Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirstene Adkins.
Hi Kirstene, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am an artist, award-winning author, wife and mother from Ottawa, OH.
Full time, I am a mother of two and a business owner and entrepreneur, with my art entertainment business of seven years, Art Me Party, LLC, where we specialize in family-friendly entertainment, such as: Professional Face Painting, Performance Art Characters, and More! I also do various other fine and digital art projects, such as canvas painting, illustration, and graphic design. My hobbies include: reading, movies, science fiction, all things pop culture, experiencing new adventures, and checking boxes off my bucket list, such becoming a published author.
I’ve always loved writing as a passion and decided to take the leap in 2020 to write and illustrate children’s books (as it has been a lifelong dream of mine)!
I have always been creative but never could have dreamed of the art-filled life I live now!
I look forward to what the future holds for my personal and professional life as an Artist and the hopeful continued success of ART ME PARTY, LLC!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Another who owns a small business will understand the struggles of building something from the ground up. Staying up late past when your family is asleep to work on your passion, wearing ALL THE HATS of the business, including marketing, sales, inventory, custodian, manager, scheduling, etc., and keeping your business and personal life from completely colliding. The demands of stay-home-motherhood has made both the road extremely difficult yet also rewarding. With schedule flexibility and the position of being your own boss grants me the choice of being able to spend the quality time needed with my family whenever I see fit.
The year 2020 knocked everyone for a loop when it came to work, but none were hit quote like small business owners, especially in the entertainment industry. We fully have not yet returned to the way it used to be, but we are trying our best to persevere and become even stronger of a company than ever, in light of the current pandemic’s situation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am personally a Fine and Performing Artist, including, Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Painter, Actress, Model, Coach, Award-winning Artist and Author, and Entrepreneur, are a few of my many titles.
My business, Art Me Party, LLC, specializes in Professional Face Painting, Caricatures, Henna, Performing Art Characters like Princesses, Fairytale Characters, Superheroes, and Popular Pop Culture Figures/Impersonators, and More!
What I am most proud of is giving an artistic outlet to young people. I grew up and lived in an area that doesn’t necessarily encourage the arts, nor do the arts thrive. By working with my company, not only do they get the chance to do something creative to fill a personal void, but also show them the professional and profitable artistic world. The arts can become a lifelong career, but also a job that you can love. “Do a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
With Art Me Party, we strive to always have family-friendly and affordable, high-quality entertainment for all ages!
What sets myself apart from others? I don’t believe you’ll meet many exactly like me, as far as Artists go. I am driven, self-motivated, artistic, and kind-hearted, and I always put my family first.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned to listen to my intuition and follow the guided path that has been set before me. Follow your dreams and take small steps each day to achieve them. Take decisions one step at a time and learn to ask for help when it is needed.
I have also learned that it is ok to take a breath and enjoy life when needed. Daily mediation has been extremely helpful throughout the last year and I believe I will continue on that path of centered breathing and focus to help achieve my goals.
Pricing:
- “Oodles” Children’s Book – $20 (preorder)
- Art Me Party, LLC – Virtual Rates start at $60
- Art Me Party, LLC – In-person Services start at $90
Contact Info:
- Email: artmeohio@gmail.com
- Website: www.artmeparty.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artmeparty
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/facepaintdesigns
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/artmeohio
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ArtMeParty
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/art-me-party-ottawa
- Other: https://linktr.ee/artmeparty
