By Casey Adams
Cove Leader-Press
What began as a love of travel and a chance discovery in Poland more than 30 years ago became a lifelong passion and a thriving small business for Barbara Horvath, owner of Polish Pottery Pantry.
Her collection of handcrafted European pottery has storefront space inside Five O’L Heifers, located in the former Ledger Furniture building in downtown Copperas Cove.
Horvath’s display offers an assortment of Polish pottery, from everyday bowls and baking dishes to delicate figurines, seasonal decorations and serving pieces.
Horvath, whose mother was German, lived in Germany until she was 18. She married a military man, who brought her to Texas and Copperas Cove.
Back in 1993, Horvath was working as a banker in Germany and moonlighting as a European tour guide.
During one excursion to Czechoslovakia, where travelers frequently shopped for crystal, a shopkeeper suggested Horvath venture across the border into Poland.
The woman mentioned the country’s baskets, Christmas ornaments and beautiful pottery, sparking Horvath’s curiosity.
She brought $500, expecting to purchase a few souvenirs. Instead, she returned with approximately 10 boxes of merchandise.
Horvath recalled long lines outside bakeries, limited access to everyday goods and workers earning wages that seemed extraordinarily low compared with what American visitors could afford.
Over the years, she watched the country and its pottery industry transform.
After moving to the United States, Horvath continued returning to Poland over the years and has made approximately 45 to 49 trips. What started as shopping excursions gradually developed into lasting relationships with the people behind the pottery.
Today, she still travels to Europe approximately every three years. Although online ordering has made international purchasing considerably easier, Horvath said there is something special about visiting the country and the people she has come to know.
Horvath never originally intended to sell Polish pottery.
After moving to Texas, she worked briefly at Central Texas College following a 30-year banking career.
Then she began participating in local trade shows, bringing Western-themed merchandise she believed would appeal to Texas shoppers.
Customers repeatedly asked about the European pieces rather than the Western merchandise. Some wanted the linens, while others were drawn to the colorful pottery.
Horvath still had contacts from her years traveling through Europe, so she began placing orders.
In March 2000, her Polish pottery business was born.
More than 26 years later, she continues to sell European pottery and linens to customers across the United States through Polish Pottery Pantry.
Her newest venture is her booth inside Five O’L Heifers, which she opened approximately four months ago after owner Joan Kelley encouraged her to bring her merchandise into the store.
The arrangement has been successful, she said, introducing her merchandise to shoppers who might otherwise never encounter authentic Polish pottery.
The pottery Horvath sells originates primarily from Bolesławiec, Poland, a town internationally recognized for its ceramics. The pottery is produced using regional clay and traditional techniques.
Designs range from traditional blue-and-white arrangements to elaborate floral patterns, seasonal motifs and contemporary creations. One of the most recognizable designs is the peacock pattern, featuring shades of blue and green. According to Horvath, it remains one of her best-selling patterns.
At Five O’L Heifers, smaller pieces begin around $10, with the most expensive pieces in her booth costing a little more than $100. Higher-priced merchandise is generally reserved for her online customers and Facebook sales.
Polish stoneware designed for food use is oven-, freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it suitable for everything from baking brownies to preparing casseroles and serving family meals.
Care must be taken to avoid sudden temperature changes, which can damage the pottery. Horvath recommends allowing refrigerated dishes to reach room temperature before placing them in a cold oven.
Horvath said she uses Polish pottery throughout her own kitchen and encourages first-time buyers to try a baking dish rather than purchasing only a decorative figurine.
“If you’re going to want to really try it, buy a baker, make brownies, make a cake, do whatever,” she said.
She particularly enjoys explaining the pottery’s practical uses to customers who initially assume the pieces are strictly decorative.
Horvath appreciates the personal nature of those transactions and the opportunity to support small businesses across the ocean. She also enjoys discovering the talents and interests of the people she works with.
Among Horvath’s most popular specialty items is a distinctly Texan design produced thousands of miles away. Working with a Polish manufacturer, she helped develop a bluebonnet pattern inspired by Texas’ state flower.
Horvath said shipping expenses, tariffs, manufacturing delays and the risk of breakage are among her biggest challenges. A relatively small shipment sent through FedEx can cost approximately $200 in shipping, with another $100 in tariffs, she said.
After previously operating a standalone storefront, she transitioned increasingly toward online sales, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, she has approximately 22,000 followers across three Facebook pages and conducts live sales every Tuesday and Thursday.
At 69, Horvath has no immediate plans to slow down. Although she once considered retiring at 75, she now says she may continue working beyond that age.
Asked what she enjoys most about the business, her answer was simple.
“Looking at the new stuff,” she said.
Customers can browse Polish Pottery Pantry’s selection inside Five O’L Heifers in Copperas Cove. Horvath also accepts special orders when particular pieces and patterns remain available through her suppliers.
For more information or to place an order, customers can call Horvath at 254-599-6555, email Polishpotterypantry@gmail.com or visit www.polishpotterypantry.com.
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