Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hillman
Hi Stephanie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Stephanie Hillman has always loved the arts, specializing in watercolor and ceramics, she has been creating art her entire life and studied both mediums extensively through local art schools and programs as a child and young adult. She has participated in and helped run many local art festivals and events and has a large connection within the art community in Salt Lake. Stephanie has been a professional artist and teacher for 16 years and loves sharing her knowledge through teaching, which prompted her to open her own art school in 2016. Her business, Art Haus, focuses on offering high quality art classes to children and adults focusing on pottery, painting and drawing. With the success of opening her school, Stephanie was accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program and completed her business certification in 2021 which helped her grow her business into one of the largest art schools in Salt Lake. Art Haus has become more than just a school, but an amazing studio of artists and instructors who inspire creativity and bring a sense of community to the city. Stephanie has also worked with local non profits through volunteering and donating her time as a board member to bring the arts to the underserved communities in Salt Lake. Art is an essential part of the human experience and Stephanie believes that everyone deserves to have equal access to the arts.
When Stephanie is not running her business or creating, she spends most of her time outdoors. Her favorite activities are hiking, backpacking, skiing, and generally just spending as much time out in nature along with her husband and dog.
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?
Over the past eight years, our art studio has faced several challenges, each of which has tested our resilience and adaptability. In the early stages, financial struggles were a significant hurdle. As a young business, we had to carefully navigate cash flow issues and limited resources. To better equip myself with the knowledge and skills needed to steer the business forward, I decided to invest in my education and went back to school, participating in various programs focused on business management. The most impactful experience was the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, which gave me invaluable insights into scaling and managing a business.
Another major challenge was the COVID pandemic. Like many other small businesses, our studio was hit hard, especially with restrictions and safety concerns affecting our ability to hold in-person classes. However, we adapted quickly by implementing creative business practices, such as virtual classes and adjusting our offerings to meet the needs of our community. The unwavering support from our students and the local community was also critical during this time, and their loyalty and encouragement helped us not only survive but continue to grow.
These experiences have made us stronger and more strategic in our approach. We’ve learned the importance of adaptability, community engagement, and the value of continuous learning, and these lessons have shaped the studio into what it is today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Art Haus is a vibrant and creative art studio that offers a welcoming space for both children and adults to explore their artistic talents. We specialize in a variety of mediums, offering painting, pottery, and drawing classes designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, our classes provide a supportive environment where everyone can develop their artistic abilities at their own pace.
In addition to our regular classes, we also host weekend workshops that dive deeper into specific techniques and creative processes. These workshops are often a chance for us to collaborate with other local businesses, creating unique and dynamic experiences for our community. These partnerships allow us to bring new perspectives and ideas to the studio, fostering a spirit of creativity and connection in our city!
Each summer, along with our ongoing classes, we offer art camps for children, giving them an opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of art forms while having fun in a safe, encouraging environment. These camps are designed to nurture creativity and self-expression, providing kids with the chance to experiment with different mediums and develop their artistic skills in a hands-on way.
What matters most to you?
Art Haus offers so much more than just a space for creating art. We are a hub for creativity, connection, and personal growth, fostering an environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can explore their artistic potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arthaus-slc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthaus.slc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthaus.slc/
