Paper and Clay Pottery Studio & Gallery Gift Shop — Local services in Melrose

We had an odd experience as vendors going through the process of selling art in her store as well as vending at a market. Would not recommend to a friend.

From our emails to how she handled us in store, she was disorganized, unfriendly and unpleasant. Rather than having one document with all the info we need to streamline the process, she would refer me to different emails and website, etc to gather the info in a piecemeal fashion. I would ask a clarifying question, and she wouldn't really respond to it. She was unable to articulate what she designs she wanted in her shop. What I gathered is that we needed to come in during business hours to figure it out.

We drove out from Salem in afternoon traffic with our stock in the car so we could make our trip more efficient. I wanted the 16 year old artist to be there for them to meet. We waited in her shop for her to finish talking with someone so we could figure out next steps. She weirdly ignored us and went to the next person who walked in. We were just standing around the tiny shop for 5-10 minutes until I was like soooo is this a good time? And she was like no it's not you need to book an appointment with me. Like how was I supposed to know that? I asked multiple times about her process so we could follow it. When we emailed after that visit, she sent me quotes from her previous emails that were not clear that we needed an appointment.

My kid was wigged out by how she was in store and said she didn't want to work with this person. Same! I emailed her that we were not happy with our experience and did not want to sell in her store or vend with her for the upcoming market. She agreed we were not a good fit and refused to refund us the $50 vending fee! And it wasn't last minute or anything, it was a month out. Plenty of time for her to find someone else so we could move on.

Next morning I get the email in the picture I've included. I didn't leave her an review. But I did talk to a few vendor friends about the situation and was surprised how many people chimed in about similar issues. At the same time, her shop is filled with different artists so I know some people are having good experiences.

Anyway, she didn't refund the vending fee until she saw that I wrote “(vending out of spite)” next her event on our schedule posted to social media. She accused me of using social media as a way to tear down others. Silly.

Lastly! She does not tag artists in her social media posts when she posts pictures of their work in her shop. Like, ever. But she is adamant that everyone tag and repost about Paper and Clay. And for what it's worth, she also allows essential oil MLMs to...

As a local and rather new artist, I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunities given to me at Paper and Clay Melrose. Last fall, when I first reached out to Lesley inquiring about participating in one of her pop-up markets, I never imagined that I would now be a successful vendor in the shop!

As soon as I met Lesley, I knew that she was a person who was passionate about supporting local artists within the community. Lesley is very welcoming to all and, through Paper and Clay, I have been fortunate enough to meet many fabulous artisans and community members.

Melrose is very lucky to have Lesley and her shop! Not only does she make it her mission to highlight local artists, she also seems to always be looking for additional ways to help and support other people and small businesses in the community.

Thank you so much, Lesley! I truly believe that you have helped my little...

Amazing!!! I had to buy my wife a 9th anniversary gift with a week left on the clock. I realized it was pottery and I thought to myself perfect! Pottery is made of clay and there is literally a store around the block called Paper & Clay! How could I go wrong,l. I’m clearly the best husband that ever existed to put this together.

Within 5 minutes I had my present picked out with a matching card to boot all in one place and the owner Leslie, who is amazing, even wrapped it for me!

My only regret is Google doesn’t allow me to give bonus stars!

Leslie thank you again, you preserved my marriage for at least another...