Best friends explore their artistic and entrepreneurial abilities

Mar 10, 2024 News

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‘Paintings &Crafts Co.’

“Society is ever changing and evolving, and young entrepreneurs play a crucial part in the growth of today’s economy. They bring fresh insights and approaches on issues that we have been facing a number of years. They also aid in diversify the market.”          

By Allyiah Allicock

Kaieteur News – Our country has a rich culture and biodiversity that never ceases to amaze people when they come to visit. And showcasing this through amazing paintings and craft are best friends, Abigail Gobin and Crystel Roopnaraine.

The two co-own Paintings &Crafts Co, (PAC)–an arts and craft business which produces creative and unique pieces. Twenty-three-year-old Gobin founded Paintings &Crafts Co. in 2021 and a year later she asked her best friend, [Crystal] to join her as co-owner of the business.

In a recent exclusive interview with this magazine, Gobin who is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at the University of Guyana said that her business stems from her deep love for art.

“The inspiration for my business was my love of art and anything creative. I first started doing paintings for friends and relatives, and with their encouragement, I decided to start my business,” she explained.

She said her specific interest is in animals, particularly reptiles. Twenty-three year old Roopnaraine is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Tourism Studies and works at Babe Cave, which is a collaborative space for women owned small businesses.

“We share the same passion of creating art and bonded on that fact,” Gobin related. With her help, we were able to grow Paintings &Crafts Co, by placing our products in Babe Cave, which is a collaborative space for small businesses she noted.

Roopnaraine told this magazine that she made the decision to be part of the business, because painting is one of her favorite pastime. “It is a creative outlet that helps me to express myself through positive channels. Joining PAC has been a remarkable journey and I can’t wait to see what we have in store next for our customers,” the young woman expressed.

Gobin further told this magazine that their business is about creating art in the form of paintings that inspire the Guyanese culture as well as the vision of the customers. She recalled their first products were canvas paintings, key rings and cake toppers. Over the years, the business has grown and currently they offer the same products in addition to a range of other items such as wooden bookmarks, water colour, acrylic paper bookmarks, card ornaments and coasters (which they are known for).

Paintings & Crafts Co. which has been taking the arts and craft industry by storm since it opened, Gobin stated that the support over the years has been very overwhelming.

She noted too that the support never dimmed, even though the business all started during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are entirely grateful for all our customers who have had a hand in aiding in growing our small business,” she expressed. Gobin went on to share however, that they encountered some few challenges along the way.

One of the challenges, she explained, was at the beginning of things when they struggle with exposure. The young entrepreneur said that exposure to wide target market was difficult, but after discussion, they decided to join a collaborative space for women, known as Babe Cave.

With their assistance, they were able to grow tremendously and gain a wider market. Also they were able to gain exposure through the help of other small businesses, who would share and like their social media posts.

Another challenge she highlighted was time management. With both owners being University students, Gobin stated that this was particularly challenging. “Balancing our academics and our passion for creativity was and still is a task. However, we take all challenges one step at a time.”

A next challenge she pointed out was “In the beginning cash flow was a problem for us because, once again our academics were priority and our capital was below average.” However, she noted overtime, they were able to gain recognition and more persons became interested in their work. As time goes by, they received more and more orders, which led to more revenue. “We were able to reinvest this revenue in order to grow our business and introduce new product lines,” she added.

With big things in store for Paintings &Crafts Co, Gobin related to this magazine that one of their long term goals is to build their brand both in local communities and internationally, specifically in the Caribbean.  Another goal in mind, she added is to promote our country’s culture, flora and fauna through the creative crafts. This is something they have been doing from the inception.

Meanwhile, when asked how young entrepreneurs contribute to our society, Gobin related that they aspire to create a platform for local artist and encourage others to support and showcase local artwork and small businesses

“Society is ever changing and evolving, and young entrepreneurs play a crucial part in the growth of today’s economy. They bring fresh insights and approaches on issues that we have been facing a number of years. They also aid in diversify the market,” she said.

Additionally, she noted that young entrepreneurs in 2024 are not only focused on profits, but the social impacts of their business on society, as well the environmental aspect.

With a lot of emerging small businesses around the country, Gobin is of the view that to boost these entities locally, is that the government can offer grants, loans and financial aid, they can offer targeted training programmes which can help in nurturing and grow skills that small business owners already have.

Also, relevant authorities can host more outreach programmes and forums which target challenges that small businesses face. “To help small businesses is to help our economy. After all, Guyana is the bread basket of the Caribbean,” she commented.

For persons interested in purchasing or placing an order at Paintings &Crafts Co, you can contact them on Instagram – @paintingsandcrafts.co or on Facebook at ‘Paintings and Crafts. Co’. or contact telephone numbers (592) 628-1712 or 669 2769.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• Abigail Gobin, Abigail Gobin and Crystel Roopnaraine, best friends, Crystel Roopnaraine, Young Entrepreneur and co-owner of Paintings and Crafts Co

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