Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammie McKenzie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Art has been woven into my life for as long as I can remember. My natural talent was evident as early as my preschool days and it was always said by anyone who knew me: “That girl is an artist.” And I agree with that assessment. I am, and have always been, an artist.
I really didn’t have a choice in the matter (not that I would change it, anyway); But the artistic gene was quite literally embedded into my DNA.
My father, the late Gary Holman, was an iconic artist in the Texas Gulf Coast region, known especially for his murals and unmistakable style. I grew up in his world of paint brushes, sketch pads, and big visions. I worked alongside him for much of my life, traveling all over the state and beyond, creating beautiful large-scale murals, sculptures, and other works of art.
What I learned from my father wasn’t just technique — though I learned plenty of that. I learned that talent is a gift, and gifts are meant to be shared, not hidden. He never took his artistic ability for granted and always said that he never worked a day in his life, because he was doing what he loved. Art wasn’t just his career; it was his calling. And he treated it with reverence.
Of course, I followed in my father’s steps and continued my works and studies in art. I won awards, studied drawing in college, and taught various art classes through the years. When I moved to Canton in 2018, I officially started my own business: A New Creation. However, it existed without a brick-and-mortar location and was never more than just a “side gig.” At that time, I only offered custom art, such as murals, pet portraits, and wooden cut-outs. I always planned to open a studio “someday,” but I could never convince myself to push past the fear and take the risk. The fear of failure and rejection always overwhelmed me, and so I stayed content in the safety of my home-based business.
In 2024, my father unexpectedly passed away. It was such a tremendous loss, not just for my family, but for the entire Texas art scene. Grief is such a painful emotion; however, it has a way of clarifying things. In the months that followed, I felt a deep conviction settle over me. I realized that I had been holding back. Not only did I have natural God-given talent, but I also had decades of experience from working and learning alongside one of the best artists who ever lived. Yet, I wasn’t using my full potential. My dad never took his gift for granted — so why was I?
That conviction became fuel. I felt a responsibility to share everything I know about art the way he shared it with me — generously and passionately.
The decision to finally open the studio came quickly after a simple date night out with my husband. In the summer of 2024, we attended a “paint-and-sip” for the very first time and absolutely loved it. The vibe was great and the instructors were energetic, funny, and full of personality — and I couldn’t help but think how much they reminded me of myself. I leaned over to my husband and said, “I can totally do this.” That same night, we started looking at retail spaces in Canton. The next day, we signed a lease. At that point, there was no turning back. I had to silence the doubts and insecurities and just do the thing.
In early 2025, I opened the doors to my first studio location.
The response to the studio was overwhelming in the best possible way. From the very beginning, the community showed up. Classes filled and paint nights sold out. The laughter, the energy, and all of the encouragement affirmed everything. There is something incredibly humbling about watching others find value in what I have to offer. Every class registration, every kind message, every returning customer reminds me that stepping through fear was worth it. What once felt risky now feels like one of the best decisions of my life. It has been a wild success, and it has been 100% worth it.
Today, the studio continues to grow, and so does the vision. We are currently building an online membership program designed to reach artists and creative entrepreneurs far beyond our local community. The interest has been incredible. While it is still in its infancy, the potential is enormous; not just financially, but in impact. The opportunity to expand our reach, create sustainable growth, and serve thousands of people around the world is both exciting and deeply meaningful.
I could not have done this without the endless love and support of my husband and my five children. They are just as much a part of the studio as I am, helping me with paint parties, maintaining the website, even delivering food to me on the days that I am just too busy to think about eating. I may be the artist behind it all, but it is definitely a family-run business.
I thank God for leading and guiding me always. I am forever thankful for the talent He saw fit to bless me with and for the many years I had with my dad. I pray to never take this talent for granted again, to keep growing, to keep teaching, and to build something that honors where I came from while boldly stepping into where I’m going.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Opening the studio has actually been surprisingly smooth overall, but definitely not without its challenges. The biggest one being balancing homeschooling my five children and family life while also pouring into this brand-new business. I have learned that giving myself grace (and days off!) is very much a necessity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create art of all kinds, from large paintings and murals to smaller commissioned pieces. I specialize in pet portraits. I also teach art in the forms of classes, workshops, and other events.
Paint Parties have been a huge hit for the studio and have definitely kept me busy.
What sets me apart as an artist and instructor isn’t just my technical background, but also the atmosphere I strive to create. Art is deeply personal, and I understand that when someone walks into a class, they’re often carrying insecurities. Because I grew up immersed in professional art from such a young age, technique feels natural to me. That confidence allows me to teach from a place of assurance.
At the same time, I don’t teach in a rigid or intimidating way. My classes are structured, but they’re never stiff. I’ve been complimented often on my teaching style; I make the process feel manageable, even for someone who swears they “can’t draw a stick figure.”
I build genuine relationships. I don’t see my classes as transactions; I see them as connections. Over time, students become familiar faces, then regulars, then friends. I’ve learned that people may come for the painting, but they return for the experience. They return because they felt seen, encouraged, and welcomed.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I know that success looks different for everyone. For me, success is when I can take a deep breath and say, “I made it.”
I found success by starting this endeavor. Even if there is there is still a long road ahead to get the business where it needs to be, I still did the thing.
I actually made it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anccanton.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anccanton
Image Credits
Kayelyn Roppolo
