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

Cara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I’ve always been a person who sees an empty commercial space and think of all the possibilities.

I remember moving to Middle Georgia and knowing this is what I was meant to do. Opening Lush needed to happen for both me (new girl in a new town at a crossroads in my life) and the area (accessible and non judgmental art available for all).

I remember explaining my idea to make bankers and realtors and the look of doubt and pity. But I kept going, I knew that women needed a place to go to be together, be alone, feel safe, and build community. While we also began to add classes for children (frankly that paid the bills in the beginning), the core and base is always for women. We love when men paint, it adds a fun dynamic and there’s an interesting level of ego in their creating habits I find fascinating.

We’ve now morphed into a space for anyone of nearly any age who is willing to try.

I can’t imagine giving up at the face of clear patriarchal doubt. The joy that would have been lost in our area would have been significant.

Cara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Cara Heard is an artist and educator who has built a successful teaching art studio in the heart of middle Georgia which has thrived at times and survived at other times which is the nature of small business during a pandemic.

Cara’s journey into the art world began in the world of cosmetology. After becoming a mom and moving away from her clientele she decided to stay at home with her young son. She needed a creative outlet to keep her mind busy. With limited funds she bought some paint and canvas and began teaching herself to paint. Using trial and error as a guide, she kept trying, practicing, and learning. Her journey took a decisive turn when she began teaching art classes to children and adults in her community. She quickly realized that there was a demand for quality art education without any aura of superiority or attitude or ego. She knew if she could do it, others could too. She was passionate about helping others discover and develop their own artistic skills. This led her to establish her teaching art studio, which has since become a popular destination for aspiring artists in middle Georgia.

In April 2024, Cara has been accepted to attend a month long Artist residency in the Champagne region of France at the highly coveted Chateau Orquevaux. She’s also received The Denis Diderot Grant to help with part of the tuition. Only 20% of applicants are accepted and she’s so proud of this accomplishment and excited for this incredible opportunity.

At her studio, Cara provides a range of services to her clients, including art classes for adults and children, private lessons, art camps, workshops featuring guest artists, and maker markets featuring 25 local makers. Her classes cover various mediums and techniques, ensuring that students can find a class that suits their interests and skill level. Cara also offers custom artwork commissions, allowing clients to work with her to create unique pieces that reflect their personal style and vision.

One of the main problems that Cara solves for her clients is providing comfortable and inviting art education and instruction in middle Georgia. Cara’s studio provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can learn and grow as artists, regardless of their background or experience level.

What sets Cara apart from other artists and educators is her ability to connect with her students and inspire them to unleash their creativity. She is passionate about fostering a love of art in others and believes that everyone has the potential to create something beautiful. Cara’s teaching approach is supportive and encouraging, and she takes the time to understand each student’s unique strengths and challenges.

Cara’s studio has been a source of pride for her, and she is grateful for the opportunity to share her love of art with others. She is especially proud of the community she has built at her studio, where artists of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, create, and grow. Cara values collaboration and encourages her students to work together and learn from one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support that is rare in the art world.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, Cara wants them to know that her studio is a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone is encouraged to explore their artistic potential. She is committed to providing high-quality instruction and fostering a love of art in all of her students. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, there is something for everyone at Cara’s teaching art studio, Lush Art in Perry, Georgia.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Lush Art is a brand that has built a strong social media presence by staying true to their brand values, using humor, and providing encouragement to their audience. Cara has created a unique voice and personality on social media that resonates with her audience and sets Lush Art apart from competitors.

One of the ways Cara has connected with her audience is by using humor in social media posts. This creates relatable content that is both funny and informative, which helps engage with the audience and stand out in a crowded space. The humor is aligned with the brand values and mission, which makes the content feel authentic and genuine.

Cara has also created a sense of community on social media by encouraging the painters to share their own artwork and creative projects. Featuring user-generated content on the social media channels creates a sense of inclusivity and belonging. This encourages the audience to engage with the brand and helps build a loyal following.

Another way Cara has connected with her audience is by providing encouragement and support to her followers. She loves to share motivational quotes, tips, and advice that inspire the audience to pursue their creative passions. This creates a positive and uplifting atmosphere on social media channels and in studio which helps to build a strong community around the brand.

Lush Art has also been consistent in social media efforts, regularly posting new content and engaging with the audience and other businesses and people in the community. This consistency has helped build a loyal following and establish the brand as a trusted authority in the art and creativity space.

Cara’s favorite aspect of social media is when people approach her outside the studio to comment how people love how relatable and approachable she is and they like how she shares the highs and lows and not just the sunshine and butterflies. Other business owners can relate to that and customers can relate to the personal aspects shown. It’s amazing to have cheerleaders rooting for you and your business.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

I was at a community event where I was introduced to someone. He came right in for a hug and said he loves when his wife comes to the studio to paint because she comes home relaxed and happy and he benefits from that in the bedroom. It was so unexpected and made me laugh and I still laugh to this day. It spun off a marketing meme I do about “Bob”.

Bob and Sally are stick figures and it says : “Bob buys Sally a gift certificate. Bob’s lady is happy, Bob gets lucky, Bob is smart. Be like Bob.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.paintwithlushart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintwithlushart/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/paintwithlushart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-heard-a2202812
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC5XDoCUdDuH8TkB7o_Q1FDg
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/caraheardart/ patreon.com/paintwithlushart

Image Credits
I took these. I did just have headshots taken yesterday and have more scheduled later this month I can send to you later as they’re returned to me.