Abigail Gobin and Crystel Roopnarine, two best friends with a shared love for art, have teamed up to showcase Guyana’s rich biodiversity through their unique paintings and crafts. Their business, Paintings & Crafts Co., was founded by 23-year-old Gobin in 2021, and later expanded when Roopnarine, a fellow art enthusiast, was invited to co-own the business.
The duo’s work aims to raise awareness about Guyana’s abundant natural beauty and contribute to its preservation. Through their art, they hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect the environment.
In an interview with Guyana Standard, Gobin shared that the idea for the business came after encouragement from her family and friends, who recognized her passion and talent for art. “Although their support motivated me, my passion for art and creativity has always been a constant, serving as my personal outlet. I dreamt of one day sharing that passion with the world, hoping that others might find joy in it, just as I do,” she said.
Coming from a biology background, Gobin has a deep appreciation for Guyana’s flora and fauna, and her artwork reflects that. As a self-taught artist, she developed her skills through a combination of YouTube tutorials and online courses. “Practicing drawing and painting consistently, as well as working with customers who brought unique ideas, really pushed me creatively and helped me develop as an artist,” she explained.
Roopnarine, whose passion for art and craft dates back to her childhood, said that continuous learning and feedback from clients have been vital to her growth as both an artist and entrepreneur. “This approach has honed my craft as an artist but also helped me to build an inclusive business platform for our business,” Roopnarine noted.
Their business, which is showcased at Babe Cave, has provided a significant boost to their visibility. This new avenue has allowed them to reach more customers and gain exposure in the local art scene. Reflecting on their journey, Gobin expressed gratitude for the support the business has received. “Since its formation, the support has been incredible. But 2024 has been a breakthrough year for us. We’ve gone from receiving occasional orders to having a steady stream almost every week. This year has brought us invaluable opportunities, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has made them possible,” she said.
However, the path to success has not been without its challenges. Like many emerging businesses, they’ve faced difficulties with managing income, time management, and maintaining creativity. “As artists, we too suffer from burnouts and creative blocks, which can be detrimental to our business since we must create pieces to keep our business running,” the duo shared.
To overcome these challenges, they implemented a detailed budget plan that has helped them achieve financial stability. “Expanding our customer base also played a huge role in increasing our profit margin, allowing us to reinvest into the business,” they explained.
Despite the hurdles, Gobin and Roopnarine have steadily pushed their business forward, raising awareness of their work across Guyana. Their art has already begun to make a mark in the local art industry, with invitations to showcase their pieces at events like the ‘We Lift 4 Expo’ for small businesses and Exxon’s Christmas Market. “These events provided a huge opportunity for us to market and network with various people and organizations,” they said.
These opportunities are seen as stepping stones toward greater success. Looking ahead, Gobin and Roopnarine aim to establish a strong brand identity and expand their product line. “Our long-term goal is to create a sustainable and lasting impact on our community,” they stated.
By showcasing Guyana’s rich biodiversity through their art, the duo hopes to offer people a piece of home, no matter where they are in the world. They also plan to use their platform to help indigenous artists share their creativity with a broader audience.
Their journey has inspired many, and the young entrepreneurs have a piece of advice for those considering starting their own business: “Entering the field of art and small business can be both rewarding and challenging. As an artist, you must develop your own unique style but never limit yourself. Always seek to create new and unconventional things, because art is about creating and expressing yourself,” they said.
For those interested in connecting with Abigail Gobin and Crystel Roopnarine, their work can be found on Instagram at @paintingsandcrafts.co, or they can be contacted by phone at (592) 719-2765.
