Rising Stars: Meet Kristal Heibel of Grand Rapids, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristal Heibel

Hi Kristal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I became interested in art while in high school. The arts have always come more naturally to me compared to mathematics. During young adulthood, socializing was how I spent much of my free time. I didn’t re-connect with my love of art until 2020, when I quit drinking.

That year, a friend of mine suggested we go to a painting class in my hometown, Grand Rapids, MI. That class re-ignited my creativity! I quickly began going to more classes and started painting at home on my own. I have found painting to be not only a hobby, but a passion. Painting became a therapeutic & healing outlet for me & remains part of my wellness routine indefinitely.

In the beginning of 2024, I began teaching painting classes at my local YMCA and recently I started my own business, West MI Paint & Create, LLC. It’s fulfilling to be able to share my passion & perhaps inspire others creatively along the way.

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?
My artistic journey has evolved naturally. I started painting at home and slowly started selling some of my artwork to friends and family. Then I started selling my artwork at a gift shop. I began having painting parties with family and friends leisurely in the beginning. After a few months of teaching painting classes at my local YMCA, I became inspired to create and launch my own paint party business.

My business is new, so naturally I’m figuring out what works and what doesn’t. I’m really excited about making new connections and seeing what opportunities may arise. It’s important for me to continue to love what I do, so I’m mindful about keeping my art and business-related opportunities as stress free as possible.

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?
I teach step-by-step painting classes for private, public, community, & business events. “The party comes to you!” I travel to the paint party event, that’s something that makes what I offer different.

I love growing and evolving so I like to remain open minded about where my creativity may guide me next in my business adventures. I believe finding & nurturing our passions & creative outlets are how we connect with our true nature.

I enjoy painting with acrylic paints on canvas, using different techniques & painting various themes. I also like painting on wood coasters, ornaments, & glassware.

Having fun and helping people create during my classes is the main objective and super rewarding. I am grateful to have found purpose in what I’m passionate about.

While teaching a class, one of my favorite things I love is the comments I randomly hear in the background…. “This is so fun” “I haven’t had a girls night in forever” “This is relaxing”. “I want to do this again”…comments like that.

I love seeing the smiles. I love when I’m teaching and people let their own creativity shine through, whether it’s by changing out colors, designs, or techniques. I really love that! There have been plenty of times I get inspired by others creativity during my classes. I love it!

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Having supportive people and healthy relationships in life is super important. Also, taking care of your mental health, as life will always throw us its uncertainties, such as when covid hit. Finding healthy coping mechanisms, tools, hobbies, relationships, etc. will help in times of uncertainty.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://westmipaintcreate.com/
• Instagram: westmipaintcreate
• Facebook: West MI Paint & Create https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551828346463