The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE doors to the Paint Your Own Pottery store in Sandyport have only been open for a few weeks, but the proprietors are pleased with the direction the business is going in.

The Bahamian-owned company was designed to give people of all ages the opportunity to come together and paint their own functional pottery pieces in a creative environment.

At the PYOP Bahamas studio there are lots of pottery pieces that people can choose to paint; from basics such as plates, bowls and mugs, to figurines, piggy banks and home decor items.
Creating a good spot where people can spend quality time with family and friends while engaging in a creative, fun activity was partially the inspiration behind the business that launched at the start of this month, said Tony Singh of PYOP Bahamas.

Entrepreneurship and the opportunity to develop and provide a wholesome family-oriented activity were the other parts of the inspiration, he said.
“PYOP Limited offers individuals a safe creative environment where they can create memorable one-of-a kind keepsake pieces that they can treasure for a lifetime or gift to that special someone. Customers can look to us for ‘mommy/daddy and me (time)’, play dates, family gatherings, school field trips, after-school programmes, Easter and summer camps, kids birthday parties, baby hand and footprint keepsakes, church groups, senior citizens outings, bridal showers, ladies nights, and our signature pottery-to-go programme,” said Mr Singh said.

Since the opening, Mr Singh said business has been good, especially with the support from the Sandyport community, Facebook friends and Linkedin contacts. He encouraged persons to visit and like their Facebook page, ‘Paint Your Own Pottery – Bahamas’, for additional information and updates.

As it relates to the arts in the Bahamas, Mr Singh said PYOP Bahamas hopes to integrate its services and offerings seamlessly into the current landscape and play its part in encouraging more people, especially youngsters, to enjoy and explore their creativity in a safe and fun environment.

“We are currently developing programmes for schools whereby teachers can bring in their students for field trips and art classes. We believe that as more and more kids are introduced to the creative arts at an early age, they will enhance other aspects of their educational development,” he said.

Mr Singh said he appreciates the fact that the Bahamas is a small community and that art is in everything that locals do. He said due to various synergies created, for example at the mega resorts, there are tremendous opportunities for artists to display their creativity on the world stage.

“There are tremendous benefits of being involved in art, especially at a young age. Studies have shown that improvements in motor skills, language development, decision-making, visual learning, inventiveness, cultural awareness and improved academic performance are all impacted positively as a result of great art programmes in schools,” he said.

“Unfortunately, until recently, one of the biggest challenges in the field was that of professional recognition. Artists are not seen as being at the same level as persons in finance, marketing and human resources.”

For the rest of the year, Mr Singh said the PYOP Bahamas staff will be looking for ways to improve their products, enhance their offerings, deliver quality service and a great customer experience for all.

“We are currently finalising our Easter camp programme, which is due to be rolled out shortly.

“Our business longevity and success will depend on our ability to maintain and grow a loyal customer 
base along with prudently managing our finances,” he said.