Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Simpson.
Hi Janelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always had a passion for art… wasn’t sure where it would take me, but it was one thing I always took seriously! When I was younger I had a coloring book and I was very determined on finishing every page… coloring turned into drawing, and drawing turned into painting!
The older I get, the more I learn. Everything I’ve done over the years is self-taught work. I started taking art seriously when I was asked to facepaint at an event for a memorial of my friend’s passing… and that’s when I began looking at art and what I’m capable of doing, as a business opportunity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road doesn’t sound realistic. Every business will have its challenges and I try my best to learn from each one. Some struggle along the road is learning my worth in the art industry. I was told so many times that I was not charging enough, that I needed to charge what it was worth. I wanted to be reasonable and didn’t want to scare anyone away with my prices.
Another struggle I can think of is managing to be a mother and businesswoman, & managing my everyday life schedule… sacrificing relaxation time, learning time management skills, building customer service skills, learning marketing strategies, and seeing which ones work and which ones don’t… it’s easy to get overstimulated but it’s easier to get distracted.
I had to learn what time management & consistency were and actually apply them to my life and into my business in order for my business to stay relevant and not become overstimulated for my household.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m mostly known for my art. I’m a painter, I’m known for selling paintings, I’m also a face painter, I’m a resin artist, a beginner muralist and I also draw in my free time.
I’m most proud of how far I came. I truly never thought I’d make this a business and never thought I’d receive all of the love and support I do from not only family but strangers as well.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was shy, but outgoing if I was comfortable. I was the 2nd oldest of 5… so the household was pretty interesting! I was the child that was goofy and very playful, but very protective.
I always loved to draw and as I mentioned before, I colored in a lot of coloring books as a child. In my mind I had no limits, I thought I could do everything. I was very adventurous and curious. Quick learner.
Pricing:
- Facepainting… 35$ booking fee… 75$ an hour
- Canvases… 90-200$ depending on the size + detail
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nells_art_/
- Tiktok: @nellsart_
Image Credits
Janell Simpson – @Nells_ Art_
