We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amy Simon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy below.

Alright, Amy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business came from my lived experience as both an art educator and someone navigating deep personal loss. I was teaching art in schools and seeing every day how powerful creativity could be, especially for children and families who did not always have the words to express what they were feeling. At the same time, art became my own way of healing and grounding myself during a very difficult season of life.

What I started to notice was that while there were plenty of paint and sip experiences, there were not many spaces that treated art as something meaningful and accessible. I did not see many environments where people felt safe to show up as they were, where creativity was about connection, confidence, and healing rather than perfection. I especially felt this gap for Black and brown communities and for families who wanted something more intentional.

I began hosting small art experiences simply to create the kind of space I wished existed. The response was immediate and emotional. People stayed long after the sessions ended. They shared their stories. They brought their children, their parents, their friends. Schools reached out. Families asked for more. That is when I knew this was bigger than an idea and that it was meeting a real need.

What excited me most was realizing I could build something that blended education, creativity, culture, and healing. A space where people are not just learning how to paint but are reconnecting with themselves and each other. This business works because it is rooted in authenticity. I was not chasing a trend. I was responding to something I felt deeply and saw consistently in my community. Every class, program, and event is guided by that original intention to help people rediscover their creativity, confidence, and joy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Amy Allure, a visual artist, art educator, and creative entrepreneur based in Queens, New York. I am the founder of Allure Art Academy, a creative space rooted in education, healing, and community. My journey into this work began long before I opened a studio. I started as a classroom art teacher, where I saw firsthand how powerful creativity could be for young people, especially those who did not always feel seen, heard, or confident in traditional spaces.

At the same time, art became deeply personal for me. During a season of profound grief and loss, creativity was not just something I taught, it was something that carried me. Art became a place where I could process, reflect, and reconnect with myself. That experience changed how I understood creativity. I no longer saw it as just a skill or hobby, but as a tool for healing, self expression, and transformation.

Allure Art Academy was created to be the kind of space I felt was missing. We offer art classes, workshops, private events, school partnerships, and community based creative experiences for children, teens, adults, and families. Our work blends art education with intention, emotional awareness, and cultural grounding. Whether someone is picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, they are met with encouragement rather than pressure.

The problem I aim to solve is accessibility and belonging. Too often, art spaces feel intimidating, exclusive, or disconnected from real life. I wanted to create an environment where creativity feels welcoming, joyful, and meaningful. A space where people can create freely, build confidence, and feel supported. This is especially important for Black and brown communities, families, and creatives who have not always felt reflected in traditional art spaces.

What sets my work apart is that it is deeply rooted in lived experience, education, and care. I do not separate creativity from emotion, culture, or community. Every program is designed with intention and heart. I am most proud of the fact that Allure has grown into more than a studio. It has become a place where people gather, heal, celebrate, and rediscover parts of themselves through art.

What I want people to know most about me and my brand is that creativity belongs to everyone. You do not need to be perfect or experienced to create something meaningful. My work is about helping people remember their light, trust their voice, and find joy through the act of creating. That belief is at the core of everything I do.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One moment that really illustrates my resilience is continuing to build my business through multiple layers of loss and transition. I was navigating deep personal grief while still showing up as an art educator and business owner, and at the same time I was grieving the loss of my physical studio space. After years of building a creative home for my community, I was pushed out by a new landlord due to a significant rent increase. Closing that chapter was painful. The studio was not just a business, it was a place filled with memories, growth, and connection.

In that season, I also had to make a hard but necessary decision to rebrand and reroute the business. What originally began as a paint and sip space needed to evolve into something more sustainable and aligned with my purpose. I transitioned the vision into an art education academy, focusing more deeply on teaching, youth programs, school partnerships, and community based art experiences. That shift required letting go of what people thought the brand was and trusting where it needed to go.

Resilience, for me, did not look like forcing things to stay the same. It looked like allowing myself to grieve while still choosing growth. It meant adapting, rebuilding, and believing that the value of the work was not tied to one location or one version of the business. I learned how to pivot without losing my identity and to rebuild with intention rather than fear.

What came out of that season was clarity. I gained a deeper understanding of my purpose and the impact I wanted to make. The business became stronger, more focused, and more aligned with education, healing, and community. I am proud that I did not give up when I was forced to start again. I allowed the vision to evolve, and in doing so, I created something that continues to serve others in a more meaningful way.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building relationships and truly listening to the people I serve. From the beginning, I paid close attention to what my community was asking for and allowed the business to evolve based on their needs. Whether that meant shifting class offerings, creating more educational programming, or designing events that felt more intentional, adaptation has been essential.

A major part of our growth came from partnerships with schools, families, and community organizations. As an art educator, I leaned into my background to create programs that were both creative and meaningful. When people felt heard and supported, they returned and shared the experience with others, which naturally led to referrals.

Another important strategy has been opening the space to other creatives. By providing a platform for artists, educators, and facilitators to host their own workshops and classes, the studio became a collaborative hub rather than a one voice space. This not only expanded our offerings but also strengthened our community and introduced the brand to new audiences through shared trust.

Consistency and intention have tied it all together. By showing up regularly, staying aligned with the mission, and being responsive to feedback, the brand grew organically. People connect with the authenticity of the space, and that connection has been the foundation of our growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Allureartacademy.com
• Instagram: @allureartacademy
• Facebook: @allureartacademy