Shop Local, Enroll in Classes at The Potter’s Wheel Gift Gallery -- Small Business Saturday at Vintage Park Shopping Village slated for Nov. 28

Kathryn Lanier Hunt describes herself as an artist whose hobby is shopping. When she decided to open her own business, she created just the type of space that caters to her favorite pastimes. The Potter’s Wheel Gift Gallery, 106 Vintage Park Blvd, is part artist studio, part boutique and part gathering space for creative types and hunters of unique finds. It’s a destination – whether you want to learn about pottery, spend some time painting, give your children an outlet for artistic expression or buy a fabulous gift.

"I have made my loves my business," Hunt said. The shop and art studio is one of a number of independently owned businesses that call VintagePark Shopping Village home.

The restaurant, retail and entertainment center is joining the national movement for Small Business Saturday, a shopping holiday held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Small Business Saturday started in 2010 as a counterpoint to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, both of which usually benefit big box stores instead of small, local shops. A number of tenants at Vintage Park will offer specials for the occasion on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Hunt has taught ceramics for the past 20 years – starting at the university level before focusing on community classes. She opened the Potter’s Wheel first in the Champions area where she resides, offering pottery classes and paint-your-own ceramics. "You paint it, we fire it," she said.

Over time, her business grew to include a gallery space and a boutique for gifts. "As my business expanded, I became a business woman, and responded to what the market was," she said.

A little over two years ago, Hunt moved the Potter’s Wheel to Vintage Park. "I wanted to be part of a thriving retail and entertainment center with other unique stores," she said. "We also wanted to support our community and our area – and this was the perfect location for that."

Her shelves are stocked with fun, functional and fabulous gifts. "We’re very eclectic," Hunt said. "We have jewelry, purses, pottery, greeting cards, Italian ceramics and candles. We’re a one-stop shop for gifts." 

The boutique has become one of only three in Houston to serves as a national retailer for MacKenzie-Childs, a popular brand of decorative, one-of-a-kind ceramics. "We have one of the largest collections around, and people come from all over to shop for MacKenzie-Childs items," Hunt said. "It’s a good thing for Vintage Park and our neighborhood."

Providing top-notch customer service is her main priority – and the Potter’s Wheel even offers a "Shop Like a Rock Star" program, a concierge-type service for busy clients. In the pottery studio, classes are available for adults and children who want to learn wheel throwing, hand working and painting skills. Summer camps for kids are also available.

There is also a paint-your-own pottery studio. Guests may choose from more than 300 different pieces, ranging from dinnerware and garden pots to interior décor and ceramic characters. Walk-ins are welcome. A family night, held every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., provides projects at a discounted price. The Potter’s Wheel has also become a popular place for parties. The space may be reserved for special events – and is often used for birthday parties for all ages, scout groups, school field trips, ladies night out, baby showers and office parties.

Hunt said there is just something about working with clay. "It’s awe-inspiring," she said. "Every finger print tells a story – and everyone who touches the piece becomes a part of that story."

She said children love playing with pottery. "It will keep kids who otherwise can’t seem to sit still, sitting still for hours, "she said. "It’s hypnotizing." 

For adults, Hunt said working with ceramics is therapeutic. "It will take your mind off the issues of the day and allow you to just focus on being creative," she said. "Plus you can shop while you’re here. You get a creative outlet and retail therapy all in the same place."

She welcomes visitors to stop by and shop – and check out the classes. "It’s an eclectic mix of unusual items you just can’t find any place else in Houston," she said.