A lifelong love for arts and crafts and working with children has evolved into a small business venture through Kiddies Craft JA, spearheaded by founder and teacher of over 22 years Shanekie Wilson. Though the business was only formalised within the past four years, it has over 15 years of keeping children creative and entertained.

“Parents wanted babysitters, and then when I used to babysit with the children, we didn’t like watching TV, it had to be creative. We had to find things to do with them. So I started doing arts and crafts. Then it branched out to hire me for a birthday party, and it just blossomed from there,” Wilson shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Trained in primary education but specialising in early childhood teaching, Wilson currently works at a preschool while running the business on the side. Kiddies Craft JA was officially registered as a company shortly after COVID-19, as a surprise birthday gift from a close friend after witnessing Wilson travelling to homes to do arts and crafts sessions with children.

Teaching wasn’t Wilson’s first career choice, but it quickly became her calling. Originally pursuing A-level law with plans to enter the legal field, she took a teaching job while preparing for university and discovered a lasting passion for working with children. That same love now fuels her creativity through Kiddies Craft JA, a venture she describes as both fulfilling and purposeful. Her years in the classroom have deepened her appreciation for nurturing young minds, transforming her artistic hobby into a business that keeps learning fun and interactive.

“I fell in love with teaching, and I decided to be a teacher from that, and I never looked back,” she revealed to the Sunday Finance. “The only negative I have with preschool teaching is that when they leave, they don’t remember you,” she said with a laugh.

Getting the business off the ground wasn’t easy. Many of her early clients lived in the hills and upper St Andrew, which meant long, costly taxi rides to and from sessions. Finding craft supplies was another challenge, as Jamaica didn’t have many dedicated stores at the time. Still, Wilson made it work, turning to whatever materials she could find. Tissue paper, popsicle sticks, and construction paper became her go-to tools as she crafted everything from miniature aeroplanes to paper guitars, building the creativity that now defines her business. Wilson admits there wasn’t a clear start-up budget when she began, estimating that she started with less than $5,000. Her sister played a big role in helping her get off the ground, often covering small purchases or ordering supplies online when needed.

Thankfully, finding clients was never a struggle. With years of teaching experience, she had already built strong relationships with parents who trusted her. Many had once hired her to babysit, and soon they began booking her for craft sessions and parties. Those early connections helped her build a steady client base and a solid reputation. Wilson still laughs when she thinks back to her very first attempt at hosting a creative event, a Valentine’s showcase that no one showed up to. The empty venue and unused decorations left her questioning whether all the effort had been worth it. For a moment, she thought about giving up altogether.

“I really felt like it was a waste of time to do it,” she admitted to the Sunday Finance.

But encouragement from parents and friends pushed her to dust herself off and give it another try the following year. That second event, an Easter Extravaganza, turned everything around. It was a hit with families and grew into an annual tradition. This past April marked the third staging of the Easter Extravaganza, with parents already asking for similar events every weekend. Today, Kiddies Craft JA offers a wide range of creative activities, including slime making, T-shirt and hat decorating, canvas painting, and other hands-on crafts that keep children engaged and excited. The business operates as a mobile service, travelling across the island to bring fun, creativity, and learning directly to clients. Over time, it has also branched into event décor, a natural extension that began three years ago after a parent requested help setting up for a party, growing into full event packages, complete with backdrops, décor setups, and add-ons like snow-cone machines and bounce-a-bouts. The business now caters to not only birthday parties but also school events, play dates, and even corporate family days.

“From birthday parties and school events to play dates, family gatherings and even corporate events, Kiddies Craft JA takes the hassle out of planning,” Wilson explained. “We help busy parents create memorable experiences where children can have fun, explore their creativity, and learn in engaging ways.”

The business has no full-time employees, relying instead on a small network of associates and friends who are teachers themselves, who step in to help with events when needed. Though the team is small, the support is tremendous, with most clients coming through word of mouth and personal recommendations. Still, Wilson admits that the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa will likely slow business in the short term, as families shift their focus to rebuilding rather than celebrating. Fortunately, teaching remains her main source of income, giving her the flexibility to pause operations temporarily. Looking ahead, however, she hopes to expand Kiddies Craft JA through stronger marketing and brand awareness, with a long-term goal of opening a flagship location, a full art and craft store where children can create, learn, and explore all in one space.

A colourful set-up by Kiddies Craft JA featuring mini easels, paint palettes, and creative stations ready for young artists. The mobile business brings arts, crafts, and hands-on fun to birthday parties and community events across Jamaica.

Children enjoy a guided painting session hosted by Kiddies Craft JA.

Founder of Kiddies Craft JA (centre) Shanekie Wilson with two of her closest friends and educators who also help out in the business, Chorlette Brown (left) and Tamika Watts .

A creative station set up by Kiddies Craft JA, complete with art supplies, colouring sheets, and craft materials.

A Sonic the Hedgehog-themed art station by Kiddies Craft JA, where children get to paint their favourite cartoon characters while exploring their creativity through hands-on activities like hat decorating and canvas art.

A dreamy night-time setup by Kiddies Craft JA, featuring glowing teepees, star lights, and cozy balloon décor, part of the company’s creative event packages designed to make children’s sleepovers and parties extra magical.

A vibrant outdoor setup by Kiddies Craft JA, complete with bounce houses, games, and colourful décor.

An enchanting under-the-sea–themed party setup by Kiddies Craft JA, featuring shimmering blues, purples, and seashell décor.

A mermaid-themed backdrop by Kiddies Craft JA, featuring iridescent balloons, seashell props, and ocean-inspired décor.