Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Carpenter.
Hi Katrina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My 3 sons and I moved here end of 2019. After 3 months of getting to know our new area I obtained a job in my regular field as a full time job as an HOA manager before a month was even complete the state was on lock down and I was let go. As the world turned I mulled over our new future. I dreaded returning to the industry because I knew the turmoil so my family convinced me to go after my dreams I had lost just about everything so why not start with a clean slate. I pulled out my hobbies, flyers and pics of parties past, took a few business courses and opened my shop In the Art of LLC a DIY and Processing Art craft studio specializing in private parties, workshops and gift customization. It wasn’t easy, shoot it isn’t easy. Backed by mom and the boys I was able to obtain a space (which also wasn’t easy) and opened shop. No community, no friends, just faith of a mustard seed in a new land (of sorts). Small gigs here and there, a drop in or two lots of shoulder shrugging, researching, and questioning myself. A car accident that totaled my car and emptied my accounts less than six months in nearly had us closed before we could make a mark but I pushed through. It derailed the entire plan so I had to wing it. A year later I can say I have learned a lot and wouldn’t change too much of my journey and now I hope to continue to build community and get our name out there. I want to see the plan I had set forth come to fruition. As an introvert the selling my self is a trial but as a creative its energizing. I have had painting parties of 50 and candle parties of 8, junk’n parties in a backyard and beading parties in a club house. We’ve put together over 500 DIY paint kits for childcare centers, churches and classrooms some for donation others purchased. Had a great few weeks of summer camp and made a few maker friends who now also have classes from my shop. The imposter syndrome does creep up on me but I work her away because I have goals to accomplish. Id love to work my shop full time and have regular classes but all that will come with time. So in the meantime I work two jobs and craft an evening and weekend schedule to allow for my new Craft Social Club, private parties and other artists to open classes to expand their platform. Come craft with us San Antonio so we can be open to you full time!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth???!! No, absolutely not. Financial and marketing troubles they go hand in hand. I am working on a better way to connect with my target market here in the SA. I do not know too many people so my networking is really starting from dust. My biggest challenge is I am really reserved so I am learning to break out of my shell in my older age to reel persons out of their norm and join me. I often hear woman talk about how hard it is to make friends here so I started a craft social club that I encourage others to join to make those friends. Paying for a brick and mortar and all that comes with it is not for the faint of heart either. However other makers who need space are starting to tap in to share the burden by renting class space. That also helps build community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
To pay the bills I work insurance but I’m here to talk about my craft studio and endeavors “In the Art Of LLC” which is a DIY Processing Art Craft studio that offers workshops, privates parties (your place or ours), gift customization and DIY painting art kits. Im proud of being here walking in my light which is craft offerings and a facility to share them from. What sets us apart is we are a smaller studio so we work with a more intimate setting so you get more attention to your craft session or needs and we are much more flexible with our offerings. We are not limited to Canvas, lotion and/or candles we offer a plethora of crafts in one facility. So when you hear Paint & Sip from us it could be wood, clay, canvas, cardboard, glass, etc. Your private parties no longer have to be limited options
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
As the dictionary says “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose”. Success is just that. No measurement of size, time or temperament. Did you set a goal? Did you do all you could to obtain it? Their are many goals and successes in the end goal and success. And what I mean by that is you can not go after the end goal without achieving all the segments of journey goals to get there. You may have never completed the 5k 1st; but you woke up, you got yourself together, you prepped and you signed up, you went as far as you could – Congratulations! i counted 5 goals you succeeded at. Kudos
Pricing:
- $65 3 class pass to Craft Social Club
- $100 5 class pass to Craft Social Club
- $225 for an 8 person Craft party
- $15 for a 9×12 DIY custom canvas paint kit
- $12 for a seasonal 2 -9×12 canvas DIY paint kit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inTheArtof.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/intheartofu_satx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/IntheArtof/61561294961771/
