Studio Eleven: New Business for A New Economy
Reporter: Mark Kelly l Videographer: Carleigh Griffeth
Lynchburg, VA - Timing is everything in life.So, the U-S economy being what it is today, is this the right time to start a business?Two Lynchburg moms turned entrepreneurs say absolutely it is.But, it depends on what you're trying to sell.And, these women say their new business is custom fit for the new economy.
Great things often come in small packages.For Elisa Allen, a creative idea started with a can of paint.
"The paint was just magical when I used it. So that's really what started the whole journey," said Allen, co-owner, Studio Eleven.
The paint is called Anne Sloan chalk paint.Allen and her co-owner Bri Precious swear by it.
"It's a decorative paint. It can be used on metal, glass, concrete, vinyl, tile, linoleum," said Bri Precious, co-owner, Studio Eleven.
And, not to mention, the paint is the foundation of their new business.Studio Eleven is both paint shop, selling the specialty chalk paint, and also a craft studio.Customers bring in old, sometimes even dumpster-bound furniture, and these two artists teach how to make the old piece new again.
"These pieces of furniture we got were unwanted, tossed aside, forgotten," said Precious."We take them, give them some TLC, they're beautiful, and put them back in to the world again."
Studio Eleven's like a recycling center for furniture.And when families are realizing extra money just isn't there for brand new furniture, the thriftier route is recycling.That's a need Studio Eleven saw and seized.
"Yes, bad things are happening in our world, but it doesn't change our wants. We saw that need and fulfilled it. We have found a way to give people the things that they want, and it's attainable to everyone," said Allen.
You can find Studio Eleven in Downtown Lynchburg in Riverviews Art Space on Jefferson Street.Owners say Studio Eleven's really taken off.But, they also give back.Forty percent of every furniture sale goes to two local charities: Liberty Godparent Home and Lynchburg Daily Bread.
