When Shaunda Armstrong was a little girl, she started a library in her neighborhood and had children come and check out books from her.
In that same entrepreneurial spirit, Armstrong is now opening a new business in Williamsburg that will create a space of creativity for children.
“Our main goal is to use art as not only a way of expression, but to help develop the ‘box thinkers’ into more creative minds, which can apply to all aspects of life,” she said.
Armstrong is the owner of Kidz N Art in New Town. The business will provide a space for children to paint, practice science experiments or write poetry.
Previous to starting the business, Armstrong said she always had a passion for art but had been too caught up on the corporate world to pursue it. She had always done paint parties and creative events in her free time, but it haunted her that she wasn’t using her interests in everyday life.
After doing the Young Business Visionaries program at James River Elementary in 2015, Armstrong said she started to realize there was more she could be doing. The program worked with students to teach them about marketing and starting a business as well as developing creative and new ideas.
“I decided to dig deep inside of me,” she said. “It’s a pure reflection of who I am and who my family is.”
As a mother of three children, ranging in ages 7 to 16, she said she has the best review team she could want. When she has an idea for an event, such as the teen poetry night she plans to hosts, she runs it past her children who will always let their mom know when they do or don’t like an idea.
Armstrong has a whole agenda of events and specials to offer to the community in addition to open studio session times where anyone can walk in and participate in painting or just try to find creative inspiration.
“It’s really necessary that children have a creative outlet where they don’t feel intimidated,” Armstrong said. “It’s about getting them to express how you’re feeling.”
Armstrong said there will be designated child drop-off times as for parents with children ages 6 to 12 who want to give their child something to do while they shop around New Town.
In addition, she plans to have a slime-making unit, a young authors camp and she wants to offer her Young Business Visionaries program again.
The business plans to target children between the ages of 4 and 12, but Armstrong said really anyone can benefit from the business.
Before her business has even opened, she said she has received an overwhelmingly positive response from people, especially those looking for a new place to host their children’s birthday parties.
Armstrong said if this first location does well, she hopes to eventually be able to open a second location in Virginia Beach.
But most of all, she just wants to spread creativity to children throughout the community.
“I think Williamsburg will definitely benefit from having more out-of-the-box thinkers that can contribute back to the community when they get older,” she said.
Kidz N Art, 4345 New Town Ave. suite 107B, will host its grand opening on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Armstrong said there will be games, treats and specialty discounts offered to guests.
