviews and that is accurate. The staff was all hands on deck though! There were three staff members assisting us; I can't remember their names but, they do combine classes which may be the source of some customers disgruntled remarks. This does kind of take away from the experience in a sense. I'm not sure how you can BYOB when this seems to be the norm. I made a nice bowl that wasn't lopsided and I'm proud of my project! I'll post pictures after it's fired and glazed. That's another thing the cost isn't included and depending on what you want it's about $17 extra. Overall my daughter and I had a great experience and I would definitely do it again! read more

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When you first walk in you are welcomed by some of the most friendly staff. We purchased the couples challenge where me and my partner shared a wheel and each got to make something. The first thing we did was choose what we wanted to make. They make it very easy by having picture of various different items you can make. The pictures of the items we can select to make are set up easiest to hardest. They even have it where you can customize your pottery piece with a scraper for the outside that creates a pattern on the your pottery! I was so excited to make my item! It was a prompt hour long class, but it had to be because we each had to make an item within an hour, but it was very worth it because we each ended up making a beautiful piece that we can't wait to come back and glaze! I cannot say again how awesome the experience was and friendly everyone was! Make sure to get there early because it is a bit difficult to find. It's on the second floor btw. I cannot say enough good things about this experience and this is exactly what we needed. Thank you again to the staff for making this a great experience and even the people around us were extremely nice. We will be going back again! read more

We signed up for the couples Valentine's Day class and were told that our pieces would be ready in two weeks. We called and texted multiple times after the two weeks, but we kept getting the runaround or promises from someone to get back to us with an update, which never happened. Mind you, this was after paying an additional $50 or so to glaze the pieces after paying for the class itself. I reached out today, and the response I got from whoever replied was as follows: "Your pottery has been ready for pick up since March 28th. I will need to reach out to the studio manager to make sure your pieces are still available as you have missed the pick-up window." We never once got a call to be notified by the staff, and we live 30 minutes away, which isn't an easy distance to just swing by to check. The part that irks me is the "you have missed the pick-up window," as if it was our fault for missing it. After all this time, they're now able to give us a date for when the pieces were ready, and it was past the two-week mark we were promised. Two weeks? More like six weeks. That would've been fine if they had at least had the courtesy of letting us know sooner. Save your money. Definitely going to another studio next time. It's a bummer that something that could've been a sweet Valentine's Day memory turned into a disappointment. --- read more

Overpriced and underwhelmed. The experience was fun, don't get me wrong! But then we're told at the end that there's an extra charge for color and glazing, which is what makes it anything more than dried out clay... o that's on top of the high price you pay just for the class. Then, you have to pick it up... i got emails and texts that my order was ready, so I went in to get it only to be told it in fact was not ready. I'm so glad that I asked if it had been painted and glazed and this was the final product that I had paid extra for, otherwise they were about to take my money and let me bring home an unfinished product. Meanwhile, other people in my group never got any communication about their piece. I got more texts and emails from them over the course of two months giving me different, incorrect status updates on my piece. I ended up having to go into the store three times and call them twice! When I finally went in to pick up my piece, it took them 20 minutes to locate it. And lucky me, someone was careless in handling it so my white piece has yellow and purple spots on it! I told the person at the counter how irritating this process has been and the best I got was a half-hearted "I'm sorry..." Don't waste your time or your money. read more

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I don't think this first clay pottery experience is what I was looking for and in turn I didn't enjoy my time as much. I felt very rushed. I do have to say I came in at 5 mins late to my appt. but the overall time I spent making my piece was only about 30 mins because they stop you 15 mins before the hour mark so you can clean up and put up your piece up and checkout. The instructors were trying to help me out a little too much bc I was learning a bit slow, which I appreciate but I felt like a kindergartener having the teacher finish my work. The staff was not super friendly either. Again, I just think I had a different experience in mind and the process to get your piece back takes a bout a month. read more

The throwing process was fun. However, it came to disappointment for pick up. My order was BLUE HUES glazed. I have attached my confirmation as well as the pottery I received. Please advise me if it is BLUE HUES or not. Their explaination was they could not predict the result, and it was because of the clay or whatever reason. The point is they never advise or inform me at first. I can totally understand that things can go wrong sometimes, but if you already know about it, you should always let your customer acknowledge ahead. It is the customer service that disappointing me. Handlade pottery is selling experience, but they totally failed it. It was my first time here, and I was making my pottery as a gift for my friend, but I guess it did not look like a pretty gift anymore. read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - After being glazed in BLUE HUES - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Came here for a date and had a lot of fun, instructors are very kind and helpful. Amazing experience, can't wait to come back! read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

Its been 8 months. Terrible customer service. Terrible communication. NOT at all recommend. Go somewhere else! Save your $ and the headache of trying to chase them down to get your work. Finally received 1 of 2 sculptures (mug) we created. Broken in transit, from 1 10x12 piece of bubble wrap thrown in a box, no tape, not secure or snug in the box at all. Over 8 months later I finally have 1 broken item and still missing the 2nd one. Looking for a refund here. What an amazing experience! read more

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Such a fun girls night activity! I definitely recommend coming here and the staff is so nice. I will be back! read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

Fun and friendly place! Had my birthday activity there and my girls loved it!! Only thing is I wish it was bigger and there was a place for people to sit at inside while they wait to be seated/ prior class finishes. read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Making the piece was fun, but they are very disorganized. After being told that my piece of work was ready for glazing after being fired, and that i could come anytime to do that -- no appointment necessary, i drove 45 minutes to do that and was told i had to come back in 4 hours. Um, no, that doesn't work for me. Would have appreciated an offer to give free glazing for me having to now make another trip, or even an apology. Should have read the Yelp reviews before booking here, don't make the same mistake. read more

I finally received my pottery. It took them almost 30min it's to find it and it was cracked at the base. Maybe a bag would've been nice.

The staff displayed a lack of professionalism and tact, coming across as judgmental. The hurried pace of the process exacerbated the situation, and instead of offering constructive feedback. the instructor intervened when she didn't feel like I was doing a good job. It sucked read more

I Highly recommend it! Fun date night for my husband and me. The staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - Pottery - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Looks like I should have read the reviews before booking. Looking through them now, they definitely resígnate with my experience. I'd looked forward to booking a class for several months. 1. The suit itself was very difficult to locate. In spite of arriving 10 minutes ahead of time, I was 15 minutes late to class. I tried calling and texting for assistance with finding the location, and it took several tries to receive a response. Parking was also very difficult to find. 2. The price is ABSOLUTELY not worth it. I've gone to my share of classes like this, and it's included everything. I purchased this class as a birthday gift to a friend, only to realize at the VERY end of class that there was an additional fee for the finished product. Not to mention parking. All in all a $52 class ended up costing $80. That's just ridiculous. 3. The process was absolutely rushed. I somehow lifted my clay at some point in the process, and was practically scolded for not "following instructions." Which I sincerely thought I did. I'm obviously not a pottery expert, and this was my first experience. I brushed it off in an effort to not make the experience even more stressful and awkward than they had already made it. I will never visit Smashed Clay again. read more

Nice bonding activity to do over a date night. It's BYOB which is an added bonus. We enjoyed doing the couples challenge and were able to take home 2 nice pieces. The staff is friendly and location is at a great spot! read more

Rushed process, instructor had horrible attitude and was not helpful. The whole thing sucked. Absolutely wouldn't recommend this place . It's a joke. read more

Nice place with friendly people. The atmosphere was great too with helpful teachers who are knowledgeable on pottery.

First came to Smashed Clay back in Nov 2022, had a great time and felt super supported by their workers who repeatedly had to save our pieces from falling apart. In December we got a notification to glaze our pottery, but after our glazing session, we never received another notification to pick them up. By the time we realized, we checked the status online and saw we were one week too late for pick up. We tried calling, emailing, and texting their customer service but either received no response or a "we'll get back to you when we find it" with no follow up. This lead us to believe our pottery was in the trash. Luckily, one night we were in the area and i suggested we just stop by to ask them in person if they some how still had our pottery. We came back and two employees said they couldn't find it so we left, but five minutes later i got a text that another employee Susan had found our pottery! Thank you Susan!!! One of our bowls was broken into pieces and taped back together. It had looked like someone might've knocked it over so they offered us a complimentary session to replace it. I'll admit their customer service was rocky a couple months ago but i really think they've ironed out the kinks, probably hired more staff, fixed their notification system, and i can happily say the process for our second pottery and glazing sessions went very smoothly. All the workers were extremely helpful and seemed super passionate and knowledgeable about pottery. Would definitely recommend coming here on your next date/girls night out etc.. read more

Smashed Clay + Studio - Glazing - Art Classes Near Me - Houston, Texas

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After the pottery class we returned a few weeks later to paint the projects. There was no option to book a time to paint the projects and when we arrived there was no room for us. They told us to come back in about half an hour but they would not take our phone number to call us when space opened up. We returned after the 30 minutes and they had sat other people already so there was still no room. They told us again just to walk around and come back later but could not promise any time that worked and would not put us on a wait list or call us when spots opened. Eventually they squeezed us in at a table. After we painted they told us it would be about a week before they would be ready for final pick up. After not hearing from them I called and nobody answered but they sent a text saying it could be up to 3 weeks after painting (not 1 like we were told) but even then there was no way they could guess when they would actually be ready. I waited 3.5 more weeks (now 8.5 weeks since the initial class and 5.5 weeks after painting) and called, emailed, and texted the studio without a response. I guess they lost or broke our projects and are ignoring us to avoid telling us that and are keeping our money. Fun concept but poorly managed and a completely frustrating waste of time. read more

I don't know how they are still a business. A few friends and I went to a class in January. They shove 20 of you in a tiny space where you are literally knee to knee with strangers. The class started 20 mins late because they were short handed. The girl running the class was practically in tears and said to some of us that "apparently I'm running this by myself tonight." We felt really bad for her. Then a couple weeks later when my friend goes to pick up our pottery because i live out of town, they inform her my exploded and id be getting a refund. I waited 2 weeks and I was never contacted or never got a refund. So I called and they said they would inform the gm. Week later still nothing. I call again. They tell me the same thing and I say I'd rather just know when the gm is going to be in so I can call then. Of course they can't tell me that, so I wait. Still nothing. Week later I call again and this time the girl remembers me. She says she understands this is frustrating but all she can do is notify her gm. I paid for the class/adding a cactus/ and then glazing it. It's a little pricy to be blown off. Clearly the gm doesn't care about the business or their employees. Please go anywhere else for a date night or girls night out. read more