ON any given night, laughter, music and soft strokes of paintbrushes fill the room at a Tipsy Palette Sip & Paint event. What may look like a simple gathering quickly becomes something more. An experience where creativity, connection and good energy come together in a way that feels both refreshing and unforgettable.

At the heart of it all are founders Viviana Drysdale (creative instructor) and Khadre Lawood, two young entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to bring something different to Jamaica’s social scene. Wanting to move beyond the usual outings in the parishes of Portland and St Thomas, they created The Tipsy Palette; a sip and paint experience designed to help people to unwind, express themselves and truly enjoy the moment.

“We wanted to create an experience where people could relax and unleash their inner creativity. Growing up in Portland there were not really any experience-based events. Moving to St Thomas I also noticed the same thing,” Drysdale explained.

With their first sip and paint event successfully launching in 2023 in St Thomas, they realised the potential of The Tipsy Palette growing into being something great. Many guests, some of whom had not painted since kindergarten, leave the event feeling like they’ve completed a masterpiece that is ready to be auctioned. Drysdale guides the painting of the art pieces step-by-step, and encourages that guests add their personal touches. With drinks in hand and no pressure to be perfect, participants quickly let their guard down. What starts as hesitation often turns into confidence, laughter and a sense of accomplishment by the end of the evening.

“It’s really about the atmosphere and the energy that all comes together” Drysdale expressed. “People come in as strangers sometimes; some even come alone and by the end of the night you’d think everyone has been friends for years.”

A key part of The Tipsy Palette’s growth has been its collaboration with local restaurants and venues, transforming familiar dining spaces into creative hubs for the evening. By partnering with these establishments, Drysdale and Lawood not only create unique experiences for their guests, but also support local businesses by bringing in new customers and energy.

The business caters to both public and private events, making it a versatile option for a wide range of occasions. From open sessions where individuals and groups can join the experience, to intimate private bookings for birthdays, celebrations and corporate gatherings, The Tipsy Palette continues to meet clients where they are. For those unable to attend in-person events, the team also offers curated paint kits, allowing customers to enjoy the sip and paint experience at their own convenience.

They have done events from Portland to as far as Negril, attracting a diverse range of clients. With plans to collaborate with more venues, they are focused on growing into a recognisable brand that brings people together through creativity, whether in person or at home.

“Everyone leaves with a painting,” Drysdale said. “But more importantly, they leave with a memory.”

Patrons stroke paintbrushes filling the room at a Tipsy Palette Sip and Paint event.

A patron strokes a paintbrush at a Tipsy Palette Sip and Paint event.