Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Santana Ware. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Santana , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Art is not only my career, but also my life. It is what makes me happy, fulfilled, and connected to others. Yes, I wish I had started this entrepreneur journey sooner because my creative career gives me the opportunity to do what I love and help people express themselves or heal through art. I love the quote “Do what you love, and love what you do!” Art is a powerful tool and outlet for many people. I feel initially I didn’t understand how to make money doing what I loved, and I didn’t have the courage or faith to try it. Also, originally, I feel art was viewed as a hobby or side hustle rather than respected as a career. Now I wish I had obtained my college degree in Art Therapy but when I attended school this was not popular or advertised. Nevertheless, over time, art continued to emerge and become a respected career field.

Art has allowed me outstanding opportunities, such as exhibiting my work in different places, collaborating with other people, hosting events and workshops, and developing curriculum. It has also helped me develop meaningful relationships with people who share my passion or appreciate my work.

Moreover, art is a coping mechanism for anyone facing challenges or difficulties in life. For example, I once hosted a painting event, “Paint Heals” at the children’s hospital for a group of children undergoing cancer treatments. This event is near and dear to my heart because it allowed me to give them temporary relief. Art is a powerful tool to help children suffering from cancer cope with their emotions, pain, and stress.

• Art allows children to express and understand their feelings through art, especially when they have difficulty verbalizing them.
• Art improves self-esteem and confidence in children with cancer by allowing them to make choices, create something meaningful, and discover their potential.
• Art distracts children from the physical pain and discomfort of cancer treatments by requiring concentration and imagination.
• Art activates reward pathways in the brain, lowers anxiety levels, and improves well-being by producing positive emotions and relaxation.

Art does not require any artistic skills or talent and can be in many creative forms, such as drawing, painting, coloring, sculpting, knitting, cooking and more. Art can be done individually or in groups, at home or in hospitals, with or without guidance from a professional. I love sharing art with the world and teaching its benefits.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey there! I’m Santana B. Ware, Therapeutic Art Coach, and founder of Splatters Studios & Co, a mobile creative art studio that brings the joy of art to any occasion or event. I love everything art from painting to fashion. I’m originally from Starkville, Mississippi but relocated to the DFW area in 2019. I’m a proud graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentrations in Broadcasting and Public Relations and Master of Science in Public Policy and Administration. I’m also certified in Mental Health First Aid (Youth) and love to utilize art to benefit mental health.

I have a diverse background and experience in teaching, nonprofit, event planning, workshops, and team building. When I’m not coaching or creating art, you can find me spending time with my high school sweetheart turned husband Greg and our four beautiful children (ZaMarion, Karter, Harley & Sailor).

My favorite art quote is “Broken Crayons Still Color.” I believe that we are all like broken crayons coloring the world with our unique marks. I want to remind people that even when we face challenges, difficulties, or hardships in life, we still have the potential to create something beautiful and meaningful. Let’s create something beautiful together!

I’ve always had a passion for art and creativity. For my 30th birthday, I wanted to do something different and fun. I discovered the sip and paint party idea, where enjoy snacks and wine, while painting a masterpiece. I thought it would be a great idea to host one for myself. I did some research, ordered some materials, set up the space, and invited my closest friends and family. We had a blast! Everyone loved the party idea and complimented me on the idea. They also shared how relaxing and happy they felt while painting. That’s when I had the A-Ha moment and realized I could turn this into a business. So, a year later, I decided to give it a go and I opened the first Sip and Paint studio in our area.

Opening a creative arts studio allowed me to share my love for art with others and help them to create extraordinary experiences that last a lifetime. Almost 8 years later, here I am still pivoting and pursuing my dream. My business has evolved from a physical studio location to a mobile creative arts studio in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but my mission remains the same: to bring joy and relaxation to people through art. I cater to all kinds of events, such as birthday parties, family reunions, corporate events, workshops, conferences, bridal showers, weddings, and more. No matter what the occasion is, Splatters can make it fun and colorful with our creative art services.

Splatters Studios & Co. is a mobile creative art studio that brings fun and magic to you. Whether you want to host a corporate event or just have a good time with your friends or family, we can customize our services to suit your needs and preferences. We are not just another art business, we are a unique experience that combines the best of Disney, Burger King, Apple, and Nike. We are magical, flexible, innovative, and motivational. We care about customer satisfaction and creating lasting memories. We also love to inspire people to unleash their creativity and discover their potential.

At Splatters, we don’t just offer art services, we offer art adventures. You tell us what you want, and we make it happen. Whether it’s a party theme, a workshop, a team building activity, or any other event, we can design it to fit your vision and style. We are not just artists; we are dream makers. We also treat our customers like family, with our southern hospitality, warm customer service skills, and outstanding communication skills. We value your business, so we make sure we provide top quality services.

One of the things that I am most proud of is turning a vision and dream into a reality. I have always loved being creative, planning events, and creating art, so I am so happy to be doing everything I love as a business. I started Splatters to offer personalized experiences for any occasion. However, it was not easy to achieve this goal. I am overcoming a move from Mississippi to Texas right before the pandemic, therefore, I am working to rebuild a new area with no connections. I face many challenges and uncertainties, but I will not give up on my dream. I am working hard to network, market, and promote my business. I also continued to improve my skills and services. I would love to connect with more people who are looking for unique experiences, such as churches, restaurants, schools, daycares, community centers, wineries, hotels, individuals, and others. I hope to provide the Splatters experience throughout the United States and beyond. I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and help others express themselves through art.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot in business when my family and I relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2019. I closed my art studio in Mississippi, and we moved with the intention to restart business in a larger, thriving market. But then the pandemic happened. I didn’t know what to do or how to start in a new area without connections during a time when people were social distancing. This was one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced in business. I have worked extremely hard to overcome obstacles and find my way in an unfamiliar territory. I changed my business model, offered virtual events, and made other adjustments to grow my business. I will continue to follow my dreams and work hard to make them come true.

I am truly passionate about art and know the wonderful benefits art provides for individuals. For instance, art can help reduce stress, improve mood, increase confidence, heal emotions, and enhance coping skills. Art can also activate reward pathways in the brain, lower anxiety levels, and improve well-being. After COVID, which I refer to as the mental-demic, art is needed now more than ever. It is a great way to help people deal with everything that comes with such a difficult time. I feel life is about pivoting and adjusting because like Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Life is a Journey not a Destination.” Until I reach my destination, I will continue to be open-minded and chase my dreams. In the words of Walt Disney, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” This quote inspires me to keep going and keep creating. I hope it inspires you too. Looking for a fun experience, just book with Splatters Studios & Co., your mobile studio on the go!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is having the time to enjoy life and express myself. I used to think that money was the most important thing in life, but I realized that money alone cannot buy happiness. Don’t get me wrong, money is still important, lol, but having the time and freedom to do what I love, and experience life is priceless. I don’t want to just exist; I want to live. I don’t want to work a job that only has one outcome. I don’t want to live life like a hamster, going in circles. I want to live life creatively, traveling and exploring the world. Therefore, being creative allows me to have freedom, fun, make money, and leave an impact. It’s a win for me, my family, and the world. I spread art everywhere I go and strive to make the world a more beautiful and colorful place.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.splatterstogo.com/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/splatters_studios
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SplattersStudios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santana-b-ware-8475bb57/
• Other: Phone: 469-283-8099