Jinkee Reyes describes her company, Hue've Got Paint, as "a network of artists, event coordinators, and preschool teachers who banded together to offer children’s activities that encourage creative and independent thinking during special events, fairs and theme parties."
That seems to be a perfect fit for this Development Communications graduate from UP Los Banos, with a major in Educational Communication. But she traces her humble beginnings from her sideline as a face painter. I sat down with her to talk about her business.
Q Tell us how you started. A I’ve been a face painter since 2001, and it was a sideline that I truly enjoyed. Some time in 2005, while juggling my events and marketing job, and raising my then toddler son, I realized the potential of growing my own art-related business. I really wanted to manage my own time since I was a single parent and I wanted to be hands-on with my son. Since my friends were mostly preschool teachers, graphic artists or event coordinators, we banded together during weekends where most events and parties are held.
Q What makes you different? A We really wanted to offer unique, do-it-yourself party activities that were both educational and fun. Whenever we have workshops, we provide the materials, assist the kids, show some samples, but we do not spoon-feed them with the step-by-step approach. But usually on their own, they end up doing the most amazing projects.
Q How has your company and your activities evolved? A From body art services such as face painting and glitter tattoo, we came up with arts and crafts activities that serve as “do-it-yourself” souvenirs for guests. Then from parties and events, we went on to do summer arts and crafts and theater workshops for schools, malls and subdivisions.
The d.i.y. souvenirs became more special because the guests did it themselves. What’s more, each arts and crafts activity goes with the event theme. We’ve had magic -themed crafts, circus, even spa-themed arts and crafts activities. Whatever the party theme is, we conceptualize d.i.y. souvenirs that would go well with it.
Q Who do you cater to? A We cater to parties and real estate companies and consumer products who saw the need for activities that were unique and would keep the kids busy and creative.
Q What has been the most popular activity for the kids and for the adults? A For the kids, it's always been the bottled sand art. We've even experienced almost a thousand kids availing of the activity in a school fair. For the adults, the most popular activity is the flip flop decorating.
Q What are your latest projects? A Right now, we aim to teach arts and crafts using recyclable and earth friendly materials. As a way of giving back to the community, we try as much as schedule permits to visit hospitals and orphanages and conduct our body art services.
Q What have been your most memorable moments so far? A One memorable moment that I can recall was when we did face painting volunteer work for a children's cancer ward in a hospital. The kids' faces lit up as we drew their favorite designs on their arms. It was heartwarming to see that in our own small way, we made them smile.