Today we’d like to introduce you to Billie Halaburt.
Hi Billie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Happy Art Studio was founded to make art accessible to the Beaufort, SC community. When I moved to St. Helena Island from Atlanta I was surprised how expensive art and craft activities were in the area. I dabbled with doing art instruction and paint and sip parties at local communities such as Fripp Island and Dataw Island; as well as supporting art teachers in public schools with afterschool art club. My husband suggested I open my own studio and off I went! As I was building out Happy Art Studio the community was largely requesting classes and programs for kids. At first, I offered both and adult and kid program but found the kids were the ones attending. After about six months, I decided Happy Art Studio’s mission is to make art accessible to kids age 1 to 14. We offer a variety of art programs for kids and their families. We just entered our second year at a prime location in central Beaufort by the Spanish Moss Trail. Kids are enjoying homeschool and afterschool art as well as birthday parties, kids night out, and family paint days. Our mission is to Make Happy!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since this is a grassroots start up business, the first year was challenging trying different ideas out to see what sticks. The year was full of experiments and turn arounds; but we have discovered who we serve and why along the way. The largest challenge year one was getting the word out we existed. We choose to be in a shopping plaza for street visibility even though the rent was higher than we budgeted. Year two we consider Happy Art Studio a destination.
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?
Most of my career was spent in the corporate world doing contract negotiation, subcontract management, and business development. One thing that was a constant was RELATIONSHIPS. To be successful in business you must have strong relationships with your partners and suppliers. In addition to the business experience, when my children were young, I became a certified middle school math teacher. This experience has given me the skills necessary to run a successful school. We know how to manage students with love; and we know the importance of a well designed lesson. I have always been creative in how I approach business and teaching; but also in my own art work. I am a soft pastel artist and well versed in many art mediums.
I am very proud that Happy Art Studio has not lost sight to “accessibility”. We want every child to be able to experience creative expression. We often work with families to achieve that result.
What sets us apart from other art schools or programs is that we do not judge or grade a students art. We share techniques and strategies and the children decide how and what they implement in their work. We have fun and we love what we do!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you are interested in starting an art school for children, I may be interested in sharing a tool kit/license for you to start your own at a reasonable fee.
If anyone would like to make a donation to be used for children in need, I have a program called “Adopt a Duck”. $25 provides one art class for one child. Imagine what you could do for the children in our community! The “Duck” is based on our logo. 🙂
Pricing:
- Birthday Party Packages $350
- Art Classes $25
- Crochet Class $35
- Kids Night Out $40
- Wintercamp $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.happyartstudio.net
- Facebook: happyartstudiosc
