Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Valliar.
Hi Alexis, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My journey as an artist was planted as a young child. My father used to give me tracing pads to teach myself how to draw, and my mother would get me these fashion design books with stencils to design purses, shoes, and clothes. At the time, I didn’t think too much of it as me being an artist. I just thought they were being good parents managing my ADHD. Now, at the age of 26, I see that they were planting a seed. When I was 19, I was in a relationship that came in the form of a blessing and a curse. However, that relationship catapulted me into becoming a painter. I would stay up late nights throwing paint on a canvas, or a cup, or anything I thought could use a creative touch. As I transitioned between homes, my passion for creating grew like a burning fire. When I finally got settled, I was given an opportunity at the age of 21 to host a paint party for someone’s 40th birthday. This was my first time teaching anybody how to apply paint to a canvas. I am self-taught, so I just sort of figured it out, but teaching a group of people had my anxiety through the roof. Although, mentally I felt defeated, each individual that attended reassured me that this was my calling. I was blessed with another opportunity in 2022 to become an art instructor for a company that is no longer in business. This was a major career change for me. Throughout my duration of working there, my confidence on becoming an art instructor grew tremendously. If I can give a shout-out to the owner, Tasha Felder, she really changed my life. Fast forward to summer of 2023, the drive for being an art instructor still lived inside of me, so I began to do some research to figure out how I can reach people on a deeper level like I did before. The feeling I received while assisting others to believe in themselves is unmatched. So, I took up a part-time job to save some money to start this business. Now, here we are today.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth at all. With no help from mentors, financial assistance, and marketing team, I am left to wear many hats to get things done. Honestly, I love the struggle I am going through as it shows my discipline and resilience to grow and succeed in MY business. My biggest struggle would be the lack of financial assistance to expand Smiles and Brushes. A lot the criteria for loans and business start-ups are you have to be in business for a certain duration or have a specific amount in revenue. With that, I’m left to take out personal loans or miss out on opportunities.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an abstract artist. Geometric art and splatter paint are my specialties of art. Smiles and Brushes specializes in themed pre-sketched canvases to tailor to each event. We are known for our mobile services and great customer service.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am a true believer in “no risk yields no reward.” On another hand, I feel it takes a certain level of confidence to be able to take big risk. Confidence and direction are the key factors to risk-taking. I feel like trusting in myself to start this company was a big risk. There is no steady income to pay my bills, no guarantee that a client will choose my company for their entertainment purposes, but overall, I’ve conditioned my mind to know that I must keep pushing until results are presented.
Pricing:
- $20 per child
- $35 per adult
- $22 per senior
- $125 travel fee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smilesandbrushes.my.canva.site/home
- Instagram: smilesandbrushes
Image Credits
Alexis Valliar
