Meet Moneek Pines
Hi Moneek, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full-time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Until now, I’ve never publicly shared my struggles as an anxiety survivor. The anxiety attacks were brutal, but my paintbrush and canvas eased my pain. I call it “painting the pain away”, and somehow it’s become my full-time job — more like a profitable, fun life-calling.
At the beginning of the pandemic, anxiety tried to creep its way into my life. To fight it, I took a bold leap of faith: I quit my full-time job as a daycare owner and teacher to go full throttle in my paint party business, ARTrageous Brush & Flow. I had already been teaching some paint parties a few times a month just to make some extra money and because it was so much fun. I had no idea that when I did my first virtual art event that my life could totally be encompassed in art everyday. I wanted this for a while, but wasn’t sure how to go about it. I was very “nerve-cited” (nervous and excited at the same time). Once I took the plunge, all I could do was think about how to create the best paint party experiences for my clients. I found my tribe in a paint party business owners group with entrepreneurs and business owners like myself who support each other. I have taken courses in small business, and even graduated from a small business series program that has helped me elevate my business in multiple ways – from social media to the proper business model.
It’s nothing more rewarding for me in my business than connecting with people. I love painting with people and seeing them smile, laugh and connect with their friends, family, coworkers and other guests.
Moneek, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Moneek, a wife and a proud mother of 3 sons, including a set of 25-year-old twins and a 19-year-old. I’m convinced that I was born with a paintbrush in my hand and that my first scribble was actually a paint splash (Totally convinced).
I’m a zealous, mixed-media art-entrepreneur who hails from the City of Brotherly Love. I have a fervor for exploring cultural art themes and presenting them to my community by hosting ‘ARTrageously’ fun paint parties. I was so adamant about teaching the world art, that I established an art daycare, ARTrageous Kids Childcare Center, LLC.
At my art studio and wherever I get to create art, I promote health and wellness through art therapies. I have instructed for numerous fundraisers, corporate events, special studio art events, and pop-up paint parties. My most notable party today was for 150 college students in person at an Ivy league college where my family assisted me.
I utilize art as a vehicle to support schools in urban communities in their efforts to combat poverty, lack of access to the arts, and mild mental health deficiencies such as depression or anxiety. I currently serve as a program partner for the Lenfest Center, which allows me to empower the youth by curating my “Passport Through the Arts” after-school cultural affair. I have found that my greatest contribution to society is splattering paint that communicates boundless, liberating, and captivating messages.
I’m most proud of myself for taking risks in business and life even when I’ve been afraid. Prior to creating the Artrageous enterprise, I navigated my way through various jobs in the retail industry, and even served as a substitute teacher for the Philadelphia School District. Through those positions, I learned how to genuinely connect with the hearts of people and teach the most complex concepts in a manner that can be interpreted by a first-grader.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Being an artist and creative allows me to share my art with the world. I get to make a difference in the world by sharing my art and a piece of myself and my perspective. I believe Art inspires change, makes people feel different emotions, and it beautifies the world.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
When I first started on social media I didn’t realize how important it was for my business. I would post a few times a week sharing about an event I was throwing or a quote on art. I lacked the knowledge I needed to stand out on social media. As I began to take business courses and learn how to create valuable, engaging content that people feel compelled to view and share.
I identified my target audience, created content that represents me and my brand. Although social media is like another job I try to make it fun. My advice for those just starting out on social media is to be authentic and real. You don’t need filters and fancy gimmicks. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Don’t wait for things to be perfect, because it will never happen.
It’s okay to aim for excellence but people want to see you and all you have to offer (even bloopers!). As we all know, we all make mistakes. I know once I posted a piece of work I wasn’t crazy about and everyone loved it so much I sold it 19 times through social media.