Today we’d like to introduce you to Vonnie Tatum.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Vonnie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
A long-time goal of mine has always been to be a business owner. At a young age, I saw the importance of ownership and creating a space that my community would love. My journey towards becoming a business owner has been pretty unique. In a lot of ways, I had to create my own lane and be steadfast in the goals I set.
While in law school, I was motivated to finally start my business. Over those three years, I was determined to make this thing happen. I maintained my focus in law school but never lost sight of my other dream—to be my own boss. I would go to class, study, etc. all while drafting my business plan, conducting industry research and locating a start-up space.
My goal was to graduate from law school and have my paint and sip lounge ready to go. Fortunately, that’s just how it happened!
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?
There hasn’t been anything smooth about this journey. If I could sum it all up in one word . . . CORONA. I started a business during a global pandemic.
I signed the lease for my space right before the COVID-19 outbreak, and I thought it was all over. There were days where I couldn’t see the end. I had the space for months, but I couldn’t open to the public. I would read articles about small businesses and major corporations that were going under due to the pandemic. There were days I thought my business wouldn’t succeed. My mind was racing constantly, and I was so consumed in all the what ifs, all the possibilities of failure.
But I never lost hope. I believed in my vision, and I refused to fold under the pressure.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Art & Vibez Lounge story. Tell us more about the business.
I’ll start with telling you a bit about our paint and sip classes. Customers come in for a painting session led by one of our amazing instructors. Our painting themes range from recreating 90’s cartoons and sitcoms to your favorite Hip-Hop icons. Each customer will be guided, step-by-step through a two-hour instructional and get to leave with their very own masterpiece. With the help of our instructors/assistants and a little (or a lot) of booze, our customers will leave feeling like Picasso!
While we are in the same industry as the other paint and sip studios, we are not a studio. We like to say: “We don’t just paint—WE PARTY!”
We are the first BYOB paint & sip lounge offering a Hip-Hop/R&B “vibe” in a lounge/club-like atmosphere. We amp up the art experience by offering special events such as Trap Karaoke & Paint, 90’s Themed Paint Parties, Nude Model Painting, Paint Therapy, Brunch & Brush and a host of other painting events. We also pride ourselves in showcasing exclusive artwork by people of color and giving our customers the opportunity to recreate similar, trendy artwork.
Despite the pandemic, we have safely opened our paint and sip lounge, and we are off to a great start! Since opening July 25th, our public sessions have all been sold out. We have been booked every weekend with private parties and public sessions.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Wouldn’t call it luck. But we have been blessed to overcome the challenges this pandemic has presented. I have a great support system and an amazing staff who believed in my vision. That is what made all the difference. Even in those low moments, I knew I had a dynamic team with me. They were just as invested in seeing this business thrive as I was!
Pricing:
- $35/per person for in-studio tickets. This includes all of the necessary painting supplies and 2-hour painting instructional.
- $40/per lit kit. Our lit kits are equipped with a 1.5 hour virtual painting session and all of the necessary painting supplies delivered right to the customer’s door.
- Private Party: A non-refundable deposit and $35/per person for in-studio tickets
Contact Info:
- Address: 4610 Cypress Creek Parkway, Ste. E
Houston, Texas 77069 - Website: www.artnvibez.com
- Phone: 281-836-5209
- Email: contact@artnvibez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artnvibezlounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artnvibezlounge/
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