A quote from my mother is one that I always think of, “An artist never makes a mistake.”
Name: Valeen Parubchenko
Age: 28
Occupation: Creative Director/Founder, Private Picassos
Did you go to college? Where? Yes, at Pratt Institute
What did you study? I received my Bachelors and Masters’ degrees in Art and Design Education, with a concentration in Printmaking and a Minor in Art History
Where do you work? From my home office, as well as our numerous sites around New York City
Where are you from? New Jersey
Why did you pick this career?
I started PP after being frustrated with working in under-funded and under-appreciated art programs.
What are your future plans for your career?
I hope to expand PP throughout NYC, as well as other cities around the country. I’d also like to start a scholarship program for students young and old to participate in our classes.
How did you get involved in this career?
I always knew I wanted to be an art teacher, but had a feeling teaching in the public school system wasn’t right for me. After working in museum education, as well as early childhood education, I decided to start my own program that was based on fine art materials and motivations, even for the youngest of artists.
How did you prepare yourself for this career?
I read as many books about small businesses that I could and I utilized my contacts, personal and professional, to get advice on how to grow my business and deal with the many issues that arise along the way.
What are the downsides to this profession?
Being a small business owner is amazing, but at the end of the day, everything is on you and that can be daunting. Your entire life starts to revolve around your business and if you aren’t 100% committed to your endeavor and 100% willing to make that sacrifice, it can be overwhelming!
What is a typical workday for you?
In a typical day, I usually teach one or two classes in the morning, followed by a working lunch of buying art supplies or emailing sites and clients to confirm our schedule for the next day. In the afternoon, I teach another two or three classes, and then end the day with a few hours of work at home, with more confirming schedules, packing up supplies for the following day, bookkeeping, etc.
How might this job be a stepping stone to other professions?
If I had the desire to be only an entrepreneur, rather than a business owner and art instructor, I could easily make that transition through PP.
What is the single-most important piece of advice you can offer a person pursuing this career?
If you are thinking of starting your own business, I would suggest starting small. If you have the flexibility in your schedule and monetarily, I would suggest starting your business on a part time basis and also slowly grow from there. If you have the added pressure of making enough money to survive in the first year of your business, you’ll probably have a meltdown and not be able to take on new projects that could help you in the long run!
What steps do you recommend to someone who is planning to pursue this career?
I think my advice from the last question is helpful when considering the steps to take. By starting off slowly, you’ll be able to really design your business around your and your clients’ needs. If you are patient and add more things as you go along, you’ll find you are better able to organize everything once you hit your boom and have more clients than you know what to do with!
What professional or community volunteer organizations are you currently a member of?
I am a member of the Broad Collective, a women’s entrepreneur networking group based in New York. I am also the chair of the Grassroots Marketing Committee for Only Make Believe’s annual Gala (Only Make Believe is a NY-based non-profit that brings theater to kids in hospitals).
Where can we find you on the Internet?
I am listed personally and professionally on Facebook, as well as Linkedin.
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