On the HOT SEAT:
Kristen Pettigrew, owner
Your Art Lesson
Welcome to the lake country hot seat! We believe in supporting local, and being apart of our community. We cannot think of a better way to get to know the owners of local businesses, community leaders, makers and shakers than to ask them questions to learn their knowledge, advice, wisdom, challenges, wins, and maybe some fun personal tidbits as well. We are hoping a little interview will help drive traffic for them by gaining insight in trust to who they are by you!
Wales, WI
262-422-3964
Get social! Website • Facebook
photo cred: Kristen Pettigrew , owner, Your Art Lesson
How did you get into the art/teaching field? I initially went to school for psychology, which was an amazing opportunity. I’m an entrepreneur at heart. I’ve had a business refurbishing furniture and administrative services business. I’ve done a lot of administrative work in several places: a college, on the mission field in Africa, my own admin business, and at a local school.
Working as an admin at my son’s school is ultimately how I ended up teaching art. While I was on a journey starting a business teaching homeschoolers art and making a couple of how-to-draw online videos for kids, I also had the opportunity to start teaching art at The Augustine Academy in Hartland/Delafield.
It’s a joy for me to guide children to see their full potential in art. Teaching them that with practice, even those who wouldn’t consider themselves art naturals can learn to draw and do it well!
How did you come up with the idea for your business? My son loves art. He and I would sit and draw, paint, and color together constantly. His love for art and my long-lived passion for it gave me the idea that I’d love to teach other children, too.
What inspired you to start your own business? My son! And I always look for ways to produce income that would revolve around my family’s schedule so that I can be a stay-at-home mom.
How did you choose the name of your business? I wanted something simple where the title explains what my business is and does.
How do you choose the items you sell and services /classes you offer? In the past, I have used Mona Brook’s curriculum. I also design lessons. Usually with wildlife and all different types of animals or nature. If I’m doing a paint birthday party, the birthday boy or girl picks what they’d like to paint.
I also started selling sketch pads/journals which are inspired by my son. Because he draws and writes all the time. He grabs copy paper constantly, I thought it would be fun to make pads for kids. I had been making drawings for my son on a weekly /monthly basis for over a year and putting them on his desk. He loved them so much, I thought other kids might, too. Those are the drawings that I’ve used for the journals.
photo cred: Kristen Pettigrew , owner, Your Art Lesson
What is a typical day like for you and your team? I work around my family’s schedule. I have a 9-year-old son and an almost 2-year-old daughter. In my spare time, I make the sketch pads sometimes during nap time or we do it as a family.
I design classes often with my son. We just sit and draw together so it’s a perfect time for me to do that naturally during family time. Or, we will go on an art date and pick an animal to draw together. Whatever we transpire turns into another kids art lesson that’s available.
How does a kiddo in homeschooling get involved with you? Can you tell us the process? The best way is to just call or email me to see what my availability is. I hold classes out of my home in Wales.
What were you doing before you opened your business? Working as an administrator at The Augustine Academy and going to a Bible school.
When did you know this is what you wanted to do? It naturally happened because I know homeschoolers who wanted their kids in art classes. So that’s when I knew!
What do you still want to achieve? I’d love to get the journals and sketch pads in multiple locations. Currently, they are in three local stores. Clearwater Outdoor in Delafield, The Roost in Hartland, and Timber Lane Studio and Gallery in Wales
How did your feel after you taught your first class or made you fist sale? Excited and inspired to do more!
WHAT WAS THE FINAL PUSH TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND START your own business? WHAT WAS THE “AHA” MOMENT FOR YOU? When my friend said that she had 10 kids who wanted to be in my art class!
Just for fun…
What is your earliest memory?
Funny you ask. One of my earliest memories is when I was a child and I loved being outside on nice warm summer days, but I most often chose to stay inside and color because that was even more joyful and satisfying to me.
What makes you unique?
I am a follower of Jesus. I love the outdoors, hiking, running, horses, and of course art!
If you are interested in being in the Lake Country Hot Seat with The Lake Country Mom, send us an email or connect with us on social media.
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