We recently connected with Micayla Eligwe and have shared our conversation below.

Micayla, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Two of my passions have been art and fitness. I enjoy both for different reasons but ultimately because they are healing activities for the mind and body. I wanted to come up with something that could incorporate both of theses things in a way others could partake in this experience as well. Thus, Painting with a Push was created! I found a way to marry the two activities and created my own business in doing so. The idea is similar to your regular paint and sip parties, except the element of surprise with PWAP is the fitness portion. The class is meant to push yourself to channel your right and left side brain. The whole class is done while sitting on a stability ball, which is used during the workout portion of the class as well. The first half of class mimicks a tabata structure. You’ll paint for a certain amount of time, then transition into a workout session, and repeat for 7 rounds. Then the second half of the class you have to finish your painting masterpieces.

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

Hey I’m Micayla Eligwe, owner and Artist of PWAP – Painting with a Push. I was born and raised in Texas, where I found my love for Art and fitness; growing up I played multiple sports as well as participated in various art contests. I continued to explore my passions for Art and fitness in college where I played Soccer and majored in Fine Arts.

After graduation I pursued a career in Personal Training, all the while never losing my love for Art. I struggled to find a balance between Art and fitness, always giving more attention to one than the other. I decided to come up with a solution that would allow me to enjoy both of my passions. That is when I came up with the concept of PWAP. Painting with a Push is a merging of art and fitness. I wanted to create an experience that not only was fun, but also creative and competitive. My class challenges you to tap into both the right and left side of your brain. This new painting experience has become so therapeutic for me and I am so excited to share it with everyone.

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

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot? I haven’t had to pivot career wise as I am still painting, training clients, and working from home for a home health company. I have improved my time management to be more efficient so I can still work and play.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy? The best way to learn is to be hands on. I learn better through observing and experiencing it for myself. I do appreciate advice from those who are already established in what they sought out to do, their experience and knowledge is useful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://painting-with-a-push.square.site
• Instagram: @paintingwithapush @mepaintedit
• Facebook: Painting with a Push