Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Darling.
Hi Cynthia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My husband (Muralist Aaron Darling) and I were approached to purchase the art school. We had visited the art school before, fell in love with it, and became friends with the owners. They were relocating and asked us to take over! We feel so blessed this came into our lives. We love where we live, and connecting with our community in this way is special. We wanted to continue what the previous owners started, plus bring a street art feel to the school. We love offering our after-school art classes to elementary and middle school students. We are working to bring new and exciting events and classes to the area – graffiti and spray paint workshops, and we take a portable art wall to the home varsity football games so kids can tag the wall. We also offer Corks and Canvas Nights, Open Studio, Birthday Parties (for all ages), Team Builds, Company Retreats, Art Camps and more.
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?
It has been a wonderfully smooth road so far. We have amazing mentors in our lives who are guiding us as new small business owners. SSB&T in Lago Vista was awesome to work with for getting our small business loan; Amy Yordt is my go-to girl for accounting questions; Emily and Carl Dieckmann are the best and assisted every step of the way (on both ends) of the real estate transaction. These are my behind-the-scenes heroes. Our art teachers are the heart and soul of the art school. I love to see the students run into class and hug their art teacher. Our number one goal is to make our students feel loved; after that comes the fun art projects. And they do such fun stuff that I wish I were a student again.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have worked in higher education for over a decade. I recently quit my full-time job at St. Edward’s University to run the art school and assist my husband with his mural business. My event planning and managerial skills are things I rely on every day in my new role as art school owner and muralist. My husband was a nurse for close to ten years and, in 2020, quit the medical field to become a full-time artist. He has traveled worldwide to paint large-scale murals – please check out his work at AaronDarling.com! Our unique backgrounds have proven instrumental in our new roles as art school owners. I proudly offer a safe space for our community to relax, connect with friends, and get creative.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck, but I believe in working hard, setting goals, and remaining open and flexible to be ready when opportunities present themselves. I’ll admit that I could improve at being flexible, and when the request for us to purchase the art school came up, I was scared because it was not on our radar. I like to make plans and stick to them. But, with prayer and discussion with loved ones, we realized this was a great opportunity. I can see this is part of God’s plan for my family, for which I am grateful!
Pricing:
- $140 per month for after school classes
- $10-$30 ceramic painting
- $25-$40 adult art classes (see under special classes tab)
- $60 + for kids art camps (when school is out)
- $250 + for private parties
Contact Info:
- Website: darlingartschool.com
- Instagram: darlingartschool
- Facebook: darlingartschool
