Connect
To Top

Hidden Gems: Meet Cindy Koza of Made By You

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Koza.

Hi Cindy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had a passion for the arts, and some of my favorite childhood memories are doing paint-your-own pottery with my mom. When I saw an old, empty building in downtown Springfield, I knew I wanted to bring it back to life and create something special for the community. That vision became Made By You—Springfield’s first paint-your-own pottery studio!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Here’s a polished but natural version:

It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road! There’s so much more that goes on behind the scenes than I ever expected. We had to learn everything from how to install and operate kilns to mixing glazes and understanding the technical side of creating beautiful pottery. There was a big learning curve, but figuring it all out has also been part of the fun!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Made By You?
Here’s a more memorable, shareable version that feels less like a business description and more like a story:

Made By You is a local, mom-owned small business built around something I think we all need a little more of—less screen time and more real connection.

We’ve created a place where you can put your phone down, pick up a paintbrush, and actually spend time together. Whether it’s a date night, a family outing, a girls’ night, or just an excuse to do something different with friends, you don’t have to be “artistic” to come in and have a great time.

One of my favorite things lately has been hosting corporate and team events. There’s something really fun about watching coworkers step outside their normal roles, laugh together, get creative, and see a completely different side of each other.

At the end of the day, we don’t just sell pottery—we create a reason for people to slow down, connect, and make a memory together. That’s what I’m most proud of.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’m originally from Southern Oregon, but I actually visited Springfield on a church trip when I was younger, and for some reason, this community always stuck with me. When I moved to the area to attend the University of Oregon, I naturally chose Springfield—and 18 years later, I’m still here!

What I love most is that Springfield still has that small-town feel while continuing to grow. Downtown has come so far, there are more local businesses and things to do, and we’re surrounded by incredible access to nature. It feels like a place where you can actually know your neighbors and feel part of a community.

If I had to pick something I like least, it would probably be that Springfield sometimes doesn’t get the credit it deserves! There’s so much happening here, and I’d love to see even more people invest in our downtown, support local businesses, and continue bringing new energy into the community.

Pricing:

  • Starts at $10

Contact Info:

Young woman with long hair, smiling, standing indoors near a large metallic object, wearing a brown polka-dot jumpsuit and white sneakers.

Woman shopping for white ceramic mugs on store shelves, holding two mugs in her hands, smiling, with shelves of ceramics behind her.

Four people, two adults and two children, stand outside a pottery painting shop with a sign that reads 'Made By You!'.

Family of four standing outside a decorated shop window with signs for DIY, bar, and events, smiling at the camera.

Woman and two children using a pottery wheel to make a ceramic piece in a classroom.

Young woman with long hair wearing a brown apron and maroon shirt, working with pottery on a wheel in a studio.

Two people, a man and a woman, sit at a pottery wheel, shaping clay together, smiling at each other.

Woman standing in front of a black wall with shelves, smiling, wearing brown polka dot outfit and white shoes, wooden wall background.

Suggest a Story: OregonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories