The Creative Cupboard
For this month’s Meet the Member Feature, get to know Local Artist & Business Owner Keita Selina, Owner of The Creative Cupboard.
Tell us a little about yourself!
I’m Keita Selina, a creative, artist, and mum of three, originally from Leeds in the UK. My family moved to Pemberton when I was 16, and even though I moved away to study my BA in theatrical arts and work in London, Pemberton has always felt like my Canadian hometown. It’s where I’ve always come back to find peace and stillness.
Right before the pandemic, I moved back to Pemberton to be close to family and support. My two sisters, brothers-in-law, and my twin niece and nephew were all living here at the time, so it felt like the right decision for me and my kids. I’m so glad I made that move because this community has been such a big part of my life since I was a teenager.
Now, I run The Creative Cupboard, offering art and singing workshops for the community, and Art by Keita, creating and selling fine art inspired by nature, emotion, and spirituality. Creativity has always been central to who I am, and I love sharing it with others.
Why did you decide to start The Creative Cupboard?
The Creative Cupboard was born out of a conversation at dinner with my kids. I was feeling really stuck because I couldn’t see how I could make a traditional 9-5 job work as a single mum of three. I asked them, “What kind of job can I get? What kind of thing should I do?”
My kids started listing all the things they thought I was good at—teaching, singing, painting, creating—and my eldest said, “It’s like the creative cupboard in the living room, Mummy. It’s full of music things and art stuff, and that’s everything you’re good at, so you should just teach people how to do that.”
That conversation with my children made me realize that I didn’t have to limit myself. My children showed me it’s okay to be a “jack of all trades” because that’s exactly who I am. Because of this, the name The Creative Cupboard felt perfect.
What is the biggest challenge you find with operating your business?
Balancing everything! Running a business while raising three kids is no small task. There’s teaching, running workshops, creating my own art, handling all the admin and marketing—and that’s on top of housework, school runs, and all the other mothering duties.
Some days it feels like there just aren’t enough hours to get everything done. It’s a constant juggling act, and sometimes things fall through the cracks, but I remind myself that I’m only one person. I try to focus on what’s most important in the moment and keep moving forward, even when I get frustrated that it’s at a slower pace than I’d like.
I’m trying to get better at being okay with asking for help when I need it, whether that’s from family, friends, or even my kids. It’s not always easy to admit I can’t do it all, but I’m learning that it’s okay to lean on others, especially when I’m building something I believe in so deeply.
What is the greatest reward of operating your business?
Meeting people and connecting a community of creatives! Also watching people grow in confidence and seeing them light up when they realize they can do something they didn’t think they could.
For example, I wasn’t sure if pitch was something that could be taught. I’ve worked with kids who couldn’t identify pitch when they started, and now they’re singing on pitch, which is amazing! The look on their faces when they finish singing their solos at the showcase is the best feeling ever.I get a similar feeling of elation when we put up an art club show and at the end of a paint party event or workshop. I love seeing people surprise themselves.
Whether it’s a child hitting their first harmony, an adult painting something they’re proud of, or someone finding their voice for the first time—it’s just so rewarding to see their hard work and confidence grow.
How has your business evolved since opening?
It all started with a couple of mum friends asking if I could teach them how to paint something, which led to my very first paint party in December 2022 with just three people. From there, it has grown so much!
Now, I offer kids’ programs like the Songbirds and Singing Squad, Art Club for adults, and corporate workshops for team-building. I also organize showcases for my singing students and pop-up exhibitions for Art Club. For example, we’re hosting one at the Pemberton Museum on December 14th, where everyone can see what we’ve been working on.
Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with incredible organizations like the Audain Art Museum and Arts Whistler, hosting workshops and summer camps that have brought together people of all ages. I’ve also done face painting for big corporate events like the upcoming Invictus Games.
It’s been so exciting to watch The Creative Cupboard grow and see how it’s not only bringing people together in our community but also creating opportunities to connect with corporate clients and larger organizations in creative and meaningful ways.
How do you see your business contributing to the local community?
Pemberton is such a creative town, but a lot of that creativity happens in isolation—especially in winter when we’re all in our little houses doing our own thing. There’s something really special about creating together or even just sitting next to each other while you create.
For example, at paint nights, it gives people busy hands, which helps with social anxiety. You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, but you can connect if you feel like it. It’s also great for people who are new to the community or reconnecting with old friends. Plus, it’s so fun to see everyone’s artwork turn out differently, even with the same instructions!
Beyond that, the team-building events I offer are another way The Creative Cupboard supports the business community. These sessions aren’t just about painting; they include tools like journaling, creative problem-solving exercises, and optimizing creative thinking, which can have a positive ripple effect for teams. I’ve run these types of events in Vancouver, and I’d love to work with more businesses here in Pemberton and the Sea-to-Sky region too. It’s so exciting to see how these sessions help people connect, break down barriers, and foster collaboration, which ultimately benefits the businesses they work for.
I hope The Creative Cupboard helps people feel more connected, whether it’s through art, singing, or finding creative ways to work together. It’s all about building connections and fostering a sense of belonging in our community.
Any last words about your business?
The Creative Cupboard is still in it’s early stages. I want to create opportunities for people to connect, express themselves, and rediscover the joy of creativity. Whether it’s through singing lessons, paint nights, or team-building workshops, my goal is to offer something meaningful and accessible for everyone in our community.
It’s been exciting to see things grow so far, from that first small paint party to working with local organizations like the Audain Art Museum and Arts Whistler. I also offer team-building workshops for businesses, which include painting and tools like journaling and creative problem-solving. I’ve done these in Vancouver, but I’d love to work with more businesses here in Pemberton and the Sea-to-Sky area to bring those creative, collaborative experiences closer to home.
Looking ahead, the dream is to create a dedicated arts space in Pemberton someday, but for now, I’m happy to welcome people into my home for workshops and lessons.
If you’re curious to learn more or want to join a session, I’d love to connect visit my websites at thecreativecupboard.com or artbykeita.com, or through emailing at hello@artbykeita.com
