Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliana Flores.
Hi Juliana , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The idea behind Pachis Art Studio was born many years ago while I was working as a site supervisor of an afterschool program for children. I found that when art and creative activities were brought to the daily schedule, children connected and interacted in a calmer and healthier way with themselves and others. I started offering “creation stations”, a simple table in the room with random art supplies and no direction, only the liberty and freedom to make anything with what was offered that day. Their behavior changed, their body language changed, it seemed to be something they were craving and yearning for but didn’t know how to ask for.
This sparked the idea that maybe it wasn’t games and structured activities they needed but more of an open space and time to enjoy the process. As years went by, I read many books and took many courses and workshops to learn more about the benefits of art and play in a child’s development. Eventually I became a mother of 2 and started applying all these concepts and ideas and noticed my children were growing to be independent, self-sufficient, self-aware, more empathetic and patient. The rhythm of our bodies changes as we find something for our hands to make and connect with our brains.
Through the years I grew my programs to be available to older children. Now I have programs for teens and adult women who are looking for a space to create without the pressure of having to “make something beautiful”. Art and creativity are not meant to always be beautiful, they’re meant to be meaningful.
My goal with Pachis Art Studio is to inspire all to live a more creative life by incorporating play and practicing creativity as part of their daily wellness. Just like we exercise our bodies, we need to exercise our creative muscles. We’re all born creative, it’s the social pressure and the pressure “to grow up” that keeps us from creating.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not! I have yet to find and meet a business owner who’s had a smooth road. I have been running Pachis Art Studio for 13 years and I am happy and proud to say that I’ve never had to close or change the identity of this project, but I have had very slow and difficult years.
First and foremost, I gave birth to my first daughter a year after opening my first space. I am very grateful to have a husband who’s my biggest support and team player. My parents also played an important role in those first years. Having babies and running a “baby” business in its early stages is very overwhelming.
There was also the pandemic. My business is based on service, not product, therefore connection and being in person are crucial to the growth of this business. However, I was able to find a creative way to continue with the business, and although it was quite slow, I was able to keep the business open to the point that it was ready to receive new and old clients as soon as it was safe to gather.
As any creative can tell you, impostor syndrome is the biggest villain of this small business story. With social media and technology available, sometimes creative activities and projects can seem overdone and overrated because they’re one click away from a tutorial, and that can seem threatening to a business like mine. Luckily, there are communities who still value the time spent together in person and third spaces for connection and social growth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself to be a creative person and small business owner. I lead classes and workshops focused on creative development. What I mean by “creative development” is guiding people of all ages through invitations, prompts and projects that ignite their creativity. I am a strong believer that we are all born creative but societal norms and expectations keep us from practicing that creativity. I am known for being creative and always finding ways to solve problems, beautify and add a cozy element to any activity, reunion or class I offer.
I am most proud of staying true to my beliefs and practicing patience when working with my clients. Everyone tells me “I’m not creative, I can’t even draw a stick figure,” to which I always answer “you don’t have to know how to draw to be creative or artistic.” What I do in my programs is provide an “art buffet” which is composed of a wide assortment of supplies from pencils to puffy fun stickers, regardless of the age.
There’s always a theme to use as inspiration (our muse) and to learn about trends, story, history, techniques, etc. Then I ask questions: “how does this make you feel? can you relate to this? what are you missing?” etc. followed by a moment to connect with the supplies. Not all supplies are made equal and they are definitely not a good match for everyone. Personally, paint intimidates me, but glue and mixed media supplies are one of my languages. Finally, there’s time to create, and that is a personal journey in which I’m only a companion, not a teacher telling you what to do or expecting anything outside your personal discovery and exploration. It’s very therapeutic and healing for everyone who comes through that famous green door, regardless of age.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a group of fellow business owners or people you share interests with (hobbies, clubs), not just professional but also personal, where honesty leads the gatherings. There is a plethora of networking events but unfortunately many are a competition party, from my experience. When you find one that values honesty as the main element of the gathering, the connection is more vulnerable and real. That’s when we find the truth behind the lows of a business owner and how they handle it.
I don’t want to pretend when I want to learn. I want to feel safe to express the concerns or issues I’m dealing with and have an honest conversation where I feel heard by others, as well as offer my advice and support to others in the group.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pachisartstudio.com
- Instagram: @pachisartstudio
- Facebook: @pachisarstudio
