The Viral Impact of the Highway Pottery Store: A Year Later

📍May 7–9, 2024: The Plot Twist I Didn’t See Coming

If I had to pick a TSN Turning Point for Freba Pottery, this would be it. Sure, there have been a handful of milestone moments (I could line them up like mugs on a shelf), but this one? This one changed everything.

One year ago, I got a phone call that shook me—an engineer from Stantec let me know there was a plan to put a passing lane right in front of our property, rerouting my driveways and threatening the space I’ve poured my heart into. My studio. My home. My dream.

I was gutted. Like, full-on, stomach-in-knots, “how do I even begin to fight this?” mode.

And then—not even an hour later—a vehicle pulled into the driveway. It was Andrew Hiltz, the Saskatchewanderer, showing up to interview me and tour Freba Pottery. I had no idea that interview would be seen by over a million people, that it would crack open a whole new chapter of exposure and growth for my little prairie business.

That week was the ultimate reminder that sometimes, the most uncomfortable things are the beginning of something bigger. Scarier. Grander. More meaningful.

So here’s to standing up for what you’ve built. Here’s to the unexpected timing of the universe. And here’s to letting yourself hang on when things feel hard—because the next big breakthrough might be just around the corner.

Freba Pottery Highway Honour System Store

🎯 May 8, 2024: The Day I Chose to Be Loud for What I Love

Last spring, I found out a proposed passing lane was going to cut right through our front yard—putting Freba Pottery and our heritage home at risk. I wasn’t against the idea of safer highways… but I knew there had to be a better way. So I spoke up and offered a simple solution: move the lane 1km east.

Then the universe stepped in.

The very next day, The Saskatchewanderer posted a reel about Freba Pottery—and it went viral.Over 1.5 million views.And just like that, people from all over started showing up at the highway store, helping me bring attention to this tiny but mighty prairie business.

I didn’t plan it. But I’ll never forget it.

It reminded me that the things we love? They’re worth protecting—and when we speak up with heart, people listen.

What did I do to get the highways to change their minds the end of November 2024?

• Worked with the R.M of Big Quill to support the protection of the municipal Heritage designation on the property.

• I had monthly meetings with the engineer from Stantec and her supervisor

• Reached out to my MLA (who was not going to be running in the next election) but their assistant helped lots

• Reached out to the Ministry of Highways; the minister, the critic

• Reached out to all the MLAs over the 6 month of the advocacy asking for imput and support

• Reached out to Tourism Saskatchewan and WESK for guidance

• Worked with Ashlyn George on creating a video explaining the situation and prepared a petition for when the time came to release to the public when it was obvious they were moving ahead with the plans. (End of November released)

• Reached out to the new MLA Chris Beaudry for our area after the election

• Reached out to CTV Yorkton, CBC Radio, Greg

• Reached out and discussed this issue with anyone I could that I thought would be able to help me.

• All the advocating took me away from some of my regular duties, but I adjusted and made sure a kiln was loaded or pieces thrown in the studio before making my monthly phone calls, so I wasn't forgotten as they were planning.

It is very important to note that I did not just say NO don't do it, but rather "I know this needs to happen, but can we find a solution to protect Freba Pottery and the heritage property" When I released to the public and asked for petition signatures, asked for emails to the Ministry of Highways and Stantec so many people showed up to support Freba Pottery. I do not believe I could have got it changed without the support of everyone, and I am forever grateful!

There are moments in business—and in life—when you catch yourself thinking, “Why me? Why now?” But I’m so thankful that a year ago, I chose to flip the script and say, “Okay… how can I turn this into an opportunity?”

Where do we go from here? We keep sharing. We keep showing up for each other. If you haven’t yet, go watch and share The Saskatchewanderer reel on Facebook or Instagram. Help spread the word about Saskatchewan Tourism, and let people know about my little highway store built on trust and community.

Because in a world that can feel heavy, we need more experiences that leave people believing in the good—of creativity, connection, and each other. 💛

Saskatchewander Reel

Thank you for showing up at Freba Pottery highway store run on the honour system and I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Marea Olafson