Get Lit & Paint in the Sunshine City
Jheanell Savage brings fun pairing to Portmore
Published:Friday | August 18, 2023 | 12:06 AMShanel Lemmie/Staff Reporter
Ever the exploratory type, earlier this year, on a girl’s trip to Atlanta, Jheanell Savage visited her first paint and sip bar. Transformed by the experience, the Portmore-native said she had to take the venture back home to Sunshine City with her.
Recalling the moment that she initially thought would have just been a fun activity, she told Living, “This was a group of us from high school, so we didn’t see each other for a long time. And when we reconnected in Atlanta it was just like we saw each other yesterday. The vibe was still there, the connection was still there and we had such a good time. So I just wanted to duplicate it for others because if you have a friend you need a place you can come out and hang out and have a good time.”
With little to no experience in the sector, Savage said as soon as she came home, her eyes were set on making this new dream, Get Lit & Paint, a reality.
“In four months we got all of this together. I came back from Atlanta saying I have to get a spot. I met with Jheanelle [through my friend] Nordia and she was on it. Within a couple of days I signed the lease and it was go time from there.”
She continued, “I actually designed the logo, my business partner came up with the name. She said we have to have the 876 because it represents our country. I just wanted it to be colourful and kind of graffiti inspired. We haven’t finished with the inside yet, but we just wanted to open.”
Through the collaboration of her business partner, Tracy-Ann Reid, Savage said she can foster the creative inhibitions of up to 48 people at a time.
Located on Palms Plaza, Portmore Savage said she is hoping to offer a more diverse type of enjoyment to fun-lovers in the prospective new parish.
“I am originally from Portmore. I am from Hellshire so I’m familiar with the Portmore area and me know we need a likkle entertainment. Everything a grow inah Portmore so why not include this. You have to book on getlitandpaint.com, it’s a cashless transaction here so you cannot come with cash. Once you book your spot for however many, you come in, you pick your canvas and everything provided; the paint, brushes, its unlimited drinks. We’re not providing food yet, but it’s just drinking and vibes.”
While acknowledging that paint-and sips in Jamaica have not always got centrestage attention, Savage said she is confident this new venture will help her reap rewards. With the help of her small, but dedicated staff of three, Savage said her eyes are on franchising in the near future.
“It’s a very small team and a very small location, but once we start branching out and things start moving, of course we will increase. I’m hoping for a second location, probably in Kingston, very soon. I just wanted to get this one up, but I definitely see [us] branching across the island.”