We were lucky to catch up with Marla Enowitz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marla, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

I proudly handle my own marketing and social media and look at it, not as “busy work” but as an extension of my brand. I grew (and started!) my business on Instagram and find the platform to be user-friendly and also a powerful tool. Like any platform with an audience, I keep in mind to use the space in an uplifting and supportive atmosphere; my followers are a community that I have built. My brand, Marla Beth Designs, is about finding the “happy” in things, and the visual to that is my artwork; “Happy Art”. Being a creative, a fine artist to be precise, I really am not great at the technical/computer aspect of the business, but I learn as I go, and I like encouraging other business owners to take charge of their content, because that is their personal messaging and no one can speak for them. Just like I wouldn’t hire a staff member to stand in for me at a meet and greet, I feel the same way about my social media content. It should come from me because I am speaking to my audience through it. I work with other business owners teaching various aspects of social media marketing, and what I’ve learned throughout the years. Most commonly, people tell me they are intimidated by it, and that’s OK! But I got pretty good at reframing things that others find overwhelming and it’s all about taking baby steps!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

“Marla Beth Enowitz, is the colorful catalyst who sparked Marla Beth Designs, Inc. and has been painting homes and business with joy and glitter since 2020. A hobby turned business during the Covid pandemic, started from a home garage and moved to a showroom in the prestigious town of Rye NY, 4 years later.”

My signature style of whimsical design and unparalleled use of color, one can always spot an “MBD” original installation. From pieces setting smiles in motion at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital to commissions for private residences across the country, I am sure to keep the “Happy” in my well established role as the “Happy Artist of Westchester”. My custom commissions allow clients to be a part of a fun filled design process from concept to completion—and maybe a little paint splatter on the way​.

I am most proud of my work in the nonprofit sector, donating her art, and helping in fundraising efforts for the Ronald McDonald house of the greater Hudson Valley.

My “Happy Art” transcends the canvas into real life with her beloved local art classes for children. Marla has also set up “Crafting for a Cause” sponsored art tables that I happily donate to fundraising causes throughout New York.

Now with a newly opened showroom and event space in Rye NY, I offer the happiest and most creative kids paint and craft parties! My space is the “Willy Wonka” of art studios – color everywhere.

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

Nearing the end of year one in Covid and art class number ~264 out of my home garage, we were all still in masks but I had been wearing a face shield since the beginning (the clear plastic kind) so the kids could hear me speak clearer. Around this time there was another uptick of Covid and I had switched to doubling up on a traditional face mask (because who really knew what to do!). My garage door was kept open during our classes and we were technically “outside” with the air flowing. And I’ll never forget this as long as I live: One of my “mini artists” who was usually the most perky of the group seemed a little quieter that day. I asked if something was wrong, She said nothing was wrong, but that she “didn’t like me wearing a mask covering my mouth”. I asked her why and if it’s because she couldn’t hear me? She said “no, it’s because I can’t see your smile”. That made such an impact on me because these kids were growing up in a time where they couldn’t see their teachers smile at them. And I went back to the clear face shield and knew what I was doing had so much meaning. This was my mission: to keep these kids smiling back at me; through art, through color and it’s been my mission ever since.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think something I’ve been told that I needed to unlearn was to “stay in your lane”. There’s some truth to it but overall, it’s a limitation. As an artist, I think people just expect me to create with my medium, which is acrylic paint on canvas, but that’s only one method of expression. I chose to be a brand with my business and that encompasses more than just my paintings. People are willing to learn from me, so I teach what I am good at- not only painting, but social media, networking and being “yourself”. I think Dr. Seuss said it first that “there is no one you-er than you” so, Be GOOD at being yourself – be a kind person and a leader. Go out of your lane sometimes to try new things, help others maybe sometimes before helping yourself, and give things meaning when you do them. It all comes back to who you are, your brand, so be generous and thoughtful towards others along the way. And put the “Happy” back in everything you do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marlabethdesigns.com
• Instagram: MarlaBeth_Designs
• Linkedin: Marla Beth Enowitz

Image Credits

Marla Beth Enowitz