Forget the notion that creativity belongs only to the “artists.”
Ten years ago, entrepreneur Simone Brown introduced Trinidad and Tobago to the now popular sip-and-paint concept, launching CSpot Sip n Paint Ltd. With that bold move, she proved that anyone—yes, even a complete beginner—can pick up a brush and walk out with a masterpiece (or something close to it).
Crafted as a joyful getaway, the easygoing, fun-filled experience offers a vital pause in our hectic lives. Stepping into a CSpot session, this writer—who makes no claim to being an artist—found the mood immediately captivating. The ambiance alone impresses: a relaxed atmosphere, good music and gourmet nibbles that elevate the vibe. Sessions are fully guided, step-by-step, and filled with laughter, music, and of course, sips. By the final stroke of the brush, you’re likely to surprise yourself with what you’ve created.
Before CSpot, sip and paint was not a thing here in Trinidad. In fact, many people hadn’t even heard of it. Simone encountered the concept abroad and instantly thought, “This is exactly what Trinidad needs.”
“I wanted to create a space where people who weren’t professional artists could feel free to paint, laugh, sip, and connect. Trinbagonians are naturally creative and social, so it felt like the perfect fit,” she said. The international Sip and Paint market was valued at $2.1 billion last year and is projected to double to $4.2 billion by 2033, driven by the rising demand for social leisure activities.
At CSpot, sessions range from $150 to $375. This includes the canvas, paint, brushes, and apron. Packages also feature treats such as ginger cookies, fresh fruit and cheese, pancakes, chicken croissants, and vanilla cupcakes. Simone’s sessions, aimed at “quieting the mind and reconnecting with yourself”, can host up to 36 people in-studio and 60 out-of-studio.
As for the name? She explains it was inspired by the idea of “finding your creative spot—that place where imagination, relaxation, and expression meet. It’s a fun, memorable name that embodies what we are all about, where anyone can tap into their creativity while enjoying the social experience.”
Since opening her doors on Cornelio Street, Woodbrook, sip-and-paint events have popped up all over the country. Simone is immensely proud of this growth. She tells Her Magazine, “When I started, this concept was unknown in Trinidad. Seeing so many others adopt it shows that we sparked something bigger than ourselves.”
Simone’s journey to this point began with her background in graphic design, a skillset that gave her the technical know-how of colour and composition—tools she now uses to guide others on their own artistic paths. “I’ve always been passionate about art and design,” she shares, adding:
“I started my career working with businesses to bring their ideas to life visually. That training naturally fed into my painting, and eventually into CSpot.”
Launching the business back in 2015 required tremendous commitment and a leap of faith. She hit the ground running with marketing, knowing she had to educate people on what a sip and paint actually was. She invested in the basics—easels, brushes, canvases, paints, and of course—wine glasses. Today, the true reward has been realised. From seeing people walk into a session saying, “I can’t even draw a stick figure”, to leaving with a painting they’re proud of, “it’s priceless,” she asserts.
For her, CSpot has been more than just a financial success. It has created employment for other artists, administrators, content creators, and camp facilitators. “The joy, the memories created, and the community we’ve built over the years have made all the hard work worth it.” Being the creative soul that she is, Simone constantly innovates. She’s introduced themed events like mindful art sessions that focus on guided breathing and intuitive painting, children’s creativity camps, and team-building experiences where participants paint together on a shared canvas, reinforcing collaboration and team-spirit.
“It’s a refreshing break from the office,” she points out. “It’s about evolving and keeping things exciting and fresh.”
Looking back, Simone believes that every step of her entrepreneurial journey has made her stronger. Even during the darkest periods, like Covid, when events were shut down overnight, she managed to pivot to virtual sip and paint kits and online sessions. Reflecting, she says, “It taught me resilience, flexibility, and the importance of embracing change.”
So, what’s next? Simone plans to expand further into creative wellness and introduce more pop-up experiences across the island—and we’re absolutely here for it.