Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Gattis.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Art has always been a huge part of my life, since I was little. I studied Painting and Printmaking at the Atlanta College of Art, the Memphis College of Art, and later earned my BFA in Fine Arts from Georgia State University. I’ve always wanted to make art with kids- I was never quite brave enough to do it – until now that is!
When I became a mom, I learned how important creativity is in childhood. It builds confidence, problem solving skills, and imagination. That’s what inspired me to start Small Craft Kids Club! an art studio dedicated to sparking creativity and curiosity in kids. I want to create a space where children can explore, make mistakes, experiment with different materials, and feel proud of what they create.
Through workshops and classes and mini day camps that mix art and crafting, I will get to help kids grow not only as young artists but as confident, curious thinkers. It’s been a really exciting couple of months getting everything rolling, and I cannot believe opening is right around the corner! (Nov. 1st)
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been pretty painless I think so far! Making this huge change in my life has been terrifying, but exhilarating. I’d say dealing with the city, marketing and raising money through my GoFundMe has felt quite overwhelming, but I am keeping my hopes high! I have been trying to remind myself that we all start somewhere and to just trust the process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been in the service industry since I was teenager, bartending now for 21 years. I have dreamed of teaching Art since as long as I can remember and it took me a while to figure out how to take the leap. Since becoming a mom I have been wanting a life change that will allow to prioritize my family more. To be home at nights and not miss out on all the fun things like school dances and ball games. My background in Art and my love for making things has been the driving force in this decision to take this risk. starting Small Craft Kids Club has been a whole new creative journey in itself. Building a business from the ground up has taught me so much already and opening day isn’t even here yet! Learning about everything from branding to community outreach to budgeting and creating programs that really connect with families, it’s all been so fun
I love that I am finally going to get to combine my artistic background with entrepreneurship – creating not just a business, but a space that brings creativity, learning, and confidence to kids in our community. Watching the studio come to life and seeing people respond so positively to the idea of it has made all the challenges so far worth it.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think a mix of persistence, creativity, stubbornness, and resourcefulness and also a genuine love for making art is what will keep me moving forward. I believe that when you’re passionate about your purpose, it shows – and that energy is what draws people in and keeps you going.
Pricing:
- Drop In Classes $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smallcraftkidsclub.com
- Instagram: @smallcraftkidsclub
Image Credits
Photo credit:
Photos by Isadora Pennington
