Today we’d like to introduce you to Shellise Berry.
Shellise, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2012, while enrolled in the Expressive Arts Training Institute, a fellow classmate gave me a book named “Brave Intuitive Painting” by Flora Bowley. I taught myself to paint by following her instructions. That began my passion for painting.
A few years later, the Paint and Sip party craze began. I decided to try my hand at hosting paint parties, since it combined my two favorite past times, painting and teaching. So in September 2018, I launched “Paint and Go” paint parties. I host intimate classes of 6 – 8 students, which enables me to give the one on one attention that my students need.
In addition to hosting paint parties, I offer Basic Acrylic Painting, Expressive Art Sessions, Authentic-Self Discovery Sessions, Painting Encouragement Sessions and Soul Painting, my own version of intuitive painting which is a spiritual journey that allows the student to tap into their inner voice or God as they paint.
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?
The road to running an art instruction business and being a part-time artist hasn’t been smooth. Finding an affordable location for hosting lessons and paint parties has been very difficult. The flooded market of paint party companies increased my struggle to build my clientele. Most of my paint parties consisted of 6 – 8 students. I tried increasing my marketing by advertising on Facebook, Instagram, and opening a Yelp account.
During the challenges of the art instruction business, I continued my Soul Painting but it has been difficult discovering the art market interested in purchasing inspirational/religious art. Towards the end of 2017, I contacted art galleries in the Pomona and Claremont areas and was able to book four exhibitions for 2018. 2019 was a much slower year, with only one exhibition, and 2020 resulted in the shut down of all art festivals and galleries due to COVID-19 which diminished all opportunities to exhibit and sell my artwork.
Please tell us more about your art.
Berry’s Divine Designs is an art instructional organization. I am a creativity coach. I offer basic acrylic painting lessons, expressive art activities to help individuals move past obstacles that are keeping them stuck, and soul painting workshops to guide students in their journey of learning to hear their inner voice or God as they paint. My specialty is helping my clients discover their hidden creativity that has been dormant most of their lives. I am most proud of my ability to help people discover their hidden creative talents. My patience and ability to see the creativity in others is my specialty. By being an encourager to my students, I am able to help them believe in themselves and manifest their creative gifts, which sets me apart from other creativity coaches.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe that the good things that have happened in my life and business were organized by the creator and the bad things were allowed to help me grow and teach me something new.
Pricing:
- Painting parties require a $75.00 deposit and an additional $15-$18 per person.
- Soul Painting Workshops – single sessions are $45.00 or 4 week packet for $110.00
- Expressive Art Workshops – single sessions are $45.00 or 4 week packet for $110.00
- Authentic-Self Sessions 7- single sessions are $45.00 and 7 week packet is $195.00
- Authentic-Self Sessions 10- single sessions are $45.00 and 10 week packet is $279.00
- Painting Encouragement Sessions – single sessions are $45.00 or 4 week packet for $110.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.berrysdivinedesigns.com
- Phone: 909-510-0980
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: shelliseberry_abstract_artist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yarnzeal/
Image Credit:
Jems Photography and Shellise Berry
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
