100 Days Before the Next Chapter
Studniówka – 100 Days of Hope
Before I jump back into the structural rebuilding of my business—regrouping collections, refining configurations, and shaping what comes next—I wanted to pause.
And begin with a story.
In Poland, there is a deeply rooted tradition called Studniówka — a celebratory ball held 100 days before high school finals. It is a moment filled with hope, anticipation, and belief in the future. A symbolic threshold between what has been and what is about to begin.
After 12 years in business, and 8 years devoted fully to Polish pottery, I find myself standing at a similar moment. I am restructuring Surroundings Polish Pottery to better serve our loyal customers while meeting the realities and challenges of today’s global imports and changing markets.
With the recent launch of our consignment program, Collectors Heritage Reserve, I am giving myself time—until May—to allow this concept to mature, take shape, and truly begin to thrive.
Traditionally, the Studniówka ball opens with the Polonez—a dignified, ceremonial walking dance. The Polonez symbolizes achievement, stability, continuity, and the strength of community. It is not rushed. It is intentional. It honors where you come from before stepping forward.
Four years ago, on February 23, 2022, just one night before Russia’s aggression against Ukraine began, I was in Poland working on a meaningful video about Easter traditions (Wielkanoc). Together with friends and an incredible collective of people, we worked tirelessly to share the beauty and depth of Polish Easter customs. We involved ceramists, folkloric dancers, local organizations—including Koło Gospodyń Wiejskich—and even a priest.
When all the work was finished, something extraordinary happened.
More than 100 people came together—friends, artists, community members—and we danced the Polonez.
It was a moment that brought tears of joy.
It opened my heart fully to the patriotic values I was raised with in Poland—values of unity, resilience, dignity, and shared heritage.
That dance became more than celebration. It became grounding. It became remembrance. It became hope.
Today, as I stand 100 days before the next chapter of Surroundings Polish Pottery truly unfolds, I want to share that moment with you. Just as Studniówka marks the passage into the future, this Polonez marks my own transition—rooted in tradition, guided by community, and open to what lies ahead.
I hope you will enjoy this dance as much as we did.