We were lucky to catch up with Jenlene Nowak recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jenlene, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Years ago I lived in Arlington, VA with a bunch of housemates. Each day when I would walk to the metro to go to my nonprofit job in DC, I passed the brightest little mosaic studio, kind of like the paint-your-own-pottery studios that were popular. I kept telling myself I had to go in and make a project, because I had never made a mosaic before. Eventually, I walked in to discover a world of color and creativity that I never knew existed. The people who worked there were so welcoming and FUN! I chose a project and was taught how to pick out colors, cut tiles, glue down pieces into a design and then grout! It was a complete blast and nothing I had ever done before. I was hooked!
One day I noticed that the studio was hiring for a part-time position. I immediately applied and the next thing I knew, I was working at the studio. I learned ALL the things about mosaics, taught lessons to customers, led mosaic-themed events, inventoried the stock – I had a front row seat to see how a small business was run. As time went on, I was asked to become the studio manager which meant I was now not just teaching the classes and cashing out customers, but I was learning all the backend business duties – hiring employees, creating schedules, submitting payroll, creating partnerships and becoming very close to the regulars that visited the studio. And this is when I realized that the people who came into the studio were these amazing, unique, one-of-a-kind humans with fascinating stories. I would spend hours and hours with them, listening as they would share all sorts of stories about themselves, all while creating a tangible, wonderful piece of art – most times over several visits to the studio. These people weren’t just customers, they became my dear friends.
Sadly, the studio owner had to close the shop. It was a bummer but the silver lining for me was something kind of unexpected – I had realized something magical. I was able to bring people together through mosaic art and people started reaching out to me to ask if I could teach them a table-making workshop on the weekend, or host a mosaic event for a special milestone birthday celebration, or talk to them about what supplies they needed to order to make a mural at their elementary school. I realized I had learned a completely new skillset through an incredibly accessible art form that was not only bringing colorful creativity into the world, but was also connecting communities in a creative, safe and inspirational way.
I realized this was more than just a side hustle – it was something that brought real meaning and joy into people’s lives. They weren’t just making mosaics; they were seeking a spark of creativity, a burst of color, a sense of connection. They wanted to create something tangible and lasting -something beautiful and significant, made with others, that would be cherished for years to come.
That’s when I decided to create Mizz Mozaic. I realized I could craft meaningful experiences that brought people together through creativity. And I absolutely loved the freedom to shape my own business – to build something that reflected not only my artistic vision, but also my personal values. I wasn’t just creating through the artform – I was creating a business that felt truly authentic to who I am.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve always been a creative person, though I wouldn’t call myself a mosaic “artist” in the traditional sense. My background is in performing arts – I’ve been part of stage productions for most of my life. So when I started my business, I naturally stepped into a new kind of role. I created a character -Mizz Mozaic – someone who could bring people together through the mosaic arts.
My introduction to mosaics was completely serendipitous. One day, I walked past a studio that stopped me in my tracks. Something about it pulled me in – the color, the creativity, the energy of the people inside. It felt vibrant, alive and completely different from the typical office environment. I was hooked.
What I love most is being able to share this unexpected passion with others. Mosaics are incredibly accessible – you can make a piece in under an hour or spend months perfecting it. There’s no pressure, just freedom. Every person who participates finds their own rhythm, their own meaning, their own spark. That’s what makes it so powerful.
With my in-person experiences, I handle everything – from set-up to clean-up. I teach, I guide, I provide the supplies and most importantly, I create an environment where people feel comfortable and inspired. I’ve also developed DIY mosaic kits that offer an elevated creative experience – these aren’t your typical craft kits. They’re beautifully packaged, thoughtfully curated and designed to help people create something one-of-a-kind, right from the comfort of home.
What sets me apart is that I’m not in this business just to sell art kits – I’m here to create authentic, joyful experiences. I want people to feel welcomed, to explore something new and to discover their own creative voice – maybe for the first time ever.
What I’m most proud of is the community that’s grown around Mizz Mozaic. The people I’ve met through this journey have become more than customers – they’ve become friends, even family. Many of them have become Mizz Mozaic ambassadors, sharing their experiences and spreading the word, and that means the world to me. It’s proof that what I’m doing matters – not just to me, but to the people I’m lucky enough to create with.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
My main channels of communication are Instagram, Facebook and my monthly newsletters. Mosaics are such a bright, eye-catching, and visual art form – people love seeing photos, videos, behind-the-scenes moments, how-to tutorials and the stories that show how my business connects with other local creatives and business owners to bring our shared visions to life.
Through this content, people see just how versatile and resilient the mosaic art form really is. It shows up in all kinds of ways – team-building experiences, unique gifts, custom business logos, fundraisers, and community art projects. By consistently sharing my work, expressing genuine gratitude to those who’ve been part of the journey, and staying engaged with my audience, I believe people feel the love – and that’s why they continue to support and recommend what I do.
Authenticity has been my biggest asset. I show up as myself- and really hope kindness, honesty, and gratefulness shines through. I treat everyone I meet with love and respect. That’s how trust is built. That’s how loyalty grows. And when I stay true to who I am and to the heart of my brand, the right people always seem to find me.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Hard work, long hours, constant learning, building real connections and listening – truly listening – more than I speak. These are the foundations of everything I do. From the outside, it might look easy when a business owner makes things appear effortless – but behind that ease is an incredible amount of dedication and heart.
When people experience my business, I hope they see the care, time, commitment and love I pour into every detail. This isn’t just a job or a transaction – it’s a labor of love. I’m not here for the quick sale; I’m here to create something meaningful. I believe it’s that genuine love for people, and my drive to go above and beyond, that has helped shape the reputation of Mizz Mozaic.
But none of it would be possible without the incredible people who believe in me and continue to share the magic of Mizz Mozaic with others. Their support is everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mizzmozaic.com
- Instagram: @mizzmozaic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mizzmozaic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mizzmozaic
