Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Claudia Villalobos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Claudia , thanks for joining us today. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?

I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with a profound vision—to foster the love of art within our community. My goal was to break down the barriers that separated art from both adults and children. I kicked off my venture by pioneering the concept of “Paint and Sip,” but with an innovative twist: I introduced a mobile Paint and Sip experience and even included complimentary wine. This was during the height of Paint and Sip’s popularity, and my unique mobile approach set me apart.

For three years, I passionately pursued this concept until the unforeseen arrival of the pandemic. The sudden shift towards virtual experiences led me to launch “Virtual Art Kits,” which significantly expanded my reach. Remarkably, this period saw me receive inquiries from renowned companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook, seeking to incorporate Virtual Paint and Sip experiences into their offerings. I meticulously curated art kits featuring pre-sketched canvases, high-quality paints, brushes, aprons, and detailed instructions, all thoughtfully packaged in custom boxes. These art kits found their way to distant places, including Sweden and Australia.

This transformative moment ignited my determination to pivot towards corporate clientele, introducing novel ideas like employee engagement and art activations. As the pandemic waned, businesses began seeking ways to reconnect with their staff and facilitate their return to the workplace. Consequently, I began receiving requests for large-scale Art Activations, designed to unite employees through the power of art. Since 2022, I have honed my focus on corporate clients, tailoring specialized programs to meet their unique needs. These companies have become the cornerstone of my business, and I have dedicated myself to creating impactful, engaging experiences for their teams.

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 like to describe myself as a vibrantly expressive individual, both in my inner and outer being. Artistry has always been a defining aspect of my identity, and I’ve discovered that the truest version of myself emerges when I’m immersed in the creative process. My formative years were spent in the heart of Seattle, Washington, specifically on Beacon Hill, where I actively engaged in various art programs. These early experiences sowed the seeds of my artistic journey and painted a vivid picture of a future in the arts.

Growing up, I aspired to give back to the same creative realm that had nurtured my own talents. I initiated my journey by organizing community programs aimed at providing underprivileged urban youth with the opportunity to engage with art, free of charge. My passion lies in crafting art experiences that are not just enjoyable but profoundly memorable.

What sets me apart is my commitment to mobility in art workshops, ensuring that the creative process can happen anywhere, at any time. I provide the essential space and resources for individuals to engage in art, promoting self-expression and innovation. My dedication goes the extra mile in delivering imaginative events and activations that leave an indelible mark on participants, transforming each occasion into an unforgettable masterpiece.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

This has been a lesson that life has repeatedly drummed into me. In my case, the crucial word is “Preparation.” It’s astonishing how one can become complacent in the comfort of a daily routine, which at times leads to overlooking the essential event checklist. I can’t count the number of times I’ve found myself frantically searching for forgotten items or lamenting crucial details lost in the shuffle, all due to a lack of meticulous preparation. This has, on occasion, turned my world into a whirlwind of stress and impromptu trips to the craft store.

But I’ve transformed this recurring challenge into an opportunity for growth. I’ve now armed myself with a comprehensive checklist and developed foolproof strategies to ensure I am impeccably prepared for every event that comes my way. This shift has not only improved the quality of my events but has also injected a fresh sense of confidence into my journey.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

In the early days, I primarily showcased the dazzling final outcomes of my events and the stunning setups. However, I soon came to appreciate that the path leading up to those moments is equally, if not more, significant. The late nights, the long days, the inevitable mishaps, and the concealed disasters all became integral parts of my journey. It was a turning point when I began documenting nearly every aspect of this process.

This shift in approach ignited an extraordinary level of engagement on social media. My audience resonated deeply with the candid portrayal of mistakes and the valuable lessons learned. I’ve become adept at finding innovative ways to convey the day-to-day evolution of an event. My advice to fellow event enthusiasts is to ensure comprehensive documentation, as there exists a dedicated audience eager to witness the captivating stories that unfold behind the scenes.

Contact Info:

• Website: Seattle Paint Party
• Instagram: Seattle Paint Party
• Facebook: Seattle Paint Party
• Yelp: Seattle Paint Party

Image Credits
Claudia Villalobos