Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Day.
Hi Denise, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my business as a way to create with my hands. I work full-time as a graphic designer and sit at a computer all day and although I do design material on the computer, I wanted to get back to creating art with my hands. I have won awards from elementary school all the way through college and graphic design awards throughout my career. It became my passion to share my art with others and teach them to love creating as much as I do.
Years ago, I heard about the paint and wine industry and realized that would be the perfect opportunity for me to share my love of art with others. This was something I could do part-time outside of my full-time position. I started hosting paint parties with friends and family then obtained my business license so that I could teach mobile paint parties at the arts center as well as homes, restaurants and businesses.
I have been teaching paint parties for seven years now. I teach every week at the arts center in town and a few other venues occasionally. I travel to homes for private birthday parties, girls nights and other parties. I also conduct team-building events at businesses. Three years ago, I started a kid’s summer art camp for one week in the summer. I also offer online classes occasionally and sell art kits for people to paint at home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been a bumpy one for many reasons. Purchasing supplies took time and I eventually increased my offerings from only canvas paintings to painting ceramics, door hangers and other craft classes. Many venues I have had parties at have went out of business forcing me to look for other venues. Working full-time doesn’t allow me much time to reach out to other venues, so I rely on social media to gain followers and visibility.
Not long after I obtained my license, Covid put a halt to my in-person parties. I have to pivot and learned to teach parties online to keep my business going. I also created paint at home kits that I delivered locally during that time.
Time to schedule, plan and purchase items for parties is my biggest obstacle. Because I work full-time, I have to dedicate many week nights and weekends to try to stay ahead.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my personal art, I have most frequently painted in oils, water colors, acrylic and mixed media. I love it all and like to experiment and try new techniques and art styles. I am proud of oil paintings that have been displayed in museums from juried competitions and awards from craft fairs. Although my paint parties are mostly acrylic paintings, I have also offered water color classes and mixed media classes.
What sets me apart from others is that I am always learning something new, perfecting my skills and offering something new. I want people to be as curious as I am and find a way of creating art that brings them joy. My personality also sets me apart. Although I can be very professional, my passion shows whens I cut up with my regulars at the arts center and even people that I have never met before by encouraging them. I can relate to kids and make them laugh and guide them to express themselves with their art.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
My business has grown but not as much or as fast as I would like. Working full-time, I have to do as much as I can with the little free time I have. I would love to one day have my own paint party studio where I could have paint and craft parties every day and have more art camps through the summer months. My goal for now is to continue to have in-person parties while trying to add more online parties and offer even more variety in the classes.
Pricing:
- Paint parties range $25-$45 per person
- Paint kits (canvas) range $15-$35
- Craft kits range $25-$60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daydream-art.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daydreamartparty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daydreamartparty
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-day-537b1320/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@daydreamart321
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/daydream-art-easley?osq=paint+n+sip
- Other: https://www.behance.net/sandideniseday#
