Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Williams.
Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Andrea Williams. I am originally from Peoria, IL, but I moved here with my husband of 17 years and our daughter in early 2014. We fell in love with the area and have put down permanent roots. As a child, I have always loved Art. From watching other artists painting live on the street to driving by a museum and wishing I could go inside. I came from a very poor upbringing and didn’t have the opportunity to dive into the Arts as much as my heart wanted to. I, of course, drew and colored when I had the materials to do so, loving every moment of it and hanging up my pieces in my room. I don’t have a college degree; I wasn’t provided that opportunity as well. But I am proud to say I am a Self-Taught Artist and know how to run a business well.
I found that I could naturally paint just a few years ago when I attended a Paint n’ Sip class in Greenville with a girlfriend. After opening a franchise paint n’ sip studio for only 6 months, I immediately found out I could do this on my own, and I didn’t need the help or direction of a franchise. After selling and caring for myself for a few years, I opened my own business, Errant Artistry. During my in-between time, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I had been living with Chronic Pain for several years, and after a hysterectomy for my 30th birthday, my body started to work against me. Now that I have a solid routine that I must follow to allow me the strength and endurance I need to live every day, I can focus on my own business.
Owning my own business has always been a dream of mine, and it is still my dream to have a studio in the future. Currently, I work out of my home and take all my materials to venues all over the Upstate. Several I have been with for over a year now, such as Lazy Bear Winery, Gypsy Wine Bar, and Coyote Coffee in Powdersville, to name a few.
Errant Artistry offers Painting Classes for Adults and Children. Most of my classes are for adults and are performed in the “Paint n’ Sip” way at many venues. I provide all the materials for a successful class, such as Aprons, Paint, Easels, Canvas, Paint Brushes, etc. My classes are led step-by-step to ensure everyone leaves with a masterpiece they will be proud of. Errant Artistry also offers Private Paint Parties in the form of Birthday Parties, Praise & Paint, Team Building, Girl’s Night In, Holiday Paint Parties, or simply Just Because. I love meeting new people and enjoy seeing those I have met before again and again. Getting to know my customers more personally is important to me. I strive to remember everyone’s face and name. Without my customers, I am nothing. So, I owe them everything. I look forward to growing my business, meeting more people, and creating lasting relationships with other small business owners.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road for me. For my 30th Birthday, I had to have a Hysterectomy. Since then, I have been dealing with Chronic Pain, as my body was working against me. In 2020 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and other conditions that go hand in hand with Fibromyalgia. Every day is a challenge for me. But every day, I work to overcome that challenge by having a solid routine that I must follow to allow me the strength and endurance necessary to have a sliver of some quality of life. Because I have a very supportive husband and amazing doctors, I can now focus on my own business and grow it to the idea I have in me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, I teach acrylic painting classes. I love to work with acrylic because it is so easy to teach. I always tell my class that they can’t make a mistake that I can’t correct. Along with the Bob Ross quote, “There are no mistakes, only happy little accidents.” I am proud to teach every class in the way I would want to be taught. I provide personal guidance, along with humor for the whole class. I love to entertain and meet new people! My attention to detail with each customer sets me apart from others. I listen to them and assist them when needed, but provide positive reinforcement to give them the confidence to complete a step on their own. Along with appreciating their own efforts. After all, each person is their own Artist, from the way they hold the paintbrush, to laying down the paint. I encourage everyone to be positive and feel good about what they are creating. I also love getting to know every one of my customers on a more personal level.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite memory is when my family took a trip out west to Yellowstone, and while we were at the Old Faithful Geyser, a man was sitting outside, painting the scenery around him. I loved watching him paint. I remember thinking. I want to do that someday.
Pricing:
- Adult Painting Class $30 per person for 2-hour class
- $250+ Private Kids Paint Party for up to 10 kids * $25 per child after
- Adult Private Paint Party: $35 per person for a party of 7 or more, $30 per person for a party of 10 or more
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ErrantArtistry.com
- Instagram: @ErrantArtistry
- Facebook: @ErrantArtistry
Image Credits
Errant Artistry, Andrea Williams, Coyote Coffee-Powdersville, The Pint Station-Easley, Partners In Wine-Walhalla
