Saybons Owner Turns Cafe’s Unused Plates Into Art, Hopes To Raise $40,000 To Keep Business Going

Saybons Owner & Staff Paint Ceramic Plates To Save Cafe During Covid-19

We’ve entered Phase 1 of Singapore’s safe reopening, but many eateries are still facing losses. For some, it’s because their outlets are big enough to take dine-in customers, but we aren’t allowed to dine in yet.

Thus, some F&B owners are coming up with innovative ways to pad their income during the pandemic.

The owner of fast-casual cafe chain, Saybons is one of them.

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Saybons staff paint beautiful designs on ceramic plates

Ms Daphane Loke is designing and hand-painting her restaurant’s ceramic plates, with the help of her older staff.

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Not only does it give them something to do remaining at home, it’s also a way to raise sufficient funds to sustain their operations.

‘Save A Plate’ features hand-painted plates

Ms Loke has shared her “Save A Plate” initiative via Kickstarter, calling it a project to repurpose her cafe plates into art pieces.

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These plates are intricately designed and painted based on themes of different locations, ranging from Beijing’s hutongs to Santorini’s houses — since we can’t travel and see the world now, what better way to imagine the world than through these plates?

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These works of art are created by Saybons’ owner herself, as well as her employees.

They can function as tik-tac-toe boards, kitchenware and decorative holders, as seen in this image below.

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As they are painted using ceramic/porcelain paint, they are food and dishwasher safe, and the designs are baked so they won’t fade away.

Besides, as the paint is on the sides of the plates, food won’t come into contact with it.

Supporting older staff during Covid-19

According to Ms Loke, 35% of her employees are aged 55 and above. Her most senior staff member is 73 years old.

Image for illustration purposes only
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She hopes that this simple activity can provide “solace & fulfillment” for them, while ensuring their safety as they work from home.

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Furthermore, the funds raised can also ensure that employees have a safe workplace to return to once Covid-19 dies down.

Hoping to raise $40,000 with her painted plates

Singaporeans who are keen to help can consider pledging money in exchange for these elegant plates, which will bear Ms Loke’s autograph and date of completion.

Those interested can also take virtual ceramic painting classes with Ms Loke instead.

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She is hoping to raise $40,000 through this heartfelt project.

60% of the profits will be channeled into restaurant operations, while the rest will go to acquiring new materials for the project.

You can find out more about the pledge bundles available here.

Support local businesses

During this trying time, many businesses are struggling to stay afloat and many have had to wind down their businesses as they can no longer bear the losses.

Therefore, do try and lend a helping hand to local eateries. With the arrival of Phase 2, hopefully we can support them in person in weeks to come.

Featured image adapted from Kickstarter & Saybons.