We were lucky to catch up with Janie Villarreal McClinchie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I started selling my art.

I got hooked on art markets. I traveled to different events, set up my little paintings, and experienced both the good and the bad of being an art vendor. Along the way, I met many market organizers and learned firsthand how art shows and markets were curated.

Eventually, I stepped into curating art events myself.

That’s when something became very clear to me.

I met so many talented artists and crafters who made beautiful things by hand—but they didn’t have a place to call home. They didn’t have a steady space where people could find them, support them, and where they could truly grow their small businesses.

And that’s when the idea was born.

A place where local artists and creators could be housed together.
A beautiful space filled with handmade goods.
A community where artists could thrive—not just survive.

And that dream became a reality at Que Retro Arts inside Basila Frocks.

What started as a love for drawing as a little girl turned into a home for artists in our community.

And that is how Que Retro Arts came to life.

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 background and context?

My journey into entrepreneurship was fueled by my love for painting and creating unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise. As I connected with more local artists and crafters, I discovered a deep appreciation for the local art scene, which inspired me to start curating markets. My goal was simple yet profound: to build a community where local artists could come together, share their work, and thrive. My journey into entrepreneurship was fueled by my love for painting and creating unique, one-of-a-kind merchandise. As I connected with more local artists and crafters, I discovered a deep appreciation for the local art scene, which inspired me to start curating markets. My goal was simple yet profound: to build a community where local artists could come together, share their work, and thrive.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Covid was huge time in my life and career… prior to COVID I had a semi successful art gallery and a part time job as a trainer for a company that certified food service employees with their state mandated certification… then our city shuts down and I lose my part time job and the last thing the world was buying during this pandemic was ART. So I lost my income over night…. I was 55 years old and unemployed for the first time in my life…. In addition to my gallery I would also host painting parties…. So I created my brand of painting party kits… all of my images were my whimsical drawings of mermaids, chihuahuas, Fridas and other quirky things…. So my followers started ordering kits for the kids that were stuck at home bored with nothing better to do…or just anyone that wanted to do something fun at home. So I would do front door drop offs and had no contact with my clients…. This was my income for 7 months before I was able to find a permanent job…. I was able to support myself by selling painting kits… and I was so happy and lucky that there was a need for my painting party kits..

How did you build your audience on social media?

One thing I discovered along the way is that I love creating themed events that bring food, art, and community together.

I’m especially known for hosting the Concha Throwdown, where local bakers compete for the title of the best conchas in San Antonio. What started as a fun idea turned into a city-loved event that celebrates culture, creativity, and small businesses all in one place.

I also host an annual celebration honoring my favorite artist, Frida Kahlo. This event has grown so much over the years that many people in the community now recognize me as “the Frida lady.”

Through these events, I do a lot of social media promotion, TV segments, and interviews, and somewhere along the way, I unintentionally became the face of these cultural art experiences.

It’s always a special feeling when someone recognizes me in public and says,
“Aren’t you the Concha lady?” or “You’re the Frida lady!”

Because to me, that means the events didn’t just happen…
They became memories for people.

And that’s what I love most—creating experiences where art, culture, food, and community all come together under one roof at Que Retro Arts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.que_retro_arts.com
• Instagram: Que_retro_arts_at_basila
• Facebook: Que Retro Arts
• Linkedin: Janie Villarreal McClinchie