We recently connected with Maria Magdesyan and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
From Birthday Party to Business: The Story Behind PaintForFun.art
It all started with a phone call from a friend.
She was planning a birthday party for her daughter and wanted something creative, engaging, and memorable. “Can you do a painting activity for the kids?” she asked, knowing I had a knack for art and a love for teaching. I hesitated. I’d never hosted a painting event before, not like this. But something about the idea sparked a fire in me.
I said yes.
That one “yes” changed everything.
Armed with brushes, easels, paints, and a playlist of upbeat tunes, I arrived at the party, heart pounding. The moment I saw those little faces light up as they dipped their brushes into vibrant colors, all my nerves disappeared. Laughter filled the air. Kids proudly showed off their masterpieces. Parents started asking, “Do you do this for other events?”
That’s when I realized that I might be onto something.
Taking the leap wasn’t easy. I had no business plan, no fancy website, and no idea if anyone beyond that party would be interested. But I had passion. I had purpose and I had proof that this idea, creating joy through painting, mattered.
So I took the risk and launched PaintForFun, a mobile paint-and-sip experience for kids, teens, and adults. With the help of my daughters, I designed custom art sessions, and started hauling my portable studio wherever creativity was needed: backyards, classrooms, corporate team-buildings, bridal showers, you name it.
Now, every time I set up my easels and see people whether they’re 7 or 70 lose themselves in color and imagination, I’m reminded of that first birthday party. Of the courage it took to say yes. And of the beauty that comes from betting on yourself.
Because sometimes, the best businesses don’t start in a boardroom. They start with a birthday, a brush, and a bit of bravery.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Maria Magdesyan, and I’m the founder and creative force behind PaintForFun, a mobile paint-and-sip business that brings joyful, hands-on art experiences to homes, schools, parks, and workplaces across Los Angeles.
My journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly when a friend asked me to lead a painting activity for her daughter’s birthday. That one event lit a creative spark and planted the seed for what would become Paint For Funa, a business built on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to create, connect, and celebrate through art.
,
With a focus on convenience, personalization, and inclusivity, I offer custom painting events for all ages—including kids’ birthday parties, adult paint-and-sip nights, team-building workshops, seasonal sessions, and more. As a fully mobile service, I bring everything needed to transform any space into a pop-up art studio—no stress, no mess, just creativity and fun.
What sets my events apart is the energy, warmth, and encouragement I bring to each session. Whether you’re an experienced artist or picking up a brush for the first time, my goal is to make you feel confident, inspired, and genuinely proud of what you create. My passion for helping people tap into their creativity has built a loyal community of clients who return not just for the painting, but for the experience.
Through Paint For Fun, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of people unplug, unwind, and reconnect with themselves and with each other. I’m proud to continue growing this business with heart, color, and community at its core.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative and running Paint For Fun is witnessing the moment someone realizes they are an artist, even if they’ve never picked up a paintbrush before.
There’s something truly magical about watching a child beam with pride over their first painting, or seeing an adult loosen up, laugh, and lose themselves in the creative process after saying, “I’m not artistic.” Those moments of joy, connection, and self-discovery that’s what fills me up.
Art has this incredible way of breaking down barriers, inviting people to be present, and turning a simple gathering into something meaningful. Knowing that I get to create those experiences for people and that my work helps them relax, express themselves, and connect with others, is what makes it all worth it. That’s the heart of why I do what I do.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
In my view, the best way society can support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is by valuing creativity not just as a hobby, but as a vital part of community well-being, education, and the economy.
That starts with investing in arts education, especially in schools and underserved communities, so creativity is nurtured from a young age and seen as just as essential as math or science. We also need to fund and promote local art programs, events, and small creative businesses, making space for artists to showcase their work, teach, and grow sustainable careers.
On a personal level, it’s about showing up, attending local events, buying from artists, sharing their work, and simply recognizing the value of what they bring. Creatives help us see the world differently, connect more deeply, and find beauty in unexpected places.
A thriving creative ecosystem doesn’t just happen, it’s something we have to build together, by creating access, opportunity, and community for all kinds of makers and dreamers. When artists thrive, everyone benefits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paintforfun.art
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/paintforfunca?r=nametag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintforfunca?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/Qkzkv6QhNZ
