We were lucky to catch up with Emily Bussman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emily , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work through a portfolio of diverse creative income streams.

My journey began when I opened my first art studio at the age of 26 in downtown Nashville, TN. It was quite an experience, and from day one, I thrived in the fast-paced, creative energy of running my own business. While I have an art degree in graphic design from Auburn University, I have no formal business background — I can attest that passion and dedication can absolutely be one of the the strongest fuels for a business’s financial viability and long-term success.

A major milestone in my journey was scaling the business to the point where I owned and operated three studios simultaneously. After moving back to Cullman, Alabama to start a family, I made a conscious decision to shift my business model to a smaller, more intimate studio to prioritize being present as a pastor’s wife to my husband and a stay at home mom to my two young sons. This change allowed me to maintain a career I love, while balancing my family life.

Looking back, I could have potentially sped up the process of full-time earning with a different approach, but I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. I believe that everything has worked out the way it has in God’s perfect timing. The journey itself has been my greatest education. I believe the biggest lesson I learned is the value of adaptability and creating a sustainable business model built on a passion for teaching art. My current studio model provides me with a level of flexibility that has allowed me to become deeply involved in the community, teaching in schools, creating commissioned artworks, painting murals, and pursuing other entrepreneurial projects. This flexibility has proven to be an even greater success and a more fulfilling career than I could have ever imagined!

Emily , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey in this industry began over 15 years ago when I opened my first art studio. I’ve always believed that creativity is a core part of who we are, who God designed us to be, and I wanted to create a space where people could discover that for themselves! I’ve always been driven by the desire to not just create art, but to teach others how to find true joy in the process.

While the paint-and-sip industry is well-known, I strive to set myself apart by offering more than just entertainment — my teachers and I aim to provide a more in-depth approach. In our classes, we don’t just complete a painting; we often explore the “why” behind the “how.” I teach fundamental art concepts like brushwork, color theory, and technique, giving students a real skill set they can carry with them on their creative journey. The goal is fun and entertainment too, sure, but to really empower people.

I genuinely believe that everyone has an artistic side, even if it is buried a little deeper down, haha. I hear it all the time: “I can’t even draw a stick figure,” or “You just get paid to tell me it looks good.” No, I truly mean it, you’re doing such a great job trying something new! If you find joy in even something simple like blending colors or just creating something with your hands, you ARE an artist!

It is such an honor to watch someone who came in feeling anxious, walk out feeling proud of what they’ve created! My passion for teaching, (rather than just turning a profit) has allowed me to expand my services into various community programs and especially schools — there is nothing more rewarding than seeing and hearing a child be proud of themselves for creating something beautiful! 


Ultimately, I want people to know that my studio’s brand is built on authenticity and a true love for helping others discover their creative potential. It’s not about being a master artist; it’s about the joy of learning and the therapeutic freedom that comes from allowing yourself to simply create!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There are so many, it’s hard to pick one! Can I pick two?! :) The first is seeing the pure joy on someone’s face when they create something they’re truly proud of. It’s amazing to witness that moment of self-discovery, whether it’s a child or an adult!

The second is actually a very recent realization for me. I used to struggle with feeling like I wasn’t “enough”—not successful enough, not smart enough, not “business-y” enough. But a group of incredible women (shout out to my BBs!) recently helped me see that creativity itself is a divine gift. Being an artist is a visual reminder that God spares no expense in any occupation to show how glorious He is, and that’s a perspective I’m so incredibly grateful for.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

“Ha! That is a great question. I think the one thing non-creatives struggle to grasp is the unpredictable, non-linear nature of the our creative process. It is truly a beast sometimes! I feel like most non-creatives thrive on structured business plans, crunching numbers, and following a strict schedule — all of which are admirable and necessary in business. However, our creative process often operates on a much different rhythm, or sometimes, a lack thereof.. :)

We might experience a random burst of inspiration and work on a project at 2:30 in the morning, only to wake up and draw a complete blank on it again the next day. You can’t force genuine creativity onto a rigid deadline. That ‘go with the flow,’ approach to work is probably hard for some to grasp!

But, at the end of the day, for myself most creatives I know, we are ultimately fueled by the fact that we have been able to be a part of someone else’s creativity, or joy, or the making of something beautiful. That fulfillment (that powerful sense of purpose) is more than enough to keep us going, day after day!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sipsnstrokescullman.rezclick.com
• Instagram: sipsnstrokes_cullman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sipsnstrokescullman
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/emilybussman
• Other: Email [email protected]

Image Credits

headshot – samantha southerland photography