Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Hemmerlein.
Angie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started this business out of necessity in 2010. I had just purchased my first home on my own. Not even a week later, my corporate job laid me off. I was a bit lost and unsure what my next move was going to be. I knew I did not want to return to corporate America. In search of some fun and relaxation, I took a painting class one night. I had never painted before besides those little water color sets we all remember as a kid. I discovered that not only did I love painting but I had undiscovered talent. The class itself relaxed me and the finished product gave me a sense of accomplishment that I needed at that moment. I hung the painting in my home and each time I looked at it I felt a sense of pride. A few months later, I was sitting in a local coffee shop that had art on the walls and it just immediately dawned on me to start holding my own painting classes and why not at local restaurants and venues that would appreciate the extra business being brought in. I set up a meeting with that coffee shop owner where I got my inspiration and a few others, ordered supplies, hired artists better than myself that I could learn new skills from and Get Creative Atlanta was born. The name of my business stemmed from the fact that I had to “get creative” after my job loss. I had to create a new way to generate money for myself and I realized that I could do this via an outlet such as teaching art and creating unique experiences for people. I wanted to give other people in the community the same sense of accomplishment and two hours of relaxation that I encountered from painting. I really love teaching classes, it energizes and fulfills me. My business has transitioned into mainly private parties for all types of events: corporate, social and children’s parties. We recently started doing inspired/motivational art for young adults on sports teams. We still do a few public events throughout the year as well.
This business allows me to travel the Southeastern U.S. and provide really fun, unique events. Everything that happens in your life truly is for a reason and sometimes that reason is to push you towards your true calling. All of my previous jobs armed me with the tools I needed to be able to run my own company and for that I am thankful for my journey. Everything you are doing today is preparing you for what you will need later. Get Creative Atlanta was born from necessity but it has become one of my favorite things to do. Now, that I am a mother, it allows me to stay home with my son and I could not be more grateful.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely, not a smooth road! I’m sure any small business owner, especially those bootstrap businesses, can attest to the windy road. I worked many odds and ends jobs to keep myself and Get Creative funded. My passion for art, teaching and helping others kept me going though. I knew what a valuable service we were providing so I pushed forward even during the many months I broke even or did not make money. When you own your own business and do not have much capital, getting it off the ground rests solely in your hands. You are wearing all of the hats and you are spread thin. If you are new to the entrepreneurial game, hang in there, you will persevere. It will take longer than expected, but if you focus and work hard, you’ll reach your goals. For me my ultimate goal is freedom in my day, being home with my family and earning money in a way that I feel I’m giving back to my community. Those things make me happy, so that’s my ultimate motivation to keep my business flowing.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Get Creative Atlanta – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Get Creative Atlanta specializes in mobile art parties for both corporate and social functions. We bring a creative flare to any type of event. Whether you need to create a team building environment, a unique social activity, an inspirational art experience or a children’s birthday party, we have you covered. It is so important to create things with your own hands and tap into the creative side of your brain. It’s good, clean, healthy fun! I’m proud to give our customers quality service and turnkey parties they do not have to stress over. There is plenty of hard things in life, throwing a party or event should not be one of them. We offer convenience, atmosphere, value and personalization to all of our events. We come to you for affordable prices and provide a really cool atmosphere where you get to participate in an activity you would not normally encounter and you get to make your painting your own creation with color choices!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are expanding our territory. We have always traveled some to South Georgia and Florida for events but now my focus is to really expand this and travel more frequently. The bonus is, I get to visit friends along the way and essentially have a vacation where I make money and provide great events to a wider customer base. We recently added painting/decorating wooden door hangers in all shapes to our services. Wooden signs with vinyl letter will be our next endeavor. I have also recently started a new company called Mom’s Fitness Solution providing fitness bootcamp classes tailored to suit moms. We have locations in Smyrna, Marietta and Kennesaw. I saw a void in our community for this type of service when I searched for it for my own needs after having my son. Being a new mom, I needed a healthy outlet to take better care of myself. So, I took the bull by the horns, got certified and started this business. It allows me and other moms to bring our children along while we sweat out our anxieties and get strong! It has helped me tremendously and I hope to help so many fellow mamas.
Pricing:
- Our parties are typically $25 per person.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.getcreativeatlanta.com
- Phone: 678-751-5308
- Email: getcreativeatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: Atlanta area & all surrounding suburbs
- Facebook: Savannah & South Georgia
- Twitter: Tampa, FL/Northern and Middle Florida
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/get-creative-atl-smyrna-2
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/getcreativeatl/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
