A local man took to Facebook yesterday evening to announce his plight that his small business, Canvas and Cheers, isn’t receiving the support he thought it would.
“We need your help to stay in business. Trying to start a local paint and sip company has been more difficult than I expected and the biggest hurdle has been gaining the community’s attention,” read the Facebook post.
Joe Tempski of Hamburg opened his company three months ago after losing his position at Paint Night, a franchise owned by a Canadian business owner. When the owner decided to move on from his franchise in Buffalo, Tempski and three of his colleagues were out of a job. But instead of hanging up his hat, he decided to do something about it. He created Canvas and Cheers, but the support hasn’t been so great.
“I feel like I’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work. I’m on the verge of calling it quits, but I really want to give it one last push to see if I can make this thing work,” he continued in the post.
Tempski said the only thing he hasn’t tried yet is telling his story, which he is bravely doing now. While most business owners would be afraid to admit they are failing, this one is reaching out to let everyone know it hasn’t been easy, but he desperately wants to keep trying.
“I don’t expect my small business to turn into this huge company. But I absolutely loved working as an artist and hosting paint parties, and this was a way for me to be creative and make a little money. But even if I break even, it would be worth it to have a chance to do what I love,” he said.
Another goal for the business is to give the other artists who lost their jobs at Paint Night a chance to continue doing what they love, too.
“One of the artists that I used to work with (super talented and experienced) is already onboard. It would be awesome to someday get enough popularity to ask the others to join as well,” he said.
So, if you’ve never been to a Canvas and Cheers event, you should definitely check it out. Drinks are available at various local bars where the events are held and guests can sit down and relax while enjoying an evening of painting and friendship, while supporting a local business owner.
“We have some really cool artwork for people to come and paint. We have events scheduled at some pretty great local venues. We’re able to do private events, and fundraisers with custom designed artwork,” he said.
If you can’t attend an event, the best way to support Tempski is to “like” and share Canvas and Cheers Buffalo on Facebook.
“I’m asking for the support from the WNY community to help get us going. Please invite people to like and share us on social media…check out our website and tell people who might be interested to check us out, too. And if you have any other ideas or suggestions that might encourage people to check us out, we’re definitely open to suggestions.”
For more information or to sign up for an event, visit https://canvasandcheers.com/
PS – If you sign up for an event and bring a painted Sweet Buffalo Rock, Joe has graciously offered to buy you one drink and then he will re-hide the rock in the community for you! Sounds like a great deal to us!
