ABOVE PHOTO: Sabrina Price Powell (Photo courtesy: Sabrina Price-Powell)
By Danae Reid
On February 19, just days before the beginning of Women’s History Month, new business owner Sabrina Price-Powell opened the doors to MIY Artistry LLC., an industrial-themed and Black-owned craft studio in downtown Glenside, Pennsylvania.; earning her a place in the ever-growing population of women who’ve started their own businesses.
The esteemed owner — a corporate official, entrepreneur, mother, active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and creative — generated the craft studio with the understanding that creating is often considered cathartic, especially for those who tend to take life too seriously. Price-Powell had the goal of creating something that was both innovative and entertaining, and the by-product of the two became MIY Artistry.
When asked what the purpose of MIY Artistry was, Price-Powell responded: “It’s a craft studio where you select a craft from our project line that you are interested in making; hence MIY… Make It Yourself. Customers pay for the materials and we will supply you with our tools, guidelines and an awesome helper to assist you if needed; in our comfortable friendly studio where you can get your craft on!”.
When I received an invitation to a trial group session led by Price-Powell and marketing coordinator Chelsea Gillette, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to attend. I was curious to see how MIY Artistry would set itself apart from the multitude of other do-it-yourself based studios that have emerged within the past 10 years.
Similar to other craft studios, the target audience is vast. MIY typically serves customers ranging from ages 16 to 75, though it’s left to the discretion of the individual. Projects for children ages 10-15 are available as well, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult; however, more child-appropriate projects are set to hit the storefront in months to come. Nevertheless, unlike most other craft studios, MIY Artistry allows guests to work with leather goods, string art, jewelry, wood items, and much more that you probably won’t find elsewhere.Therefore, it’s safe to say that this place is a serious contender.
My experience at MIY Artistry was exhilarating to say the least. The industrial theme, diverse project line, and smooth sounds of music floating through the air promised me a fun time filled with wine, problem solving, and superglue of course. The objective of my groups’ project was to craft a bracelet using only string and hex nuts, further solidifying the industrial nature and premise of the studio. I also liked that the workers allowed guests to work through any frustration without hovering, but assisted when called upon… it really drives the “Make it Yourself” concept home.
The studio fits about 25-30 people in several multi-person tables that are reminiscent of woodshop, and though the idea is that your project is your own, the atmosphere is more collective than separatist. It’s something new, yet it feels very familiar. Per my experience, I get the sense that Price-Powell prioritizes togetherness, and it makes sense as she comes from a big and loving family. Everyone is extremely welcoming, and the space is nice and tidy. The amount of time you’ll spend at MIY varies based on the project, but as the saying goes, “time goes by fast when you’re having fun”. I did not want to leave! Prices vary based on the project type as well.
The easily accessible storefront is great for parties and gatherings of all kinds, but coming by yourself would be just as much of a treat. The feminine energy that permeates the studio paired with the “can do” industrial attitude is refreshing and welcoming to all personalities, sexualities, genders, etc. MIY Artistry is trendy, exciting and has a lot of promise.
MIY Artistry is located at 107 S Easton Road, Unit 105 A Glenside, PA 19038. For more information and to schedule a session, visit their website at www.MIYArtistry.com; you won’t regret it.
About Sabrina Price-Powell
Sabrina Price-Powell has been an insurance professional for over the last 30 years. A product of the public-school system in Philadelphia. she attended Cheyney University for her Bachelor of Science degree in Clothing and Textiles. She went on to Rosemont College for her master’s in management. She was last employed with Nationwide Insurance as a technical director, where she provided technical direction and training as an individual contributor to assure that statutory regulations and industry wide compliance standards were followed. She has always had a love for philanthropy and remained active throughout the years in many organizations and foundations. .
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