Meet Leslie Smilez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie Smilez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslie, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My businesses goal to love God and love people. In the world now-a-days, there’s so much information, there’s a lot of noise, negativity, etc yet my goal to make people feel loved, heard and that they can express themselves through the painting classes I conduct. That people could see the love of God through my artwork whether that’s on a bible cover, on paper or even as a mural.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in faith and storytelling. I specialize in custom hand-painted Bibles, artwork commissions, and painting parties which are fun group events where people come together to paint, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. No art experience is needed—just following along with the instructions I give and people create their own masterpiece.

What sets my work apart is the message behind the artwork. To love God and love others through what is created. Every brushstroke carries meaning, whether I’m painting a portrait or a landscape, creating a vibrant piece for someone’s home, or guiding a room full of people through their first-ever painting.

How my business got started was that I started fundraising for a missionary training school in Brazil in July of 2024. A friend of mine sent me her bible to paint and that’s how it got started! I started with little more than a passion for art and a strong desire to share God’s love with people through art and art experiences. There were times of doubt, seasons of slow growth, and moments I had to push past fear; and still am doing so! But every challenge helped me find my voice and trust that what I was creating had purpose.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than perfection. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to keep showing up, keep creating, and keep being authentic. I also learned that building a brand isn’t just about selling—it’s about serving people well and offering them something that inspires or uplifts.

What I want the world to know is that my art is more than paint on a canvas. It’s a ministry. It’s a space where people can feel seen, healed, and encouraged. Whether someone books a painting party, commissions a piece, or just follows along on social media, my goal is always the same: to bring beauty, faith, and light into the everyday.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a couple of people God has placed in my life that If I did not have I would not have been able to start this journey of starting a business. Firstly, my mom, Berta that has always tried to understand me and support me in my artistic endeavors. Hellen Pastor, one of my closest friends who has challenged me in many ways to grow as a person. My friend Gary Allen who is an artist and also a Christian who has advised me and has prayed with me many times. My best friend Bevy who is from California that her listening ear and her compassionate heart has been a blessing in my life.

Website: https://www.captivatedbygod.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captivatedbygodco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Captivatedbygodco/61566394081792/#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaptivatedbyGodCo

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@captivatedbygodco