Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Hayman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After college, I was living in Hermosa Beach and discovered the Art Zone Children’s Studio. The kids’ paintings were hung outside on the sidewalk and it just looked like the most magical, inviting place. I was obsessed with it and my boyfriend at the time (now husband) forced me to go in to see if they were hiring. I did and got hired on the spot. That was my real training ground for teaching art and working with kids.
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?
Externally, it’s been a mostly smooth road. My friends, family, and community have been SO supportive. But when it’s just me and I’m forced with making a million tiny decisions, it can get rough! I didn’t realize I was a perfectionist until about five years ago and I’ve been trying to manage that ever since. I’ve been listening to a lot of Tim Ferris’ podcast lately, and the best piece of advice I’ve gotten from that is to ask yourself: “What would this look like if it were simple?” It has saved me so many times.
It can also sometimes be challenging to create eco-friendly versions of popular projects. There tends to be a lot of waste and plastic involved, particularly in materials for kids, so we’re always seeking out more natural options.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Corner of the Sky | Pop-Up Art Studio, we teach classes and lead art-based activities for events. We travel all over the South Bay of Los Angeles and beyond, doing everything from small backyard gatherings to 500+ corporate events. The majority of our parties are held outside, which I love, and we try to work with mostly eco-friendly materials. We also host occasional community art classes for adults at Strand Brewing Company.
Whether I’m working with kids or adults, I try to maintain that awesome childlike mentality of making something just for the experience of it. It doesn’t have to have a message. It doesn’t have to be “good.” It’s a natural drive to play with colors and lines and shapes. My job is really just to help people get out of their own way and to turn art-making into a fun, social activity.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was pretty much exactly the same as I am now! I was raised in Lake Arrowhead, up in the mountains, and always loved playing outside and making things. I’m doing exactly what nine-year-old me would want to be doing.
Pricing:
- Single art project stations start at $295.
- Event packages for small groups start at $450.
- Pricing for larger groups available upon request.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.corneroftheskyart.com
- Phone: 310-947-4300
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Jessica Lynn Photography – beer with cactus illustration
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