Notes from Chris

Episode 824

Victoria Downes and Taneekah Johnson are two friends living in Boston. Although they both work full-time jobs, they’ve also dabbled in moneymaking ventures in the past. Victoria had a successful hustle selling Shea Butter, and Taneekah sold custom jewelry and cupcakes.

While creating and building is in their DNA, a few years ago they both found themselves back working full-time jobs as trainers in the public health field. The jobs were fulfilling, but sites like the level 1 trauma center where Victoria worked were not necessarily the best environment for artistic flourishing.

So, they looked outside their work to get their creative fix. For both of them, they found enjoyment in art.

Around this time, the paint party scene was just starting to take off. If you aren’t familiar with a paint party, let me give you the quick brush strokes… these gatherings typically take place in an art studio or similar space and are run in groups. Over the course of a couple of hours, an art instructor show everyone how to create a masterpiece of their very own. This is usually done while enjoying some good wine and a cheese platter. That’s what makes it a paint ‘party.’

It’s easy to see why the business model was popular. The parties were just a lot of fun, and people love them. Victoria and Taneekah were no exception.

But, they realized there was a multicultrual spin lacking in the Boston paint party scene. Boston is a truly diverse city with people of many races, ethnicities, and backgrounds represented. Victoria and Taneeka devised a concept that was similar to other paint parties, where the artworks the groups created would reflect the diverse array of people in their city.

With that, the easel was set and the paint party started. The two friends would start their own version of the concept in honor of the spirit they wanted to convey. They’d call it Sanaa with Friends—Sanaa being the Swahili word for art.

The business has generated $25,000 for these hustling artists in the last twelve months, and that’s while only opening the business part-time. It’s not quite enough to quit their jobs and go all-in, but that’s not the goal for now.

The best part for Victoria and Taneeka are the parties themselves. They don’t feel at all like work. At these parties, they get to paint, connect, and network with their local community.

These two artistic friends are living proof that with a simple idea, and a bit of perseverance, any side hustle can become a great work of art.

 

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  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Sanaa with Friends: Learn more about what Victoria and Taneekah are doing over on their website!

SEE ALSO:

• Host a Birthday Party, Drink Wine, Make $2,000: A birthday “paint and sip” celebration becomes an accidental side hustle, providing a sustainable income for an artist in between day jobs
• Bring Your Own Cannabis to this “420-Friendly” Painting Class: Two Orange County artists set high expectations when they create the first bring-your-own-cannabis art studio, complete with Bob Ross classes and a welcoming vibe
• Substitute Teacher Earns $1,500/Month Making Wooden Signs: In a sign of the times of how popular side hustles are becoming, this substitute teacher hosts Tupperware-style parties where attendees use her stencils to make handcrafted signs. Rise and sign!

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

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