Meet Santana Ware | Certified Therapeutic Art Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Santana Ware and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Santana, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve always had a passion for art and creativity. For my 30th birthday, I wanted to do something different and fun. I had heard of sip-and-paint parties, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks while painting a masterpiece. I thought it would be a great idea to host one for myself. I did some research, ordered some materials, set up the space, and invited my closest friends and family. We had a blast! Everyone loved the party idea and complimented me on how well I organized it. They also said they felt relaxed and happy while painting. That’s when I realized that I could turn my hobby into a business.

I decided to start my own sip and paint company, where I could share my love for art with others and help them have a memorable time. Almost 8 years later, here I am. My business has evolved from a physical studio located in Starkville, MS to a mobile creative studio in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but my mission remains the same: to bring joy and relaxation to people through art. I cater to all kinds of events, such as birthday parties, family reunions, corporate events, workshops, conferences, bridal showers, weddings, and more. No matter what the occasion is, I can make it fun and colorful with my creative art services. Art is my life, and I love sharing it with others! One of my favorite quotes is Broken Crayons Still Color! I want to remind people that even when we face challenges, difficulties, or hardships in life, we still have the potential to create something beautiful and meaningful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Splatters Studios & Co., a mobile creative art studio that brings the joy of art to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a corporate workshop, a girl’s night, a date night, a wedding, a family reunion, a bridal shower, or a baby shower, Splatters can make it a memorable and magical experience. Splatters is more than just a business, it’s a vision. A vision to inspire people to think differently, have it their way, and just do it. Splatters is like Disney, Burger King, Apple, and Nike combined into one.

I started Splatters because I love art and I love people. I love seeing people discover their creative potential and express themselves through art. I love helping people overcome their fears and doubts and unleash their inner artist. I know how it feels to be shy and timid, because I was once like that. But art helped me find my voice and my confidence.

It was not easy to get to where I am today professionally. I had to work hard, learn from my mistakes, and never give up on my dreams. I had to face many challenges, such as relocating to the DFW area six months before COVID hit. I had to adapt and grow my business in a new market and a new environment. But I did not let that stop me. I kept going and kept learning.

Some of the lessons I have learned along the way are never quit, chase your dreams, always evolve, and there is no perfect moment. The time is now, and you must take action. Faith without work is dead. You must believe in yourself and put in the work and time. In the words of John Maxwell, “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”

I want the world to know that I am not just an entrepreneur, but an empowerer. I want to leave my imprint everywhere I go and make a positive impact on people’s lives. I want to be an example of what is possible when you follow your passion and your purpose. I want to break cycles, curses, and chains while building generational wealth on generational grace. I am proud to be a unicorn and proud of what Splatters stands for: a little more art in every heart!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, there are tons to explore in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that it would take a few weeks, lol. But let’s try to make this one-week work and make this as adventurous as possible with a combination of my favorite things, art, food, and the outdoors. A week wouldn’t put a dent in things to do, but let’s see what we can do to make the Texas experience an unforgettable one. My goal is to provide my friends with memories of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex area they would be happy to share with someone else. Let’s check out this fun agenda below.

Day 1: Dallas Arts District and Deep Ellum
• Start the day exploring the Dallas Arts District, the largest urban arts district in the nation. Some other options are the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center or catching a performance at the Winspear Opera House.
• For lunch, head to Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre green space that connects downtown Dallas with Uptown. There we could enjoy a variety of food trucks, free activities, and a beautiful view of the skyline.
• In the afternoon, head to Deep Ellum, a vibrant neighborhood known for its street art and live music.
• For dinner, explore a barbecue spot like Pecan Lodge or take a quick drive to Coppell to one of my favs, Hard Eight. Either is bound to have a wait, but it is usually worth it.
• End the day with a professional basketball game with The Dallas Mavericks at the American Airline Center. Of course, this depends on the game schedule.

Day 2: Bishop Arts District and Trinity Groves
• Start the day visiting the Bishop Arts District, a charming and walkable area that offers over 60 independent boutiques, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and galleries.
• For lunch, try one of the many delicious options in the district.
• In the afternoon, hop on the free D-Link bus or take a short drive to Trinity Groves, a 15-acre dining and entertainment destination that showcases some of the most innovative concepts in the city. Here we can sample a variety of cuisines.
• For dinner, indulge in some authentic Italian food at Saint Rocco’s New York Italian, with rooftop patio access that offers a stunning view of downtown Dallas.

Day 3: Fort Worth Stockyards and Sundance Square
• Start the day by heading to Fort Worth to experience the history and culture of the Old West. Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District to watch a rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum. I mean cowgirl gear would be a nice addition!
• For lunch, grab a bite at one of the many restaurants in the Stockyards.
• In the afternoon, explore Sundance Square, a 35-block area in downtown Fort Worth that offers shopping, dining, entertainment, and art.
• For dinner, enjoy dining at Buffalo Bros, a pizzeria on Sundance Square, the pizza and wings are my favorite.

Day 4: Grapevine and Southlake
• Start the day by visiting Grapevine, the headquarters of the Texas wine industry. We can just stroll along Main Street and admire the Victorian buildings, antique shops, and art galleries, or hop on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a scenic ride to the Fort Worth Stockyards.
• For lunch, try some of the local specialties at Main Street Bistro & Bakery.
• In the afternoon, head to Grapevine Mills, a huge indoor mall that features over 180 stores, a movie theater, an aquarium, and a LEGOLAND Discovery Center as well as other attractions.
• For dinner, drive to nearby Southlake, a vibrant Town Square with over 120 shops and restaurants.
• End your day with some entertainment at Harkins Theatres Southlake 14 or The Marq Southlake.

Day 5: Arlington and Grand Prairie
• Start the day by visiting Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Take a tour of the AT&T Stadium or catch a game at Globe Life Field.
• For lunch, head to Texas Live! a massive entertainment complex that features over 20 restaurants and bars.
• For dinner, drive to Grand Prairie, and head to Chicken N Pickle, a unique, indoor/outdoor family entertainment complex. Reserve a pickleball court or play other games like ping pong, Jenga, and cornhole.

Day 6: Plano and Frisco
• Start the day by visiting Plano, and shopping at The Shops at Legacy.
• For lunch, try one of the many restaurants in either area.
• In the afternoon, head to Frisco and visit The Star in Frisco, tour the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, or catch a game at Toyota Stadium, where the FC Dallas soccer team plays.
• For dinner, dine at The Rail District in Frisco, a historic downtown area that offers a variety of eateries.

Day 7: Rest and Relaxation
After a week full of exploration, enjoyment, and lots of money spent, lol, we would spend our last day resting and relaxing.
We would get pampered (massages, manicures, and pedicures) and enjoy some girl time at home utilizing Splatter Studio services, of course, maybe a paint or craft event. I would also book services with my favorite little chef, Chef Karter (www.chefkarter.com) to provide a fun and unique food experience with the 8-year-old chef.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a lot of credit and recognition to the amazing people in my life who support me through thick and thin. My amazing husband, Greg, my wonderful children (Z, Karter, Harley, and Sailor), my fantastic mom, Kathy, my outstanding in-laws, Willie and Clara, and the best sisters ever, Timeka and Kamisha, are my rock and my cheerleaders. They always believe in me and push me to chase my dreams. My journey started with a simple idea: to celebrate my 30th birthday with a fun and creative sip-and-paint party. Little did I know that this idea would spark a passion and a business opportunity for me. I went from being a party host to being a studio owner in no time. These people have been with me every step of the way and are the reason I keep pursuing my dream. “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/splatters_studios

Website: www.splatterstogo.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santana-b-ware-mppa-mhfa-8475bb57

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/splattersstudios

Other: splattersllc@gmail.com