Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Hughes.
Hi Cassie , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Inner Artist Studio was born out of my love for creativity and my desire to create a place where people could slow down, connect, and simply enjoy making something with their own hands. After losing my husband, I realized how important it is to find moments of joy, healing, and connection. Creativity became one of those outlets for me.
I wanted to build more than just an art studio—I wanted to create a welcoming space where everyone, regardless of age or artistic ability, could feel comfortable trying something new. Today, Inner Artist Studio offers a wide variety of DIY experiences, including ceramic painting, polymer clay, canvas painting, custom keychains, patchwork items, custom journals, beadable items, and a fan favorite Deco Dream Cream projects. The customer has the ability to customize anything right in the studio. In addition to our walk-in projects, we host creative workshops, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, fundraising events, team-building and corporate events, and other private gatherings. My goal is to create experiences that bring people together, encourage creativity, and leave everyone with lasting memories—not just a finished project.
Every day I get to watch families, friends, couples, and even complete strangers come together, laugh, create, and make memories. Seeing people leave with a handmade project they’re proud of and a smile on their face reminds me why I started this journey. We’re still growing, adding new experiences all the time, but our mission remains the same: to inspire creativity, build community, and remind people that everyone has an inner artist waiting to be discovered.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has taught me something valuable.
Starting a business from the ground up requires wearing many hats—owner, marketer, event planner, teacher, bookkeeper, and customer service representative—all at once. There have been moments of uncertainty, especially in the beginning, as I worked to introduce a brand-new concept to the community and build awareness that Inner Artist Studio is a creative space for all ages, not just children.
Like many small business owners, there have been challenges, long hours, and plenty of trial and error. I’ve learned that not every idea works exactly as planned, and being willing to adapt has been essential.
One of the biggest lessons has been that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistency, patience, and a genuine passion for what you do. Every workshop, party, fundraiser, corporate event, and walk-in guest has helped us grow, and seeing people create memories together reminds me why I started this journey.
While the road hasn’t always been easy, I wouldn’t trade it. Every challenge has made Inner Artist Studio stronger and me stronger, and I’m excited about what the future holds.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Inner Artist Studio, my goal is to make creativity accessible to everyone. We specialize in DIY arts and crafts experiences where people of all ages and skill levels can explore their creativity in a fun, welcoming environment. Whether someone comes in for a quiet afternoon of creating or a celebration with family and friends, we want them to leave with something they’re proud of and most importantly memories they’ll always remember.
What sets Inner Artist Studio apart is that we’re more than an arts and crafts studio—we’re an experience. We focus on creating a space where people can unplug from their busy lives, connect with others, and enjoy the creative process without worrying about being “artistic.” There are no expectations here, only encouragement. We also love introducing fresh ideas and are always adding new projects and workshops so there’s always something new to discover.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just opening a business—it’s creating a place that brings people together. Watching strangers become friends, seeing grandparents create with their grandchildren, and giving families a place to make memories is incredibly rewarding.
On a personal level, one of my greatest sources of pride is my daughter. She has watched this dream grow from an idea into a business, and she’s been able to see firsthand what it looks like to work hard, take risks, overcome challenges, and build something that positively impacts others. I hope that experience teaches her that with passion, perseverance, and kindness, she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.
At the end of the day, I want Inner Artist Studio to be known as a place where creativity brings people together, everyone feels welcome, and every visit leaves someone smiling.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
One of my favorite things about owning Inner Artist Studio is collaborating with others and finding creative ways to bring people together. We love partnering with schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to host fundraising events that are both fun and meaningful. It’s a great way to raise money while giving families and supporters a unique experience.
We also enjoy working with local businesses, organizations, and individuals to create customized events, whether it’s a corporate team-building activity, a ladies’ night, a client appreciation event, a holiday gathering, or a private celebration. If someone has an idea, we’d love to help bring it to life.
As a small business owner, I truly believe that supporting other small businesses strengthens our entire community. Rather than seeing each other as competition, I see opportunities to collaborate, cross-promote, and create experiences that benefit everyone. I would love to connect with other local businesses to host joint events, workshops, pop-ups, or other creative partnerships that introduce new customers to both of our businesses.
The best way people can support Inner Artist Studio is by visiting the studio, attending a workshop, booking a party or private event, sharing our business with friends and family, and following us on social media. Every recommendation, every shared post, and every person who walks through our doors helps us continue building a creative space where our community can gather, connect, and make lasting memories together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.innerartist-studio.com/
- Instagram: inner.artist.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JUtk5Haoh/
