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

Hi Martha, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Having moved from different countries and even continents as a family of 6 I wasn’t able to to own a physical art studio space as I used to have for 10 years when we lived in our native country of Honduras. Finally established in the East Coast of Florida and with our daughters already grown up, I decided to look for another alternative to still be able to teach what makes me happy: painting.
I started to look for options to still be able to teach painting but with a new twist, adding an “entertainment” and ”go mobile” touch since I didn’t own a physical place to hold my new vision, paint parties!

From that point on I came up with my small/local business name, Paint Happy Social Painting. The mission of Paint Happy is to create fun designs containing easy step by step instructions that can be accomplished by beginner painters with no experience.

I started promoting my small business on social media and began scheduling either public or private paint parties and providing my mobile service: I go to you and all you have to do is get ready, sit, sip, paint and have fun!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a way of expressing myself in ways that you can’t express verbally. I get inspired a lot by my love for the ocean, the beach, and tropical settings. I’m mainly focusing on acrylic painting since it is a medium that brings more practicality to use for paint parties. Each artist is set apart from each other through the way they express themselves in their own individual way. My brushstrokes are loose and free, inspired by the Impressionism style. The colors most used in my paintings and designs for paint parties is probably turquoise and teal!

I started promoting myself as paint party painting instructor that provides easy step by step guidance to complete an artwork of your own. Most of the time being a small business owner requires you to pivot ,to make changes when circumstances beyond your control happen. That’s how I had to pivot in times of the pandemic when my in-person events were cancelled, I then started to offer the concept of virtual paint parties and started creating my popular paint kits to-go that are still part of the options I offer in my business. It wasn’t easy coming up with an idea to continue on with my business and still be able to provide entertainment but I definitely think that when we get too comfortable that is the time to pivot and come up with new ideas! I not only run a business, I put my heart in every event, paint kit, and class I teach online to bring smiles and happy memories!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would plan a visit to downtown Fort Pierce and downtown Stuart which are cities so close by to Port St. Lucie. They offer a special variety of local businesses, from little stores, restaurants, and marinas. We would dine with a water view. I would also take them to the beach for a fun in the sun day and then come back home for one of my husband’s awesome barbecues.
I would love to take them to the variety of breweries, especially to Hop Life Brewing Company which has a wonderful vibe/environment and a place where I go once a month to teach public paint parties.
I would also take them to fresh markets at the Fort Pierce Marina on Saturday morningor to Tradition market where you can find small business owners displaying and selling their products .
We would also go bowling to Super Play USA, and after we could have drinks and some food at the restaurant there, Duffy’s .
For some shopping the Vero Outlets are only about 30 minutes away. 

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?

My first recognition goes to God and to all His blessings. Then my husband Rafael along with my 4 daughters Mariana, Maria Lucia, Natalia, and Isabella! They are my main source of motivation and encouragement. My husband has helped me brainstorm and encouraged me to still do what I love and transform it into my own small business. He inspired me with the idea of doing what I love and what I know how to do well and still having fun in the process. My family support system is where I find sincerity, new ideas, and the strength needed as an independent small business owner.

Website: www.painthappysocialpainting.com

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

Facebook: http://fb.me/msg/martaluciabendana

Image Credits
Natalia Zelaya

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