Writer / Melissa Gibson
Kelli Singleton and Stacey Heltsley first met when their families moved to Plainfield 20 years ago.
Singleton, her husband Scott and three children, and Heltsley, her husband Jared and three children, had known each other through different avenues. Though the men had previously met in college, the two families found themselves in men’s groups, ladies’ activities and children’s events at their home church of St. Susanna Catholic Church.
After becoming fast friends and despite the women working elsewhere, Heltsley had an idea that would change the ladies’ plans.
“We used to live in Madison, Indiana, and our oldest was a toddler at the time. I’d take her to a pottery studio there, and I loved the idea of having a place in Plainfield where we could sit down and spend time together,” Heltsley said. “I threw this idea out there and Kelli and I started taking classes together.”
At the time, Singleton was running an in-home daycare, and though she didn’t set out to own another small business, her grandparents owned a flower shop, and she knew from experience she loved learning and working on the business side of things.
After training and classes, the ladies celebrated the opening of UPaint Pottery Studio in Plainfield over a decade ago.
Customers walk in and select pottery to paint among a selection of coasters, animal figurines, plates, mugs and more.
During the holidays, expect to see home décor and gift-giving ideas with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas selections.
Fathers bring their teen daughters, friend groups come for a relaxing time, and young teens go on their first date there.
“My favorite aspect of owning UPaint is meeting people in the community who have celebrated milestones. Just walking in the studio, people put their phones down and really spend time together,” Singleton said. “You see people engaged, talking and creating with their hands. It’s good for the soul, and we don’t have a lot of opportunities like that in today’s world.”
Heltsley agreed.
“We’re providing a place for more than painting. It’s memories. We host birthday parties, date nights, baby showers and groups of family and friends. It’s a space to unplug and create something, and that’s really special,” Heltsley said.
UPaint offers walk-in times throughout the week along with special, themed events.
U Paint a Story is once per month for the youngest of visitors. A story is read, and children paint a themed piece to match. There are homeschool art days each month, date night events and holiday-themed occasions, too.
The summer camps are popular and include themes of ice cream, animals, popular characters and more.
A calendar is released each month, showcasing the many painting opportunities.
The co-owners do their best to support the community, too. They work with the local school system for fundraisers and get involved supporting sports teams and more.
Most of all, Heltsley and Singleton want customers to know that UPaint is for everyone. Don’t worry about your skill set; simply stop in to have a good time with friends and family.
“A lot of people come in and say I’m not that artistic, I’m not creative or I can’t paint,” Singleton said. “You don’t have to be artistic. We’ll help you with ideas, we have samples to reference and this is just meant to be fun and relaxing.”
For more information, visit upaintpotterystudio.com
