From Prison To Prosperity

Details

Art

Sunday, 18 April 2010 06:55

By Floree Williams

With determination and the will to survive, Jay Peters made a situation others might have viewed as the end of the road, into a lifetime opportunity.

While incarcerated at Her Majesty’s Prison, he noticed that one of his fellow inmates wore a rather ugly and badly crafted wooden pendant.

Having been interested in carving and woodwork as a child, Peters decided to make an improved pendant for his friend. His pendants caught on with the other prisoners, and even the authorities took notice of this self-taught artisan.

To encourage him, the authorities helped Peters obtain more materials from various business places to continue his work. Over time, he learned how to make other wooden items like picture frames, jewelry, souvenirs, and household items.

The prison officials also agreed to help expose Peters' handiwork to the public by allowing him to go out and sell in St John's under the supervision of a prison guard. Peters was the first prisoner allowed to do so.

After his release, Peters officially started Uniqua Arts, and is proud to say that he can make anything out of wood. He also does paintings, landscaping, and plans to branch out into a clothing line.

Peters loves the challenge of creating and crafting new items and perfecting his older designs. Each one of his creations is carved with inspiration and a passion for perfection.

As a self-taught and self-made entrepreneur, Peters enjoys encouraging others who are thinking about pursuing their passion. He believes that “anything you want to do, can be done. And that you will only know if you start.”

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