CLAY, CREATIVITY AND COFFEE AT ROSEGIFT STUDIOS
Laura O’Kane turned her love of art into a thriving business at Rosegift Studios in Portglenone.
At Rosegift Studios in Portglenone creativity and community work in harmony.
Founded by 39-yEar-old Laura O’Kane, this unique space at 54 Main Street offers the chance to indulge in a creative escape—whether that means painting pottery, painting on canvas, or simply enjoying a great cup of coffee.
But behind this thriving venture is a deep love for art that has shaped Laura’s journey.
Laura’s artistic journey began long before Rosegift Studios became a reality. Having always been interested in painting and drawing, she discovered pottery during her BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design. It wasn’t until years later, after attending a pottery class, that she truly fell in love with the craft. “I immediately got a wheel of my own and started practicing every day. That was about ten years ago,” says.
After years of developing her skills and balancing life as a mother, Laura decided to turn her passion into a business. Rosegift Studios was born out of her desire to create a welcoming space where people could enjoy art in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. “It’s a painting studio and a coffee shop in one,” she explains. “You can come in for just a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere, or you can paint on pottery or canvas. We also host parties, baby showers, hen nights, birthdays, and even corporate events. There’s something for everyone.”
One of the standout experiences at Rosegift is the ‘paint and sip’ nights, where guests bring their own bottle while collaborating with local café Dan’s to enjoy a pre-booked afternoon tea. It’s a concept that has proven to be a hit, providing a social, creative, and relaxing way to unwind.
Running her own business has also given Laura the flexibility to balance work and family life. As a mother of two boys, one of whom is autistic, and someone who has ADHD herself, she finds that self-employment allows her to work around her family’s needs while pursuing her passion. “I always found it hard to settle into a normal nine-to-five job,” she says. “But with Rosegift, I can focus on what I love while managing my time around my children.”
A typical day at Rosegift Studios starts with firing up the coffee machine and receiving fresh baked goods from local bakers like Handmade by Zoe. The studio welcomes a mix of walk-ins and pre-booked groups, with customers of all ages enjoying the creative experience. “We help customers choose an item to paint, guide them through the process, and chat with them about the meaning behind their artwork,” Laura shares. “It’s a really special part of the job—seeing their personalities come through in their art.”
Once the painting is complete, Laura takes the pieces home to glaze and fire them in a kiln at 1000 degrees, ensuring that each creation is finished to perfection. The transformation from raw painted ceramic to a glossy, professional-looking keepsake never ceases to amaze her. “I love seeing the proud faces of people who initially say, ‘I’m not very artistic,’ then end up creating something they’re absolutely thrilled with.”
Beyond the painting studio, Laura also teaches pottery wheel classes from her home studio, located just a mile down the road. Offering courses for all skill levels, she ensures that each student receives tailored guidance to suit their individual needs. “I had been to one class myself but didn’t find it helpful because we were left very much to our own devices,” she explains. “I have ADHD, and I need more direction at the start. That experience shaped how I now teach—I like to break things down for people and be as hands-on as they need.”
Pottery is a craft that requires patience, as Laura explains: “You can make lots of items in a two-hour session, but it’s what happens after that takes time. Pieces need to dry slowly to avoid cracks, handles are added, and then they’re fired in the kiln—not once, but twice. The entire process takes about four weeks.”
Despite the time investment, Laura believes pottery is incredibly rewarding and encourages anyone interested to give it a go. “It can be fun, relaxing, and therapeutic. There’s something special about drinking from a mug or using a vase that you made with your own two hands. But be warned—it’s addictive!”
Laura is passionate about the benefits of art for individuals with ADHD and autism. Diagnosed with ADHD herself, she draws from her personal experiences to support others. Art therapy offers significant advantages, including reduced stress, improved focus, and enhanced self-esteem.
She explains: “Having ADHD, I always struggled to stay focused, engaged in a task, or even present in the moment. Creating, whether through pottery or painting, helped me channel my energy in a positive way, improving my concentration and providing a sense of calm. From this, I developed a passion for sharing and teaching art skills to others.”
Laura’s son, who has autism, paints or draws every day as a way to unwind after school. “It helps him relax and express the ideas in his head on paper or canvas,” she says. “He especially loves painting pottery in the shop. In fact, he’s the reason we have fighter jet designs—he’s absolutely fascinated by aircraft!”
The positive impact of art extends beyond Laura’s family. Members of Tourette’s Support NI have visited the shop for pottery painting sessions, finding the experience both relaxing and therapeutic. Louise, one of the organisers, shared that everyone enjoyed it, and many noticed their symptoms eased while they painted.
