Interview with Brittney Griffin, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: It all started with me wanting to prove to my father that I could make a living with my art degree. I love people, I love painting and I love wine. How could mixing the three not become a successful business? Canvas and Cocktails was formed one night in 2008 over a bottle of wine with my girlfriends. Six years later, I am still amazed at the fact that I am able to wake up every day absolutely loving what I am doing. And the fact that I proved my dad wrong? Even better.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: As the original “paint and sip” studio in Colorado, we were basically the trendsetters. We are not just an art class — we are an art party. At Canvas and Cocktails, you can expect to sing, dance, laugh and unwind — all while creating a unique piece of artwork. Our instructors are not just artists, they are performers. Our goal is to get you to relax and have fun. In the end, that is the secret recipe to creating art.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love helping people realize that art is for everyone, no matter what your teacher told you in grade school. People come in very skeptical about painting and leave realizing that that can do anything, and have fun while doing it. Art really is therapy. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a customer come to a class a little down or frustrated and then leave with the biggest smile on their face saying they had the time of their life. Watching this transformation is one of the best feelings in the world.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: One of our biggest challenges is keeping our classes fresh for our regular customers. We are always creating new paintings and trying out new surfaces. My fabulous staff meets frequently to brainstorm fun events and trade ideas to keep each class unique. Art is about being creative and, as a business, is it really important for us to keep a creative edge.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Not all of our instructors started out as artists. At Canvas and Cocktails, our No. 1 priority is to make sure everyone has fun. For us, it is just as important to have a lively personality on stage as it is to have someone who knows how to mix red and yellow to make orange. As anyone who has painted at Canvas and Cocktails will tell you, our success is based on our phenomenal staff.
Profile
Business: Canvas and Cocktails
Address: Streets at SouthGlenn, 6853 S. York St., No. 124, Centennial
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Saturday
Founded: 2009
Contact: 303-794-6696
Employees: 30
