‘My brain is overflowing with ideas’ Canadian opens shop for creatives

Maya Jonah opened Maya’s in Killigrew Street, Falmouth at the end of last year selling hand printed clothes, upcycled vintage, one-of-a-kind art prints.

The shop began this spring as a market stall at a craft fair in Truro.

Maya in her new shop in Killigrew Street (Image: Supplied)

Maya says her last “real job” was awful, and it left her in a pretty dark place mentally and she needed to try something different, desperately!

“I’ve been making art my whole life, it’s a skill that runs in all the women the family, so I thought it was finally time to see if I can make it my full-time job,” she said.

“I did my very first market stall selling my hand printed lino in May, and it’s been pretty steady growth since then “I’ve since expanded into hand printed lino clothing, wall hangings and other unique pieces. At the markets this summer, I regularly had people asking me whether I would be teaching any classes, and I realized there was a whole market there I needed to tap into.”

Maya outside her new shop in Killigrew Street (Image: Supplied)

She said casually started looking for a space to hold classes, and I saw this “gorgeous space” in Falmouth and I just went for it.

“It was a pretty drastic step up, but I’m so happy I’ve done it!,” she said.

Maya says her mum was heavily involved in the local art scene in her hometown in Canada, which meant she’s always been surrounded by art, and particularly lots of indigenous Canadian artwork.

“I think that has influenced my art style quite a lot! I’ve always used bright, bold colours, and crisp black line-work,” says Maya.

“In Cornwall, a lot of small businesses, and large ones I suppose as well, are reliant on the tourists. I don’t think this is sustainable, and I want my business to be a fun, creative spot for locals, year-round.

She says she’ll be launching classes at the end of January.

“It’ll start with lino printing workshops run by myself, and then I’d like to branch out and offer a variety of other mediums. I also have other creatives looking to teach their craft, from social media marketing to macrame, and so much more.

“I’m also planning to have some more casual drop-in workshop days, so you can come by yourself or with a small group and do some self-guided crafts! Think, collage, beading, embroidery, zentangle, and so much more. My brain is overflowing with ideas!”

Maya’s can be found at 49 Killigrew Street.