We recently connected with Jaime Hinrichs and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jaime thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Every project that I work on is meaningful to me in one way or another, but I think the paintings that I do for birthday parties are dearest to my heart. Growing up we didn’t have a lot of money, so most of our gifts were always handmade and meant the most to me. I remember my dad making me my very own dollhouse and it was the most amazing gift I’d ever received. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t bought in the store, I loved that it was made special for me. So, I started giving a handpainted canvas to each birthday child that I host a party for, because I want them to feel as special as I did the day that I opened my dollhouse.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I have loved arts and crafts since I was a young girl. My Mother is an artist and my Dad loves woodworking. They got me started. When I was a teenager, babysitting jobs were plentiful for me because I loved to do arts and crafts with the children I babysat. Though I grew up in a small Texas town, my husband, Joe Hinrichs and I moved to Houston to find work at the young age of 18. I started working for The Honor Roll School in Sugar Land in 2007. I designed fun art projects for the kids and sat with them during “free time” and drew with them. I had so much fun. I would decorate the Lobby and stage for events, as well as our bulletin boards and it made me realize that I wanted to do more. I transferred to The Missouri City location in 2013 after taking a leave to have my second son. I painted murals all over the school in addition to starting art classes for the children, eventually things changed and the art program became smaller due to budget constraints and I became unhappy. In 2015, I received a call from a friend, Chessa Rapp about applying for work at the Sugar Land Art Center. I was invited to start teaching art classes for children and hosting art parties for kids. It was the break I needed. So, my husband and brother-in-law helped me build my website and I filed for a DBA (Jaime’s Palette) to make it official. They have helped tremendously to get me where I am today! In December 2016, Chessa offered me a position at Fort Bend Senior Meals on Wheels to be their new Art Instructor. I started with them in January of this year and it has been a remarkable journey doing what I love the most. It has allowed me more time to focus on my business and more time with my husband and sons
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
There are so many options out there today to buy for friends and family, but those items are made in a factory and not from the heart. The next time someone you know has a birthday or anniversary coming up, or maybe a holiday is around the corner or you just want something for your own home, consider supporting a small business. You will not only will get a special handmade item, you are helping support that person and their family.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I’ve taught many people (of all ages) through the years and so many times I’ve heard, “I can’t do that” to which I respond, “yes you can”. Then, seeing their eyes light up after they see the work that they themselves have created means the absolute world to me. They DID do that!
Contact Info:
- Website: Sugarlandart.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/jaimespalette
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/jaimespalette
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/89VhBVuPunb