Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Phillips.
Hi Heather, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My Story: The Heart Behind Heart Art
I became pregnant later in life, at 43 years old. During labor, I went into congestive heart failure. The doctors ran an EKG and told me that at some point, I had experienced a heart attack — they didn’t know when, but they knew there was lasting damage to my heart. The following year, my doctors took me out of work and placed me on disability. I was prescribed seven different medications to help my heart heal, and there was even talk of implanting a defibrillator, but I chose not to go that route.
That season of my life forced me to slow down and reflect on what truly mattered — and it also opened the door to something unexpected: creativity and healing through art. One day, I went to a local rage room in San Diego, and while I appreciated the release it offered, I found myself wishing for something more peaceful — something that allowed people to express emotion, but in a way that felt creative and therapeutic rather than destructive.
That idea stayed with me. One evening over dinner, I was talking with friends about creating a “splash room” — a space where people could paint the walls, throw color, dance, listen to music, and let go in a joyful, freeing way. I imagined pool noodles, water guns filled with paint, and black lights that made every color glow. It was meant to be fun, healing, and full of energy — a different kind of therapy for the soul.
A friend mentioned that there was an open space available in Santee, and one day, I accidentally took a wrong turn and saw it for myself. I immediately felt something — that spark of this is it. I called the number, and within two weeks, I had signed the lease. That’s how Heart Art LLC was born.
After launching the “Splash Room” concept, I expanded to include a canvas painting side — a place for birthday parties, team-building events, couples’ sessions, and creative gatherings of all kinds. Whether it’s kids celebrating their big day, coworkers bonding through paint, or couples learning to communicate through color, I wanted Heart Art to be a space where people could connect, create, and heal through artistic expression.
My goal has always been simple: to give people a place where creativity and heart meet — where art isn’t just about painting a picture, but about finding a little more joy, peace, and connection in the process.
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?
Definitely not a smooth road — but every challenge has taught me something valuable. When I first started Heart Art, I was still managing my heart condition, so I had to learn how to balance my health with the demands of starting a business. There were days when my body reminded me to slow down, even when my mind wanted to keep pushing forward.
Another struggle was stepping into a completely new industry. I didn’t have a background in running an art studio — I just had a vision and a strong belief that creativity can heal. Figuring out the logistics — from finding the right location to learning how to market events and manage the business side — was all trial and error.
There were also moments of doubt. When you’re building something from the ground up, especially something as unique as a “splash room,” not everyone immediately understands your vision. But I kept trusting that if I stayed true to my heart and purpose, the right people would find me — and they did.
Every setback, whether it was financial stress, self-doubt, or simply exhaustion, ended up shaping the way I run Heart Art today. It’s made me more intentional, more grateful, and more connected to the people who walk through my doors. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every turn.
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?
What sets Heart Art apart is the atmosphere. When people walk in, they often say they immediately feel peace, joy, and freedom. We focus on creating an uplifting, judgment-free environment where everyone can create at their own pace — no pressure, no rules, just art from the heart. Whether it’s a couple working together on one painting, a team learning to communicate through color, or a child proudly showing off their masterpiece, there’s something deeply meaningful about witnessing those moments of connection.
I’m most proud of the community that’s grown around Heart Art. Seeing people come back again and again — bringing their kids, their coworkers, or their friends — reminds me that I’m doing something that makes people feel good. I’ve had guests tell me that a painting session lifted their spirits during a hard time or helped them bond with a loved one, and that means everything to me.
At its core, Heart Art is about joy, creativity, and healing through expression. It’s not about being a professional artist — it’s about creating from the heart and leaving with something that makes you smile.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways to connect with Heart Art! We love partnering with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to bring creative experiences to all kinds of groups. Whether it’s hosting a team-building paint session, organizing an art day for kids, or adding a creative twist to a fundraiser, we’re always open to collaborations that spread positivity and creativity in the community.
Heart Art is also proud to be an approved vendor with R.I.T.Z., the San Diego Regional Center, and the Self-Determination Program. That means individuals and families who receive services through those programs can use their funding to participate in our art sessions. It’s been an incredible way to make creativity more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
For individuals, you can support Heart Art by joining one of our public painting events, booking a private session, or bringing your friends and family to experience the space. We also offer mobile paint parties — I can bring the fun to you for birthdays, family gatherings, or corporate events.
Another meaningful way to support Heart Art is simply by sharing our story — tell people about us, follow us on social media, and help us grow by word of mouth. Every visit, every post share, and every kind word helps keep our mission alive.
At the end of the day, my goal is to create a space where art and heart meet — and I’m always open to new ideas, collaborations, and creative partnerships that help make that vision shine even brighter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Heartartsd.com
- Instagram: Heart_art_sd
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherphillips/
- Youtube: @heartartsd
