Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Apel.
Melanie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started The Paintbrush as a single mom of two little kids. I needed a job that I could mostly work from home. Having been to many tot classes with my elder child I wanted to make a class that involved learning about the real world through hands-on experience.
Now teens, my kids have grown up in our business and often work with me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? Not at all. There have been times when I have wondered why I am doing this and even times I have hated my job. It’s a challenge to work as hard as I do for such little financial gain. But then I remember my goal, which is to be with my kids. And it’s hard to complain when I am working from the beach or from a mini-vacation. I am able to attend all school functions, spend the days off school with my kids, be there to take them to school and pick them up, help with homework, as well as volunteer for many committees at their schools. Childhood is short and I know someday I will not be such a hands-on mom. Until then, my job allows me to put my kids first. My kids have learned to handle being quiet when the phone rings and being patient when I have to finish up some work. They are also great helpers. We all work together and then we can go out and play.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Paintbrush … a hands-on ART studio for kids – what should we know?
We specialize in bringing the wonderful world of art to kids through hands-on artist lessons. We throw great, big, messy, birthday pARTies. We are NOT an arts and crafts place; we are a real art studio for kids who want to learn about art.
The thing I am most proud of is all the exciting programming we have added in the past three or four years. Drop-In ART, Kids’ Night Out, ART in the Park, and even our adults-only ART and Wine Nights. There are so many fun and exciting ways to explore art with kids (and their grown-ups).
What sets us apart is the fact that we pair all of our art adventures with music! This adds extra inspiration! The other thing that sets us apart is our welcoming of parent feedback. Often an idea or a program is inspired by a parent’s suggestion!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Rosanne Loccricio Barnum, the original owner of Musical Magic, was my mentor in getting all this started 12 years ago.
My kids have stood by me all along the way, integrating themselves into the work to create a true family business.
Miss Jennifer is our current lead teacher. She has a magic way of getting things done seemingly effortlessly and I feel very fortunate to have her working with me.
So many people along the way have helped us become what we are today. Many of our former teachers have been great at pushing me along to try new things, update the website, run new programs, etc. I wouldn’t be where I am now without Liz Killacky, Marissa Lessman, Amber Thompson, Jenna Race, Kate Ziebart, Alex Nates-Perez and Sara Lubin Jones. They were the best teachers, the ones who made changes, who made things happen.
And of course, my dad. He kept the books until he couldn’t any longer. I work hard to honor his memory.
Pricing:
- 10-week session: $265
- Birthday pARTies from $250
- Drop-In ART: $10/child
Contact Info:
- Address: 2646 N. Halsted
- Website: http://www.thepaintbrush@thepaintbrush.net
- Phone: 773.636.198
- Email: thepaintbrush@thepaintbrush.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePaintbrushChicago/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Twitter: @PaintbrushART
- Yelp: The Paintbrush
