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

Katy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment

The best investment I’ve ever made wasn’t in a product or a business. It was in myself. I just didn’t realize it at first.

About fifteen years ago, I asked my uncle how I should invest a little extra cash I had. His only answer was, “Invest in yourself.” No further explanation, just that. At the time, I was an esthetician and co-owner of a hair salon with my husband, so I decided that meant investing in my business. I poured money into launching a private-label makeup line, even hiring a makeup artist since I didn’t know much about makeup myself. Within a year, my life shifted, we left the salon, and I sold off the inventory.

I thought I had failed to follow my uncle’s advice correctly, but his words stuck with me. Over the years, I started a few other ventures including a cleaning and organizing business and a healthy snack company, each of which taught me what I didn’t want to do long-term. Eventually, I returned to my artistic practice. I began creating again. Anything from jewelry, paintings, furniture, sewing, you name it. I fell in love with it again and started learning new skills through tutorials, courses, and business workshops.

That’s when I finally understood my uncle’s advice: Investing in yourself means putting your time, energy, and money into learning and growing in the direction you truly want to take your life. Now I continuously invest in mentorship, business and art courses, networking opportunities, and self-care. The best investment I’ve ever made wasn’t a product or a venture, it was learning how to invest in my own growth, and committing to keep doing it

Katy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been drawn to art since I was very young. In fifth grade, I began taking after-school art lessons, and later went to college to earn my certification to be an art teacher. I taught for about a year after graduating, but life took a detour with marriage and starting a new business. While I continued to dabble in art over the years, I didn’t fully return to it until about eight years ago, and it took a few more years before I decided to turn it into a business.

What began as a small booth in a vendor mall that I started with my best friend, Theresa, has now grown into The Painted Moth, a boutique and creative community hub. It brings together artists and artisans from the area to showcase their work alongside mine. We offer everything from paintings, jewelry, and functional art to locally made skincare, herbal goods, and healthy lifestyle products. I also host art workshops, creative classes, and artist events.

What sets me apart is that my work is rooted in authenticity and community. I’m not just selling a product, I’m curating an experience and building a space that supports other makers and encourages creativity in everyone who walks through the door. I want people to leave feeling inspired, supported, and connected. I’m working hard to make The Painted Moth more than a shop. I want it to feel like a creative haven, a place to slow down, appreciate craftsmanship, and discover something meaningful.

Our temporary location has now closed, but while we search for a permanent space, we still offer a small selection on our e-commerce site. I also host classes at my barn studio on my farm, and I travel to other locations for classes.

One thing to know about my brand is that we want our space to feel like a creative sanctuary where everyone is welcome, from beginner to pro. We’re all at different stages in our creative journey, and art is here to enrich our lives whether we are admiring it or creating it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of our earliest pivots happened with the name of the business. I had originally called it Cecropia, after a large moth that symbolizes transformation and finding the light in darkness. I loved the meaning. It felt unique and beautiful but it turned out no one could pronounce, remember, or even read it. People just started calling it ‘the moth place.’ So, I kept the logo, since that was memorable, and changed the name to The Painted Moth.

The business began as a booth in a vendor mall, which allowed me to showcase my work without the cost or commitment of a storefront. The downside was that I couldn’t connect directly with customers, so I started doing pop-up festivals and shows. Those were great for interaction but exhausting with all the packing, setup, teardown, and storage. I thought a permanent space might be the answer but financially, we weren’t quite there yet.

That led to the next pivot. Converting two rooms in our horse barn into a classroom studio and small retail space, and launching an e-commerce shop. Visitors even got the bonus of meeting my baby goats and chickens. While a few people came for classes and private lessons, most didn’t want to make the drive out to shop.

Then came a big turning point: I applied for The Holiday Pop-Up Shops program in downtown Tulsa, and in October 2024, we were accepted. The program paired small retail businesses with vacant downtown spaces, offering free rent for three months along with mentorship and marketing support. We had just two weeks to open in a 1,200-square-foot space! I scrambled for inventory and display furniture, even using large wooden spools as tables. I also put out a call to local makers and artists to sell on a consignment basis. We filled the shop, built amazing relationships, and had such a successful run that we were invited to stay at a discounted rate until June.

The business has pivoted many times, and we’re in the middle of another one now, transitioning to a new space where we plan to expand into art studio rentals and more community events. Every pivot has taught me to stay flexible, creative, and open to unexpected opportunities.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve never been someone who gives up easily. As a teenager, I never quite felt like I fit into any social circle, raised hell for my parents, and by 17, I was a single mother, a point in my life when many people probably assumed I wouldn’t amount to much. But I was determined to prove them wrong. With the support of my parents, I balanced raising my child while attending community college and eventually university. Along the way, I had a second child, worked part-time, and still managed to graduate. Not because it was easy, but because I refused to quit.

I’ve learned that if I set my mind to something, I will find a way to make it happen. That perseverance is at the heart of The Painted Moth, a vision my best friend and I have nurtured for a couple of years now. We’ve pivoted, adapted, and pushed forward despite challenges because we believe in the creative, community-focused space we’re building. With my resilience, ability to navigate change, and the unwavering support of my family and business partner, I know The Painted Moth will become the space I see so clearly in my mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thepaintedmoth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedmothart/ and https://www.instagram.com/creativelykatelife/
• Facebook: @creativelykatelife
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-casillas-gray/