The Painted Hippo Celebrates Grand Opening

By AMY DAVIS

The Progress

If the crowd was any indication, The Painted Hippo is definitely doing something right. On Saturday, October 22, The do it yourself painted ceramic studio celebrated its grand opening.

The event was so packed that there was standing room only. Owners, Sabra and Junior Baeza, welcomed the community with a free restaurant-style taco lunch, cookies and pastries catered by other local business. There was also a free station to tie-dye shirts and a prize wheel that offered prizes for ceramics to paint, discounts on ceramics, salsa, t-shirts and more.

The Baeza’s have truly carved out a special place for their business in Mesquite. The Painted Hippo opened 5 months ago in June. Though business began to slow a little when school started, they say that they have enjoyed continued success.

The Baeza’s waited until October to celebrate their grand opening because of the cooler weather.
The Painted Hippo has provided a niche activity for people of all ages and has really become a favorite spot for locals. The shop has shelves with rows of seasonal and year-round ceramic pieces ready to paint.

The inventory is constantly revolving. They host birthdays, church groups or family parties and they also host a very popular date night activity on Fridays from 6 to 9 pm for ages 18 and up.
“The turn-out was absolutely more than I had ever expected,” said Sabra of grand opening crowds.
Scores upon scores of locals filed in to enjoy the events of the day. “We had people come today that are in here 3 or 4 times a week,” Sabra said. “But we also had a lot of faces that I haven’t seen before and that was so exciting!”

The treats were just as amazing as the ceramics. Sabra made it her mission to use other local shops to cater her event. “I am a big believer in using our local businesses,” she said.

They used Whitney Gleave from “The Cop’s Wife’s Cookies,” Mckenzie Abbott with “Sweet Ginger Bakery,” Mindy and Aaron with “Caramelized,” and Whole Foods Bakery. Heather Abbott did our T-Shirts and my in-laws made the food.”

“If we can support each other as businesses, we have a better chance at succeeding,” Sabra said. “It worked out so well for our event.”

Cheyanna Stafford was one of the many community members who patronized the event with her family.
“This is so cute!” Stafford said. “I love that this shop is right here in town and that you don’t have to drive to St. George for it. I am just so happy this is here because my daughter just loves art, and this place is so close to our house.”

Leslie and Adonis Gioeli were first time patrons who brought their 9-month-old daughter, Tahani, to the Painted Hippo Grand Opening. Their intent was to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
“I have been wanting to do some foot stamp art to keep forever,” said Leslie. “I thought this would be the perfect opportunity.”

While Adonis held Tahani on his lap, Leslie painted her right foot green and then pressed it to a small circular ceramic plate ensuring Tahani’s little baby foot would be remembered for years to come.
Whitney Heath attended the event with her sister Stephanie and her Mom, Kenda.
“This place is really awesome,” Whitney said. “We like to bring the kids and just do whatever they want. We can get as creative as we want to be.”

Sister Stephanie agreed. “I love this place. I love painting everything.”
Kenda added, “The excitement here is so fun to see. I really like to come to this place and paint . It is a great way to relax. Plus, they always have new things to paint which keeps it fresh and exciting.”

Next time you are looking for something new to do, try The Painted Hippo and support a great local business.