This is the story of THE PAINT SHACK LLC. My name is Cyndi. My husband and I are originally from the Tomah area. I graduated from UWEC and worked for Holiday Vacations/Travel for 16 years. When the kids started arriving, I realized it was harder to travel and leave them. I was searching for something closer. When I turned 40 I took a girls weekend to visit a friend in Texas. I first saw this idea of painting parties in 2012 in Dallas. I thought this would be a ton of fun to do back here in Eau Claire. On the plane ride home I put some names of this sort of business on a to go container and The Paint Shack was one of them! I started slow, doing birthday parties for my kids in my garage. I also did parties with the ladies at my church. When I started I made my own easels. I eventually invested in supplies and started doing classes at garden centers (thanks Green Oasis), peoples homes, bowling alleys and bars on their slow nights. The idea then turned into a leap of faith in the late summer of 2014 we became an LLC. In January of 2016 we moved into our studio space where we are now 2524 Golf Rd 2C, above The Red Mixer / Cherry Berry. We have expanded our canvas to more sizes. We also have added other products like the wood boards, wine glasses and canvas bags, Screens and now our Shattered Art with our Glass buffet! Don’t tell my landlord but we have over 600 pictures on the walls in our building!! Come and see! We can do a party as large as 150 – and growing. Our largest party to date is 110 (Thanks Humane Association Fundraiser). We also do great field trips and combin forces with Cherry Berry while the paint dries.
I started this business for my kids. I wanted to be flexible to work around their busy schedules. I also wanted a place they could hang out and be with me if need be. They are becoming great painters and learning what it takes to start your own business!
I have other social artist who work with me.
Melinda, has been painting with me since day one. She is my encourager and sounding board. She has three kids as well and a full time job at Mayo. She helps out painting where she can. I am lucky to call her my friend. We have some others who step in to help out where needed… and I am extremely thankful to them! Tamie and Angie you two are amazing.