The Pink Parachute in Hornchurch celebrating 10 years

The Pink Parachute in North Street, Hornchurch, was founded in 2015 and taken over by Rav Ahtti just over a year later.

Rav attended a ‘Keep it Local’ event at Havering Town Hall for independent businesses across the borough on Thursday (March 20) where she spoke to the Recorder about the struggles of Covid, celebrating 10 years of business and expansion into Brentwood.

“I took over about 15 months after it had started in 2015,” Rav said.

“So, our Hornchurch branch is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary in August this year.

Rav took over The Pink Parachuter just over a year after it was founded (Image: Rav Ahtti) “It’s taken a while to get it to where it is now but its been absolutely brilliant – we’re a pottery painting and craft studio and we offer pottery painting, glass fusing, canvas work, teddy bear making – anything crafty!”

Back in 2020, Rav had told the Recorder that she was unsure if the business would be able to survive Covid restrictions and admitted that “the future is not looking great”.

However, five years later she said she was “delighted” to say The Pink Parachuter had made it through this challenging period.

“Covid was really tough for us with no customers allowed in,” she said.

“We had a counter for takeaway kits and we were even driving to people’s houses so it was a real struggle but somehow – I don’t know how – we managed to get through it and I’m delighted we did.”

Rav said that operating during Covid was very difficult as no customers were allowed in the shop (Image: Rav Ahtti) When asked what makes The Pink Parachute stand out as a business, Rav said: “I think when people come in, they don’t know what to expect but when they leave after an hour and a half session, they’re so relaxed and calm and that’s really nice.

“People leave feeling happy.

“We’ve got over 200 different items of pottery that you can chose from and everything is price labelled – then you come in, paint it how you like and it’s ready to pick up around seven to ten days later.”

The company also offers silver jewellery personalisation, slime workshops and baby print painting.

The Pink Parachute now has two branches – one in Hornchurch since 2015 (left) and one in Brentwood since September last year (right) (Image: Rav Ahtti) Rav’s motivation for launching the business stemmed from a need for a better work/life balance.

“I don’t actually have an artsy background at all – I’m an accountant by trade but I just needed some time with my kids,” she added.

“They were little and I was leaving them early in the morning and getting back to them late in the evening so I just felt like I needed a change of career.

“The shop became available and ten years later, here I am.”

The Pink Parachute opened its second branch in September last year in Ongar Road, Brentwood, which Rav said has been greeted warmly by the community.

She added: “Since I’ve opened the second branch, everyone’s asking if there’s more to come but I think for now we’re happy where we are – but who knows what the future holds.”