Sunshine Ceramics — Attraction in Milford

I registered for a pottery session in March of this year for a cost of $350.00. Upon arrival we all sat around a table and were given a contract to read and sign. It was several pages long. You went on to explain the document and how the class would go. You said all of the glazing would be done the last class and that we would all be using reclaimed clay. I asked if could I buy and use white clay instead of reclaimed clay. Immediately it was clear you were annoyed with this ask as you responded in a curt tone by saying everyone uses reclaimed clay, it is included in the price, and is that going to be a problem? I remember feeling very uneasy and embarrassed with the way you spoke to me. It was an answer meant to silence any further requests. Class continued. As class ended you approached me and said “it will be okay for you to use the white clay”. I was surprised! I thanked you, and asked if I should pay you now for the cost of the clay. You said we can take care of it next week. I returned the second week and after walking in (my coat was still on) you said to me, again in a curt tone, “I changed my mind you cannot use the white clay. This is my business and I will run it how I want to run it”. I was taken aback and asked why you did not call me to discuss this instead of talking to me upon arrival and leaving me feeling attacked for something you offered me at the end of the class last week. I then said “I am not sure I am comfortable staying in this class. May I please get a refund?” You told me there were no refunds given. I was shaken by how I was treated and felt my best course of action was to leave. As I walked down the sidewalk, I called my husband. We talked and decided that was too much money to walk away from. Then I returned, and said “this feels really unfair the way I am being treated. How can you say one thing one week and the next week say another and not give me the decency of a phone call to discuss? Can you see how upset I am?” You then said "I am not sure I want you to stay." Then I said “I am not willing to walk away after paying this much money and if I cannot stay, you will need to refund me”. It was at this point you said I can continue with class. I stayed for the rest of the class. As I walked to the parking lot a classmate said they were sorry for the way I was treated and they were uncomfortable with what happened. I thanked them. I returned the following week. The environment again felt stressful, unsafe to ask questions and not conducive for learning. I went home and my husband could see I was visibly upset. We decided it was best to not return and take the loss. I did not return. I have given myself time to sit with the events that happened. Six months later I am extremely disappointed that I was not treated with respect and basic human decency. I registered for a class with hopes of learning and growing and in the end received very little for my $350.00. Given what transpired it feels important to leave a review that reflected my experience: one star. I did not want to relive the awful experience. Nonetheless your comments necessitate I do so. My experience is valid and honest. I am not angry but remain very disappointed at how I was treated. I did not deserve this. Lastly, it was an error to post a 1-star rating twice. I will delete one of them now....

Such an amazing experience from beginning to end. I submitted a question to Marie on the website regarding a private session for 3 and Marie responded right away. I knew from the phone conversation that i found the perfect place. Marie was very kind and informative and her energy was already radiating over the phone. I was able to confirm a private session for 3 ppl the very next weekend which was short notice so i really appreciated her making it work for us.

When we arrived the shop was so beautiful, warm and inviting and Marie was excited to get started although it was pretty late in the day and she had just finished a session. We never had a throwing session before so we were new to the whole experience but Marie made us feel so comfortable the whole time and we literally laughed through it all while still learning so much. In my head i thought we were so bad at it we were not going to be able to create anything lol but surprisingly we made 2 beautiful cylinders each and did not go over time. We learned so much about the whole process and all the time and effort that goes into making these beautiful pieces. The time literally flew by and we truly enjoyed every second.

Marie’s direction and patience was amazing; she made my sister’s bday very special this year and i am so thankful to have met her and had this wonderful experience at her shop. We will definitely be back for some public classes, we found our new hobby, thank...

I purchased a gift certificate from Sunshine Ceramics back in December 2024 and have been trying to schedule a lesson ever since. Unfortunately, my original booking had to be canceled due to unexpected construction at the shop, which I understand. However, I’ve followed up multiple times text and phone, with little to no response. I’ve tried to be flexible and offered my availability, but haven’t been able to get anything on the calendar or even receive a clear update. It's disappointing to invest in something that’s become so difficult to redeem. I hope they are able to improve communication moving forward

Thank you for your response. I’d like to clarify a few things, as I’ve always aimed to be respectful and patient throughout this process. I never “blew off” a lesson—our original session was canceled due to construction, which I completely understood. I followed up several times afterward via text and phone in an effort to reschedule, and at no point did I receive confirmation of a new appointment.

I also want to clarify that I never made demands—I simply asked about options since I hadn't been able to redeem the gift certificate after many months. I’m happy to share our full message exchange if needed, as I believe it reflects my polite tone and efforts to stay in communication.

It’s unfortunate that things unfolded this way, but I hope future experiences go more smoothly for...