Meet Kimberly Piazza | Business Owner & Designer

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

Hi Kimberly, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
To be successful, you must be a creative problem solver— I opened my business right before Covid, March 2nd 2020, I was forced to closed my doors March 13, 2020, which means I had to change my business plan completely, . I own an art and design learning center that runs when we can host group classes, so without being able to bring people together, I used my creative problem solving skills to find new avenues of business like making art kits. teaching virtually, teaching LIVE on Facebook and teaching in back yards.

When I was able to reopen, I had to change the length of time classes ran and the pricing, Classes had to be shorter length in time, so I could run more because we were limited to the amount of bodies in our room. Overall, I had to change the entire structure of the business I had invested my entire savings in, but I learned a ton!

In the end, it was a blessing, I had smaller classes so I was able to really focus in on my craft as a teacher and not be overwhelmed by large class sizes. In a smaller setting, it was natural to form stronger relationships with students, and with the connection and trust, they are able to be fully themselves, fully creative and really grow their skills. It was a different start thatn I had expected, but I would not change it, and staying in business now 4 years, growing each year, I know my creative problem solving skills will sustain our studio.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
More about my art: I always joke and say I am an artist for the people because I generally make art when someone comes to me with an idea of something they need art or design wise and I execute it for them. I have been drawing and painting since I was 2, and I’ve dabbled in a multitude of mediums that allow me to make art for others. With that being said, I don’t have a single style.. Whether that be a mural, large scale abstract painting, recently a tree drawing, or a pet portrait, I make when I am called upon.

What I am most excited about:
I love working with people and teaching. I use my design background (I have an Industrial Design Degree from MassArt, Boston) skills to organize Heart Studio’s art classes, a specific creative workshop like a comic book class, or even a wooden sign making class. The studio merges both art and design, so we try to emphasize that on the types of classes and events we offer. A different approach than a traditional art studio.

Journey in a nutshell:
It was not easy to get where I am today, however, I am not. a fan of “easy,” and I genuinely enjoy the challenges, spontaneity and creativity that comes with the title Entrepreneur. What led me to Entrepreneur? After college, I became a bag designer for a company named Gemline. My sixth year in, my aunt had passed away unexpectedly from breast cancer and it triggered me into thinking about my life. I reflected and realized what I liked most about design was teaching the interns. I switched careers to become a Design teacher at a Mass Vocational School, but their were no rolls available after I passed the exams. So I decided to open up my own learning center, and here we are!

Our mission:
at Heart Studio is to grow a community of artists and designers. We provide our students a creative space, mentorship and necessary tools to create and they can take what they learn in our space and practice it elsewhere. Practicing creativity is so important! We established a community for the”art kid,” to feel at home. Community is the foundation to our success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were to visit Boston, my favorite city, I would split each day into a highlight of the city. Day 1: Arrival, I know they are touristy, but I love the duck boats! When my family came from Ohio this is what we did and they loved it. A great introduction to the city with views from the Charles. We would eat some seafood at Legals right near the boats drop-off. We would order lobster rolls and have clam chowder— very New England.
Day 2: Walk around Quincy Market + North End for dinner. We would go to Limoncello’s and then have dessert at Cafe Vittoria for a cappuccino and a cannoli.
Day 3: We may be in need of some nature at this point, Arboretum we go! I would stroll around with her and setup a picnic. Later in the day, head to Newbury street for some retail therapy.
Day 4: Fenway Park! Take them to a Red Sox game. Even if you are interested in the game of baseball the venue is a blast.
Day 5: Head to the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum for a unique art-museum experience, and then I would take her to the restaurant Toro for Spanish Tapas. There is also a jazz bar nearby for some live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would shout out to Tracy Barchard, the studio manager who has been my right hand woman and helps the studio run seamlessly. She came into the studio about a year in and without her the studio would not be able to grow, she is able to cover classes when I am not available, she orders supplies, she organizes events— she is a true team player and a major reason for the success of the business.

Website: heart-studios.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-piazza-design/

Image Credits
Kate MacDonald Photography (for photos of me)