Today we’d like to introduce you to Macy Holloway & Natalie Ledyard.
Hi Macy & Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We met several years ago when our oldest children were in a dance class together and just immediately clicked. We quickly realized we shared a lot of similar interests and a common background in art and art education and actually even took after-school art classes at the same local children’s studio (that has since closed) when we were kids. We were looking for a similar experience for our own children and decided to come together and bring that to life when our search came up short. We weren’t sure how many other families were looking for a children’s art studio or what kind of reaction we would receive, but we couldn’t have asked for a better response and quickly sold out every single backyard summer camp session we offered last year. After a successful summer run, we knew we needed to find a larger studio space so we could expand our offerings, and officially opened in our new location this past November. We currently host weekly art classes, seasonal art camps, open studio events, pop-up shops, community workshops and plan to offer birthday parties in the future. We are both really passionate about children’s art education and are just thrilled and honored to be able to provide a space like this for the next generation of creative “Cowtown” kids.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our small business journey has been a surprisingly smooth road for the most part. I think we came together at the right place and the right time and luckily had a chance to test the waters with our backyard summer camps — which gave us the affirmation we needed to elevate our business with a brick-and-mortar space. We have other small, short-term challenges that come up from time to time, but overall, we try our best and are thankful to have the opportunity to teach as many children as we do and to fill this void for our city. We have been pleasantly surprised by the vast number of families we’ve met that are interested in art, want their children to participate in our programs, and believe in the important benefits of children’s art education as much as we do. It really validates our decision to create this type of experience and community for kids in Fort Worth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Cowtown Kids Art Studio specializes in children’s art education through classes, camps, workshops, and events. Our goal is to cultivate creativity in our students through lessons that not only include a variety of concepts, mediums, and technique but also incorporate art history and art appreciation. What makes us the most proud is the sense of community we have created for young artists in Fort Worth. Our classes are a really special experience in that we have kids from all different schools, backgrounds, and communities coming together because they are interested in art and want to learn more. It’s a true privilege to be the gateway to this fascinating “other world” for our students and to watch them grow as each semester passes.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
We have received an overwhelming amount of support and encouragement from so many people in our hometown of Fort Worth — family members, friends, acquaintances, and total strangers alike. It has been incredible. Fort Worth is such a special place and we are eternally grateful for the families who took a chance on us in the very beginning and have led to our studio’s success. To have so many parents — many of whom we had never met before we had this business — rally around us, continually register their children for our classes, camps, and events, and refer their friends and neighbors to us has just meant the world. We’ve had many conversations with each other about the significance of that support and our intention to pay that forward with other local businesses in return. As small business owners, we just have immense gratitude for any and everyone who comes through our doors.
Contact Info:
- Email: cowtownkidsartstudio@gmail.com
- Website: www.cowtownkidsartstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowtownkidsartstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cowtownkidsartstudio
Image Credits
Amanda Morow
Macy Holloway
