We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Quincina “Queen” Wooten. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Queen below.

Queen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?

Queen’s Paint & Play, LLC was founded in the summer of 2019 with the original business model consisting of me traveling around the area, bringing paint parties to homes, local businesses, schools, and churches. When COVID hit, of course the in-person activities had to come to a halt. Initially I thought this meant my business would have to take a “pause”, although we were just getting started. Fortunately for me, my awesome mentor provided me with an option that not only helped my business to keep going, but also provided those stuck in the house like me, a way to have some fun: Virtual Paint Parties. With the Virtual Paint Party option, I was able to keep the business afloat, and more importantly, bring family and friends together at time it was difficult to do so.

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

How do I get started? When my kids were younger, I was a big “crafter” with my kids and their friends; it was something that we all enjoyed doing. With that being said, I decided to attempt to make my “hobby” a business, with the initial target audience being kids (ages 5-16). But soon after having our 1st couple of parties, the “bigger” kids and adults quickly let me know that they also wanted to paint as well, so we expanded our audience.

So what is it that I do? I run a mobile paint party business out of High Point, NC, teaching beginner paint parties to ages 5 and up. Beginner, meaning there’s absolutely no experience needed. I bring all paint supplies needed, and guide each painter, step-by-step through the paintings. I offer private paint parties, where paint friends have the option to book their own paint party to help celebrate a special occasion (bridal showers, birthdays, fundraisers, team builder and church events – YOU NAME IT). I also offer “open” paint parties at local businesses throughout the month, where anyone can register to paint with us.

The growing support from the community, and most importantly my family, is the thing I am most proud of. Having a day job in the corporate world, being a wife and a mom, it’s impossible for me to run the business without my family’s support. Both, my husband and kids support my dream 100%, and are the biggest part of me being successful.

Why book with us? If you want a fun twist to add to your event/celebration or want to get in touch with your artistic side – Book a paint party!! My paint parties are fun and relaxing – No stressing allowed :) Don’t forget – I teach beginner paintings – if I can do it – so can you!!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to unlearn as a small business owner, family and friends should and will support my small business. Unfortunately this is not the case. I’ve learned that everyone will not support my business and that’s ok. As a business owner, I’m tasked with the constant job of finding “my people”. Finding those who are interested in what I bring to the table, and naturally wanting to see my business grow. Support comes in different ways, and I’ve learned to received the support however it is given; whether it is painting with me, liking/sharing a social media post, or another small business owner allowing me to host a party in their establishment. I am thankful and appreciative of any support I receive and I no longer have expectations for any particular person or group of people to support my business.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media is a never-ending battle. The goal is to remain relevant and “seen”. Which means you have to find the content that your audience is interested in and constantly make social media posts. I am still growing my audience – not where I want to be, but also, in a better place than when I started – which means I’m doing “something” right. The advice I would give is be persistent and don’t give up- it will not happen overnight.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://queen-s-paint-play-llc.constantcontactsites.com/?fbclid=IwAR3xlkNiACJe76V-RrXStbEFwaoPqq8RUp3iYiUec2qw3o5bi34giZ3C3fM
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintnplayparty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintandPlayParty