Happy Accidents

Sometimes when unfortunate things happen, they can actually be blessings in disguise!

Have you ever been cruising along in life and all of a sudden, Wham!, something happens out of nowhere that you weren’t expecting. At first it seemed as though all hope was lost, but then, with time, things had a way of working themselves out and sometimes even for the better!

Maybe it’s a breakup with someone you thought was “the one,” and then you later found out they weren’t as awesome as you thought and you go on to meet someone even better! Maybe you get let go from your job and you thought that was where you’d be until you retired, but then you got the opportunity of a lifetime and now you’re making more money than you ever were before! Or maybe you accidentally put double the vanilla extract in your chocolate chip cookie dough and you thought you ruined it, but then you realize that extra vanilla is so good and why haven’t you been doing that all along! We’ve all experienced some situations like this. Maybe they were things that were really awful in the moment, but you overcame your struggle and sometimes you’re even able to make lemonade from lemons.

One of my favorite late artists, Bob Ross, used to always say, “There are no mistakes, just happy accidents.” Many of you are probably familiar with the PBS show featuring Bob Ross teaching us in the most carefree and peaceful way, how to paint the most beautiful and easy landscapes of waterfalls, mountains and ocean views. If you haven’t had the pleasure, you should definitely check it out on YouTube or Netflix.

Anyway, I loved his attitude toward life and art. Life is too short to hang on to negativity. We as humans are suprisingly very good at relisiancy and adapting to our situations. Most of the time we are stronger than we think we are! We just need some encouragement.

So, back when the pandemic hit (almost 3 years ago can you believe it?), we were forced to shut our doors and unfortunately keep paying our monthly lease on the building. We tried to negotiate, however with not knowing how long we’d have to remain closed, we had to decline the continued lease and move everything to a near by storage unit and regroup with a new business plan.

Sadly, I had to lay off my artists and contemplate how I was going to move forward. At first I did free virtual classes on social media, only accepting tips or donations. Many people were very generous actually and it was a good way to keep things afloat. I also packaged up take home kits for people to pick up and then do them at home on their own or put a virtual paint party together over Zoom which worked out well for awhile too. Then people started slowly gathering again and I started doing a few events around town at local breweries and restaurants. That started to multiply and soon I found myself busy again with in-person paint parties which was awesome. I love seeing everyone together having fun and making memories with art.

I have all types of people at my events. Many are often first timers! They are the ones that are most surprised at what they can accomplish behind the easel and walk out all smiles with their very own creation in hand! Anyone is welcome. My classes are step by step and I walk you through the entire process.

Currently I am at 8+ different places on a regular basis around the Lowcountry. It’s best to check my current event calendar to see when and where we’ll be near you next.

People have asked if I will ever have an actual brick and mortar studio again and all I can do is shrug at this point. I have no idea where life will take me on this journey. I am just along for the ride. It could definitely happen, but it’s also pretty awesome being able to partner with local venues to offer their customers a fun and memorable experience while they enjoy sipping or snacking on some of their local favorites. As my husband and I like to say, “it’s squashing 2 bugs with one shoe!” (We love birds too much;)

It is my hope that people will continue to have a great time at our events and spread the word. I don’t do hardly any advertising. We are just waaaaay too small at this point to afford that, so I rely on peoples word of mouth! If you’ve been to one of our events, please please please give us a good review on Google, Trip Advisor and Facebook. Share our events on your social media. Help a sista out!

I am an artist, a writer, and a momma of 5 running my own business. It’s sometimes very hard, but definitely rewarding.

If life throws you a curve ball, just keep swinging. I’m not sure if that’s the right cliche but oh well! Life is too short to worry, stay mad, or hold a grudge. Be like Bob and view any bumps in the road as “Happy Accidents.” They may propel you to even greater blessings up ahead.

Hope to see you at the easel real soon;)

~Amy