Despite the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on business, Entrepreneur and family man Mr Cleteist A. Mathavious is still finding ways to navigate through business in these tough times. Photo: Provided

Cre8tive Arts, a business co-owned with his wife Keithleen S. A. Mathavious is primarily a printing company that specializes in visual communication through branding and offering graphic design. Photo: Provided

Relating to his career, he said that he enjoys any opportunities to design and be creative, especially with a fabrication challenge. Some challenges he said, include Managing his diverse employee team and continuously finding new business while maintaining our existing clients. Photo: Provided

According to Mr Mathavious, while their business was not excluded from the effects of the Pandemic, he said they are focusing on adapting to the times. Photo: Provided

Leaving some parting advice to encourage youths to pursue and achieve their dreams Our Young Professional said, “It is ok to seek encouragement from others but know that you will not always get the support you desire or better yet deserve. Focus on your craft and aim to be your biggest fan! Let criticism fuel your passion!” Photo: Provided

As the Founder, Owner and Chief of Design and Fabrication at Cre8tive Arts Branding Specialist, this week’s Young Professional has adapted to the times and so did his business.

Business during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“All businesses have been affected by the pandemic in some form. In the best interest of the health for all, we were all part of an exercise that put a pause on all or most activity,” Mr Mathavious told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

Cre8tive Arts, a business co-owned with his wife Keithleen S. L. Mathavious, is primarily a printing company that specialises in visual communication through branding and offering graphic design.

Services include vehicle wraps, decals/stickers, custom logos and recreations, custom apparel, and custom signage with in- house printing and fabrication.

According to Mr Mathavious, while their business was not excluded from the effects of the pandemic, he said they are focusing on adapting to the times.

“We choose to focus on the positive and are happy that we can now be a part of what many are calling ‘the new normal’ by assisting clients with social distancing signage, branded masks, shields and whatever resources we have access to help promote a safer BVI,” he said.

Change is always constant

Residing on Tortola, Cleteist attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Enis Adams Primary School before heading to the Cedar International School.

He said he enjoys time well spent with family and close friends, movie watching, travelling and outdoor adventures.

According to our Young Professional, literally blood, sweat and tears went into building the business, “We have to find ways to overcome and keep food on our plates. Considering our open family lifestyle we continue to raise our children not only to be independent but to adapt, for change is always constant.”

“We have always cherished our family times and the pandemic has allowed us to pause from our sometimes hectic schedules and listen and learn more than ever before.”

Relating to his career, he said that he enjoys any opportunity to design and be creative, especially with a fabrication challenge. Some challenges, he said, include managing his diverse employee team and continuously finding new business while maintaining existing clients.

The rewards supersede the challenges he said, “but we certainly use our challenges as learning experiences. All part of the process!”

Life Lessons

Turning his attention to life lessons, our Young Professional said, “There are some things that I know is beyond my control and I am oftentimes reminded that it is best to sit back and let God do His work.”

He said he was inspired to enter the career after losing a previous business during the hurricanes of 2017.

“After losing most of everything from my previous printing business T-Shirt Genius, 2017 allowed for some reflection and brought fresh ideas. As a self-taught designer and fabricator, I take pride and joy in each project that passes through my hands.”

“After sharing my thoughts and ideas with my wife Keithleen; she did not hesitate not only to join ownership with me but also works full-time as Chief of Operations of Cre8tive Arts. Her business background and self-driven personality is the motor that fuels and helps maintain our business,” he said.

Outside of his own business, Young Professional Cleteist said he is an active contributor to his family’s business, Supa Valu Ltd, however, said that in the next few years he is looking for Cre8tive Arts Branding Specialist to become a leading branding and signage company in the VI.

Parting Advice

Leaving some parting advice to encourage youths to pursue and achieve their dreams, Our Young Professional said: “It is ok to seek encouragement from others but know that you will not always get the support you desire or better yet deserve. Focus on your craft and aim to be your biggest fan! Let criticism fuel your passion!”

He said if a goal doesn’t scare you, then maybe it isn’t challenging enough, “We do not grow when we stay inside our comfort zone”.

Mr Mathavious also added that “Sometimes you have to take that leap of faith and trust the process but also remember you have to put in the work. Last but certainly not least, competition is healthy and authentic collaborations can do wonders. Trust God and trust the process!”

You can learn more about Cre8tive Arts by visiting www.cre8tiveartsbvi.com.