Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Krause.
Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Like many of us during quarantine, I found myself doing a lot of scrolling. One night, I turned to my husband and said, “I have two ideas.” The first was to get a dog—I’d been watching *a lot* of dog videos. He immediately stopped me and said, “Whatever the second idea is, we’re going with that. We’re not getting a dog.”
The second idea? I wanted to try painting. I had been watching watercolor videos and figured, why not? So off I went to buy some supplies, thinking, *Move over, Bob Ross.*
It’s been a lifelong joke that I “can’t draw,” but something about watercolor just clicked. What started as a creative outlet quickly became a passion. Then in 2022, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, painting became something deeper—it gave me peace, focus, and a sense of control during a difficult time.
From there, I took it all in—videos, classes, books—anything I could learn about watercolor. I started sharing my new “hobby” online and began painting custom homes, florals, and pet portraits. I reopened an old Etsy shop and signed up for my first vendor event. What began as a quarantine joke has turned into something that brings me unexpected joy—and now, a business I genuinely love.
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?
I think it really comes down to perspective. Learning something completely new just a few years ago—especially something as unpredictable as watercolor—was never going to be smooth. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
There have definitely been struggles, from getting the hang of a finicky medium to figuring out selling platforms, packaging orders, and learning how to market myself. But in my opinion, one of the hardest parts has been doing events. It’s not for the weak! There’s a lot of trial and error involved—figuring out which markets are the right fit, how to set up efficiently, and how to confidently present and sell your work in person.
Each challenge has pushed me to grow. Even when things haven’t gone perfectly, they’ve helped me learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep going anyway.
We’ve been impressed with This is Serious Business, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is This is Serious Business (which is a conversation starter in itsel). I, have built it around hand-painted watercolor art that’s heartfelt, meaningful, and sometimes a little unexpected. I specialize in watercolor florals, custom home and pet portraits, and personalized pieces that celebrate life’s moments. I also offer a growing collection of giftable items like bookmarks, notecards, candles, and tote bags featuring my original artwork.
One thing I love doing is for is mixing mediums—I often combine watercolor with embroidery or ink to add texture to a piece. I’m also all about creating sentimental art that feels personal and that people feel connected to.. Whether it’s a painting of your childhood home, a bouquet from your wedding day, or a tiny floral bookmark that makes you smile, I want people to feel something when they see my work.
What sets me apart is that I’m entirely self-taught but with the help of everyone i have learned from in online and in person. I’m still learning and feel like I’m in the early stages of this journey—but I think that’s part of what makes it special. I show up wanting to keep growing and a sense of humor that keeps me going through all the trial and error.
What makes you happy?
Creating something that connects with someone else makes me happy—whether it’s a custom home portrait that brings back memories, or a portrait of of your dog. I love getting reviews in my shop of how happy someone is with their order. And if you show me a picture of where you put your painting…well that’s the cherry on top!
I also rely on the process itself. Painting helps me slow down. We are in a very busy phase of life in my house and painting is a tool I can turn to when things get busy and overwhelming. And as someone who once joked I “can’t draw,” it still makes me laugh—and feel proud—every time I finish a piece.
Getting to meet people at markets and hearing their stories? That’s the best part. I may come for the art, but I stay for the connections. I say a lot when I am setting up for events or doing the computer work…I just want to paint!
And the support I have from my husband is unmatched. Also the support I have from my family, friends, customers and fellow vendors is amazing.
Pricing:
- Original Watercolors $5-$80
- Watercolor Prints $15+
- Portraits (homes, pets, bouquets) $55+
- Favorite Things Collages $30+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thisisseriousbusines.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisseriousbusiness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thisisseriousbusiness
