We recently connected with Lena Brown and have shared our conversation below.

Lena, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents taught me from an early age that service-oriented careers offer tremendous value. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the benefits of their entrepreneurial spirit while they owned an amusement business that catered to festivals and various events. Their experience demonstrated that self-employment allows one to establish flexible schedules, create personalized business practices, and ultimately achieve a better work-life balance. This approach to work—not being confined to traditional 9-to-5 structures and embracing innovative methods—has greatly influenced my own perspectives on employment and success.

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

I graduated high school last November, and I’ve already been working as a face painter in my family’s business for eight years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I also developed a background in real estate videography, which gave me valuable experience in advertising, as well as audio and video production.

I was inspired by a friend who works in social media marketing and decided to give it a shot. Since then, I’ve gained a few clients and am excited to expand and serve many more in the future.

Regarding face painting, I’ve had an artistic background since childhood, and that creativity has only grown with time. I began face painting in 2017 alongside my mother, and it came naturally to me. Now that I’ve turned 18, I’m branching out to launch my own face painting business. I’ve already built up a small client base through my work with my mother, and I hope to continue growing—eventually building a team of my own.

In social media marketing, I help clients craft strategic plans to maximize their online presence. I create and manage websites, oversee various social media platforms, and design promotional materials. I genuinely enjoy guiding my clients through the process and helping their businesses thrive.

When it comes to events, I don’t just paint faces—I also offer simple balloon twisting to add extra fun and excitement. I have a wide range of face painting designs for kids and adults alike, and I love seeing the joy and amazement when people see the finished artwork.

What sets me apart from many teens in my generation is my drive to build something of my own. While some are content to scroll through social media, I’ve chosen to work hard and grow businesses. I’m proud of the diverse skills I’ve gained through different service fields, and I’m confident I can manage both businesses successfully—especially since one is seasonal and the other can run year-round.

I take pride in my creativity and my ability to bring ideas to life in ways that make clients happy. I want my clients to know that I’m adaptable and committed to creating products that align with their needs and niche. I love meeting new people, hearing their input, and building strong, collaborative relationships. To me, communication is key—and I strive to make it a priority in every project I take on.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

As a member of the creative community—not only as a face painter but also as a content creator for brands—I’ve come to appreciate even the smallest gestures of support. A simple compliment from a client, or something as small as a like or a comment on a reel, can genuinely go a long way in encouraging artists.

One of the most uplifting things to witness is when creatives come together to collaborate rather than compete. I believe creativity should never feel like a contest. It’s a powerful outlet for self-expression and an opportunity to uplift and inspire others.

I truly enjoy seeing artists support one another and help each other grow. Exposure can be difficult to gain, especially for smaller or emerging artists, so it brings me so much joy when I discover hidden gems or passion projects that deserve the spotlight.

What inspires me even more are the stories behind the art. Some create because it’s therapeutic, others do it to help support their families or save for college, and many simply want to bring joy to others. Each story is meaningful, and they all add richness to the creative world.

Ultimately, I believe society can best support a thriving creative ecosystem by valuing and uplifting all forms of artistic expression—no matter the size of the platform. Every artist deserves the chance to be seen, heard, and appreciated for the joy and meaning they bring to others.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’m an avid reader of the Bible, and I’ve found it to be full of wisdom that deeply influences my mindset as both a business owner and a creative. One scripture that has especially impacted me is Proverbs 21:5, which says, “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success.” This verse motivates me to approach my work with intention and consistency. It reminds me that being diligent and thoughtful in my planning can lead to real success.

It also reinforces the importance of setting goals. Whether big or small, goals give me direction and purpose in both of my businesses. I’ve come to appreciate that even small, incremental goals can lead to significant outcomes over time. I don’t mind starting small—because I know that persistence and steady progress can lead to something much greater.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thetwistedbrush.com
• Instagram: The Twisted Brush: @the.twisted.brush | Social Brew: @https.socialbrew