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It is usually the case where after Carnival calypsonians have very little work to sustain themselves in the industry and are forced to find alternatives.
For Maria Bhola-Paul, a calypsonian and composer, her livelihood outside of the Carnival season is dependent on other aspects of her creativity. In addition to operating a mobile spa, Let’s Sparty Unisex Mobile Spa in Trincity, she is also an event planner, decorator and designer.
After the COVID-19 restrictions affected the operations of the spa, Bhola-Paul began focusing on her artistry.
“I am mainly self-taught as I have always been artistic, but I have a friend I take guidance from as well. She is my go-to person for advice Halcian Pierre,” she said.
“When COVID hit, I went virtual with the paint spa. People pick up paint kits and do sessions with us online. Virtuals are different energy but change is constant. It is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.”
Bhola-Paul’s many calypso accomplishments include: National Calypso Queen 2007, Political Monarch 2017, My First Lady National Young Composer 1999, Emancipation Monarch, Junior Monarch’s young composer, and social commentary and winner of many regional calypso competitions. She also worked with a daily newspaper for three years and, was former President George Maxwell Richards’ media relations assistant for four years.
Her latest venture is jewellery design. After recently completing an online jewellery course, she got straight into designing and creating pieces and has produced a collection. Music To My Ears, a name suggested by Carol Prince Mandela. Artists like Vaughnette Bigford and Terri Lyons have been seen sporting some of her designs on social media.
“I love accessories, jewellery. They are the first thing I look for, then my outfit,” Bhola-Paul said. “I started my jewellery with musical notes because of my love for music.”
She said with Mother’s Day coming up she has been getting requests for personalised logos on earrings and necklaces.
Bhola said she tries to keep her prices affordable and examples of her work can be seen on her Instagram pages @bholdesigns or @paintspa01.
Interested persons can also call or
WhatsApp 344-9898 for more information.