Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivonne Good.
Hi Ivonne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was about 8 years ago when I attended a paint and sip birthday party at my friend’s house. We had such a blast and I personally enjoyed it so much since one of my passions is painting; I’ve done it since I was a little kid, not professionally but I have taught myself over the years. My friend suggested to me to do the same thing after we experienced the party. My kids were way too young by then to even think about starting a business like this; me as a stay home mom with a firefighter husband who has a crazy work schedule, was out of the charts.
But now that the kids got older, I consider the idea of having these events going. So I did a lot of searching about it: wineries, studios, venues, pricing, etc. I reached out to different places here and there, which was actually pretty fun because hubby and I dated while visiting some places. Of course, the search for venues is not over and continues on, but luckily I’ve been able to put quite a few events together. It’s been over a year doing paint and sip events and I love it. To me, is not only being able to guide people through the process of painting, but it’s also giving them the experience of relaxing, hanging out and having a great time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, it has been definitely work and effort for sure trying to communicate and coordinate with the venues and obviously the advertising part. I’m still trying to figure things out how to be more efficient with all the marketing part (technology, social media, etc. is not my strength lol), but open to learning more. I have an ideally amount of people to work with, 10-20 but I’m also very flexible since I work independently without any studio. However, one of the things I struggle with is when people cancel last minute, so working on cancellation policies is a good idea to consider.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do paint and sip events. I guide people through the process of painting in a Bob Ross step by step style. So participants don’t need to have any kind of art experience. Birthday parties (including kid ones), baby showers, bachelorette parties, divorce parties lol, etc. I like entertain people, I love telling stories and making jokes, making sure that everyone has a great time, while painting. It’s all about the whole experience.
In my events, I provide all the art supplies, including canvases, paint, brushes, aprons, easels, sealer spray, other art supplies, music and digital and physical flyers. When working with some venues, they would have a theme, and I’ll come up with ideas for that or I also have a bunch of samples already made where people can choose from. That’s what I do in a nutshell.
What were you like growing up?
I was born and raised in Guanajuato Mexico. Went to college and had an amazing time traveling and knowing other cultures since my bachelors degree was in tourism. I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere and vibes from people having a good time. That, and my outgoing personality has always helped me to meet new people and friends. On the other side, I’ve always been very active trying to do business: whatever it was selling bake goods, homemade pasta, sandwiches, painted wood boxes, etc, while I was studying in the university. My family always considered me as a go-getter. I think my professional career also helped me to develop my own little business now because these activities are all about having the best experience. How I ended up living here in States? Well, my husband went to my hometown 18 years ago to learn Spanish and I was his teacher lol, it’s how we met. We got married and after moving in to Valley Center we started having a family, 10 and 9 year old active and stinky boys lol.
Their love and support is my biggest motivation. But I also love when people appreciate and even want to buy my paintings, is such a huge compliment and encouragement.
Making good times, making good memories, making Good Impressions.
