In this blog, all photos were taken by Matthew Garsky (@matthewgarsky).
In 2007, a new industry blossomed. Paint-and-sip, the business model promoting group painting classes accompanied by some wine (or other beverages), has spread like wildfire. Usually, it involves a teacher standing in front of a class while customers are guided step-by-step through painting a pre-sketched design on canvas, think Bob Ross. As the class unfolds, customers keep sipping and keep creating. Usually, the session becomes a relaxing getaway from life’s worries and brings about unexpected connections with other customers. When the paint-and-sip industry began, no one expected it to blow up the way it has, but with its simplicity and enjoyability, it’s become an unstoppable business model.
As paint-and-sip grew, so did another business: Pinterest. After its founding in 2009, Time listed Pinterest as one of the 50 best website of 2011. The website is simple. Users “pin” their interests, whatever they may be, to a virtual board on their profile. While users can choose any interest they’d like, DIY decoration has become a staple of the Pinterest experience. People find themselves pinning hundreds and hundreds of DIY projects that they’ll probably never do. And people love it. Pinterest has grown to have 150 million monthly active users.
A little over three years ago, Megan Sharbaugh saw an opportunity to merge two growing industries. With a degree in Fine Arts and Business Management from The University of Cincinnati, Megan (who seems to fuse things together often) combined her talents and created the business she wanted. Of course, that’s now Studio 614. Since then, Studio 614 has found success from hard work and by believing in the need for a creative outlet. From its interior design (which you can check out on this awesome 360° tour) to its great website, this business always keeps an awesome customer experience as its first priority.
Studio 614 has become the venue where customers (with a bottle of wine) come to create paintings they love, make connections, and experience the stress relief that a brush on canvas lends. Here, all kinds of people paint all kinds of things. At Studio 614, there is a painting for everyone, from the Short North Arches to “Paint Your Pet” night. Take a look at their gallery to see what you’d want to paint.
And, in addition to its classic paint-&-sip experience, Studio 614 lets customers actually make the DIY decor they’ve always wanted. Whether it’s painting coffee mugs, arm knitting, or string art, Studio 614 makes a Pinterest dream into a hold-in-your-hands, wait-I-actually-created-this? reality. Check out the rest of their DIY projects, and, if there’s something you don’t see, submit a request for a project.
How It Works
To see what Studio 614 is all about, you’ll have to go there yourself. Classes usually range from $35 to $45 (BYOB) and happen at a variety of locations, so make sure that you double-check before booking. You’ll reserve a spot and, prior to your class, an artist will sketch out your painting on a canvas. Then, after your wine is uncorked, you’ll paint, step-by-step, along with the artist until the class is over. All the while, you’ll have fun, create something, and meet new people. Studio 614 emphasizes building relationships. Each table has “conversation sticks,” popsicle sticks with questions written on them that you can ask each other. From top to bottom, they’ve made sure this experience is spectacular.
For a full list of their upcoming classes, check out their calendar. Studio 614 covers your party needs, too. Here’s a quick list:
As Studio 614 approaches its three year anniversary, Lykens is proud to celebrate their success! We love watching small, creative, and ambitious businesses find success and can’t wait to watch them continue to do so.
