Name of Owner: Kas Lippa
Year you opened for business: Dec. 2008
How would you describe your business? A place for artists to come and paint, and work on their artwork in their community, and all have a voice.
Briefly describe your typical client/customer: They are always commenting on how beautiful the artwork is as artists are working and they sell their work.
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her? Our mentoring program and how much the owner gives back. Five artists give their time and energy to children who wouldn’t get it otherwise.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Olde Towne Portsmouth? The camaraderie with other business owners.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads? The support, and everyone always willing to lend a hand, which is part of being in Hampton Roads. The Cultural Arts Alliance is a great umbrella for us as well.
What challenges do you face as a business owner? The economy is keeping people from coming in.
What’s in store for your business in the future? We’re looking for a bigger space, with more space for classrooms. We have a waiting list for studio space.
What could local government do to help small business owners in your business district (besides lower taxes)? Advertising for the city more. We need to let people know how special Olde Towne is. People have this stigma about Portsmouth, but we have the lowest crime rates in all of the seven cities.
What is one thing your business district needs? More small businesses. There are a lot of great store fronts, and this is a viable place to come out and open a business.
