Meet Entrepreneur Melissa Raney, Artistic Director of The Art Room LA
Interview with Melissa Raney, conducted by local REALTOR® Keith Kurlander
Summary
My Name is Melissa Raney and I am the owner of The Art Room LA. I teach many of the art classes and Paint & wine classes week to week.
Describe your business.
We are an art studio/gallery and handmade craft gift shop. We have daily art classes for kids and adults as well as paint & wine classes on select days. We run a monthly gallery opening for students work, teachers as well as local artists. We sell crafty or one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and product in our studio.
What made you decide to open this business?
I opened the business in 2014 after much consideration on what I wanted to do long term that would benefit myself and my family. My true passion is painting. And teaching the skills to others to do what I am able to do is a dream to me. I wanted to have a a studio that people could come to and not only learn to draw and paint, but to have fun and forget about their daily stresses. A place where artists come to be inspired by each other and to create amazing art.
What was it like when you first started?
I started the business with $1500 dollars. $350 for rent and the rest supplies. It was exciting and challenging from the beginning. But I was up for the challenge. I figured settling in a comfortable position at a corporate office was not enough for me. I knew I had to be and do more for myself and my family. The biggest challenge was time. Because I fully run the business solely by myself, I am the marketing, graphic designer, receptionist, and buyer. So, dividing my time between all and family is quite challenging. I have to do a lot of multi-tasking. The marketing side is another difficult task. But I have found my niches and the word of mouth has been great.
What has surprised you most when owning a business?
I am surprised at how the community here has embraced this business with open arms. We get people coming from all over to come to our Paint & Wine classes because they are all inclusive which is different than with other studios. Inclusive meaning, we include all wine, cheese and crackers and desserts in our price so the customer does not have to spend more money at the event. Our customer return rate is at a good pace because they enjoyed their experience with us. And our neighbors are excited to see something different, fun and exiting to do in the neighborhood. People will stop in just walking by to tell us how grateful they are to have us here. How nice of a feeling that really is for us.
What would your customers say they love most about your business?
I think it would be the experience they have with us at our events. We make sure any class we do is the most enjoyable for the customer. They may be learning to do something challenging for themselves, but I make sure at the end of the day, they are enjoying themselves and leave with a feeling of accomplishment. With our private events, baby showers,corporate parties, birthdays, bachelorettes, anniversaries and etc. I try to go above and beyond to make it very special. We even send out a special online video of our private parties to our customers the following day as a memory for them to share with their friends.
What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had working with a customer?
Oh my that's a hard one. Not one has been the most memorable because they are all so different and exciting in their own ways. I meet so many great people with many different talents and some who are looking to find their talents. I think anytime someone comes in, takes a course and realizes that they have just done what they thought was impossible for themselves, that's when its most memorable. When that happens, they know they can do this. That's the best feeling.
Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you want customers to know about?
Yes. We plan to do more exciting classes in the future. Sculpture will be coming soon. We are looking at new exciting classes in the Paint & Wine world. We will have many more artists bringing in fun unique craft items for sale in the shop. And our Gallery events are going to continue with our free paint day and gallery opening each month. People can find out about these dates by liking us on our Facebook page.
What is something most people don't know about the business?
Most people don't know that we truly support anyone with disabilities and will create a course that will help kids and adults with these disabilities to learn to draw and paint. All of our classes are individualized for each student. So, all students in one class are working on their own individual piece and no two are alike.
Who are some of your business idols and role models? And why?
Oh there are so many. I do watch Shark Tank and watch people like Lori Greiner. But I think some of my role models are not the extremely successful in business types rather more successful in the fact that they are doing something they love with their career.
What do you like most about being an entrepreneur?
Doing what I love and enjoying every second of it.
What do you love about this neighborhood?
All of our neighbors and new friends I have made that are there to give us as well as them mutual support.
What are your favorite places to go in the neighborhood?
Oh my gosh, our Farmers Market of course. And the local shops and restaurants in Atwater and Los Feliz such as Bon Vivant, Treehaus, Home and more
Why do you think it's important for people to shop local?
So important to support your local businesses so we can keep the unique and eclectic mix of great shops, restaurants and entertainment from disappearing.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theartroomla/
Twitter: http://@theartroomla
Website/Blog: http://www.theartroomla.com/