Nifty Crafters
“It is our creativity that sets us apart from the competition,” shared mother/daughter duo of Annette and Christina McIntosh”. AW Fashion introduces you to their artsy crafts.
All Woman Fashion (AWF): What is it like working together as mother and daughter?
Annette: We work well with each other because we complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. That’s really all you need for good team work.
AWF: How long has McIntosh Craft been in operation?
Annette: McIntosh Craft has been operating for the past 32 years. I had a difficult pregnancy and lost my job around the time I decided to start the company.
Christina: My grandmother Cynthia Chung, who was also a creative (type), suggested that mummy try selling some of the dolls she loved to make, so she carried a few of them, and other items to a crafts fair at Devon House, where they were well-received.
Annette: That day I sold a few items to Sally Asher from Craft Cottage, which encouraged me to invest time and effort into developing the company.
AWF: Who is involved in the design processes and what are your roles?
Christina: Both my mother and I are designers, and we have our own interpretations; but the end result is a collaborative effort. I am involved in creating and bringing the designs to life.
AWF: What fuels your creativity?
Christina: It is difficult to say specifically what fuels our creativity. I would have to say we have a different view of our surroundings; as natural as it comes to us, we create.
Annette: Christina is usually inspired by the outdoors, our daily routines, and even our moods fuel our creativity. Sometimes, we wake up with new ideas and as such we even have sketch pads at our night tables. Inspiration strikes at the most unlikely times, and when creativity flows, it’s like a splinter, you have to get it out.
Christina: My mother has been known to race the sun to get into the workshop and start working on new ideas, and that inspires me.
AWF: Why art and craft?
Annette: It’s a God-given gift; I’ve been artistic from as far back as I can remember.
Christina: It has often been said that if you love what you do you never work a day in your life. This is why we’ve chosen art and craft, simply because we love it. I grew up watching my mother create. Art and craft has always come naturally, and it makes me happy. I tried working a nine-to-five, but it was not fulfilling. When my mother became ill a few years back, I decided to quit my job and work with her, and it’s been a wonderful bonding experience.
AWF: How do your designs say “Jamaica”?
Christina: We try to incorporate as many Jamaican raw materials as possible; for example, our local straw vendors supply us with products like the jippi-jappa straw, among other things. We also use banana leaves, shells and sand from our beaches, which we use to make raffia art, and other Jamaican creations.
AWF: Where do you see McIntosh Crafts in five years?
Annette: It is difficult to say, as large amounts of craft products are imported from other countries like China. This makes it difficult for local producers to stay in business as few customers are willing to pay for local products when imported products are so much cheaper. We try to stay ahead by producing high-quality products, and using local material, which is quite different from the imported products. Also, continuously changing and creating new products has helped us to still remain in business and help us stay afloat. Our five-year plan is to still remain standing then.
AWF: Where can customers contact you?
Christina: We can be reached via telephone: 876-332-7890/876-486-6303 or e-mail: cgmcintosh@me.com and avmcintosh@icloud.com
