We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kim Ellis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kim below.

Kim , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

As an author and illustrator, I’ve found many ways to market my books. But, with my first children’s book I published, I didn’t realize that I would be blessed by what someone would do for me. My book, “Butterflies for Rory”, was created to honor the memory of my first daughter. On her 16th birthday in heaven, I decided to go on a hike in the mountains of VA, and paint 16 butterfly rocks to hide in her honor.
What one person did next shocked me. Not only did she find my daughter, Rory’s, butterfly rock, but she hiked across the U.S., trying to find the perfect spot to rehide it. She shared photos of her rock in absolutely beautiful locations. The pure kindness of one women to help further Rory’s legacy overwhelms me, and I’m truly blessed by this stranger turned friend.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an artist. Whether I’m creating a story, a piece of artwork, or even a social media post, my goal is to use my creativity to invite you into my world. Those closest to me know that that world is filled with butterflies, flowers, and happy creatures. I’m also a teacher. I’ve been a homeschool mom for the past 18 years, and I’ve had the opportunity to teach art to a variety of students, through formal classes, art camps, and workshops.
My paint party business also became a way for me to teach. For the last 9 years, I’ve been able to help people to realize that they can truly draw (and paint!) more than just stick figures.
But my first love has always been storytelling. I wrote and published “Butterflies for Rory” in 2019, as a way to honor the memory of my firstborn daughter. My second children’s book, “Zach’s Family”, displayed the ups and downs and growth of my newly blended family. I’m current working on my third children’s book, which focuses on my search and reunion with my birth family in Korea.
With the opening of an Etsy shop in 2022, I learned how to display my artwork on various products. Who knew succulent pillows and butterfly baby onesies were going to be in my future!
My desire with anything that I create, is to put a smile on people’s faces. I want to be able to touch hearts and inspire others, whether that’s through children’s books, stickers, paint parties, murals, or even a cat blog. My hope is that people say “Kim Ellis Creates”… joy!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My business was started with just $20. My friend Shelby had been prodding me to start a paint party business, and even helped me to secure my first hostess and location. All I had to do was create a new painting and figure out how to “teach” my guests how to paint it. I went to Michael’s and bought two packs of bulk canvases for my first paint party, using a much needed 50% off coupon. Of course, 9 years and hundreds of paint parties later, my cost for supplies would definitely exceed that first $20. I count myself in the company of other entrepreneurs whose businesses were started on a shoe string budget.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My biggest business pivot coincides with probably a lot of people’s life pivot-during Covid in 2020. My last paint party before Covid took hold was in March of 2020. As a business that relied on meeting together, my source of income almost completely dried up in the following years. This change allowed my author and illustration career to come to the forefront. I had started my “Kim Ellis Creates” Facebook/Instagram pages in March of the previous year. It was both a way of promoting my first children’s book and motivating me to keep creating.
As life allowed for more public gatherings, my paint party business reopened, but my focus has been changed. Now my career as a children’s book author and illustrator is established, while I’m still able to supplement my income with my paint party business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimelliscreates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kim-Ellis-Creates-636591616786133/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kimelliscreates http://www.kimelliscreates.etsy.com/ https://pin.it/40dfQfq

Image Credits
Kim Ellis