Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Flicek.
Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
An opportunity provided by Downtown Mainstreet to open a restaurant is what brought me to Red Wing in 2014. I have worked in the restaurant industry since I was young and also have always been into art. The restaurant has been a great way to learn, gain experience and relationships. After years of working the long hours and raising two boys, I decided to dabble into martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I found a passion in this art and added it to my daily routine. I also began to paint more original oil paintings and commission pieces over the years. The time the restaurant was closed during the Covid shutdown mandates allowed me to really test and pursue art as my job. I have been learning to balance (or try to) my work with Staghead, jiu jitsu, and painting all while being a mom and friend.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been that easy. Each adventure brings its own challenges. Challenges with the Staghead have been staffing, especially since Covid, and finding the ebs and flow of seasonal business, all while involving long hours and high stress.
Challenges with painting and jiu jitsu is finding the balance, as well as other factors when it comes to a hobbies like making the time and finding the motivation. I have been working on creating my daily structure to ensure I can be the most present and efficient with my work and interests.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Somedays, I feel I wear many hats. I am a co-owner of a small, from-scratch restaurant that we opened in Jan. 2015. I have been operating this since but have been able to back away from serving over the last year. I have been spending my time working on commissioned and original oil paintings. I specialize in portraits and I love painting them. The reaction of handing over a finished painting to a customer is something that brings me joy and pride.
I also train jiu jitsu (a lot) and it has shaped me to who I am today. I love training with so many different people, it has brought me much more to my life than just training, however. My children train as well and we have created great friendships and a good attitude for life, this makes me very proud. I love being a teammate where life skills that could potentially save a life but also provide a safe and fun environment. I find pride and a duty in helping young girls and women the art (as well as children and men!) Watching myself and my teammates grow in skill and confidence is the most rewarding!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I carry with me many qualities I had when I was growing up. I am originally from Concord, California and my parents divorced when I was young. My mom ended up getting married again and moved us to Harmony, MN. My dad stayed in California. I was fortunate to have a small-town life but also experience culture and diversity. I was always interested in art and being creative, my mom put that in me. She is a wonderful artist and I loved seeing her work when I was growing up. In school, I was always a social butterfly but always a protector to my friends and family. It led me to fight a lot and grow a Fiesty attitude. This still comes out of me but jiu jitsu has given me a safe and fun space to apply that energy!
Pricing:
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Commission drawings $75-$200
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Commission Oil Paintings $250-$3,000
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website:www.danielleflicek.com
- Instagram:www.instagram.com/daniflicek
- Facebook:www.facebook.com/daniflicek
