We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Micayla Eligwe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Micayla below.

Micayla, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

I believe everything happens for a reason when it should. If I could go back in time to start my business sooner, I would have taken better advantage of my circumstances back then. Living rent free, no bills, or children to take care of, that would have been an ideal situation to take a chance and dive wholeheartedly into my art career. I definitely tried, I just wasn’t fully focused on the big picture, I wasn’t hungry enough. I felt as if I had all the time in the world, which was true but I used it as a crutch. It really wasn’t until I became a mom that reignited the fire in me to grow my art business. Yes being an entrepreneur and stay at home mom of twin boys presents some challenges while growing my business, but it also motivates me to accomplish my goals. So do I wish I could have started my business sooner or later? if I knew what I know now sure, but I’m grateful for this journey I’m on and what I’ve already achieved.

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

A little bit about myself, I’m Micayla wife to my handsome husband VcMor and mom to my handsome twin boys Zion and Zekiel Eligwe. I’m a visual artist specializing in oil portrait paintings and murals. As the owner of Joy Arts Studio LLC, I bring my unique artistic vision to life, capturing emotion, culture, and vibrancy in my work. In addition to my fine art practice, I also operate Painting with a Push, a mobile paint party business where I instruct engaging paint-and-sip classes—including a dynamic session that combines painting with physical movement. My journey as an artist began with drawing before I discovered my love for painting while earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Midwestern State University. This pivotal moment ignited my passion for using color and emotion to capture the essence of the subject matter. Through my art, I strive to represent my culture while creating pieces that resonate with a diverse audience. From instructing paint parties, painting murals in peoples homes, to honoring loved ones with a portrait, I love creating art and sharing my gift with all my supporters and soon to be. My goal is to continue to bring joy through my art to others and inspire my sons to be their own boss while doing something they love.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The strategy that I have found to be the most effective for growing my clientele, would be attending events. Vendor markets, networking events, Facebook groups, and always having my business cards with me. Social media can be a great tool, but what works best for me is going out in person and getting my exposure that way. Create the opportunity yourself, be proactive send that email, make the call, inquire if someone needs your services. Its just like the saying you miss all the shots you don’t take.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I do have some of my works on Instagram, Facebook and various platforms, and I have found that they aren’t the best avenues for me in selling my artwork. That being said I will have a website coming soon! It’ll be a one stop shop that’s user friendly.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://linktr.ee/micaylaeligwe?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
• Facebook: Painting with a Push