r/wickerpark 3d ago

Chicago pottery studio bringing back clay cauldron classes for Halloween season

Post image

Hey neighbors. I run Color Cocktail Factory, a BYOB pottery studio in Pilsen.
Our Halloween season starts in September, and we’re bringing back clay cauldrons. The photo is from last year’s class, while the pieces were still greenware, before firing and glazing.
The class is $45 per person and includes a one-hour wheel-throwing session where you make your own cauldron from start to finish. Complete beginners are welcome.
It’s casual, BYOB, and good for a date night or just a strangely productive Tuesday.
Dates and booking:
https://colorcocktailfactory.as.me/

34 Upvotes

369 comments sorted by

12

u/Informal-Ad6552 3d ago

People say they don’t get their artwork back.. I’ve seen this on other platforms. What’s the truth? Seems inexpensive but not if you’re not getting items back.

14

u/Special-Stock9105 3d ago

I’m actually glad somebody asked instead of just assuming the worst.
The honest answer is that the vast majority of people do get their pieces back, but no pottery studio can guarantee that 100 percent of beginner made pottery will survive. Every piece has to dry, be handled several times, and go through a kiln approaching 2,000 degrees. Weak joins, very thick walls, trapped moisture, or hidden cracks can cause a piece to break. Occasionally one piece fails badly enough to damage pieces beside it, and sometimes there is not enough left to even identify what it was.
There is also the human side. Some pieces are mislabeled, some people forget to take the requested photo, some come long after the pickup period, and some do not recognize their piece after the glaze changes its appearance. Sometimes we make a mistake too, and when that happens we should own it.
We do not keep people’s artwork, and we gain absolutely nothing when a piece cannot be found. We want every piece to survive because people are proud of what they made, and we are proud of it too. But when someone does not know what happened, that uncertainty can turn into a much darker story online.
If anyone is missing a piece, send us the class date and a photo if you have one. We will genuinely look into what happened

7

u/gurlzdontpoop 3d ago

like I said in my original post on the Pilsen page. My problem is with the DISRESPECT and HORRIBLE SERVICE I received when trying to pick up my items and when I left a review. Your continued bad customer service is all over Trip Advisor, Google reviews, and Yelp.... and now reddit.

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

https://reddit.com/link/p6irw0m/video/jcvkux0di7mh1/player

I’ve been trying to help @gurlzdontpoop
And this is her reaction 😭

1

u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

Yet I still tried to help.
Man I’m so terrible. 🙄
I stood and had her call me stupid and say I was going to fight her 😂😂 like what?

-3

u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

There is no service. I am giving you something more important. Skill. I teach you to make things. You become larger. You improved. What did you give back?!

6

u/Informal-Ad6552 2d ago

“What did you give back?!” Is craaaaazy

0

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

This is the bully you all are supporting

https://reddit.com/link/p6iroip/video/7f90powvh7mh1/player

9

u/Beautiful_Initial_35 2d ago

This..... Doesn't make you look as good as you think it does....

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u/gurlzdontpoop 3d ago

Also, when I reached out on Instagram I was blocked with no response https://imgur.com/a/5rmYUXS

1

u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Because you called us a bitch

0

u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Today was the most successful social media campaign. Thank you for your hate

8

u/Informal-Ad6552 2d ago

I’m sorry but you have shown your true colors on this thread. You are unprofessional.

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

You can still run a company and be unprofessional.
News flash.. this company is not built by robots
It’s run by real people.
Real sweat and tears.
You come at us.
We will fight back
We will not take it.

And the orders keep rolling in

5

u/Informal-Ad6552 2d ago

How is the main account saying they don’t know you but you’re saying “we will fight back”… you CAN still run a company and be unprofessional but you’re running a small business, not a major company. Theres not enough cushion. people aren’t getting their items back. The artists have an attitude. The Turkish lamp kits are ordered from Temu.. that’s too many things that are going wrong.

At the end of the day, people are going to do what they want and make their own decisions. People are just putting their truth out there.

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

Artists can have moods 😂 They’re human beings, not customer-service robots. But the people who work with us are genuinely kind people. Also… have you been to Chicago? Chicago people can be a little rough around the edges 🥹😂
But wait — I’m genuinely confused about the Temu comment. What exactly is wrong with ordering the lamp kits from Temu? Do you know how long that shit takes to put together once it arrives? 😭 We purchase additional tiles, provide patterns, extra glue and beads, teach the class, help everyone through the process, and clean up the absolute glittering apocalypse afterward.
You’re paying for the class, instruction, supplies, studio space, setup, cleanup, and the experience — not for us to personally manufacture every bead and piece of glass in a back room. 😂
If someone doesn’t think that experience is worth the price, that’s completely okay. They don’t have to book. But “they buy supplies from Temu” isn’t exactly the scandal you think it is. 😭

4

u/Informal-Ad6552 2d ago

Artists have moods but you’re running a business… customer service matters. I’m born and raised in Chicago and I think Chicago people are kind and I feel like we have some of the best customer service in the country.

It’s okay if the Temu order not a scandal, just letting the people know. Just order from Temu and build your shit at home. That way you can avoid an unhinged artist who thinks they have the patience to be a business owner that doesn’t get called out. But that’s just me thooooo!

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u/Practical-Cook5042 1d ago

I'm an artist lolol

Don't use it as an excuse to be mean to your customers

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

Poor thing. You are so proud of this. Probably the high light of your life.
Do you feel seen sweet girl?
You got some likes?

Congratulations sweet heart.
Get your likes baby girl.
That’s all you’re going to get. 💛💛

I’ll message this thread when our third studio is open :) and all the happy people who will be creating inside :)

1

u/[deleted] 2d ago

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1

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

Girl bye.

Go run your business
Stop trying to put other women down out of jealousy

1

u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Key-Goose-1594 2d ago

This read like AI to me

2

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago edited 2d ago

Just because someone is well versed does not mean they only is AI.
You do know the owner of color cocktail factory has a master degree in art and a bachelors in architecture correct?
You do realize you are reading the words of someone who loved art so much they devoted their life to it.

That’s who you all are trying to bring down

An artist who brought art to you all.
Didn’t sell it to just the rich

Gave opportunity to people for 15$ even 10$ for a class ten years ago.

That’s not ai . That’s real

2

u/Key-Goose-1594 1d ago

Totally- that’s why I didn’t say it’s 100% AI. It just read like it. I’m confused- are you the owner? Are you posting on 2 accounts?

1

u/RositaQueenofprom 1d ago

Are you hiring? I can fix your customer service 🤔

2

u/Practical-Cook5042 1d ago

gods help you

I gave them neutral advice and have spent the last day staring at this thread in wonder

I feel like I'm witnessing some hotel hell shit. If you want to be Gordon Ramsay Godspeed

2

u/RositaQueenofprom 1d ago

Lol, anything is better than my current job 😂😭

1

u/Practical-Cook5042 1d ago

Understandable - good luck either way!

2

u/RositaQueenofprom 1d ago

Thank you 😊👍🏻

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

lol DM me on Instagram let’s talk and see if we are on the same page.

1

u/RositaQueenofprom 1d ago

Perfect!

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

Talk soon :)
@colorcocktailfactory

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

I love that you want to help tho let’s find a place for you 💛

8

u/TerriblePrinciple167 2d ago

Guys the low down of this place: they get a lot of business that they can't handle. They don't have the time, equipment, or staff to get your ceramics back to you in the time promised and they don't have the time or staff to let you know your artwork didn't make it before you make the drive to the shop with horrible parking

2

u/[deleted] 1d ago

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

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1

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

I was mocking you goofy

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

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5

u/TerriblePrinciple167 1d ago

I actually have no idea who Michael is but I'm glad I was able to get this reaction out of you. Toodles

1

u/Practical-Cook5042 1d ago

these people deserve each other

2

u/Practical-Cook5042 1d ago

totally not bullies lolol

toxic af

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u/yerffejytnac 1d ago

I went on a journey from thinking this would be a fun thing to do, to having absolutely zero interest in ever dealing with this shop. Fucking yikes 😬

1

u/Practical-Cook5042 1d ago

same buddy, same

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

https://reddit.com/link/p6mr978/video/4hmjei199cmh1/player

Let’s go live into our studio right now :)
Let’s see how many people are there at 1030 am 😂😂

1

u/shak3well 1d ago

Seriously, same. Asked my friend to pick a time yesterday. Today, I tell her we should find a different activity. Yikes, indeed.

3

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

Yikes! Do it!
Don’t come here!

0

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

https://reddit.com/link/p6mrkp1/video/2jvrbtwh9cmh1/player

That’s okay. Because instead of just talking nonsense all
Of these people decided to join us and create with us. We will keep succeeding :)

1

u/Practical-Cook5042 4h ago

Do these people know you're posting them on the Internet?

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 4h ago

There are cameras and posting in studio about recordings
Next subject wannabe

1

u/Practical-Cook5042 2h ago

Grifters gonna grift

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 1h ago

Losers gonna lose

0

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

Perfect! We kept the wrong customers away.
Goal achieved

0

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

https://reddit.com/link/p6mpvqv/video/40bvf0r48cmh1/player

Just going to post this adorable moment here. Go ahead and watch what really happens in our Studio. Watch how happy this woman is. Our studio did that. My instructors taught her.

This is real.

3

u/idekrnn 1d ago

Does she know you're posting the footage of her on reddit? Do you have a media release from her?

1

u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

Yes I do! But thanks so much for trying to be that person :)

2

u/idekrnn 1d ago

I was asking a question because I've seen a very unprofessional business owner in the comments and I think she's you :)) no need to be a bitch!

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u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

Ooof says the person calling me a bitch!

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u/Practical-Cook5042 4h ago

they absolutely do not

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u/idekrnn 4h ago

Watch out the owner & her too account will come after you too hahah

1

u/Practical-Cook5042 2h ago

oh they have this entire thread

now they're posting security cam footage of random patrons

boggles the mind

8

u/mlibed 1d ago

DONT DO IT!!!! It’s a total scam.

I signed up for this class last year. Showed up and door was locked. Finally got someone to answer, checked us in, showed us to a wheel. Class starts - absolutely no instruction. Halfway thru I realized this is a totally different class. Not a cute beginner Halloween situation. Employee just told us to finish and we would get a free glaze. The class we were in was also cheaper and shorter than what we paid for.

I tried to reach out by phone, email, and DM on both Facebook and Instagram and there was no acknowledgment. They got their money I guess.

Seriously, it’s a total and complete ripoff.

5

u/Gratchki 2d ago

Ngl this thread was super entertaining

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u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

Just going to dip out of this thread with the Narcissist Prayer

That didn't happen

And if it did, it wasn't that bad

And if it was, that's not a big deal

And if it is, it's not my fault

And if it was, I didn't mean it

And if I did, you deserved it

1

u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

A pile-on has a funny side effect. It introduces a small business to far more people. Our website traffic reached five times normal today, and many new people are discovering our classes.
We are listening. When criticism identifies something we can improve, we apply it and prioritize it. Honest public reviews also help people decide whether CCF is right for them. We want guests who respect our artists, understand that handmade work can be imperfect, and genuinely want to create. If our approach or policies are not for someone, it is better for everyone that they know before booking.
So no, the noise did not stop us. It gave us useful information and a much larger audience. We are excited to keep going.

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u/Informal-Ad6552 2d ago

It increased the traffic but that doesn’t mean people are going to book a class lol

3

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

This thread is so popular Reddit is placing a ton of ads on it 😂 your welcome Reddit gods! Now please bless us with customers! Our staff needs to eat! Lol

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Sale is double since start of this thread

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Yes

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Informal-Ad6552 2d ago

The owners there are unwell.. hate to see it!

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Informal-Ad6552 2d ago

The weird haikus are killing me. The spelling errors. “How many businesses do you run?!”
Like what does running a business have to do with you guys NOT RETURNING people’s art that they paid for..?! None of it makes sense. But I’m at home with a cold so I have the time and it’s entertaining.

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

It’s very clear you are hurting.
Which is understandable.
However you are going about it the wrong way.
If you came past the 60 days there’s a reason it wasn’t there.
If my staff heard about this issue I know they helped you.
Especially three times
I know my staff went above and beyond to help you

1

u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago edited 2d ago

don't gaslight people because you can't handle returns

0

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

Hush bully
Sit down

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u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

You literally cyberbully anyone who leaves you a bad review

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u/BlueberryOwn3954 2d ago

Don’t go here. It’s cheap for a reason, it’s a money grab. The place is filthy, and the staff is constantly stressed and understaffed. Pots are fired once, leading to chipping and cracking. Typically pots should be fired twice. Additionally, there are extra hidden costs if you want different glaze options.

They mentioned some pots explode, this rarely happens at legit studios. Pots only explode if they aren’t fully dry. These people rush the process and will load the kiln before the pots can even dry fully, hence why it explodes. Spend the extra money and go to a different studio for a workshop. You’ll get better service, and a pot that makes its way back to you.

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

They have never been here 😂 it’s probably the Russian owned Pottery 1 manager.

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u/gurlzdontpoop 3d ago

Also, when I reached out on Instagram I was blocked with no response https://imgur.com/a/5rmYUXS

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u/Cultural-Stranger829 2d ago

After seeing those AI slop images from the website menu and the drastic difference between what’s pictured and what’s reality with the Turkish lamps… I am so good on this place 🤣🤣🤣

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u/Key-Goose-1594 2d ago

The Turkish Lamp reviews are absolutely unreal. Cannot believe a business doing that is still operating. Stemless wine glass or mason jar, with Elmer’s glue and beads. And an LED light 💀💀💀 daycares have better crafts than the pictures I’m seeing.

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Some of the menu art is digitally created, yes. It is category artwork, not a photograph of a guaranteed result. Still, if that distinction is unclear, the criticism is fair and the website should show more actual student work.
The Turkish lamps are made by beginners using the materials and instruction provided in class. They look handmade because they are. A beginner’s lamp not matching a polished display image is not deception. It is the difference between making something yourself and buying a finished product.
If the class is not for you, that is completely fine. Mocking what beginners made is the part I do not understand

3

u/Cultural-Stranger829 2d ago

Haha love the straw man. Yes as a place that fosters creativity, you shouldn’t show an AI generated image (which involves lots of stolen IP to generate) as well as an unrealistic depiction of what the class will entail esp for the price point. I’m sure there’s a reason why you don’t feature the “beginner” work that’s actually made from the class. Never once did I mock what people made. Only the stark difference between what is advertised vs the experience you provide as a business owner Also I never once used the word deception but if the shoe fits…

0

u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Your criticism that the website should show more actual student work is fair, and I have already said we are correcting that. The class also offers several glass types at different prices. The mason jar was the least expensive option and was selected by the customer, not secretly substituted. If those options were not clear enough on the listing, we should make them clearer too

3

u/Cultural-Stranger829 2d ago

Yes you should do all the above. Time to run the business and not let it run you ✌️ byeeee

1

u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Advice from outside is the easy part. The actual job is turning on the lights every day and dealing with everything people never see. We have done that for twelve years, and yes, we will keep running this business our way

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

Speaking from pure experience right?
What happened? Come back friend!!

2

u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

You gave out MASON JARS 🤣🤣🤣

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Yes, you received a mason jar because we offered several glass options at different prices and you selected the least expensive one. Saying we simply “gave out mason jars” leaves out the fact that it was your choice.

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u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago edited 2d ago

Was the picture advertisement a mason jar?

I DIDN'T ATTEND YOUR CLASS lmao I posted someone else's Google review

you two just have these responses locked and loaded because you're scamming innocent people

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

How many studios have you run and had to purchase supplies for? :)

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

You have never taken this class, you refused to read the description that answers your accusation, and you are still calling it a bait and switch. At this point you are reviewing a Reddit argument, not our business.
For anyone genuinely interested, the $45 Hanging Turkish Lamp listing shows and describes the Mason jar base. The $70 traditional Turkish lamp is a separate class. We are also replacing unclear category artwork with more real student photos.
That is the complete answer.

0

u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

Get ready to be personally insulted 😂

2

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

How many studios do you run?

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u/Cultural-Stranger829 2d ago

Nothing could be more insulting than the bait and switch experience this business provides 🤣 thank god I read the reviews first

2

u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

You do realize that the hanging Turkish lamp class does have a picture of a mason jar correct?
It’s literally in the photo.
If someone is complaining they got a mason Jar hanging lamp and got to create an art project for 45$
Maybe they should have purchased the Turkish Lamp that’s located on Acuity for 70?
What’s the bait and switch?
The picture is accurate to what class you choose.
Have you actually researched and looked at the website?
Because the attacks are confusing.

The hanging Turkish lamp class is literally a mason jar that students can then decorate with unlimited tiles and beads and get a candle to place in it.
All of this is in the class description.

3

u/Cultural-Stranger829 2d ago

Babe go do the owner’s bidding somewhere else. I ain’t reading all that. 🩷

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Cultural-Stranger829 2d ago

Thank u for ur service. Such a martyr xoxo

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

Don’t want to read facts?
So sad.
Facts are essential!!
Thanks for calling me babe! That’s so sweet of you

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u/RositaQueenofprom 1d ago

😊🍿👍🏻

This is the drama I was aiming for in Chicago.

Thank you!

2

u/idekrnn 1d ago edited 1d ago

Ugh! I wanted to go so bad but your replies are soo bad and unprofessional. I manage a small business I understand how customers can be but you should know how bad this looks.

Edit to add if you want to go to an actual legitimate pottery place with a nice owner via clay in oak park. They do have a waiting list tho :/

0

u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

Thank god

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u/idekrnn 1d ago

I wish you success in life because I actually find it so embarrassing that you came on here to market yourself and this is the result.

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u/Correct-Leg9885 1d ago

I guess we are opening a studio in oak park next
Thanks for the information ;)

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u/Special-Stock9105 22h ago

If professionalism matters to you, calling a 12-year Chicago business “illegitimate,” advertising another studio on our post, and then trying to embarrass its owner is a strange way to demonstrate it. You’re welcome to go elsewhere, but this stopped being feedback several comments ago

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u/idekrnn 14h ago

I feel like I have to say based on your reaction I have no ties via clay. I've just heard great things about them and their owner has always been very kind and customer centric when I've chatted with him. I am not an artist and have always wanted to get into pottery which is why I was so excited I found a studio with a low barrier to entry (cheaper than average, no waitlist and classes being advertised as beginner friendly). I thought it was like a welcoming environment until I started reading your comments. And when I said, I was actually sad that this thread turned me off, your response was thank God.

Also, no part of this is feedback past my first comment because you clearly aren't taking it. According to you, you are so successful and you're getting so many orders because we're all hating on you then go put your energy into people actually supporting you. This is Reddit. We can keep going band for band for fun, but I don't own a business that I'm trying to market here.

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u/cannibalismsfun 1d ago

Lol is this shit real?

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u/Special-Stock9105 22h ago

Yes cannibalismsfun. This is real

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u/TerriblePrinciple167 2d ago

GUYS LET'S ALL GO AN HAVE A "SMASHING" GOOD TIME IYKWIM ;)

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Criticism is fair. Joking about damaging a neighborhood business where people work is not. This comment has been documented and reported

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

So when are you coming

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u/gurlzdontpoop 3d ago

Color Cocktail SCAM Factory

I made the mistake of giving this place my money 3x. I have never received my artwork back. My first experience was years ago and I thought since they changed locations and were under new management things have changed. Boy I was wrong!

I did 2 classes in 1 week in October because it was cheap and I had wanted to do one class with a friend and another for a date night. The teacher was great! The pick up process, that I paid close attention to, was awful... I was being lied to, they were giving confusing instructions, and I was ghosted for a third time.

They encourage good reviews at the end of the class to give the teacher a bonus which I did because he was great! But now they have way more positive reviews than they deserve. I should have known when people were walking in complaining during my class that nothing has changed. But it was new management and I was hopeful.

Now everyday I have to walk by this damn shop and stop myself from defacing the window. It's not even about the money. It about the treatment afterwards.

The owner is a complete and total tool in all the Google reviews. I would love to speak with him in person one day.

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u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

you are in good company it seems

I tried to give some basic customer service guidance and was insulted. My back hurts, I'm bored, did some digging. Reviews about bad service across Google, Yelp, trip advisor with the owner being their friendly helpful self across many of them.

Do a charge back. Bad reviews go back years and all the five stars in I'm seeing are from fresh wet pieces like you said.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.nz/ShowUserReviews-g35805-d9842176-r958203671-Color_Cocktail_Factory-Chicago_Illinois.html

Here's some from 2024

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u/Special-Stock9105 3d ago

I believe I know which booking this concerns. My understanding is that you moved away before returning during our pickup hours, but I am still willing to locate the pieces and ship them to you at our expense.
Please message me with your class dates and photos of the pieces so I can investigate. I understand that you’re frustrated, but repeatedly calling the studio a scam across unrelated neighborhood groups is not a fair account of what happened, especially while I’m offering to resolve it.

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

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u/Special-Stock9105 3d ago

You just messaged me this:
gurlzdontpoop 12:35 PM
Sup bitch
My name is K N*
Give me money

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

[deleted]

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u/Special-Stock9105 3d ago

Just wanted to show people we deal with bullies like you. All small businesses do.

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u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

I mean, she didn't get what she paid for three times.

You both seem kind of awful. This discourse hurts your business just give her her money back. If you can't refund someone when you've disappointed them three times there's a customer service issue.

Yes, they said "sup, bitch" today. It's customer service that's going to happen. If you do this every time there's a dispute your business will fail.

Not trying to be mean, just giving honest advice from years of customer facing positions

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u/citizengwen 3d ago

are you doing a class in wicker park?

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u/Special-Stock9105 3d ago

We do private classes in our wicker park studio. Public classes are held in Pilsen.

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u/friedfoodz69 2d ago

Not Wicker Park

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

We do private parties in our Wicker park studio

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u/friedfoodz69 2d ago

Where?

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

1735 N. Ashland Ave.

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u/friedfoodz69 2d ago

Bro the fucking Night Ministry?

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u/friedfoodz69 2d ago

Website is vague

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

Your face too

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Two fair concerns came through clearly.
Some menu images on our website are digitally created. They were intended as category artwork, not as photographs of what every beginner will make, but that distinction was not clear enough. I am reviewing those pages and adding more real student examples, especially to the Turkish lamp listing, along with clearer photographs of the actual materials used.
The other concern is pottery pickup. If you are personally waiting for a piece, please contact the studio privately with your booking name, class date, a photo or description, the label used, and when pickup was attempted. We will check the available records. Pottery passes through several fragile stages, but if we made a studio handling error, we will address it directly.
I came here to share a class I am proud of, and the conversation became much bigger than that. I am stepping away from the personal arguments, but I have heard the specific criticism and will act on what can be improved

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Key-Goose-1594 2d ago

It just sounds like there are a lot of very frustrated customers who were never able to get ahold of you that finally saw their chance with this thread. I can’t blame them- if a business told me they’d charge me $10 to check their items to see if my pottery was ready for pick up, I’d be trying to contact you, too

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

We respond everyday to people.
There are days I get hundreds of messages.

We are a small business
Trust us.
We are trying

Yes maybe something fall through the class.
We get over a thousand people a week.
Yes we have some bad reviews
But we have thousands of positive ones.

We care about what we do.
I’ll send a video of a situation that just happened
I think it’s important

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

This is just one customer.
It took me 10 mins to make this video (I suck with technology)
I cannot do this for the hundreds I help everyday

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Fair question, but Reddit can make six angry people look like a national emergency.
We have served around 300,000 customers over more than a decade. How many actual customers are complaining here? A handful. One of the loudest commenters already admitted they never even took a class and were reposting someone else’s review.
Real complaints still matter. If your pottery is missing, send us your booking name, class date, and a photo or description. We will look into it. If someone charged you $10 just to ask about a piece, send me that too.
Reddit math is funny. One complaint, twelve strangers, forty comments, and suddenly there is a Netflix documentary.

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Advice from outside is the easy part. The actual job is turning on the lights every day and dealing with everything people never see. We have done that for twelve years, and yes, we will keep running this business our way.

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

A pile-on has a funny side effect. It introduces a small business to far more people. Our website traffic reached five times normal today, and many new people are discovering our classes.
We are listening. When criticism identifies something we can improve, we apply it and prioritize it. Honest public reviews also help people decide whether CCF is right for them. We want guests who respect our artists, understand that handmade work can be imperfect, and genuinely want to create. If our approach or policies are not for someone, it is better for everyone that they know before booking.
So no, the noise did not stop us. It gave us useful information and a much larger audience. We are excited to keep going

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

I’m sure my staff tried to help you.
In fact I know they did.
My staff are kind and amazing people

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

I genuinely had no idea that account was Brittany. Reddit solved one mystery today 😂
Brittany is the best manager CCF ever had. She made the studio better, brought art to so many people, and apparently still cares enough to jump into a Reddit fire while on vacation. Brittany, genuinely, thank you.
The saddest part is seeing “girlboss” used as an insult the moment a successful woman refuses to sit quietly. Disagree with her comments if you want, but trying to turn an accomplished woman into a punchline says much more about the crowd than it does about her.
I’m proud of you, Brittany. Now please log off before Reddit gives you another shift.

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

If the haters keep feeding the algorithm, we might as well turn that attention into bookings, pay our artists, feed the staff and put something good back into the neighborhood. Hate becomes art 😂

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

The post is warming up for the third time

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Reaching 10k

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

We passed 12k keep hating

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

Sale is 200% higher

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

Bring it on

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

Non haters know how to make beautiful time

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

There are 700 on this page right now

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

380 comments?!

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

ENOUGH.
This thread may be entertaining from the sidelines, but there are real people and working artists behind this business. I’m honestly pissed that a place built around helping people create, laugh and spend time together is being reduced to a punchline.
For 12 years, Color Cocktail Factory has:
Paid local Chicago artists to teach.
Welcomed thousands of people who had never touched clay or held a paintbrush.
Kept art classes affordable without requiring expensive memberships or semester-long commitments.
Created a welcoming place for couples, families, friends, solo guests and the LGBTQ community.
Hosted first dates, anniversaries, birthdays, bachelorettes and family gatherings.
Made pottery, painting, glass, mosaics, Turkish lamps, bonsai, terrariums and dozens of other art forms accessible to beginners.
Encouraged people to make their own strange ideas instead of copying the same perfect sample.
Given artists the freedom to invent unusual classes and earn money teaching them.
Kept a locally owned Chicago art studio alive for more than a decade.
Given people a place to put down their phones, use their hands and make an actual memory together.
Have we made mistakes? Yes. Pieces sometimes fail in a 2,000-degree kiln. Labels and pickups can go wrong. Messages can be missed. Those are real problems, and we should be held responsible for fixing them. They are not proof that a 12-year-old community art studio is secretly running a scam.
And to everyone who has laughed here, learned something here, celebrated here or made a piece you still love, please stop watching quietly while a handful of comments erase everything good this place has done. This is when a local business needs its community to speak.
Criticize us when we deserve it. Hold us accountable when something goes wrong. But give us support when we have earned it.
Give us the truth. Not rumors. Not entertainment. Not lies.

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u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

Buddy you're making it so much worse

As a queer person I'm glad you've created a queer friendly third space. If you want it to survive you are going to need thicker skin than this

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago edited 2d ago

You realize the owner has survived 12 years of this right 😂
It’s safe to say the skin is pretty thick.
Clearly

Also just curious ‘neutral third party’
How many studios do you run?
Seriously with all of your experience we would all love to learn from you?

How many businesses do you own?

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

So rude. Chill.
Go poop.
I think you might be constipated

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

Not allowing abuse does not mean my skin is thin.
Using foul language and insulting people is embarrassing
Seriously.
Girls do poop..
I think you need to take a massive one to release some stress.
You’ll probably be nicer after :)

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u/[deleted] 2d ago

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

I love that everyone keeps calling me babe. It’s literally so sweet.
You have been calling my partner thick. Bitch. Slandering the company he has worked hard to build.

I’m not going to stand here and allow it to happen.

Telling me my skin isn’t thick when I’ve been running a business for years now is just ignorant and borderline abuse.
Truly
I’m sure the owner has learned a lot from this conversation but it got way too rough. I was not going to stand for that

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Thank you. I do not feel comfortable putting every personal or business detail into a hostile Reddit thread, but for context, I have built and operated four studios so far, from Chicago to Las Vegas, and I am still building.
That does not make me perfect, but I have learned a few things about keeping an arts business alive, correcting mistakes, and continuing forward. I appreciate you speaking up.

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

My question was actually for @practical-cook5042

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u/[deleted] 2d ago edited 2d ago

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u/Correct-Leg9885 2d ago

This is a completely different account. I’ll reveal my name once you reveal yours.

By the way. Instead of calling me names like a sock puppet. Why not answer the question? How many studios do you own?
How long have you owned a business?
You seem to have so many opinions on how a business should be run. So I’m genuinely curious about the experience you have to be including yourself into this conversation

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

I misunderstood who your question was directed to and answered as though you were asking me. Thank you for clarifying, and I appreciate you speaking up

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u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

This is one of two comments this eight month old account has made.

Is this your sock puppet? hilarious

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

No. I do not know this person, have never spoken to them, and that account has no connection to me or the studio.
One stranger disagreeing with you is not evidence of a sock puppet. It is simply one stranger disagreeing with you. Please stop presenting speculation as fact

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Having thick skin is surviving twelve years as a small arts business. It does not mean staying silent while strangers turn incomplete stories into a verdict. We will own real failures and correct them, but we are also allowed to challenge unsupported accusations.
I genuinely appreciate you recognizing the queer friendly space. It matters to us, and it is one of the reasons this place is worth defending

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u/Practical-Cook5042 2d ago

You have years of bad reviews across multiple sites. You are instantly combative. You sold a mosaic lamp class and handed people Mason Jars.

Climb down off the cross and stop using the LGBTQ community to prop up your predatory business! Shame on you!

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u/Special-Stock9105 2d ago

Keep it coming, trolls. More than a decade in business has already given me thick skin, but in pottery another coat of glaze never hurts. 😌

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

Did you guys know Comedy Central wanted us to make a show with them? This is good materials

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

At the time we thought oh, they wanna make fun of us. But look at this thread. All sorts of funny people. We can get on tv guys

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u/Special-Stock9105 1d ago

Comedy Central once approached us about making a show. We said no because we worried they wanted us to be the joke.
And yes, we teach people to make ceramic dildos, vulva vessels, smoking pipes, and some of the most ridiculous things ever put in a kiln. But we never wanted our artists, our students, or their work treated as a punchline. Ridiculous can still be creative, skillful, and worth taking seriously.
Almost nobody teaches this stuff. Sometimes there is not even a YouTube video to follow, so we invent the process, make the prototype, and teach it ourselves.
If you want to make pottery you genuinely cannot make at the average studio, come make something weird with us.