Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Sutter.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
My husband and I are from Florida, where we met when I was in graduate school. While in school, I worked for a local Paint and Sip studio and fell in love with the idea of being able to do art and meet new people! After graduating, I worked full-time as an Art Therapist and later as a high school art teacher. While working full-time, I still worked at my local studio a few nights a week. After moving around the country for my husband’s job, I took a break from painting. After having my first son, my husband and I decided I would stay home with him. Not long after, we had our second son. Once we moved back to Austin, my husband suggested I start working part-time at another local paint and sip studio. I worked there for about 6 months. While I enjoyed working there, scheduling around caring for my sons became difficult. My husband suggested I look into going off on my own. So, I created Erika Makes It LLC! I teamed up with Paint Nite to become an Event Host. I started promoting online and meeting with some local breweries. Now, I travel around Austin and the surrounding areas, teaching step-by-step painting classes. Like a Paint and Sip studio, I teach a different painting every class, but I travel to different venues so people can experience their favorite restaurants and breweries while painting!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My main struggle has been finding that Work/Life balance that other working. Moms deal with. Having stayed home full-time, initially, it was a difficult adjustment for my children. My husband has been so helpful and supportive throughout it all! Our boys now absolutely love the nights I teach because that means they get to spend some extra particular time with Daddy!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I teach painting classes step-by-step! Instead of paint by numbers, I tell you exactly what to do and when. I teach the class as if you’ve never held a paintbrush! I think I know how to create a fun but relaxing environment for my customers. I aim for everyone to feel like an artist for that two-hour. The goal is to do “Fun Art, not fine art!” I’m most proud of my ability to connect with my customers. I believe art should be accessible and affordable for everyone. I love creating art; it’s therapeutic for me! That’s what I loved about being an Art Therapist—the ability to use art to build a connection with others and process their emotions. Even though I’m no longer a practicing art therapist, if my customers feel like they have a small break from their day-to-day lives, I’ve done my job.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from growing up.
I have so many, but my favorite memories are of the surprise vacations we would go on. My mom was very good at finding a last-minute deal so that she would surprise us at school on a Friday, and we would go on a little weekend trip somewhere. My parents loved to explore new places and were always up for an adventure. So, I have a lot of fond memories of going to new places within a few hours of our home.
Pricing:
- $45 per person but $35 with the coupon
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paintnite.com/event-owners/erika-sutter/
- Instagram: @erika.makes.it
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erika.Makes.It
