Juggling three teenagers – Jaydon, Tajh and Kaitlyn; dogs Joey and Phoebe; and a career as manager of private client services team at JTC (Cayman) Limited, Lysha Manderson also runs Squirrelly Studio, specialising in cheerful wooden signs with a Caymanian twist.
STARTING SQUIRRELLY
“I started Squirrelly in 2016, mainly to give myself a creative outlet,” explains Lysha, who began by making wooden signs emblazoned with quotes for her home. Squirrelly Studios was born from this creative outlet.
“At the time, there was no one else doing wooden signs like ours on island and, once we launched, the feedback was, and continues to be, incredible,” she says. “Years later, the support and kind comments we receive is beyond what we could have hoped for.”
CHEERFUL PRODUCTS
As well as wooden signs, Squirrelly Studio also produces ornaments, stickers, keyrings and drinkware, with the majority of the products featuring bright colours and fun designs.
“I’ve always loved the phrase ‘Caymankind’ and the bright colours make me happy so that’s what I put into my designs and out into the world,” says Lysha.
“I want to people to feel happy and uplifted when they receive a Squirrelly product. I want them to feel a connection to our Caymankind and our local authenticity and if we can make them smile that’s a bonus.”
CULTIVATING CREATIVITY
Lysha has always had a creative streak.
“When I was younger, I wrote short stories and poetry,” says the artisan, who also co-owned a small event planning company for a while before starting Squirrelly Studio.
“I’m always wanting to make something, design something, paint something… every now and then I still write also,” Lysha continues. “I don’t really think of myself as an ‘artist’ but more of a ‘creative’ person – very emotional and indecisive but always ready to get my hands messy with something new.”
JUGGLING ACT
As for how she juggles Squirrelly Studio with a 9-to-5 day job and busy family life, Lysha admits she struggles with carving out downtime as she likes to stay busy.
“Squirrelly work begins once I’m at home and the kids are sorted! Some nights are very long, and most weekends are spent in my studio,” she says. “You know, you get in that zone, and you just lose time!”
Lysha also has her family to thank for the company’s success as it has become something of a family endeavour. “My husband cuts and preps the lumber and the boys have been getting more involved with that side of it also, which is amazing.”
FAVOURITE PRODUCTS
Lysha’s favourite products are the map signs, which feature hearts where clients’ homes are in Cayman, and many including dotted journey lines leading from other countries.
“They are just so personal and tell a beautiful story of that person’s journey,” she says. “I get to hear the backstory for these signs most of the time and I get to create a piece that will hopefully be a happy little reminder of those big life moments.”
Word cloud gifts that she has been commissioned to make also bring her happiness, while reading all the beautiful things people say about their loved ones.
Squirrelly Studio products are stocked at GOODNESS, or can be ordered by emailing [email protected] or via Instagram and Facebook. Lysha also offers workshops for budding creatives.
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