Felicia Hoilett

Turning your passion into a productive business is not a very easy thing to do. Felicia Hoilett, however, has managed to do just this with the creation of her screen printing business, Felicia's Screen Art Establishment.

Hoilett always had a penchant for art and this blossomed while she was a student of the Clan Carthy High School. In 1998, Hoilett decided to launch a business. The establishment recently moved to a new location at Skill Craft, 2 Skibo Avenue, Half-Way Tree. She told THE STAR, "I don't have any interest in anything else. Mi just love it. I have a passion for it and I just want to take it to a different level." She also took her love for art a bit further when she enrolled in a part-time leisure course at the Edna Manley School of Arts.

Early orders

Even before the business was established, Hoilett would receive orders from persons who were aware of her talent. She said, "Even while I was going to school, I was doing it. People used to give me like sheets and stuff to tie and dye."

The business, which was initially based at Hoilett's home, specialises in screen printing and photo transfers. Hoilett designs anything ranging from T-shirts to sheets. Screen printing involves using a squeegee to press ink through a patterned frame and onto a surface, while the process of photo transfer includes printing a design from a computer onto transfer paper and then using a machine to press the design onto a shirt or what-ever medium. Customers may request a specific design or they can leave their item up to Hoilett's creativity.

Apart from taking personal orders, Hoilett also does designs for church groups and schools. She also designs and sews outfits for children. She told THE STAR, "I do work for all ages."

At her first craft show, the Culture Village held recently in New Kingston, Hoilett says she received positive feedback, even though the sales were low. The prices for her product vary by design and size, but on average, prices start as low as $100 and $200. Though it costs a lot to print and design her products, Hoilett is determined to pursue her dream and hopes that she will soon reap the benefits.

To young persons who may be having second thoughts about pursuing their passion, Hoilett says, "Just follow your dream because if I gave up, I wouldn't reach where I am today."