Today we’d like to introduce you to Britney Sandoval.
Hi Britney, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Life is often described as a journey, and for me, that journey began with a dream, a dream that was at odds with the reality of my childhood. As a young girl growing up in an environment where the light of my aspirations was overshadowed by the darkness of abuse, I sought refuge in art. I doodled, I drafted, I dabbled in poetry, painting, and creative writing. Art was my sanctuary, my friend, my escape. It was a language that transcended the boundaries of my world—a world that started to change the day I decided to move to California at the tender age of fifteen.
California was a beacon, a promised land where I hoped my dreams would flourish. And flourish they did, but not without trials and tribulations. At UC High, I met Nurse Gabby, a woman whose wisdom and guidance started me on a journey of introspection and healing. She provided me with resources that helped me understand why I was acting out why I was struggling. This was a turning point in my life, a time when I started asking profound questions about happiness, purpose, peace, and my place in the world.
The answers to these questions weren’t easy to come by. It took years of research, study, and soul-searching. I delved into philosophy, psychology, spirituality, and the arts, seeking answers and discovering facets of myself along the way. This exploration formed the backbone of my work today.
When I became a mother, my life took on a new dimension. I wanted to provide for my family while also staying true to my passion and the flexible lifestyle I valued. This led to the birth of Reflection Art Studio. Here, I took every bit of knowledge, every skill, and every lesson life had taught me and combined them into a creative endeavor that not only fulfilled me but also offered something unique to our community.
Today, Reflection Art Studio is more than a business—it’s an embodiment of my journey, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. We offer mobile art services across San Diego, catering to both private and corporate events. From painting and string art to epoxy creations, we provide an outlet for others to explore their creativity, just as I had done as a child seeking solace. It’s not just about art; it’s about helping others discover their passion, their peace, and, ultimately, their purpose. And it’s about showing that even when the world tells you you’re crazy for chasing your dreams, it’s not only possible to catch them but also to shape them into something beautiful and unique.
To those embarking on their own journeys, I say this: follow your dreams, for they know the way. Embrace the trials, for they are your teachers. And above all, never stop asking questions, for they are the keys that unlock the door to self-discovery.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a bumpy road with lots of obstacles; some days, I wanted to quit!
Life has a peculiar way of testing us, of throwing obstacles in our path just when we think we’ve finally found our footing. For me, these obstacles came in many forms. There was the struggle with confidence, the longing for parental guidance, the financial hurdles, and the search for a clear direction. Each of these challenges was like a puzzle, and figuring out how to navigate them was a process of trial, error, and constant learning.
Perhaps the biggest struggle was the realization that to succeed in business, you need more than just passion. You need vision, leadership, strategic planning, and effective implementation of systems. Not to mention the mastery of marketing where everything is constantly evolving and changing. I am always learning how to stay current. Let’s just say that when I started, I was far from mastering these skills. The learning curve was steep, but every stumble, every setback, was an opportunity to grow and improve.
What I’ve come to understand is that business, at its core, is about problem-solving. It’s about identifying a need and finding a way to meet it. And in a strange twist of fate, my early struggles have equipped me with an invaluable skill: the ability to see problems not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for creativity and innovation.
Today, I’m still learning. Every day presents new challenges new problems to solve. But I approach them with confidence, not because they’re easy, but because I’ve learned that overcoming them is part of the journey. It’s these struggles, these moments of uncertainty and doubt, that have shaped me into the person I am today, a person who sees every challenge as a chance to grow and every problem as an opportunity to make a difference.
I continue to learn & evolve. Every day, I strive to create & conduct business at a high level! At the end of the day, the struggle is not just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about becoming a better person & helping others in the process. To me, it’s all about LOVE.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my classes, I incorporate elements of aromatherapy and sound healing, methods often underrated in traditional art settings. These techniques, rooted in ancient wisdom, are used to create an immersive environment that engages not just the mind but the senses, the emotions, and the spirit. It’s a holistic approach to creativity, one that serves as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
Moreover, I believe deeply in the power of art as a tool for empowerment. When someone observes a piece of art they’ve crafted under their own hands, they witness not only a physical creation but also a manifestation of their potential and capabilities. They get to explore a part of themselves that perhaps lay dormant, waiting for the right medium to be expressed.
My work is not just about teaching art but about facilitating a journey of self-discovery. I strive to inspire confidence, to push people beyond their comfort zones, and to help them unearth their unique creative voices. I aim to show them that they are not only capable of creating something beautiful but that they themselves are a masterpiece in progress.
This integration of art, ancient wisdom, and holistic practices is what sets me apart. It’s not just about creating art; it’s about creating a transformative experience. It’s about helping individuals discover their potential, about guiding them on their journey, and giving them the tools to navigate it. Art is my medium, but inspiration is my mission.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Many individuals and organizations have played pivotal roles in my journey, and I am forever grateful for their support, wisdom, and encouragement. Nurse Gabby, my beacon during my high school years, provided the first steppingstone towards understanding and healing, setting me on the path of introspection and self-discovery.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce have been invaluable resources, providing me with guidance, networking opportunities, and a platform to connect with others in the business community like GoBeRewarded, who helped me capture the essence of my business with their service. Billy Gene and Grant Cardone were instrumental in my understanding of marketing and business strategy, while Shanda Sumpter’s insights have been a guide in my entrepreneurial journey.
But of all the people who’ve been part of my journey, I’m most appreciative of Jason Bergado. His unwavering support has been my rock through the ups and downs of this journey. Jason has afforded me the opportunity to balance my roles as a mother, a student, and a business owner, standing by my side every step of the way. His belief in my vision and his patience throughout our journey together are gifts for which I am eternally grateful.
Each of these individuals and organizations has brought something unique and invaluable to my journey. They’ve shared knowledge, provided support, and have been a source of inspiration. To them, I extend my deepest gratitude. They’ve helped shape my path, and for that, they deserve immense credit.”
Pricing:
- Painting Party $45/person (Minimum 8 Guests)
- String Art Party $55/person (Minimum 8 Guests)
- Epoxy Party $65+/person (Minimum 8 Guest)
- Sound Bath & Aromatherapy $35/person
- Private 3 Hour Session $250+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.reflectionartstudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/reflection_art_studio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/reflection_art_studio
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/lTjX9zv6Pp
Image Credits
GoBeRewarded
