Rising Stars: Meet Tiara Groce of Other / Not Applicable

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiara Groce.

Hi Tiara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started with a love for creativity and a desire to use art for something bigger than creating beautiful things. I am a single mother, a minority woman, and a non-traditional college student pursuing my Studio Art degree at Wesleyan College. Life has not always followed a straight path for me. I have experienced seasons of rebuilding, balancing motherhood, education, entrepreneurship, and personal growth all at the same time. Those experiences shaped me and gave me a deeper understanding of how powerful creativity can be in healing, storytelling, and bringing people together.

I started my business journey in 2018, and over the years it has continued to evolve as I evolved. What began as a passion project moved through different stages that each reflected my growth and vision at the time. I started with X-Art Sip and Paint Lounge, creating spaces for people to connect through creativity and shared experiences. That later evolved into The Art Bar, Inc., a brand I still actively use today for mobile services and school system partnerships. As my purpose expanded beyond art experiences into community impact, accessibility, youth engagement, and creating opportunities for others, the vision grew into Paint the City Art Studio, Inc.

Through Paint the City, I have been able to provide art experiences through schools, workshops, youth programming, community events, and creative spaces that encourage people to express themselves freely. My mission has always been larger than teaching art. I want to create spaces where people feel seen, inspired, and connected, especially those who may not always have access to creative opportunities.

Today I continue growing as both an artist and entrepreneur while building something I hope creates lasting impact in my community. I believe every challenge, setback, and lesson became part of my foundation. I am still building, still learning, and still becoming, but I know the work I am creating is much bigger than me.

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?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. There have been many challenges along the way, both personally and professionally. As a single mother, balancing raising two children while pursuing my education, running a business, and building a future has required a lot of sacrifice, time management, and faith. There were moments when I questioned whether I was doing enough or if I was spreading myself too thin trying to show up for everyone.

As an entrepreneur, one of the biggest struggles has been building something meaningful with limited resources. Starting and growing a business often means wearing multiple hats at once — artist, teacher, marketer, grant writer, event planner, accountant, and business owner. There were times when I had to learn through trial and error and figure things out without having a roadmap or large support system.

I have also experienced the challenge of evolving. Sometimes growth means changing directions, rebranding, or stepping away from things that no longer align with your purpose. That can be uncomfortable because people often only see the final product and not the work, uncertainty, and rebuilding that happens behind the scenes.

At the same time, those struggles have taught me resilience. They taught me how to adapt, advocate for myself, continue learning, and create opportunities instead of waiting for them. Looking back now, I realize the difficult parts of the journey shaped me just as much as the successes did.

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 am an artist, entrepreneur, and community educator focused on using creativity as a tool for connection, expression, and impact. I am the founder of Paint the City Art Studio, Inc., where I create and provide hands-on art experiences through workshops, youth programming, community events, mobile art services, and creative spaces that encourage people of all ages to explore their creativity.

I specialize in creating experiences that go beyond simply teaching art techniques. My work blends creativity with community engagement, wellness, and meaningful experiences. I work across multiple mediums including painting, drawing, mixed media, ceramics, and interactive art activities. I am also passionate about creating opportunities for youth and families, especially for communities that may not always have consistent access to arts programming.

I believe I am becoming known for creating spaces that feel welcoming, authentic, and inclusive. Whether I am working with children in schools, hosting community art events, or creating my own artwork, my goal is always the same: to make people feel seen and inspired. My artwork often carries deeper themes connected to storytelling, identity, childhood, culture, and lived experiences.

What I am most proud of is being able to build something while navigating motherhood, education, and entrepreneurship at the same time. I am proud that Paint the City has grown from an idea into something that has allowed me to impact schools, families, and communities through creativity.

What sets me apart is that I do not see art as just a product or activity. I see it as a way to create access, build relationships, encourage healing, and bring people together. I am not simply creating art experiences; I am creating environments where people feel connected, valued, and free to express themselves. I believe people remember how a space made them feel, and I want every experience connected to my work to leave a lasting impact.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is family, purpose, and creating meaningful impact in the lives of others. As a mother, my children are my greatest motivation. They remind me daily why I continue pushing forward, growing, and building something larger than myself. I want them to see resilience, creativity, and faith in action and understand that obstacles do not have to define what is possible for their future.

Purpose also matters deeply to me because I believe our gifts are meant to serve something greater than ourselves. Art has become more than creativity for me; it has become a way to connect with people, create opportunities, and give others a space to feel seen and valued. I have seen how access, encouragement, and simply being given a chance can change someone’s outlook and confidence.

Creating impact matters because I want the work I do to outlive me. Whether it is through Paint the City, youth programming, community engagement, or the experiences I create, I want people to remember not just what I made, but how I made them feel. If I can help someone discover confidence, find joy, feel connected, or realize they are capable of more than they believed, then I feel like I am walking in my purpose.

Pricing:

• Rug tufting $65 per person and up ( rug size)
• Sip and paint $35 per person
• Juice and Paint $25 per child
• Portraits $250 and up
• Ceramics $45 per person 2 hr session