Check Out Elsje Bos’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsje Bos.

Hi Elsje, 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 backstories with our readers?
I started out painting murals for many years. After some out-of-state moves, I worked in an office for several years. Then I attended a paint and sip event and was hooked. I wound up getting a job with this company doing mobile events teaching painting at local bars & restaurants for two years.

I moved out-of-state one last time and found a local paint & sip studio. I applied and taught painting events at that studio, as well as at a sister location. I instructed mostly in the studio, but also did mobile events. Then that studio went out of business.

I loved what I had been doing for the past several years so much, that I decided to start my own business doing mobile paint events. While most of my business is doing private (both personal and corporate) events, I’ve also been able to partner with a local winery, bars, and restaurants to bring public events to these businesses. These are mutually beneficial partnerships, in that it also brings customers into these establishments.

Then the pandemic hit and I was no longer able to do in-person events. However, I was able to branch out and offer virtual painting events, and have done approx. 85 since then.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting out was an obstacle because I really needed to build a client base and to get my name out there. Luckily, through mostly word of mouth and Google, I have really been able to grow my business. The biggest struggle has been the pandemic, however, it did open the door to doing virtual events.

As I’d mentioned, I’ve since done approx. 85. It helped to keep my business afloat, and it is now a service I will continue to offer. Virtual events have not only helped with social distancing, but with long-distance as well. I am still booking virtual events for those who have family and friends out-of-state, as well as corporate events where offices were in many other states!

It’s fun to paint and interact with people in different time zones.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in local and regional interest (Texas) paintings, as well as seasonal. I offer events doing paintings on various sized canvas, wood, wood cutouts, glasses, bottles, and more. I am known for being able to teach two completely different paintings at public events, to offer more choices.

I am also known for giving multiple options at many public events, where guests can choose to paint on canvas, glass, or wood at the same time as someone choosing something else. Being able to offer these options has really set me apart from others. I am most proud of being able to offer custom paintings to private groups. Sometimes there is a theme that a private group has in common, and they want an event around that theme. I have been able to offer this service at no additional charge so far. Afterward, I am able to add the painting to my library for others to either paint or to get an idea of how I can create custom paintings for them.

I have become a virtual event specialist, with so many events now under my belt. I ship complete kits with everything needed, to anywhere in the U.S. There are no skills required for any of my events; I teach everything step-by-step. I focus on guests socializing creatively and painting memories together.

I also offer and do a good amount of partner paintings, especially around Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. This is where each person paints their own canvas, a little different from their partner’s, but when you put them side-by-side, they form one complete painting. I even did a Valentine’s couple’s partner painting event virtually last year!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I feel that my flexibility and love for working with people have really helped my success. I feel that always looking for new painting techniques to share and different types of projects to offer have kept my business “fresh.” I focus on my guests socializing creatively and painting memories together. Many guests have told me that my virtual painting events helped to keep them sane during the pandemic!

Pricing:

• $300+ in-person adult events
• $200+ in-person all ages/kids events
• $275+ virtual events for adults
• $200+ virtual events for kids

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.LetsPaintYall.com
• Instagram: @LetsPaintYall
• Facebook: @LetsPaintYall