How did you become an entrepreneur? 19 years ago I was working for a art gallery doing outside sales, no one ever walks into a gallery and say I'll take 6, so I would sell to corporate offices who needed multiples, anyway it was in the 90's the recession hit, and I got laid off.
I thought to myself I could do this job on my own, instead of a small salary and small commission I could make 50% commission as my salary, and so I gathered all my contacts and artists that were just stranded and hit the phones, cold calling exactly like I did for my old boss only now I did it for myself. It worked! I got clients and I got paid with my own company Artful City.
The confidence and life lessons I learned from that experience, led me to openly welcome a business partner in my current new art related company Paint Jam Parties.
What is the nature of your business? What kind of product/service to you provide?
Paint Jam Parties is a unique activity for events of all kinds and people of all ages.We set up individual "paint stations" equipped with easel, apron canvas, unlimited paint and brushes. People paint in an informal stress free party atmosphere and take home their own original art.
We have helped corporate clients break out and express themselves, we've gotten families to create together and celebrate special occasions. Company picnics, board retreats and 40-70th birthday parties are all examples of successful Paint Jam parties
Paint Jamming can be done anywhere from the beach, or back yard to the office parking lot." Life is jammin grab a brush!"
Why do you love what you do?
I love getting people who have never painted on canvas before, to let loose and experience mixing colors and creating something from their imagination or own heart. I have taught art in the past and that is totally different because you need a certain mind set as a student, but Paint Jam Parties is just that... a party, a place for everyone to step up and make art for fun.
How long have you been in business for yourself?
Paint Jam Parties is going on its 4th year and Artful City is now in it's 19th year.
How do you attract clients?
We have a small marketing budget and we invest mostly in local organizations and networking groups. We are proud members of the SB Visitors & Conventions Bureau, SBParent.com. We can be found at www.paintjamusa.com, twitter, facebook and Linkdin.
Share any information that helps to further describe your business including any publications, awards you have received or shows in which you have participated.
We are so colorful and unique we have had success in getting photos and editorials in SB Newspress, Goleta Valley Voice, Casa Magazine, Monticeto Journal and the Scene Heard in SB magazine.
Jana Brody
Paint Jam Parties / Artful City
www.paintjamusa.com
www.artfulcity.com
Phone: 805-968-8281
Fax: 509-753-9966
jana@paintjamusa.com
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