Biz Buzz: New art studio opening in Rexburg next month
Published at | Updated at
Do you want to know what’s happening in the eastern Idaho business scene? We’ve got you covered. Here is a rundown of this week’s business news across the valley.
BIZ BRIEF
REXBURG
New art studio in Rexburg will give customers a ‘splatter’ experience
REXBURG – Steffany and Jon Faldmo of Rexburg are excited to give members of the community an experience that hasn’t been available before.
The couple is opening Splatter Lab, a new art studio, on Jan. 15. It is located next to Little Caesar’s and K-Lani’s at 14 West 1st South in the T-Rex Plaza.
A sign for the business went up outside the building Tuesday. Though it’s currently a framing and drywall construction project, Steffany tells EastIdahoNews.com people have taken notice and the buzz about the venture is positive.
“People are really excited about it. I posted on (the I love Rexburg Facebook page) about it over a week ago and we got a ton of great feedback. People are really excited for something creative and something else to do.”
Splatter Lab will include four different splatter rooms where people can “splatter” or paint whatever they want on a canvas, the walls or even each other. Customers will have the option of wearing coveralls to protect their clothing.
There will also be a blacklight experience, where people can pay a little extra to use paint that glows. Art and craft classes will be available for people to learn how to create different types of art.
“It’s going to be a fun, creative experience for all different types of people,” says Steffany.
The Faldmo’s have wanted to open a business in town for a while and when they noticed the vacant space at this location, they felt it was ideal. They originally thought of opening a restaurant but didn’t want to compete with Little Caesar’s.
During a trip to Arizona, Jon came across an art studio and decided to open something similar in Rexburg.
“That would be a super fun activity for people in Rexburg to do,” Steffany recalls him saying. “Especially during the cold winter months when people are searching for something to do indoors for date night or to get their family out of the house.”
Jon is also a marketer and graphic designer for the city and drew upon his experience in coming up with the idea. They acquired the space and went to work to make their vision a reality.
Once the business is up and running, the couple is considering opening another location in Utah. They’d eventually like to franchise it for people to open their own locations across the country.
They’re looking forward to opening and providing a unique experience for customers.
“We’re excited to open. Hopefully, the community will love it and want to come back and learn more about art and take classes, too,” she says.
A grand opening will likely take place later in the spring. The hours of operation will be 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Visit the website or Facebook page for more information.
BIZ BITS
Looking for new job? This local food processing plant is hiring
AMERICAN FALLS – If you’re looking for a new career in 2021, then here’s a place you may want to apply for. Lamb Weston, a potato processing plant in American Falls, is looking to hire more than 70 people throughout the year and it will be hosting hiring events every Thursday in Pocatello beginning Jan. 7. The company is looking for general laborers, machine operators, quality technicians, packaging operators and maintenance mechanics. Jobs start at $16 an hour and come with benefits. Walk-ins are welcome but managers are encouraging you to apply beforehand. It’s happening at the Hampton Inn at 151 Vista Drive from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To apply or learn more, click here. EastIdahoNews.com will post a more in-depth story soon.
Local family awarded home makeover for Christmas
IDAHO FALLS – Guru Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Realty East Idaho awarded a local family a home makeover for Christmas. The company made the delivery on Christmas Eve and posted a video on Facebook. You can watch it above. The actual remodel will take place during seven days in January. Guru Real Estate Group has been running a weekly live video on Facebook showing the progress of homes they purchase and fix up. Visit the Facebook page to learn more.
New development opens in Swan Valley
SWAN VALLEY – Centre at Rainey Creek, a mixed-use residential and commercial development in Swan Valley is now open after months of construction. The development sits on 23 acres off U.S. Highway 26 and includes 24 1,800-square-foot townhomes and six bay homes along with a general store that offers groceries, hardware and fuel pumps. The project was completed just before Christmas, and a grand opening is in the works this spring. EastIdahoNews.com will post a more in-depth story soon.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
IDAHO FALLS
A retired UFC fighter’s journey from prison to opening an MMA gym in Idaho Falls
IDAHO FALLS – Opening an MMA gym was never Weston Barnes’ plan, but he’s grateful for the opportunity.
He opened Team Lionheart MMA at 510 2nd Street in September. Barnes is a retired UFC fighter and he tells EastIdahoNews.com interest in the sport has increased exponentially since he opened.
“I started doing it out of my garage,” Barnes says. “I was just going to train kids, but because I’m a fighter, people started asking ‘Can you train me?’ I wasn’t planning on doing all this at first but … I love this.”
He started the business with his associates, Tyson Craig and Luiz Cortez, who also fight professionally.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
Construction companies merge to better serve clients in eastern Idaho
New Idaho Falls event center now $500,000 closer to financing needs
Businesses unite to provide free meals for local healthcare workers
If you have a Biz Buzz item you want to share, send it to rett@eastidahonews.com. Remember to use “Biz Buzz” in the subject line. Also, don't forget to sign up for the free Biz Buzz email newsletter.
Biz Buzz is brought to you by Idaho Central Credit Union, the premier credit union in Idaho. Its mission is "Helping members achieve financial success."