The first time Toledo native Joy Youster went to a bring-your-own-beverage painting class in Nashville, she had so much fun she pulled out a calculator.
To the average person, a calculator may be the last tool needed to celebrate a fun night. But Youster, a commercial real estate appraiser, was so impressed by the experience she decided to crunch the numbers and ask herself, “Could this work in Toledo?”
“I had the experience and I thought, this is perfect,” Youster said. “I went for days trying to figure out a name. Honestly, there are so many of these nationwide that they sucked up the dot coms.” That was only three months ago. Since then, she’s found a business partner, Cathie Nelson (a teacher), and finally settled on a name, Uncork The Artist. She’s also taken care of the dot com, creating her business website www.uncorktheartist.com.
People looking to unwind with a glass of vino and a paintbrush can preview the paintings on the website; after choosing a canvas, potential painters register for a $35 session. The classes will be guided by local artists and all the painting supplies are provided; the only thing patrons have to bring is the alcohol (if they’d like). It’s got the relaxed atmosphere of a wine and food tasting (there will be appetizers on hand and music playing), plus the creative outlet of painting. “People ask me, ‘Is it paint by numbers?,” Youster says. “It’s not. It’s a blank canvas and they will learn to paint.”
They also host bachelorette parties or team-building work functions. For now, classes are reserved for those 18 and older, but Youster and Nelson hope to expand and add classes for kids and teens in the future. The business idea developed quickly, which is just fine by Youster. “It’s been full speed ahead,” Youster said. “There’s no looking back. I’m just going for it.”
Uncork The Artist, 5228 Monroe St. 419-283-4666. www.uncorktheartist.com
The first time Toledo native Joy Youster went to a bring-your-own-beverage painting class in Nashville, she had so much fun she pulled out a calculator.
To the average person, a calculator may be the last tool needed to celebrate a fun night. But Youster, a commercial real estate appraiser, was so impressed by the experience she decided to crunch the numbers and ask herself, “Could this work in Toledo?”
“I had the experience and I thought, this is perfect,” Youster said. “I went for days trying to figure out a name. Honestly, there are so many of these nationwide that they sucked up the dot coms.” That was only three months ago. Since then, she’s found a business partner, Cathie Nelson (a teacher), and finally settled on a name, Uncork The Artist. She’s also taken care of the dot com, creating her business website www.uncorktheartist.com.
People looking to unwind with a glass of vino and a paintbrush can preview the paintings on the website; after choosing a canvas, potential painters register for a $35 session. The classes will be guided by local artists and all the painting supplies are provided; the only thing patrons have to bring is the alcohol (if they’d like). It’s got the relaxed atmosphere of a wine and food tasting (there will be appetizers on hand and music playing), plus the creative outlet of painting. “People ask me, ‘Is it paint by numbers?,” Youster says. “It’s not. It’s a blank canvas and they will learn to paint.”
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They also host bachelorette parties or team-building work functions. For now, classes are reserved for those 18 and older, but Youster and Nelson hope to expand and add classes for kids and teens in the future. The business idea developed quickly, which is just fine by Youster. “It’s been full speed ahead,” Youster said. “There’s no looking back. I’m just going for it.”
Uncork The Artist, 5228 Monroe St. 419-283-4666. www.uncorktheartist.com
