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

Shaneice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

Giovonni’s Canvas is a mother and son duo that has brought the love of art, and it’s many forms, back into the community and more! This business thrives tremendously due to word of mouth about the one of a kind experience and memories they are left with.

Shaneice, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Giovonni’s Canvas is ran by duo Shaneice Sims mother and Giovonni Sims son. Shaneice was a natural born artist but fell victim to the 9-5 lifestyle. During the start of Covid and all the changes in the world Shaneice started finding comfort in painting custom art again during state wide quarantines. Her son Giovonni noticed the art and convinced his mother to post it online. It sold immediately! Noticing the demand for not only custom art but art that displayed images of ethnic women, Giovonni’s Canvas was born. The demand for the custom art was outstanding because the original art displayed the beauty of ethnic women and their hair using paint and real hair materials earning the name GC 3D custom canvases. As Giovonni’s Canvases’ clientele grew the request for other services followed! Giovonni’s Canvas has now had the opportunity to host and plan paint parties for hundreds and hundreds of people across Georgia and it neighbor state Alabama. They have also had the opportunity to mail paint parties to out of state clientele. Since its start in 2020, they have had to opportunity to grow beyond custom art and paint parties and also provide their newly found couples paint date set ups that are huge during Valentine’s Day, Anniversary’s, Birthday’s, and Proposal’s. Once the talent was seen on decorating surprise paint dates, the demand grew beyond art and Giovonni’s Canvas entered the event planning world decorating wedding receptions , bridal brunches, and more alongside its original paint party bookings. What sets them apart from other paint party planners is that Shaneice draws each canvas with love by hand while most companies print out images in bulk. Shaneice and Giovonni are also very hands on and personable with their clientele. You will never speak to an assistant or have someone else other than the duo decorate or plan your event. What they are most proud of is the work they do for the community. They have spread the love of art by teaching youth art classes in libraries, YMCA’S, and assisted living and nursing homes. Art is usually one of the first extracurricular classes that gets cut when budgets are reducing. Giovonni’s Canvas helps the community by being an outside source for art to continue to live and thrive in our youth and elders in the community. For this to remain possible references are extremely important to them.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

A lot of business owners ask me, ” What’s your secret sauce, it seems you blew up overnight?” The secret sauce really is as simple as walking in your purpose. They say a child shows you who they are from adolescents and I am a firm believer in that! We stray away from our talents naturally to become a successful being in society. Unfortunately, many of us were told that the things we love to do will not generate an income to be able to sustain the lifestyle we desire. I found out late in life that that is completely false! The other side of that “secret sauce” is being personable and not being afraid to self advertise! You can not promise 1k plus people will share your post or work on their own, but you know who can? You! Do not be afraid to self advertise. Trust me they are watching and the clientele that is meant for you will reach out and do not be afraid to reach out first. Don’t be afraid to step away from social media and be personable a few days a week. You would be surprised how many potential clients still enjoy seeing a face with a business card in hand.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and decorator is seeing the reaction of joy and surprise come over the clients face once their product/event decor is revealed ! Many clients mention that they aren’t creative so having someone that is creative to bring their vision to life meant a lot to them on their special occasions. What I love most is most of my bookings are booked as surprises for their spouses or children/family members ! Knowing that I am trusted with such special occasions is a true reward in itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.giovonniscanvas.com
• Instagram: @giovonnis_canvas
• Facebook: Giovonni’s Canvas