Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Reshu Jain. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Reshu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for art classes began over a coffee table with a friend. Art and painting have always been a part of my life since childhood, and I used to create pieces for my friends and family. My heart has always been in art, but life led me down a different path to become a software engineer. However, after having my first child and moving to the United States, I decided to take a break from my IT career and pick up my brushes and palette again. One day, a close friend suggested I teach art and share my knowledge with others. At first, I was hesitant, but the idea slowly started to resonate with me.
I took a small step and began offering classes for kids. At first, there were only 2-3 students, but gradually, the number grew. Today, our art school has over 130 students, with a variety of art forms to explore, including watercolor, acrylic, sketching, oil painting, clay art, and colored pencils. In addition to classes for all age groups, we host various events throughout the year, including workshops, camps, sip-and-paint events, and special art events during festivals. It has been an incredible journey so far!
The decision to change careers wasn’t easy, especially with 9 years of professional experience in IT. Switching to a completely different field from scratch seemed daunting. Yet, despite the challenges, I chose to follow my passion, with hope in my heart and the blessings of God and my loved ones. Deep down, I believed it would work out in my favor and lead me to the life of my dreams, as long as I was committed wholeheartedly to the journey.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Reshu Jain, I was born and brought up in india , and I am an artist and the founder of an art education business (Reshu Art Lobby ) in Virginia. I am a self-taught artist, and my lifelong passion for art has naturally led me to become an art educator. I run art studios in Chantilly and Ashburn, VA, alongside a talented team of teachers.
We offer art education for all age groups, with classes in watercolor, oil pastels, acrylics, oil painting, colored pencils, sketching, charcoal, clay art, and more. In addition to regular classes, we host a variety of programs throughout the year, including Indian fold art workshops , Clay sculpture workshops, Sip and Paint events for adults, summer camps for kids, festival workshops, and art party events. For those who are passionate about art but unable to travel, we also offer online classes, ensuring that anyone can pursue their love for art from anywhere.
I feel truly fulfilled by my decision to start the art education business, as it allows us to make a meaningful impact in our community. Art provides a much-needed escape from the challenges of everyday life, helping people connect with themselves in a beautiful way. Many of our adult participants join us simply to enjoy some quality time for themselves, using art to rediscover their inner peace and cultivate positivity.
We also offer art classes for children with ADHD, and we’ve seen remarkable progress over time. For many parents, having their child sit still for an hour used to be a major challenge. However, through art, these children have learned to channel their energy in a productive way. Painting and working with colors helps reduce anxiety and fosters patience, bringing balance to their lives. It’s been incredible to witness the positive transformation in these kids.
Here is our website for the reference – https://reshuartlobby.com/
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
In my art education business, I believe the most effective way to grow is by consistently introducing new programs. While repetition works well for newcomers, those who have been with you for a while will crave fresh content and new forms of art to explore. After a certain point, your clients will seek something different—much like how you might want to try a new cuisine after having the same dish too many times.
Another key point is maintaining prompt and effective communication with your clients. This is crucial. I’ve seen businesses struggle because they fall short in this area, and it can frustrate clients who feel neglected when they don’t receive timely attention.
Lastly, avoid procrastination. As a small business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and overlook tasks that don’t seem urgent. However, what might not feel like a priority to you could be very important to your clients. Ignoring these things can negatively impact your business in the long run.
Approach your work with full dedication and honesty. Your hard work, combined with divine grace, will bring you wonderful results.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
There will be moments in your journey when it feels like things aren’t progressing, or they’re not unfolding the way you hoped. Whether it’s related to revenue, clients, or your overall business strategy, it’s important to remember that learning is a process. Give yourself some time to reflect on what you’ve done, learn from the experiences, and move forward with renewed energy.
Many small business owners give up when faced with common challenges in running their business. These obstacles can be discouraging and sometimes make people abandon their dreams. But, as I’ve mentioned, it’s all part of the journey. You may need to change your course, but don’t stop moving toward your dream. Remember, there’s always light after a dark night. Keep pushing forward!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reshuartlobby.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reshuartlobby/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReshuArtLobby
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/reshu-s-art-lobby-herndon