Letter From The Editor

When I asked Andrea James, a high school art teacher, to describe her side business Create A Canvas, she said this: “Remember back in grammar school when your favorite parts of the school day involved recess and either art or music? The older we’ve all become … we barely have time anymore for just plain fun.”

That’s what James is trying to offer. Her Create A Canvas is what’s known as a paint-and-sip business — one that combines painting with drinking wine. Sounds pretty great, huh? Well, a lot of people seem to think so — within the last year or so, the industry has been booming on Oahu.

We chatted with some of the owners of the businesses to find out why these events are so appealing, why they launched their businesses, and the implications of the current market saturation.

As James went on to explain: “For just a little while, we can tap into the pleasure of playing with beautiful colors and making pretty pictures. The wine helps, too.”

Staff writer Nicole Kato also takes a look at another popular local business that’s been growing: Mojo Barber-shop, which recently opened a second location in McCully.