We recently connected with Felicia Black and have shared our conversation below.

Felicia, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve always loved anything creative. Art, in all its glorious forms, has always been a passion of mine. I’ve pursued things like writing, drawing, lettering, the art of cosmetology, wood and paper crafts, music (piano, violin, guitar), and painting. It’s always been something that’s burned brightly inside me.

I started my watercolor journey from a dark place in my life. I felt I’d lost myself somewhere along the way. I am so blessed that I was able to set aside some time to try to rediscover my creative spark. Rediscover me.

I tried out new mediums, and began discovering the little joys that watercolor brought me. The paint to the paper, using pigment and water to create blooms and blends, embracing mistakes, and watching and learning to let go of control while still creating something of worth. It’s a beautiful process, really. And I wanted to share that with all the people closest to my heart.

I invited my best friends to paint with me. I shared all my favorite supplies, taught them little tricks I’d picked up, and together we created our own collection of masterpieces and amazing memories.

One of those friends asked me to teach a paint night class for her birthday. I, of course, said no. That was well outside my wheelhouse, I had no credentials, who was I to teach someone else to paint? But she convinced me. And that’s where this all began.

I gathered supplies and put my best setup together. When I taught them, this group of women, it just came natural. I painted along with everyone while teaching them, as I had my friends, all the little things they needed to know to create their own beautiful painting. I received a lot of great feedback and requests for more paint nights. So I kept teaching, getting more requests, teaching more paint nights, and so on.

My business really took a turn when the pandemic hit. Isolation meant no more paint nights. And I really wasn’t mentally or physically prepared to teach over zoom. I turned my business into a donation based service and began sending hand painted watercolor postcards all across the US and Canada, just to brighten people’s days a little.

When things opened back up, paint nights picked up again. Just, slowly.

Eventually I got into the corporate space and began teaching paint nights for company activities. One friend asked me to to teach for his marketing team. We got all the details hammered out, then he hit me with “Oh yeah, there’s a handful of remote employees. Can you accommodate that?” Very hesitantly, I agreed to figure something out. I’d make it work.

I put together some paint kits – brushes, paint, watercolor paper with already taped edges – everything you’d need to paint along with me. We had most of the team in person, with a few joining along via zoom. It was a new experience, but definitely a step down the right path for me.

That’s where the idea for a subscription box was born. And, here we are, nearly half a year into subscription boxes and I’m loving my business even more.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Felicia from Felicia Paints, and I do in fact love to paint. My main medium is watercolor, and while it can be intimidating to some, I believe it’s one of the most beautiful, forgiving, and inspiring mediums available.

I currently teach paint nights, create and sell watercolor subscription boxes and kits – complete with everything you need to paint along, right out of the box – as well as create custom art and sell originals, prints, stickers, and art supplies.

I believe art should be for everyone. It’s an amazing tool for healing, growth, and self care. There are so many lessons that can be learned through the creative process of watercolor that can be translated into many aspects of our lives. It’s my journey and mission to share the joy and benefits of art with anyone who’s willing to listen.

My paint nights provide an outlet to experience the joys of watercolor in an environment designed to promote creative expression and growth. Participating in paint nights is a great way to step a foot into the world of watercolor, to test the waters and see if it might be a good fit.

My subscription boxes and kits provide all the materials you’ll need to paint along with exclusive instructional videos, complete with all the laughter and life lessons you’d get at an in-person paint night, from the comfort of your own home. Pull out your paints box, pull up the video, and paint right along with me anytime, and anywhere (with an internet connection). I’ve got subscribers from ages 4-87, currently. Hi, I’m Felicia from Felicia Paints, and I do in fact love to paint. My main medium is watercolor, and while it can be intimidating to some, I believe it’s one of the most beautiful, forgiving, and inspiring mediums available.

I currently teach paint nights, create and sell watercolor subscription boxes and kits – complete with everything you need to paint along, right out of the box – as well as create custom art and sell originals, prints, stickers, and art supplies.

I believe art should be for everyone. It’s an amazing tool for healing, growth, and self care. There are so many lessons that can be learned through the creative process of watercolor that can be translated into many aspects of our lives. It’s my journey and mission to share the joy and benefits of art with anyone who’s willing to listen.

My paint nights provide an outlet to experience the joys of watercolor in an environment designed to promote creative expression and growth. Participating in paint nights is a great way to step a foot into the world of watercolor, to test the waters and see if it might be a good fit.

My subscription boxes and kits provide all the materials you’ll need to paint along with exclusive instructional videos, complete with all the laughter and life lessons you’d get at an in-person paint night, from the comfort of your own home. Pull out your paints box, pull up the video, and paint right along with me. I’ve got subscribers from ages 4-87, currently. My subscription boxes really are for everyone!

Along with the subscription boxes, I’ve got one-time boxes and smaller single painting kits available, as well as party packs with enough materials to host your own paint nights.

I create my own stickers, have originals and prints of my work, and sell art supplies. I also take requests for commissions on a very limited basis.

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?

I believe creativity is something we’re all born with. Unfortunately, most people tend to lose that notion along the way. We fall in line with the world telling us that if we’re not the next Picasso, then why even try? That if we can’t generate a profit, then it’s not worth the effort.

Creativity is meant to be so much more. It’s meant to be an outlet for emotions – the whole spectrum – so we can share our stories with the world. Stories are meant to be shared through words, movement, and art. It doesn’t matter if you’re “good at it”, what matters is that you embrace the emotion and give it somewhere to flow.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I believe that art is for everyone. Creativity is essential to success in every part of our journeys. Throughout history people have used stories, dances, chants, and visual arts as healing rituals and therapies. I believe in the power that creative expression unlocks for healing, growth, and progress, and I want to share that with everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.FeliciaPaints.com
• Instagram: @felicia.paints
• Facebook: Facebook.com/felicia.paints
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCqioyw2btwAGBNNJ14D98iw
• Other: TikTok.com/@felicia.paints

Image Credits
Felicia Black, Jennifer Seely