Today we’d like to introduce you to Alycia Trotter.
Alycia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
A Joyful Mess really started in my garage about five years ago! I was an Elementary Art Teacher and during the summer, I would offer Art Camps in my garage. I loved my art camps so much because all the kiddos wanted to be there. They loved and craved creativity like I did. After a few summers, my camps were selling out, I was giving private lessons after school at my home, and I had moms around town asking if I’d lead artsy birthday parties. That’s when I knew that A Joyful Mess could be so much more! The artistic kids in the community NEEDED a place to create. So, I started looking for a brick and mortar. That was hard. It took a good year and a half to find something and there were a lot of ups and downs during that time but I didn’t give up…thank goodness! In March of 2019, we found a great little spot, made it our own, and opened the doors for summer camps June 10th. It’s kind of crazy with COVID-19, our doors have been closed for a few months and we plan on reopening, for summer camps, June 1st. In a way, I kind of feel like it’s a whole new 2nd Grand Opening just before our one year birthday. I’m just so blessed so have amazing families and an amazing community supporting our studio during these past few months.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road but I’m not sure I’ve ever talked to a business owner and it has! It was really hard finding a building that was affordable. We looked at some really cute little vintage houses, but you have to bring them up to code. That’s expensive. We found a cute stand alone building but someone rented it the same morning that I had called about it. It felt like roadblock after roadblock. For a while, I started thinking it was maybe a sign! But one day, after dropping my son off at drum lessons, I happen to look across the street and saw this little hidden gem of a building and it was dark with no cars out front. I did some digging, contacted the owner and the rest is history! It’s really hard when you have a dream and you feel like everywhere you turn there is another door being closed. However, I didn’t give and now I’m right where I’m supposed to be!
A Joyful Mess – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
A Joyful Mess is a place for children and adults to nurture their creative side. We are about bringing CREATIVE JOY to our community! We have something for everyone. We have Mommy & Me Preschool Play classes where our littlest artists can come and be immersed in creative play all while getting that special one-on-one time with Mom (or Dad!) and the mess stays at the studio. We have classes for Kinder-8th graders after school and we offer a Homeschool Art class during the week that has really taken off. We also host events for birthdays, Girl-Scouts, sports teams, bible studies, corporate parties, end of the year parties, and more! We have Ladies Night Outs at least once a month that are always a good time and Parents Night Outs (meaning…parents drop your kids with us and go have a night out!) once a month as well. We have just started our new online Art Club Membership as well. For $25 a month, you will receive a NEW art lesson each Monday in a video format with a supply list. You will also have access to a private FB group where students show off their artwork, get Live Draw Alongs with me, we showcase a student Artist of the Week and more. This is a great option for people who don’t live close to the studio, or even in the state, but can still have a creative outlet for their little artist at home. We have memberships for ages 5-9 and 10-13.
Now, even though I like painting places – we are not just a painting place. We are a “teaching studio” meaning you are going to learn something when you come see us! Once a teacher, always a teacher. I want my artists to explore a variety of mediums (not just paint) and I want them to learn HOW to use that medium. Art is not always about how something turns out, but more about the process. The process of exploring, creating, breathing deeply, using your imagination and enjoying the artistic process!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success looks like many things to me but in my business, if I can provide something of worth to my community, provide a place where creative people can be themselves, provide creative joyful experiences for families, then I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.
Pricing:
- Summer Art Camps: Monday – Thursday 9am to 1pm $250
- After School Classes (4 Week Sessions) $125
- Homeschool Art Class $75/Month (Semester Commitment)
- Online Art Club Membership $25/Month
Contact Info:
- Address: 108 W. Broadway Street
Prosper, TX 75078 - Website: www.AJoyfulMessArtStudio.com
- Phone: 972-963-9662
- Email: AJMArtStudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ajoyfulmessartstudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ajoyfulmess
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ajoyful_mess
Image Credit:
ZT Photography
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