From Vision to Vibrant: Forget Me Not Pottery Brings Creative Joy to the Mat-Su Valley
A family-friendly pottery studio in Wasilla blossoms with the support of the Alaska SBDC
In the heart of Wasilla, Alaska, a warm and creative space now welcomes individuals, families, and friends seeking connection and artistic expression, thanks to the determination of local entrepreneur Tierra Colegrove. Born and raised in Alaska, Tierra is now raising her own family in the Mat-Su Valley, and her new business, Forget Me Not Pottery, is a direct reflection of her commitment to fostering community, creativity, and joy, especially during the long, dark months Alaskans know so well.
“In opening Forget Me Not Pottery,” Tierra reflects, “I was able to provide the community with a space that serves those things while also providing a space for friends to gather, date nights to happen, and a space that is welcoming to all individuals that want to relax and show their creative side.”
However, turning this dream into a reality required more than passion—it required funding, planning, and professional guidance.
In January 2025, Tierra turned to the Mat-Su Center of the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for help building a financial foundation to support her business concept. She needed a solid business plan and detailed financial projections to secure startup funding.
At the Mat-Su SBDC, Tierra connected with Center Director Misty O’Connor, who worked closely with her to refine her business plan and create a compelling set of three-year financial projections. Together, they crafted the documents Tierra needed to approach lenders.
Although the first lender Tierra approached was unable to provide the full capital required, Misty didn’t let the momentum fade. She proactively reached out to Cook Inlet Lending Center, where Business Lending Manager Julie Nolen and Business Loan Officer Ann Lawson reviewed Tierra’s plan and even visited the proposed location. With their support and financing, Tierra’s vision gained the traction it needed.
With financing in place and community support growing, Tierra opened Forget Me Not Pottery on April 19, 2025, marking her official grand opening with a festive launch. Misty O’Connor attended the event and helped amplify Tierra’s message through SBDC and personal social media channels, bringing visibility to the exciting new addition to Wasilla’s small business scene.
“My SBDC advisor was great in helping me figure out my projected 3-year financial plan for my business plan. I was struggling with this section of my plan, and she was able to help me with the numbers.” — Tierra Colegrove, Owner of Forget Me Not Pottery
Forget Me Not Pottery stands as a colorful, welcoming space in the Mat-Su Valley, a testament to Tierra Colegrove’s entrepreneurial spirit and the power of community-focused support. With summer on the horizon, Tierra is coordinating with local daycares, summer camps, and schools to host creative field trips. She also plans to collaborate with other small businesses and hopes to extend her offerings to senior centers for inclusive art experiences.
Tierra sums it up by saying, “Something that sets apart my business is that I have built my business to be family-friendly and offer so many pottery options that there is something for everyone. I also have a space large enough to host parties and events like birthdays, team building, field trips, and large groups of friends looking for something different to do.”
Her journey reminds us that with determination, creativity, and the right guidance, even the most ambitious dreams can become cherished community realities. Thanks to the collaboration between the Alaska SBDC and Cook Inlet Lending, Tierra’s vision of bringing art and warmth to Alaska has truly come to life.
Forget Me Not Pottery is located at 1051 E Bogard Rd. #11 in Wasilla. Connect with them at 907-631-4004 and on Facebook!
