We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maryana Dokhvat. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maryana below.
Alright, Maryana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
Choosing the name for my mobile paint and sip business was a journey in itself. I wanted something that would immediately capture attention and convey the essence of what we do. After brainstorming a myriad of names, I realized that the perfect name needed to embody both our unique service and our artistic flair.
‘Portable Picasso’ emerged as the clear winner for several reasons. Firstly, ‘Portable’ directly reflects the mobile nature of our business, emphasizing our flexibility and convenience in bringing the art experience to our clients’ locations. Whether it’s a private party, a corporate event, or a community gathering, our name hints at our ability to transform any space into a vibrant, creative environment.
On the other hand, ‘Picasso’ invokes a sense of artistic brilliance and creativity. Pablo Picasso is synonymous with innovation in the art world, and associating our business with his legacy helps communicate our commitment to providing a high-quality, enjoyable painting experience. The name suggests that our clients will have the opportunity to unleash their inner artist in a setting that’s both inspiring and fun.
Combining these two elements, ‘Portable Picasso’ not only captures the essence of our mobile service but also aligns with the artistic spirit we aim to foster. It’s a name that rolls off the tongue and sticks in the memory, perfectly reflecting the dynamic and creative experiences we offer. From the moment we decided on this name, we knew it was a perfect fit for our vision of blending mobility with artistry.
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.
Hello! I’m excited to share a bit about myself and my journey. I was born and raised in Ukraine and moved to the United States as a child, where I had the privilege of growing up immersed in American culture. I completed my education here, earning a bachelor’s degree followed by an MBA. For several years, I thrived in the corporate world, but I felt a creative spark that I knew needed to be ignited.
First, the pandemic introduced new challenges, and then with the arrival of my beautiful daughter, I found myself at a crossroads. The choice was clear: continue the demanding 9-to-5 corporate grind or take a leap of faith into something that would allow me to be more present with my family while pursuing my passion. Inspired by my daughter and fueled by a desire for creative fulfillment, I decided to embark on a new adventure.
With my husband’s support, I left my corporate job and we spent countless nights drafting a business plan and designing a brand for a unique mobile paint and sip business. We wanted to create something that stood out in a crowded market, so we didn’t just stick with traditional canvas and wine experiences. Instead, we sought partnerships with local breweries to offer a fresh, innovative twist on the paint-and-sip concept.
Our collaborations with fantastic breweries like Love City Brewing, Fat Lady, Wissahickon Brewery, Evil Genius, Twelve78 Brewing, and Workhorse, among others, have been incredibly rewarding. By bringing art to these vibrant spaces, we’re reaching people who might not typically visit a traditional paint-and-sip studio.
Over the past year, we’ve hosted a diverse range of events, from painting plant pots and dog bowls to bandanas, coasters, canvases, and even pumpkins! Each event is a unique experience designed to inspire creativity and bring people together. We’re thrilled about the exciting events on our horizon and look forward to continuing this creative journey.
What sets us apart is our commitment to blending art with unique local experiences and making creativity accessible in new and engaging ways. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what’s next. I want our potential clients and followers to know that Portable Picasso isn’t just about painting; it’s about creating memorable moments and bringing a splash of creativity to everyday life.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Funding Portable Picasso was a collaborative effort that truly highlights the support and dedication of my family. My husband, who owns ExxoDigital—a successful digital marketing company he started during his high school years—played a pivotal role in turning my vision into reality. His expertise in digital marketing and the steady income from his business have been invaluable, especially in today’s challenging economic climate.
Before diving into the world of mobile paint and sip, I conducted thorough research to understand the costs and requirements of starting a business. With his encouragement and guidance, we mapped out a detailed plan for what supplies and resources were necessary. Recognizing the importance of a strong start, my husband generously contributed $1,000 to fund the initial phase of Portable Picasso. This initial investment was crucial for acquiring the essential supplies and kickstarting the business.
Beyond financial support, my husband’s contribution extended to helping with branding, designing our website, and setting up our social media presence. His skills and resources allowed us to establish a professional and polished image without additional costs for brand development.
I’m deeply grateful for his unwavering belief in my business plan and his hands-on involvement in helping me achieve this dream. His support has been instrumental in getting Portable Picasso off the ground and I’m excited to continue this creative journey with his encouragement and partnership.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building an audience on social media for Portable Picasso has been a dynamic and ongoing journey. We’re continuously learning the nuances of effective social media strategies, from mastering the art of engaging reels and captivating stories to crafting posts that truly resonate. We’ve realized that in today’s fast-paced digital world, keeping content concise and compelling is key—long-winded reels or uninspired posts can easily lose attention.
One of the most effective strategies we’ve employed is partnering with established accounts that already have a robust following. Collaborations with these larger platforms have significantly boosted our visibility and introduced our brand to new audiences. It’s a great way to tap into their engaged community and drive attention to our page.
For those just starting out in building a social media presence, my advice is to stay persistent and never get discouraged. Consistency is crucial—engaging regularly with your audience and maintaining a steady stream of content will yield results over time. Remember, social media is often about timing and trends, so don’t be disheartened if growth seems slow initially. You never know which post might catch fire and suddenly attract thousands of new followers. Keep experimenting, stay authentic, and most importantly, enjoy the process of connecting with your audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://portablepicasso.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PORTABLEPICASSO
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portablepicasso
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portablepicasso/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
Maryana Dokhvat