Creativity as community, therapy, and livelihood form the heart of our conversation with Heather Donis, founder of Heather Donis Designs. Heather guides us through her artistic entrepreneurial journey that began in 2010 when she left corporate life to stay home with her young son. What started as freelance graphic design evolved into mobile paint parties by 2012, creating unique spaces where participants could "try on being an artist for a couple of hours."

With warmth and candor, Heather reveals the multifaceted nature of her business—from guiding paint parties at corporate events and private homes to creating her own vibrant, symbol-rich original artwork. She's developed creative workarounds for accessibility, transforming her designs into products like bags and pillows so "everybody can have a little piece" regardless of budget. The joy she witnesses when someone connects with her work provides profound fulfillment and drives her creative purpose.

Our conversation takes a poignant turn as Heather shares how she navigated the devastation of COVID-19 on her community-centered business while simultaneously losing her stepmother to cancer and her father—"my biggest cheerleader"—to Alzheimer's and dementia. Through these hardships, art became her voice and healing mechanism. "Art has always been a way to express my emotions," she reflects, demonstrating how creativity serves as both livelihood and therapy. For aspiring creative entrepreneurs, Heather offers this gentle reality check: "It is a hustle," recommending solid business foundations from the start. Follow Heather's colorful journey on social media @HeatherDonisDesigns or visit her work at the Painted Tree in Hilltop, Virginia Beach.

Heather Donis Designs

Heather Donis

Virginia Beach, VA

www.heatherdonisdesigns.com