Painted Parrot Pottery held their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Fri., March 28. From the left: North Dundas Councillor Gary Annable, Megann Lynch, North Dundas Deputy Mayor Theresa Bergeron, Karen McAndrew, North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser and Phil Parent. Courtesy Photo

MAPLE RIDGE – If you are looking for an innovative way to express your creativity while having some fun, then Painted Parrot Pottery is the place to visit. The business is located at Maple Ridge Place, 12820 County Road 43, Chesterville.

“Whether you are just starting out painting or a seasoned artist, we have a large selection of bisque available which will suit your experience level” said Karen McAndrew, who owns and operates the business with her son Philip Parent.

McAndrew explained that guests are able to choose from a wide selection of bisque pieces, including functional objects such as mugs, plates, piggy banks and home décor pieces. Speciality items are also available for the different holidays.  There is a further opportunity to have custom pieces made to order by staff, which includes “four talented students”.

Price of the pottery ranges between $5 and $175 plus tax, which includes the bisque, paint, glazing and firing.  Once the piece has been selected and painted it is glazed and fired in one of the two kilns located on site, and then it is ready to be picked up by the client.

$1 from every piece sold goes to Camp Quality Eastern Ontario, a non-profit that sends kids with cancer to camp, and offers families support during their cancer journey.

“I’m very happy we went ahead with it” said McAndrew, explaining Painted Parrot Pottery was established after visiting a similar business in Ottawa.  Enjoying the experience, she decided to start her own studio to provide an opportunity for area people of all ages to have some fun while creating a keepsake.

She also noted that Painted Parrot Pottery offers the opportunity to have a birthday party, a special event, or a group of people gathering in the “cozy studio”.

McAndrew explained the studio has room for 34 people and party rooms are also available which can hold from 40 to 60 people. A small selection of snacks, soft drinks, water or coffee are available to purchase, or people may bring their own food and drinks (no alcohol) with them.

When asked about advice to entrepreneurs starting out in business, she mentioned there is a need for lots of patience as the business is established, and the importance of financial backing. McAndrew mentioned one of the challenges she faced when starting the business is establishing a customer base.  This takes time and is accomplished in a variety of ways including referrals and advertising.

More information on the company can be found on their Facebook page or website located at www.paintedparrotpottery.com.

 

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