Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Serafino
Hi Raquel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from New York City and I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I’d grab my crayons and completely disappear into my coloring book—I was the quietest child ever when I was coloring. My mom loved it.
Growing up, I never really thought I was particularly talented. That changed one night when I went to a paint-and-sip event. The instructor looked at my work and told me I had promise as an artist. Something about that comment stuck with me. It was the first time I thought, Huh, maybe I can actually do this.
After that, I dove into art. It started with beginner level YouTube tutorials, then I took some sketching and oil painting classes. Eventually, I ended up teaching art at the same studio that inspired me in the first place. It felt like such a full-circle moment, and I loved the idea of inspiring others the way I’d been inspired.
When I moved to Charleston I immediately noticed the bachelorette scene. Bachelorette parties were EVERYWHERE. I’d see them ALL THE TIME, even on a random Tuesday morning, they’re just always there, bopping down King Street.
I started thinking about the bachelorette parties I’d been to over the years and how they often felt… let’s say less than ideal. Male revues? Sweaty nightclubs? Not exactly my vibe. So I thought: why not combine the fun and sexy silliness of a bachelorette party with something creative and classy? That’s how Pencils and Pecs was born—a place where people can sip champagne, laugh, and sketch a nearly naked male model. It’s been a big hit in Charleston with people from all over the country coming to our events.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a bumpy road. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity and business. I love the fun side of what I do, but running a business is a whole different animal. Learning about things like marketing, budgeting, and bookkeeping was a steep curve—I’ve had to teach myself so much along the way. There have definitely been moments where I’ve had to put on my “business hat” when all I wanted to do was create art or plan fun events.
Another struggle has been getting the word out. My target market isn’t really the local Charleston crowd. My target market is bachelorette parties and other groups traveling here from all over the country. So it’s not like I can just put up a flyer at the coffee shop down the street and call it a day. I’ve had to really think about how to reach people before they even get here.
It hasn’t always been easy, but I am lucky enough to have some wonderful supportive people in my life. Plus, when guests come to an event and leave laughing, smiling, and showing off their sketches, it’s a great reminder of why I started this in the first place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Pencils and Pecs is a fun, unique art experience where we teach groups how to sketch muscular men in their undies. We play music, sip champagne, and make it an absolute blast—all while keeping it classy. There’s laughter, ear-to-ear smiles, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
While bachelorette parties are a big part of what we do, we’re not just for brides-to-be. We’re perfect for birthdays, divorce parties, or any group looking to do something different and unforgettable. Plus, we’re LGBTQ-inclusive—everyone’s welcome to join in the fun. I’m most proud of the joy we bring to our guests and I love seeing people leave with big smiles. At the heart of it all, it’s about bringing people together, sharing laughs, and creating memories you’ll never forget.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Resilience. Starting something like Pencils and Pecs means constantly putting myself out there—whether it’s forming relationships with venues, finding the right team, or connecting with clients. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned to keep showing up, even when things feel uncertain. Every new connection has been a step forward, and even the challenges have taught me something valuable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pencilsandpecs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pencilsandpecs
