A staple of childhood birthday parties and other celebrations, the pinata is getting a makeover courtesy of Moose Jaw resident Megan Moore.
Moore’s business, the simply-titled Megan’s Pinatas, has become a favourite on online marketplace Etsy, selling pinatas as far afield as Alaska and Florida.
Megan’s Pinatas offers unique and custom-made papier-mâché creations, with subjects often taken from popular culture. Past pinata designs include Star Wars’ Death Star, the Toronto Raptor, and a rainbow fidget spinner.
Moore spends two to five days on each creation, using only recycled paper, flour, water, and a few other simply ingredients. Of course, the ultimate fate of the pinata is to be smashed for the candy inside but several times kids have refused to break one of Moore’s colourful creations, with parents having to find another way to get the candy out.
Online marketplaces and social media have opened up new possibilities for makers of homemade crafts and goods. Instead of a costly storefront, artisans can operate out of their home, as Moore does. At the same time, time-tested means of advertising like poster printing and banner printing can help to capture the important local market as well as create other colourful items for kids’ parties.
Creations from Megan’s Pinatas typically run from $80 to $120. A mother of four, Moore says she started selling pinatas to support her kids’ hobbies, and hopes to expand her business in the coming years.
