Kiln It with Kindness

A Peters Township mom turns her passion for pottery into a warm, community-centered boutique.

Sometimes, the right moment doesn’t arrive with a grand plan—it shows up in the form of a “For Lease” sign on a familiar street.

For Samantha McVicker, that moment came while driving along Peters Township’s Valleybrook Road last winter. What she saw sparked something she had been carrying for years: a quiet but persistent dream of opening her own boutique.

“I wrote my first business plan while I was still in college,” she says. “But I’m not a big risk taker, and it just never seemed like the right time.”

This time, it did. With a home full of pottery she had been creating for years, and a supportive nudge from her husband, McVicker decided to take the leap.

“I said yes, and then I started planning,” she says.

The result is Wish U Were Here, a charming boutique affectionately identified as “the one with the turquoise door.” Inside, visitors find McVicker’s handmade pottery—each piece designed for everyday use and safe for the dishwasher, microwave and oven—alongside a thoughtfully curated collection of goods from local makers and small businesses across the country.

Her vision for the space was clear from the start: “When you walk in, it is my hope that it feels warm and welcoming.”

That welcoming spirit extends beyond the shop itself. McVicker has intentionally created a space that celebrates community, partnering with fellow artisans like local woodworker Kevin Lawrence, whose handcrafted boards and salt boxes are a staple in the store. She also features jewelry, specialty foods, books, puzzles and even handmade bracelets created by her own daughter—bringing a personal, family-centered touch to the business.

Located in a building that houses several other small businesses, including a consignment shop, a chocolate shop and a bath and body boutique, Wish U Were Here is part of a growing hub for local shopping in Peters Township.

“I have been welcomed with open arms,” McVicker says of her neighboring shop owners. “It’s a wonderful place to shop locally for gifts.”

And that’s exactly what she hopes customers will do—shop local, shop thoughtfully and find something truly unique. From holidays and graduations to everyday moments worth celebrating, McVicker offers curated gift options at a variety of price points, often wrapped and ready to go.

Having grown up in Peters Township and now raising her own family here, supporting local businesses isn’t just part of her business model—it’s personal.

“I have always appreciated shopping locally and try to do it as often as possible,” she says.

Now, with the doors open and her dream realized, McVicker is doing more than selling pottery—she’s creating a space where community, creativity and connection come together, one handmade piece at a time.

Samantha McVicker on Opening Day of Wish You Were Here, with her daughters Jillian, Avielle and Dela