Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Cohn.
Hi Camille, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be an artist. After a family trip to New Orleans in third grade, I came home dreaming of painting on Jackson Square. My parents weren’t exactly thrilled about that plan, but they always encouraged me to follow my creative instincts. I still remember taking oil painting lessons with a bunch of adults at a little place called Calico Crafts when I was in fourth grade—it was the highlight of my week, and I looked forward to it every single time.
In college, I went the advertising route—it seemed like a way to mix creativity with a steady paycheck. That led me into a career as an art director, sharpening my eye for design and storytelling.
Then I had kids, and everything shifted in a really important way. I noticed how much the arts were overlooked in schools, and I saw how much my own children thrived in creative spaces. One of them was on the autism spectrum, and art classes were where they both truly shined. At the same time, I realized how much joy I got from taking art classes myself—whether it was with friends while traveling or just sneaking in little creative moments here and there. Those experiences always filled my cup, and I started thinking, “We need something like this in our community.” Not for the “serious artist,” necessarily, but for anyone who used to love creating and maybe left that part of themselves behind.
I started teaching art classes with a friend, and that’s when the idea for The Yellow Door Studio began to evolve. I wanted to create a space that welcomed people at every stage of their creative journey—a place that was open, inclusive, and joyful. Honestly, a lot of it was figuring it out as I went along (thank goodness for all those automated business apps!). It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been totally doable—and incredibly rewarding.
For more than a decade now, I’ve been teaching art to children and adults. I really believe that creativity is essential at every stage of life. I’ve seen how making art can heal, empower, and build confidence—and how it reconnects us with that playful, curious child inside. Whether I’m helping a young painter discover their first brushstrokes or an adult rediscover a spark they’d forgotten, I love seeing people surprise themselves with what they’re capable of.
The Yellow Door Studio, right here in Fredericksburg, Texas, is really the heart of my work. Unlike most studios that focus on one age group, we welcome everyone—kids, teens, adults, and adults with special needs. We offer structured classes like sewing, clay, painting, and silversmithing, but there’s always plenty of room for open-ended exploration too. Locals love our welcoming space, and tourists stop in to celebrate special moments or just enjoy learning something new. Our teaching artists bring professional expertise, but also a genuine passion for helping people discover what they can do.
To me, The Yellow Door Studio isn’t just about making art—it’s about connection, confidence, and joy. It’s about creating a space where people of all ages can grow, express themselves, and remember just how magical creativity can be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, for the most part, it’s been a smooth road, but I’ve definitely made my fair share of mistakes along the way. The great thing about running your own business is that if something doesn’t work, you can pivot and try something new. COVID was a great example of that. I had been hesitant to experiment too much, but when the pandemic hit, we had no choice but to get creative. We developed painting kits paired with instructional videos featuring my lead instructor, Jen, teaching classes online. It not only allowed The Yellow Door to stay open, but it also meant I could keep Jen employed and connected to our community. In the end, it turned out to be a wonderful experience for everyone involved.
Every misstep has been a learning opportunity, and I’ve come out of each one with a clearer idea of how to move forward. I’ll admit—hiring staff and learning to trust others (and let go of control) has been a challenge. I think that’s true for anyone who’s deeply passionate about what they do. But I’m getting there, and I’m so grateful to be surrounded by amazing people who make it all possible.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I’m most proud of—and what truly sets The Yellow Door Studio apart—is the way we embrace creativity at every stage of life. I genuinely believe the creative process is essential for all of us. Making art allows people to reconnect with the child within, and that connection is so nourishing—it can heal, empower, and build confidence. Whether I’m encouraging a child to experiment fearlessly with color, teaching adults with developmental differences, or helping someone reignite a sense of curiosity they thought they’d lost, there’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing the joy and pride that comes when people create something meaningful to them. That sense of growth and discovery doesn’t end with a single class—it extends into the community we’ve built at The Yellow Door. Over the years, I’ve seen how the studio has become a part of people’s lives in the most beautiful ways: children I once taught in second grade returning to create alongside us, families growing up within these walls, and students going on to be accepted into prestigious art schools like SCAD. Experiences like these have truly been a gift, and they remind me every day why I do this work.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Before The Yellow Door Studio, I spent ten years in advertising, creating television commercials for big-name clients like American Airlines and Builder’s Square. It feels like a whole different universe now, but those days taught me so much—and honestly, I’m thrilled I traded storyboards for paintbrushes, clay, and glitter!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theyellowdoorstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyellowdoorstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtVinoWithCamilleCohn
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-cohn-08679439/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/17-childrens-books-that-promote-understanding-of-autism_n_5ade4580e4b036e7aeb58a64
