From my back yard in Kentucky to Poland-Take me Home....

Hello, hello, hello — my name is Anna.

I was born and raised in the northern part of Poland, deeply connected to my community and always proud of our history, traditions, and cultural roots. In the year 2000, life brought me to the United States, where I settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and met my husband. A few years later, we moved to Louisville, Kentucky — a city I fell in love with from the very beginning. The warmth of the people and the richness of its history often brought me back to memories of my life in Poland, and with that came a deep sense of longing for home.

In early 2014, Surroundings LLC opened its doors, originally focused on historic renovations and interior design. That is where the fun truly began. We opened a storefront on Frankfort Avenue in the Clifton neighborhood and grew day by day. As our collection of Polish pottery expanded quickly, we were fortunate to secure a charming historic shotgun house directly across from our original location. The excitement of moving into that space was unforgettable.

I loved our 1,200-square-foot, circa-1900 building, but something was shifting. Polish pottery — always the final touch in every kitchen remodel — was becoming the heart of what we did. Interior design, custom pillows, and furniture renovations slowly gave way to something much deeper. I found my way back to my roots.

Through Facebook Live Sales, I began connecting with people across the United States who wanted to learn more about Polish culture, history, and traditions. That connection filled a void I had carried since leaving my family, friends, and homeland. For me, this was never just a business — it was an honor to share my heritage, my knowledge, and to bring truly original pieces from Poland into people’s homes.

For a long time, I said I never wanted to be an importer of pottery. Yet in early 2018, I traveled to Poland for my first business trip. It was heartwarming, emotional, and so inspiring that it changed everything. I was fortunate to meet some of the finest ceramic artists in the world, in Bolesławiec. With the support of dear friends in Louisville, Cheryl and Adrienne, I was able to focus on building relationships in Poland while our shop at home continued to thrive.

When it came time to move, I didn’t want just any building. I wanted something historic, something meaningful. We found it in an old wedding chapel — a space that perfectly represents the marriage of Polish and American culture, heritage, and story.

As I write this blog, I can promise you the most original and unique products from Poland, shared with love, passion, and deep respect for tradition. I invite you to follow along to learn more about our journeys to Poland, the artists we meet, and the art we bring back home. From my historic backyard in Kentucky to Poland — take me home, where my heart is.

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I’d like to close by sharing a verse from my favorite Polish poet, Adam Mickiewicz:
“Miej serce i patrzaj w serce” — Have heart, and look into the heart.

Peace, love, and Polish pottery,
Anna Krejci