Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Donis.
Hi Heather, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After the birth of my son, I knew I wanted to be the one to stay home and raise him. So, a year and a half later, I made the bold decision to leave my corporate job behind. I had been a graphic designer, and I continued working in the field for a while until opportunities became scarce. That’s when I set out to find the perfect part-time job.
A friend mentioned her cousin in Florida was running “paint parties,” and it sounded like something I could totally do! With a Bachelor’s in Art Education, I felt the spark. This was 2012, and paint parties were practically nonexistent in our area. So, I dove into some research and developed my own unique approach. My paint parties quickly became a hit—and they kept growing until 2019.
Then, things started to slow down, and I knew I needed a Plan B. I’d done a few shows and had been working on personal projects, so I thought, why not try a local market in February of 2020? Well, COVID-19 hit in March, and I was suddenly thrown into the world of being a full-time market artist.
With the world in lockdown, I turned my focus to expanding my reach, creating products inspired by my art. And it worked—big time. My products took off, and from there, it was just a matter of continuing to grow and evolve. And that, in a nutshell, is how everything came together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. I’ve wrestled with so many doubts: *Am I on the right path?* *Am I doing what’s best for Henry (my son)?* *Should I be working for someone else?* *Am I good enough?* *Will people even like my art?* *Is any of this sustainable?*
On top of that, the financial strain has been constant since I’m the only one bringing in income. I’ve found myself caught in the trap of comparing my journey to other artists—wondering how they’ve managed to afford expensive displays and gear, often with the support of a spouse or family. I’ve had to completely reshape how I think about money.
Friendships have been a challenge too. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that I’m always working, and there are times I can’t show up for certain events. It’s in these moments you realize who your true friends really are.
Physically, it’s been tough. My knees have been an issue for the last couple of years, and now my back is giving me trouble, making setup for shows and markets a real struggle. And if that wasn’t enough, I’ve also had to cope with the loss of my dad. His passing was a long, painful, and traumatic experience, something that has left a deep mark on me.
Through all these challenges, I’ve learned more about myself and what I’m truly capable of. But it hasn’t been easy, and it’s still a daily battle to keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a painter of color and whimsy, creating vibrant compositions that flow from the depths of my mind. Each piece reflects something personal—often a challenge or emotion I’m working through in my own life. When the painting is complete, it brings me a sense of relief and joy, knowing I’ve visually expressed what I’ve been feeling. My hope is that it resonates with others, making them feel seen and, hopefully, a little happier.
There’s nothing quite like the honor of seeing a patron light up with joy over a piece of art or product I’ve created. It’s a powerful feeling, knowing that something I’ve made has sparked happiness in someone else.
When I lead a paint party, my heart swells with pride as I watch each participant, no matter their skill level, create something unique. I get to offer them two hours of fun and creativity, and that feels incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart, I believe, is my perseverance through tough times. No matter the obstacles, I keep pushing forward—always striving to move ahead, even when the road is rough.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can reach me via email: [email protected] to inquire about working with me. If people want to support me I have an online shop on my website: https://www.heatherdonisdesigns.com/shop. You can sign up for my newsletter here: bio.site/heatherdonisdesigns. If you are local to Virginia Beach I have a kiosk in the Painted Tree, T3. I also post my schedule on instagram, @heatherdonisdesigns, so if you follow you can visit a show or a market.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heatherdonisdesigns.com
- Instagram: @heatherdonisdesigns
- Facebook: @heatherdonisdesigns
Image Credits
Photos are by me, heather donis