Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Cesena.
Hi Kris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After running a successful auto service business for 30 years, my husband and I sold our business and took time off to enjoy life. Three years later, when I was ready for a new adventure but didn’t know what, I saw an ad for Pinspiration and fell in love with the idea of opening a Pinspiration Studio in Las Vegas. I had been to “paint and sip” studios in the past and knew first-hand the therapy that comes from focusing on creating something and the satisfaction of completing a project. When I realized that Pinspiration is so much more than just “paint and sip” I was hooked.
I was slated to open Pinspiration Las Vegas in July of 2020, but the pandemic had other plans. I was finally able to rent a space late 2020 and opened for business in May 2021, a delay of ten months. I was fortunate to have much needed help from so many friends and family, but things just took their time with the shutdowns and rising construction costs. Our grand opening in June coincided with Nevada’s mask mandate being lifted and with everyone feeling a sense of freedom, we had pretty good attendance in June. We had a couple of influencers post videos on social media of their Splatter Room Experience which gave us a great boost in July.
Most of our business has been people coming to Splatter Paint. Now that we’ve been open for several months, people who’ve come in to Splatter paint are returning with their friends and family to create trendy craft projects such as acrylic pours, porch signs, seasonal decor and so much more. And they’re booking team builders, bachelorette and graduation parties, and of course birthday parties. We’re already starting to book up with holiday parties.
We’re recently implemented holding workshops on Wednesday evenings and sometimes on Saturdays. Our workshops give our customers an opportunity to create things not offered in our main studio. Such as cabochon jewelry made with acrylic pour skins, chunky chenille blankets, a burned wood key holder, and many more. We’re also partnering with local artists and specialists to offer other workshops such as macrame, charcuterie platters and cookie decorating.
Now that the weather is cooling down, we’re offering our Mobile Splatter option where we bring the Splatter Room to you. We currently have a 10×10 pop-up tent with walls and a floor. We bring all the supplies to your location and take the mess with us when we leave. Our Mobile Splatter Experience is the perfect addition to any birthday party or company picnic. We also bring our Mobile Splatter to events such as Farmer’s Markets, Music in the Park and Art Festivals. Eventually, we plan to upgrade to a Splattermobile!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had anticipated there to be challenges, and there were. Such as hitting roadblocks from the contractors and/or the regulatory agencies which required extra paperwork, extra fees, and extra wait time to jump through the hoops of red tape. The two biggest challenges in my buildout were one, being required to install a grease trap for my small beer, wine & snack bar. And two, the fact that construction costs went up 50% due to the pandemic and took longer because the city was doing everything online instead of in-person.
Obviously, the pandemic has affected everyone and was not something I had ever anticipated, so it was very frustrating. I wanted to open in July 2020 but couldn’t. The landlords and the attorneys stopped negotiating which caused me a ten-month delay. Even if I had opened in 2020, business would have been sparse at best.
As you know, we’re big fans of Pinspiration Las Vegas. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Pinspiration is the world’s first Pinterest-inspired craft studio. Imagine a DIY crafting studio set up like a restaurant where you can “order” the most popular arts and crafts projects to personalize and customize. No need to make the same project as the rest of your group or sign up for a class. At any time, we have over 50 different projects to choose from.
We have a VIP Party room for celebrations, workshops, staff parties, events, client mixers and local meetings. We offer Splatter and Boutique Craft parties and are willing to customize any party to make it that special, one-of-a-kind event.
We offer drinks and bites. We have a beer & wine bar, snacks, charcuterie, s’mores, DIY cupcakes, ice cream treats and of course, non-alcoholic beverages. Libations pair well with creations.
Our signature element is our Jackson Pollack-inspired Splatter Room where friends and families can enjoy our signature “Splatter Experience” or a “Splatter Date”.
Pinspiration is a responsive, playful, and innovative arts & crafts retail experience. We aim to help modern makers create trendy, curated, do-it-yourself projects in a fun, inspiring setting. We offer convenience, knowledge, variety, customization, and a supportive encouraging, creative space.
Our tag line is: “Where Community Meets Creativity.” We offer fundraisers, field trips, art camps and art education. We recognize being a part of the community serves everyone, and when you give and inspire there is no greater reward.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Pinspiration is Freedom! Freedom from the daily grind. Freedom from the things on your mind. Crafting gives you a release. A way to stretch your mind.
Pinspiration is therapy! Crafting requires focus. Through creativity, your brain may just find the answer to a life issue you never thought you could conquer.
Pinspiration is Beautiful and Useful Art! Create projects you’ll love to display in your home or give as gifts. We always have new offerings with every holiday and season.
Pinspiration is part of your Community! Shop local. Give hand-made gifts this year and every year.
Finally, Pinspiration is playful! Where else can you find a Jackson Pollock-inspired Splatter Room with flying paint, muses to help inspire you, and revel in offerings like endless glitter, indoor s’mores, and bottomless mimosas?
Pricing:
- Projects range from $15-$95
- Workshops range from $20-$95
- Parties for 10+ start at $300
- Mobile Splatter starts at $350
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: pinspiration.com/lasvegas
- Instagram: instagram.com/pinspirationlasvegasnv
- Facebook: facebook.com/pinspirationlasvegas
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pinspiration-las-vegas-las-vegas
