Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Delgado.
Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up with art being born and raised in West Hollywood and my father is an artist. I went to school for teaching, but when my kids were in elementary school I took on the role as one of the art docents for the students and taught and created art projects alongside another mom and the teachers. When my kids were in college and high school I decided to get back involved with art and was hired at a local art school in Simi Valley. The owner had run the business for a couple of decades and was looking to move into another area, so we discussed me buying the business from her. With her training and help, I have now owned this wonderful, intimate art school for a year and a half. I have almost doubled our student numbers, hired local college art students as instructors and love seeing our students learn, create, grow, and explore the world of art.
Has it been a smooth road?
As someone who has never owned and run a business, it has been challenging at times. I researched what licenses, fees, and agencies I needed to complete and contact.
Surrounding myself with people that had experience in business helped me learn what needed to be done. To get started I borrowed funds from my mom and one of my oldest, closest friends. One of my best friends is a bookkeeper and that has been one of the biggest assets to running my business! I also was able to mine good advice and information from my brother, who has helped many businesses get up and running. There were unforeseen business expenses such as special permits to run a school, and resale taxes to figure out, but with all the support I got, I have been able to make my business flourish.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Michelle’s Young at Art School – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business is a fine art school specializing in beginning artists. We have students from ages 6 up to adults and a wide variety of abilities and talents. All our students are taught individually and the classes are kept fairly small, so there is a low student/teacher ratio.
Students learn everything from basic drawing techniques, charcoals, pastels, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylics, and oils. The greatest feeling is seeing a student progress, learn, and master techniques and create a piece they are proud of completing. My instructors are the backbone of running the studio. They are talented artists that are patient, encouraging, and love working with all our students.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I am so proud to be a native Angelino. Los Angeles offers so much to so many. I love all the different cultures, religions, colors, and points of view that the city holds. I feel that I am more open, nondiscriminatory, and accepting of others because I grew up in such an eclectic city. There were times when the narrow streets of Hollywood, my car getting broken into, and parking meters drove me crazy, but I always have and always will love Los Angeles… it is a part of my soul.
Pricing:
- Tuition is $108 for 4, 1 hour lessons per month for 1 student.
- Materials fees will depend on the program; pastels-$30, watercolors-$25, acrylics-$90.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1633 Erringer Rd., suite #201B Simi Valley, CA 93065
- Website: youngatartschool.com
- Phone: 805-579-7076
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngatartschool/
Image Credit:
Instructors: Andrew, Natalie, Carly, and Sarah
Students: Prinaka, Jerod, Alex, Vani, Jesper, and Jodie
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
