Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Donis

Hi Heather, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

In 2010 I quit my job as a graphic designer with the Navy Exchange corporate to become a full time mom to my 1.5 year old son. I didn’t feel comfortable not earning any income so I continued freelance graphic design and also picked up the paint brush after a long hiatus of not painting. Freelance jobs started becoming few so I was on the hunt for the perfect part time job. I had a friend tell me her cousin in Florida was doing what was called Mobile Paint Parties. I chatted with her and developed my own version and in 2012 launched Heather Donis Designs Mobile Paint Parties. Within months it became a hit. This was before any corporate versions were in town or any one else was doing it here locally. I continued to do personal paintings and dabbled in a few small shows. Then Covid hit and I was forced to pivot. At this time I was divorced and a single mom with a mortgage to pay so I went into survival mode and jumped into the Market scene with both feet. I participated in as many as I could. In 2021 I branched out and started designing products with my artwork on them such as magnets, tote bags, kimonos and wristlets. They were a hit so I have been expanding that line and now have pillows, yard flags and journals among other items. The line is continually growing. Currently I have been focusing on doing bigger art shows and turning my attention to my personal work to grow my portfolio. 2023 had a lot of emotional challenges with my father’s wife passing and he being put into a horrible nursing home and then 2024 came his passing. Planning a funeral and managing all the emotions took a toll but he was my main source of encouragement and today I hear his voice encouraging me to keep growing! Next goal is to open a studio/gift shop/workshop space. Vision board planning is in the works. In the meantime I am participating in local markets and a handful of bigger art shows. My website has most of my products on there and I have some items in some local shops and I have a kiosk in a local place called The Painted Tree. My mobile paint party business is still thriving. Lots to look forward to!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Definitely not a smooth road. I’ve faced internal struggles with questions of “Am i doing the right thing?” “Am I doing the right thing for Henry (my son)” “Should I get a job working for someone else?” “Am I good enough?” “Will people like my art?” “Is this sustainable?” Then there have been the financial struggles since I am bringing in the only income. I struggled with comparison to other artist and how far they had gotten and the expensive displays they had and the ease they had at buying these things as they had support from a spouse or their family. I had to reframe my relationship with money. I have had to struggle with keeping my friendships alive. They say I am always working and I probably can’t make such and such event. You learn who your true friends are when you are in the thick of things. Then there is the physical struggle. I’ve had issues with my knees the past couple of years and now my back making it hard to deal with set up for shows and markets. Recently I had to deal with my dad’s death which was traumatic, long, anguishing and painful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am an artist – a painter to be exact. My style is colorful and whimsical. I am known for my use of color. I typically paint power animals but not always. Recently I’ve found I enjoy painting oysters and I’ve always enjoyed painting a good atmospheric painting. I find I am most proud of how far I’ve come and the stories I hear of how my artwork brings joy to others. I also feel great joy when I do my paint parties and I hear how much fun they were and if I run into my customers later they reminisce about how much fun they had. I think what sets me apart from others is my tenacity to keep pushing forward through the hard times and the unsure times. I’m in it for the long haul.

What matters most to you? Why?

First and foremost what matters to me is my son’s happiness. I check in with him often to make sure I am not working too much or if he needs something. If so everything else can wait. Otherwise my health and well being are vital to keep in check so I can keep producing and creating art that people can relate to and smile about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherdonisdesigns.com
• Instagram: @heatherdonisdesigns
• Facebook: @heatherdonisdesigns
• Yelp: @heatherdonisdesigns
• Other: https://bio.site/heatherdonisdesigns

Image Credits

Rob Woods
Christina Trapini
Michelle Trice