Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Ratcliff.
Hi Maya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
While I was living on the Hawaiian Islands during the COVID pandemic, I started looking for a hobby to ease my boredom. I had worked as a corporate banker and then in the mortgage industry, so painting was not in my skill set. In fact, I was bad at all of it! I tried oil painting, watercolors, and acrylics before a happy accident led me to discover the art form that would change my life forever.
As I was in the middle of an attempt at acrylic painting, I stumbled upon a way to create a liquid-pouring medium that gives anyone of any age or skill level the ability to create a masterpiece. I started teaching fluid art classes in my garage, and soon, people were driving as far as two-and-a-half hours each way to attend a class. My first clients included people with disabilities, such as traumatic brain injuries, who enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of creating artwork.
To serve a broader audience, I took my studio on the road, utilizing a specially equipped van to travel to schools, retirement homes, and hotels around the Big Island. Today, you can see Hawaii Fluid Art’s colorful mobile units at community and brand awareness events and large parties across the country.
I understand that people want a feeling of comfort in their art studios, so I make sure every Hawaii Fluid art studio is warm and welcoming and, above all, that it instills a sense of healing in all who come through its doors. Every one of our studios also includes a retail gallery filled with one-of-a-kind works of art, jewelry, and other treasures–many of which were created by local artisans.
As I continue to grow the franchise throughout the U.S.–and beyond, I have never lost sight of Hawaii Fluid Art’s mission: To inspire and nurture the human spirit, one painting at a time.
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?
With an ever-increasing number of franchisees and corporate employees, balancing the needs of everyone is always a struggle. Making decisions with the whole system in mind is vital, as is making sure that everyone on the team has what they need to succeed. This is a challenge that I accept as HFA’s founder, and I am honored to lead our extraordinary team.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was a corporate banker for many years, so I was fortunate enough to help many people along my career path. Transitioning into franchising has been a dream come true!
Hawaii Fluid Art is a unique concept. In the front of each studio is a beautiful art gallery, artisan showplace and jewelry store. In the back is a place for classes and parties, where large groups of people are creating art every hour, seven days a week. Someone can come into an HFA studio thinking, “Oh, I want to buy a ring,” and realize, “I want to take one of these fluid art classes.” There’s no other franchise on the market like it.
Hawaii Fluid Art is such a unique concept that our branded paints, pigments, dyes, and resins began launching in some of the most well-known stores in the U.S. in 2023.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am Autistic. It has always been a blessing to have Asperger’s. I see the world in a different way than most people do, and I can envision the outcome that I want and strategically create a path to achieve my goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cedarhill.hawaiifluidart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiifluidartcedarhilltx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HFACedarHill
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hawaii-fluid-art/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hawaiifluidartstudios
