Meet Jenifer Stover | Artist & Owner of Art is Life Studio

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

Hi Jenifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always loved creating and always thought I would go to Art School and pursue an art career. During my second year in art school I had a professor tell me I was not good enough to become an artist and I should pursue other courses outside of the art program. I was devastated. My Professor was a great artist and a well known artist in the community. I was young, I was naive and I believed him. So I did what he said, I stopped taking art classes and started fulfilling my science and humanities prerequisites. It was then that I fell in love with an anatomy course. I went on to become a Physician Assistant in Emergency Medicine. For the next 20 years, I loved being a PA and loved helping people. I did start painting again after finishing PA school as it was my stress reliever from the crazy long shifts in the ED. Medicine had changed a lot over 20 years. I began experiencing burn-out in the ER for almost a year when Covid hit. It was then I realized I had to make a change. This was a really difficult time for me, medicine was all I have known for 20 years and I had just paid off my student loans!! I tried teaching in a PA program, working in different fields of medicine but It was not enough. I wanted out of medicine.

With the advice of my husband and friends/family, I decided to pursue my art career. This was probably the scariest time in my life! I had no idea how to run a business. I had to figure out what kind of art I wanted to make, who I wanted to sell it to, and how I wanted to sell it. After a lot of soul searching, I realized that my journey into the world of surface pattern design and my brand-“Art is Life Studio” is twofold:

It was shaped by a childhood memory of walking the aisles of stationary stores where the shelves overflowed with beautiful artwork, enchanting patterns, and a treasure trove of art supplies. It was a realm where creativity knew no bounds. Wandering these aisles was like stepping into a wonderland, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Those stores were my sanctuary, my source of inspiration, and the very place where my love for elegant, playful designs took root. But, as the years passed, I watched in sadness as many of those beloved stores closed their doors, leaving an emptiness in my heart. I now realized that I held the power to create designs, just like the ones that resonated with me in those stationary stores from long ago. I could bring the magic of those aisles into the world in my own way.
Secondly, In a world dominated by screens & isolation, I wanted my designs and my brand to become a bridge to personal connection. Whether it’s the artwork on your walls, the pillow on your couch, or the pages of your journal, I want the brand to witness and enhance the moments that define you. My designs and products are not just beautiful; they are storytellers, weaving themselves into the tapestry of peoples lives. I want to encourage people to embrace the beauty of the present, to celebrate milestones, and to express their authenticity through my products.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My Art: Elegant, yet playful designs coupled with functionality is the basis of the Art is Life brand. I love intricate details, and my designs often depict captivating (delicate, exciting) line work coupled with a vibrant color palette, resulting in playful, charming and colorful designs.

Sets us apart: I am dedicated to creating a sense of connection and engagement with my audience-evoke nostalgia, spark conversations, make memories, or resonate on a personal level. My designs serve as a source of positivity and happiness when people interact with them, they enhance the functionality and aesthetics of everyday items, making them more enjoyable to use. I truly believe in inspiring others to spark their own creativity. Nature is my inspiration and I am very committed to sustainability reduce waste and environmental impact by optimizing use of eco-friendly materials.

Most proud of: That I did it! I started my own business/brand!
Most excited about: I get to create everyday…and puppies!! (I’m a dog lover)!

How did I get where I am today professionally: This was answered in the first question.

Was it easy. How did you overcome the challenges? What have you learned along the way?- No, it has not been easy! Starting a business with no background in business is definitely tough. With my background and training in medicine, I had the belief that I can do hard things but this business is different. I have to make all the decisions, good or bad. My biggest challenges have been fear, self doubt and imposter syndrome. I learned that I am not alone. It is a common thread in Artists as well as actors, musicians, athletes, and almost all successful people. I still battle with these challenges but I am getting better at acknowledging them and overcoming them.

“You don’t succeed because you have no weaknesses, you succeed because you find your unique strengths and focus on developing habits around them.” -Tim Ferris

What do I want the world to know about you or your brand story?

I mentioned this in my story in the first question: I want my designs and my brand to become a bridge to personal connection. Whether it’s the artwork on your walls, the pillow on your couch, or the pages of your journal, I want the brand to witness and enhance the moments that define you. My designs and products are not just beautiful; they are storytellers, weaving themselves into the tapestry of your life. I want to encourage you to embrace the beauty of the present, to celebrate milestones, and to express your authenticity through my products.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in West Palm Beach and I frequent places in this area and mostly north of there. I know you are based in Miami so I am not sure these recommendations are helpful but I thought I would share anyway!!

Breakfast; One of my favorite places to eat is Brooklyn Water Bagels- I grew up in NY and I love me a good bagel. What is it about NY and bagels anyway? They have the best bagels around! My best friend is also from NY so I know she will like them. Another favorite place is Prosecco Cafe in Palm Beach Gardens. Their lunch is great too. They are open for dinner but I have never experienced it.
Lunch:
Dinner: Cod & Capers Cafe & Market has the best Seafood in South Florida (in my opinion). It is always fresh and you can order anything from their seafood market and have them make it for you in the Cafe. It has outdoor seating too which is nice. Another dinner favorite is District Table & Bar in Stuart, Fl. Their menu changes based on available local fare but they have a few constants. This place never disappoints. They also have outdoor seating! Mortons Steakhouse is my favorite place for a great steak and they have a warm brownie sundae that it to die for! Another favorite steak house is Prime 112 in Miami. They are serious about meat- they even serve free strips of bacon at their bar while you wait for your table! Also an amazing chocolate layer cake-each layer is a different type of chocolate and it is 10 or 12 layers. I just remembered another local steakhouse favorite is Flagler Steakhouse.

Places to visit: The Jupiter Lighthouse in Jupiter, FL. I also love visiting the Manatee lagoon in winter and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, FL and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca. Raton. It would not be a trip to South Florida without visiting one of our beautiful beaches. I also like taking nature walks at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands in Boynton Beach, and Grassy Waters Preserve in West Palm Beach. I like to hang out at the Square Grouper in Jupiter as it has a nice view of the intracoastal and the Lighthouse. I am an avid fan of craft beer and like to go to a bunch of breweries. My favorites are: Twisted Trunk and Stormhouse Brewery (Palm Beach Gardens); Steamhorse Brewery (West Palm Beach); Royal Palm Beach Brewing Co.; and Barrel of Monks Brewing in Boca Raton.

Since it is my best friend visiting, I am sure shopping would occur!! I like to go to the Tanger Oulets and walk down Lake Worth Ave and Stroll through Palm Beach Island.

I would also like a little R&R with my bestie so maybe a spa day! I love the 4 Seasons because they have a FL resident special that allows you to spend the day at the spa, eat, and relax by the beach. Eau Spa is another favorite day spa. The Breakers is beautiful but I believe they no longer allow you to use the spa unless you are staying at their hotel.

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?
Wow! I am grateful to have a lot of support and mentorship along the way, First off is my husband, Ted Stover. He has been my biggest supporter and my rock throughout my journey. He is the reason I am living my dream full time. I also have many mentors in the surface pattern design field like Bonnie Christine, Stacie Bloomfield, Shannon McNab, Sarah Watts, to name just a few, there are so many more. I have met some powerful women through courses I have taken. We continue to meet weekly and discuss our wins, losses, the industry, and hold each other accountable. Through one of the courses, I met Juliana Castro, an artist and children’s book illustrator who lives locally. She has been a game changer for me. We actually meet in person once a month and we really push each other’s boundaries. She helped catapult my business to the next level. I would not be where I am if I did not have these amazing women in my life. I also have to shout out to Zero Empty Spaces for giving me the studio space where all the artistic magic happens. They provide affordable studio spaces for artists in locations throughout Florida and they just recently reached other states as well. I am an avid reader and podcaster and I can certainly list numerous books and podcasts here! I truly feel you should always be working on yourself and if you run a business you should always be reading about all aspects of how to improve your business. I would really like to give a huge shout out and recommend Evan Snow and Andrew Martineau. They are the founders of Zero Empty Spaces and other endeavors and a HUGE supporters of the Arts, particularly in the Broward County area. 

Website: www.etsy.com>shop>artislifestudioshop.com

Instagram: @ArtisLifeStudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtisLifeStudioShop