Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story
Meet Kristen & Erik founders of Splatterbox Art & Party Studio
Why did you start your business?
Erik and I are not your typical entrepreneurs. We met at the Massachusetts College of Art & Design while studying Industrial Design and graduated during the 2008 recession. Finding jobs in our field was challenging, so we took on transitional jobs like babysitting and waiting tables. However, our passion for art couldn’t be sidelined, so we launched our first business, KE Custom, creating educational murals in NYC as part of Mayor Bloomberg's initiative to ensure every child had access to parks within a ten-minute walk.
The creative freedom was exhilarating; we even had the opportunity to paint a basketball court for Google at their headquarters and a 50-foot portrait of LeBron James (in a Knicks uniform) at Rucker Park in Harlem while they were trying to recruit him. After a grueling summer working on blacktop, we craved a change. That winter in 2010, we envisioned SplatterBox and decided to take a leap of faith.
With no formal business background, we embraced the challenges ahead, driven by our passion and a bit of naivety. Over the years, we’ve adapted and evolved, often joking that we’re on SplatterBox 13.0 at this point. Honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Each iteration has brought us closer to our vision, and we feel grateful to be part of such a supportive community. We’re eager to grow and contribute even more!
What is your best-selling product/service?
Our best-selling service is our Birthday p-ART-ies! For 13 incredible years, we’ve loved crafting ever-changing themes and customizing each celebration to make every birthday child feel truly special. We cater to all age groups, starting as young as 3, with exciting themes like Customizable Paintings, Glow-In-The-Dark, Slime, Taylor Swift, and Science! It’s common for us to host multiple parties for the same child or their siblings throughout the years. Each party features creative activities, a glow-in-the-dark dance party, and dedicated time for food.
The best part? We provide absolutely everything you could need except for food and drinks. Plus, our popular game—Pop, Pop, Pop!—adds an exciting twist to the traditional piñata, allowing each kiddo to pop a balloon for a sweet surprise. It’s a memorable experience every time!
Have you "reimagined" your small business?
SplatterBox has transformed significantly since we opened in June 2011. Initially, we offered an open studio component with pottery and canvas painting, along with classes, workshops, sip-and-paint parties, and a gift shop. After much reflection and advice before moving to our current upstairs location, we realized we needed to slow down and focus on what we do best. Over time, we honed our services to specialize in parties and camps (whenever there are school breaks).
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
I want to give a shoutout to the many local businesses that provide our customers with equally amazing services!
- Angelina’s Trattoria (pizza, chicken fingers/fries, salads, and more) – They have delivered a truly staggering number of pizzas over the years!
- Alina’s Cakes & Cookies (custom cakes and treats)
- Gofer Ice Cream (customizable cakes and designs)
- Melissa @yupipaint_ (face painting)
- Groove (gifts and goodie bags)
There are so many more local businesses (we see you Bonker’s Cupcakes and Sweet Cakes!), but these are just a few examples that are located in the same plaza as us, making them even more convenient!
Visit Splatterbox online http://www.splatterboxart.com/
Follow along on social media - Facebook and Instagram @splatterboxart
Splatterbox is located at 1246 Post Road East (upstairs) in Westport.
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!