From Idea to Enterprise - Artist Made

Shanika was originally creating hand carved mirrors and hand painted pillows. However, those products were very labour intensive and appealed to only a small niche market. Following a consultation, Shanika was advised by then Design Adviser Stella Hackett to consider placing her art on wearable items. This led to Artist Made’s production of hand-painted clutches and tote bags. Shanika received technical training in woodwork and bag construction to improve her technique. She attended business development workshops and worked with the BIDC design team to develop her company logo. With improved product offerings, she participated in local and international trade shows. Under the auspices of the BIDC, Artist Made exhibited at Barbados Horticultural Society Annual Garden and Flower Show, Girlfriend Expo and at BMEX 2016, where the business won Best Booth New Product. In 2017 Artist Made also participated in Aid to Artisans - a project of Creative Learning 501, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC.

Artist Made thrived because of all the programmes in which Grimes took part. Artist Made opened its first retail outlet at Mills House, St Thomas and secured a mortgage to construct a studio at Oxnards St James. Services have since been expanded to include camp programmes, training workshops, paint parties and murals.