Rainbows Pottery Studio — Local services in Boston

BEWARE if you are attending an event night here… prices were much higher than advertised.

EDIT: In response to the owner's message below, I'll address a few points. First, the (common) claim of yours that there is no customer profile. I've made my review under an alternate account with the knowledge that you have my information in your CRM software. I've done this to protect myself and the others I visited with after seeing the way you have harassed customers of yours. (Small note: see Madison P's review on Yelp. That phone number is one my group encountered - meaning it is the owner's phone number, and her claims are likely true, motivating me to write this review.)

With respect to the "flat event pricing", we were advertised many different prices. The price on the website didn't match the price painted on the mirror, which didn't match the price we were promised by the owner, which (of course) didn't match the price we were charged, which was significantly (25 - 30%) higher than anything we had been quoted before. Newbury Street is, of course, notoriously pricey, but it’s clear we were not the only group subject to this bait-and-switch.

I was hesitant to write a negative review, especially since it’s clear that some sort of TikTok trend caught on and some of these likely aren’t true. But seeing the way that others have been treated, and reflecting on the oddities of our own experience, I figured others ought to be warned.

It’s clear they are running some kind of fly-by-night business model here. Our group was served wine without any ID / age verification. The wine was served in plastic cups from Cava (there are many locations nearby). A bag of grapes was found in the bathroom sink. And it seems, relative to others, we actually had a positive experience.

Lastly, let me point out that, as I mentioned many of the extremely negative reviews are likely untrue (and part of a TikTok trend), many of the glowingly positive reviews are likely fake. Just a few months ago, I had to report the business on Yelp for reviewing their own page. As expected, the review was deliriously positive. I also find it suspicious that similarly positive endorsements show up right after the owner attempts to discredit my review. A coincidence, perhaps.

I’d encourage the owner to stop disparaging negative reviews like my own. Instead, reflect on your operation. Or perhaps it would be best to close...

I paid over $70 for this handmade mug, which the seller claimed was “dishwasher safe” and “oven safe.” After only a few cycles in the dishwasher, the mug started to deteriorate — badly.

The bottom of the mug developed strange cracks and what looks like corrosion. The body is also cracking, and the base of the handle has a cluster of raised bubbles, almost like poorly sealed glaze. I remember thinking the mug had a strange smell when I first drank from it, and I thought maybe it was just in my head. Now I realize it wasn’t. The glaze appears to be poorly applied, and I’m seriously concerned about whether this mug is even safe to drink from.

I’ve used this mug many times and consumed water from it, which means I may have been in long-term contact with potentially unsafe materials. On top of that, the little yellow star at the bottom of the mug has visible gaps around its base — a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which is especially concerning since it’s in constant contact with whatever I’m drinking.

What makes this even more disappointing is that I truly love shops that sell handmade ceramics. That’s exactly why I was willing to spend over $70 on a single mug. But now, I’m left deeply disappointed. This isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about safety and trust.

I also noticed in the reviews that at least two other people have experienced similar problems with cracking and deterioration. That suggests this isn’t just a one-off flaw — it’s a systemic quality issue. I don’t understand how the shop can keep selling items like this while claiming they are dishwasher and oven safe. It feels like false advertising and a betrayal of consumer trust.

It’s incredibly frustrating to spend this much money on something that ends up being not only defective, but potentially harmful. I feel like I paid to be stressed out and possibly harmed....

Strolling Newbury Street my daughter pointed out Rainbows Pottery Studio and were so glad we immediately made an appointment! Visiting Rainbows Pottery Studio in Boston was an absolutely delightful experience, thanks to the incredible warmth and generosity of the owner. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with such kindness that made us feel right at home. The owner went above and beyond to entertain my energetic 3-year-old son, ensuring he was engaged and happy throughout our visit. This alone was impressive, but the owner also showed exceptional thoughtfulness and accommodation towards my 7-year-old daughter, making sure she felt special and valued. We all got to pick out as many colors as we wished for such a fun painting experience.

The studio itself is a magical place to step into - vibrant, inviting, bright and immaculately assembled, filled with creativity and joy. It’s evident that the owner puts her heart and soul into creating an environment where people can come together to create and have fun. The variety of ceramic options and the guidance provided made our visit not just entertaining but also an enriching experience.

It’s rare to find a place that can cater so effortlessly to the whims of children of different ages while also providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the adults. Rainbows Pottery Studio, with its amazing owner, manages to do just that. I am incredibly grateful for the patience, kindness, and generosity shown to us during our visit. It’s not just a pottery studio; it’s a warm, welcoming community hub where creativity is kindled, and memories are made.

Thank you, Rainbows Pottery Studio, for such a memorable day. We can’t wait to come back to Boston and create more beautiful...