Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Michelle Grove.
Hi Joy Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always enjoyed art and drawing since way back in elementary school. It was something that I seemed to go back to any time I wanted to express my emotions or frustrations. I guess you can say that it seemed to be a form of therapy for me.
My love for creating continued into my high school and college years. I decided to take a couple art & ceramics classes at Southeastern Community College in Chadbourn, NC. (On the outskirts of Whiteville, NC. )
It was there that my desire for painting grew.
Some years passed. I got married and gave birth to 2 beautiful children (adults now). For roughly 8-10 years, I was a “Stay-At-Home” Mom. Then, my kids grew up and left home, and I worked a few jobs.
Then one Mother’s Day about 3 or 4 years ago, my Son gave me an art set with the paint, brushes, and mixed media paper. It was a complete surprise and it awakened the love for art and creativity inside me. Family members and others started complimenting on my paintings and told me that I should consider selling them. (I was not quite sure about that…lol)
Eventually, I decided to try to sell my paintings at different event venues, but to do that I needed a Sales & Use Tax Number, which I didn’t have. So, I decided to apply for one and an EIN.
I decided to partner with my husband at that time who was doing Interior & Exterior Painting, and
I decided to name my Art Business “Art-Paintings By J Michelle Grove” which became the Doing Business As Name.
Since then, my husband got hurt on the job and is no longer doing his painting business. I decided to change my business name to “Art By J Michelle & Gift Shop ” because I started using a “Print On Demand” company that places my Art on different products, clothing, and accessories. (Wearable Art Designs)
I still continue to paint and prefer to paint on canvas. My technique has evolved to include mixed media and adding sea shells and sand to my creations.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I was just getting started with my Art Business, it was challenging feeling like I had to excel as an artist which meant that I had to be as good or better than other artists. (That’s what I thought. ) With help, I’ve realized that I don’t have to be like everyone else. It’s a blessing to have my particular skills the Lord gave me. I have my own unique style which is different from other artists around my area that makes my art have it’s own individuality.
Another struggle that I’ve had is becoming “known” as an artist & getting my Art out in the public. I do have some of my paintings at the Columbus County Arts Council in Whiteville, NC, and at Crossroads Pharmacy in the same area.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business, Art By J Michelle & Gift Shop, consists of my paintings and unique wearable designs created by myself. I thank the Lord for my creative gifting and that my business is what it is today. It is a small, local business run from home at the moment, but I am hoping to soon be able to either have my own Mobile Art Studio & Gallery, Permanent Vendor Space, or Brick & Mortar. At the moment, I am selling my paintings & designs in my Online Gift Shop.
I specialize in Acrylic, Watercolor Color, and Mixed Media Paintings. I believe most people would say that my bright, vibrant colors sets me apart from most artists near my area in Columbus County.
I am most proud of the fact that my unique art & designs on clothing gives the individual a “One of a Kind, Original ” look. I’ve met some people that didn’t want a particular shirt or outfit because someone else had it. In some cases, many people can be wearing the same style clothes. With my brand, the individual can enjoy knowing they’ll have a unique design and style of their own.
I am open for commissions.
I have done pet portraits or specific requests for paintings, as well. However, I do not feel comfortable doing painted self portraits, at this time.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I believe the most surprising thing would be that my Art career started with a Mother’s Day Gift from my Son.
I didn’t get a degree in art. It just comes naturally to me. I did look at a few instructional art videos but that’s pretty much it. I still look at them on occasion to give me insight or refresh my memory on different techniques in order to get my desired results.
I have become a Grandma just over a year ago. The Lord has blessed me with my first Grandson, and I’m expecting my first Granddaughter around December.
Pricing:
- ● Original Hand Painted Art Is Priced According To Size, Time, and Materials.
- ● Art Prints of the Original Paintings Are Available Online for a Lower Price.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artbyjmichelle.square.site/
- Instagram: @jmichellegrove
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GPxt2DUtw/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-michelle-grove-051215198
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/art-by-j-michelle-and-gift-shop-whiteville
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/18zQt8xonS/
Image Credits
Joy Michelle Grove
Printful.com
