Minister Parsons Announces Assistance for Craft Producers for Marketing and Development
Industry, Energy and Technology
2021-01-08

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced nearly $94,000 for craft producers across the province.

Supporting craftspeople to grow their businesses, enhance their business development skills, expand their markets and collaborate to increase their profitability are all priorities of the provincial Craft Industry Strategy. Support announced today from the Provincial Government includes:

  • $50,000 for Saucy Pots Pottery to support skills and market plan development. Owned and operated by Erin Callahan-St. John, this pottery studio produces unique slab-built cups and mugs, as well as a line of plates and platters.
  • $15,501 for artist June Farnsworth to assist with website development and social media graphics, allowing her work to be more accessible via e-commerce.
  • $15,076 for The Glass Station to assist with the development of increased signage and help improve the company’s social media presence. Based in Rocky Harbour, this business is owned and operated by glass artist Urve Manual.
  • $5,709 for Brim Pottery Studio and Boutique to develop an e-commerce website and marketing materials, as well as a social media strategy. This craft-based business is owned by professional potter Wendy Shirran and is based in Bonavista.
  • $4,383 for Petal Jewellery Shop to assist with expansive marketing opportunities. This funding will allow the business to upgrade and update its website imagery using a professional photographer. Owned and operated by Megan Lundrigan, this shop creates custom memento jewellery pieces using resin and clients’ personal flowers from special occasions.
  • $3,235 for Skivvers, based in Cow Head, to assist with marketing activities for promotional material, social media and signage. Owner Veronica Bavis is known for her skill as a knitter, and her products are regarded for their high quality wool blends.

The Provincial Government collaborated with the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador on a Craft Industry Strategy to further develop the overall industry.

Quotes
“Our government continues to assist individual craft businesses with their plans to grow and professionalize their enterprises. The talent of these creative entrepreneurs is incredible, and I am pleased we can assist in the marketing and development of these high quality products.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Support from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology allowed me to pursue education focused directly on scaling small business. Education during a global crisis allows for more control and choice when pivoting a small business. This funding allowed for a branding and marketing budget and my business to switch to online shopping only, leaving behind the bricks and mortar model after five years.”
Erin Callahan-St. John
Owner, Saucy Pots Pottery

“As a small business owner in rural Newfoundland, I have become increasingly more aware of how important having a strong online presence is for the continued survival and growth of my business. With this support I am able to hire a local photographer and a local website designer to create a brand new functional website and help with branding and marketing. With this support I can do my best to ensure that my business will be viable even through the remains of this global pandemic.”
Urve Manuel
Owner, The Glass Station

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Learn More

Crafting Our Future – Craft Industry Strategy 2018-2021

Saucy Pots Pottery

The Glass Station

Brim Pottery Studio and Boutique

Petal Jewellery Shop

Skivvers

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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-2691
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Erin Callahan-St. John
Owner, Saucy Pots Pottery
709-691-6521
saucypotspottery@gmail.com

Urve Manuel
The Glass Station
709-640-6165
urve.manuel@gmail.com

2021 01 08 9:18 am