Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrie Williams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Aubrie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I was all about the arts. I danced, sang, loved to draw, create with my hands. Not only did self-expression become a big part of who I was, it helped me through a lot of tough moments. I’m a Houston native, but after graduating I decided to spend some time at the beach in San Diego. There, I discovered a passion for teaching and fostering creativity in others. I had the privilege of teaching kids how to draw, paint, sculpt, see things in a way they hadn’t seen before. Over the years I saw how I was not only empowering these young ones to create art, I was empowering their self worth, their ability to think critically and focus on details, their ability to be self-expressed and accept themselves where they were at, and their ability to see and celebrate their own growth. I knew I had found my meaning in life- I’m here to help others recognize they are powerful creators, to help them step out of fear and into the courageous, and to celebrate their growth on the other side. After four years of that, I moved on to teach Painting to adults and continued to find joy in fostering creativity in people of all ages.
Eventually, I decided it was time to move back home, to be closer to my family, and to start my own business. Thus HeARTworks was born. HeARTworks, in essence, is a creative event service that offers a wide variety of creative and self-expressive activities for people of all ages. (5 and up) It’s so much more than paint and sip. I team up with venues that have a need for entertainment and activities for their communities. I do private events in people’s homes or event space of their choosing, as well as corporate events for team building and employee appreciation. I believe that any occasion is an occasion to create- birthday parties, bachelorette, ladies night, family reunions, graduations, church groups, or just for the fun of it!
I created HeARTworks as a way to bring the power of creativity to communities, such that they are left with the pride that comes with creating something with their hands and their hearts. I am committed to people having a fun and memorable experience, and that they leave with a feeling of accomplishment.
I hosted my first public painting event in February of 2018, with great success. It’s been steadily growing since then, and I am so pleased with the feedback I’ve received from the community. My most popular event is Paint your Pet, people send in photos of their pets and arrive to a pre-sketched color by number style canvas along with personalized paint palettes. I walk them through the process of creating their very own pet portraits. People love it! I do too!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The first year was…rough. I think the first two years of any new venture is a bit of a struggle. Mine was no different. It was my first time going into business for myself and I had a lot to learn. I had managed businesses before but owning one is another game entirely. Figuring out what works, getting rid of what doesn’t, finding your community and your groove. Picking the right partnerships, trying new ways to market your services and events and get people to show up. Having the courage to pick up the phone and make cold calls. Doing whatever it took to get bookings did not come naturally to me. I had some blocks, but thankfully I got over them.
Coming into my third year soon, the word is out. Bookings come in without much effort, I’ve established partnerships with venues that allow me to relax a lot more. I discovered the types of events that people really love, and selling tickets became easier and easier. You just have to be persistent. Keep sharing, keep showing up, keep setting goals. When you’re doing something you love and are passionate about, finding the will power comes naturally most days. But in the beginning, it can be tough to keep pushing if you’re not seeing results. I had to have faith that my hard work would pay off in the end, and it did.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
HeARTworks is a creative event service that offers a wide variety of creative and self-expressive activities. I’m essentially a mobile art studio that is centered in fun, empowerment, and self-expression rather than skill and technique. People DO have the opportunity to learn techniques and gain skills, but the goal is to have fun and be creative! In order for people to enjoy making art- they practice putting the self-criticism down and focusing on their unique strengths and growth. This sets me apart from your typical Paint and Sip events that are less focused on the individual, and more the art. People actually get my one on one attention, guidance, and emotional support during the process.
I intentionally set them up with guidelines that support them to ask questions, support one another through the process and away from criticism, use mistakes as opportunities to grow, and to enjoy the journey! Thus together, we create a safe space for them to explore, learn, mess up, and have fun at the same time.
I get so many compliments about how much more helpful and personable I am than the average art teacher. Some even say they have therapeutic experiences or have breakthroughs in their creative expression! I really am committed to their experience being positive, and that they leave feeling good about their creative abilities. I am most proud of the space I create for people to be self-expressed, and the smiles and gratitude that fill the room at the end of each event.
What were you like growing up?
I was always a creative kid. I loved to dance, sing, draw, color, etc. I was pretty self-expressed and happy to be so. I think I was well rounded. I also loved to swim, play outside, climb trees. I played with dolls and stuffed animals. I played video games and watched tv. Played with our dog or pet the cat. For some time, I wanted to be a Veterinarian, or secretly a Pop Star.
Growing up, I had a lot of obstacles to overcome. Art was always the most powerful way for me to deal with whatever was going on. I drew when I was going through something to express my emotions, and I always felt better once I got it out on paper. I later took tons of art classes and just got really into that form of expression.
Pricing:
- My prices are per person. Typically between $25-$45
- My minimum is 10 guests. Max 30-35 depending on the activity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.privateartevents.com
- Phone: 713.965.4476
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartworks_houston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/privateartevents/
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