Its hand crafted crystal figurines, ornamental pieces and glass jewellery are attracting buyers in the United States, something some larger business are struggling to do in these hard times.
And the team at local small business Torchworkx Barbados are also now on a mission to win hearts in Europe.
For artist Ryan Yearwood, whose hobby honed 10 years ago was turned into a full-time business two years ago, it is a labour of love, as it is for manager Julia Caine who deals with administration, marketing and other duties.
Caine spoke to BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY recently as Torchworkx made its debut at the Barbados Manufacturers Exhibition (BMEX) at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
She said she and Yearwood were now looking to take the business to “the next level”, including expansion. Using a torch and his skills, Yearwood transforms glass and other material into figurines, pendants, and jewellery pieces “for both the corporate side and regular customers”.
“Some people can’t believe it is locally made because it looks like crystal, it is so intricate in detail. When they see it they are shocked, everyone is in awe and especially when they see the process and how it is done. They want to see more and they can’t believe this is done from just one simple glass rod,” the manager added.
“We use a lot of local product, we use the mahogany pods, we use mango woods, mahogany woods, sand, limestone, we try to keep local but give it the Bajan flair so that when persons from overseas see these pieces they can relate to Barbados. Our slogan is ‘you are limited only by your imagination’ so you are always going to be seeing new products from us.”
Torchworkx is currently based at Pelican, but Caine said the company was building a facility in St James, “somewhere where persons can come and see Ryan working on site, and still have a showroom and nice display area”.
Caine credited the company’s exposure as a participant and eventual finalist on the Bank On Me entrepreneurship competition and assistance from the Barbados Investment Development Corporation (BIDC) as key drivers of the company’s progress. She also saw participating in BMEX as a plus.
“BIDC saw the product and they were really impressed with what we do so they sponsored the booth for us so that is what really made us come this year, but for sure we are looking to come back next year, sponsored or not we are going to be back here because it makes us viewable in the public’s eyes,” she said.
“Our business name, our concept for that came from the BIDC so we have been able to sit down and be talked through certain aspects of where is the next step we can go and if they any opportunities for us as small business owners to take out there. So they have been very good mentors to us.
“BMEX has been a good platform for us really and truly but our major platform has been Bank On Me, that really pushed us to make more international orders. We have a lot of persons calling from the US especially. We would like to go into the European market a little more but right now we are in the US market exporting there,” Caine added.
She saw a bright future for the company, especially if its planned efforts in Europe paid off.
“They [Europeans] have a love for this craft. From doing my research they are actually rebelling against the mass produced product so if we can get into that market somehow I think great things are going to happen for us.”
Torchworkx is also now “looking for an apprentice to assist with the work”.
“Saying that we have additional orders we definitely need someone to come on board and pair well with Ryan to help make the items. We want somebody with an artistic eye,” she said, advising people interested in starting a business to “make sure you have a love for what you are going to do and then seek a mentor”.
