We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaui Wilson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kaui, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I’ve been an artist my whole life; went to school, got my degrees, etc. But I decided on having a family instead of pursuing a career in art. I did do freelance graphics and web design work, but I was a stay-at-home mom, for the most part.
I actually started teaching kickboxing classes first! Before becoming an art teacher. I loved kickboxing classes, and so I decided to get certified in a dance fitness kickboxing class. The class taught me fundamental techniques that I still use today in my painting classes.
One day, the local rec center reached out to me to offer a job teaching a kickboxing class and invited me to come to a job fair. But when I got there, the fitness director at the time said that she didn’t want me – she already had kickboxing instructors.
But the Enrichment Coordinator was like, “Kaui, wait. You’re an artist? Do you think you could teach painting and drawing classes?”
I told her that I could, and I taught painting and drawing to seniors, adults, and kids! It was the longest running, most-grossing class for the Center – to date!
But the Center’s Leadership changed. They decided to take 35% of everything I was making. Which was fine, I just had my students bring their own paint and canvas – since I had all the other stuff (easels and brushes, etc.).
Then one day, my Seniors said, “Kaui, you need to start your own business.” And I was ADAMANTLY opposed. I had never owned a business before. I had no idea where I would event start!
But week after week, my Seniors would say, “Kaui, you really need to start your own business!” and then one week they said “You know, we would really like to do those paint and sip classes you teach! If you start your own business, we’ll all come! And we’ll bring our friends.”
I thought, “Hell, Kaui, pull the trigger! What’s the worst that could happen?! You end up back here?!”
So I did. I took the LEAP OF FAITH to become small business owner!!
The business was a HUGE success!! I have been a small business owner for almost 10 years now. I have taught tens of thousand of people in thousands of classes. Successfully. My classes are full of laughter and fun and creativity and social engagements.
It’s the most powerful thing I have ever done for myself.
And it all started with a class of Senior Citizens and a Leap of Faith.
Kaui, 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?
My name’s Kaui (Like “Maui”), I’m a mother of 4, a small business owner, an artist, an instructor, and an avid volunteer. I live in Maricopa, AZ.
I own a small business Art & Sip, LLC for my art and sip classes that involves more than just painting and sipping – although painting and sipping is most popular right now. I also have glass fusion classes, cooking classes, and sourdough bread making workshops, currently, but I’m always expanding.
I also own Kaui Wilson, LLC where I sell my paintings and my online courses.
I am the Visual Director for the Maricopa Arts Council, and often work on projects for my Non-Profit Organization (501c-3). The events are free, and were purposely created to enrich the Arts & Culture in our City.
My work is based around “doing the things that make your heart sing.” Everyone’s an Artist! I truly believe that. Each of us has a natural talent to create. It’s something we inherently do, that we can do for hours at a time; we get excited about doing it, and often get lost in the practice of it. It can be anything: Dancing, Singing, Writing, Gardening, Numbers, Painting, etc. Whatever that thing is, it MUST be nourished. We need to play to our strengths! I believe it builds a stronger community, and actively engages the mind, body, and spirit.
The most rewarding thing for me is when I get a complete novice, who’s a little afraid because they’ve never painted before, and has no idea what they’re doing. All they know is that the class looks fun, and they wanna try it! When they’re finished, they have this magnificent piece of art, that they doubted they could do (and, in fact, had even convinced themselves prior that they wouldn’t be able to!), and the painting came out better than they had even hoped for. Plus, they had a BLAST!
The COOLEST thing about teaching these classes, is that we’re all unique and each painting is proof of that. Each attendees is given the same of everything: Same paints, same brushes, same instruction, everything! But every single painting is different. Every single time. Because we’re different.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Honestly, I hate having to pivot! It actually makes me quite grumpy!
I have to have my “ducks in a row,” so to speak, and so I make a plan. A strategic, actionable, plan that maps out everything: What I’m doing, where I’m going, and everything I’ll need.
But ya know what? NOTHING ever goes as planned! And so, I’ve learned to pivot. If Plan A doesn’t work, we shift to Plan B, then Plan C, Plan D, and so on if need be.
The truth is: Life in unpredictable! In the madness and the chaos, we still have an end goal. And, low-key? It kinda bugs me, but: Most of the time Plan B (or C or D) ends up being a better plan with a better outcome.
I’ve learned to be more flexible, and trust that everything will work out!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
“The fortune’s in the follow-up.”
To build my business, I had to mess up. A LOT! Which is ok, because experimenting brings me great joy.
Imagine thinking you’ve messed up, but everyone LOVED it! How do I know? Because I ask my audience. Everything. From what they want to paint, to how the class could be improved. And then I listen! I decide what’s best for the business, what’s best for me, and what I need to make better – for both them, and myself.
I involve them in many of my decisions, because they are who I’m serving!
What has built my reputation is showing others my results. I take pictures (almost too many!) of my events and then I post them on social media. I then send an e-mail to my attendees to thank them for coming out, and then link their event in the e-mail. This allows my attendees to see their pictures and tag themselves and share with their friends!
It also helps that I’m passionate about what I do. I have THE BEST job! It’s humbling and fun and creative, and I find that it inspires many people!
I’m involved in the Arts & Culture in my city, and I help where I am able. My foundation puts on events all the time, and I encourage my artists to connect. Connection is SO so important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheArtandSip.com
- Instagram: KauiWilson
- Facebook: KauiWilson
- Linkedin: KauiWilson
- Other: TikTok: @KauiWilson
Image Credits
none