Meet Jessica Farrell | Owner of The Art Table

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

Hi Jessica, why did you pursue a creative career?
When someone asks why I pursued a creative career, I explain that art has always been an integral part of my life. From a young age, I found joy in painting, drawing, fashion, home DIY projects, and crafting – creative expression has consistently been my outlet. After spending nine years in the corporate world, I realized that while it offered stability, it lacked the fulfillment that art provided me. My thoughts often drifted to growing my art business or planning my next project, making me realize that perhaps my days were spent in the wrong profession.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a common trend: many people hesitate to explore their creative side due to fear or uncertainty about where to start. I believe art shouldn’t be a daunting task but rather a means of self-expression, free from judgment. Everyone deserves the experience of immersing themselves in an art project, allowing their minds to momentarily escape the stresses of the outside world. This belief inspired me to take the leap into a creative career – not only to fulfill my passion but also to help others discover and embrace their artistic side.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The Art Table is a studio located in Historic Downtown Carrollton offering paint your own pottery, art classes and a small retail section. My vision behind this was to create a space with variety – not just a pottery studio, not just a classroom and not just a store – but all of these combined. After attending many art classes in my past, I would always think to myself, how could I make this a better experience and what kind of place would I want to step into?

Paint your own Pottery is a fun way to express yourself; whether you are by yourself, on a date or with your family-anyone can have fun doing this! I took my husband on a pottery painting date before we decided to start The Art Table and I remember him saying to me, “thanks for getting me to try something new, it was nice to get my mind off of work for a while and do something creative”, that really stuck with me. People need a creative outlet, no matter who you are! Along with painting pottery, our classes are designed to be welcoming and non-intimidating, encouraging individuals to explore various mediums without fear of judgment.

The journey to opening The Art Table wasn’t without challenges. Transitioning from a secure corporate job to entrepreneurship required a giant leap of faith, a strong support system and a lot of just ‘figuring things out’. I had to remember that no one knows everything, we all have to start somewhere. There were moments of doubt and obstacles to overcome (still are), but each challenge reinforced my belief in the importance of our mission. I’ve learned that pursuing one’s passion requires not only dedication but also the willingness to embrace uncertainty and growth.

I’m most proud of accomplishing what I never thought would be possible and seeing people respond positively to it. You never know how your business will be perceived by everyone else, but seeing people walk by looking in the windows, signing up for classes and stating how they excited they are for us to open, makes all of the long days & nights worth it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you want a one stop shop for a girl’s day out or a date night, Downtown Carrollton is the spot. The square itself reminds me of a Hallmark movie or Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls. I would suggest starting your day by taking one of our many classes or painting pottery (we are also a BYOB studio!). Afterwards, I would walk to 3 Nations Brewery – they offer both outdoor & indoor seating, trivia night, bingo night, etc. On your way to 3 Nations, you can explore some of the shops along the way or depending on the weather, you could pack some food and have a picnic in the middle of the square (cute, right?!)
If you are looking for a nice dinner, I would highly suggest Radici Wood Fired Grill. This is not walkable from the square, but it is just a short drive into Farmer’s Branch. This restaurant has the freshest and most delicious food I have tasted in a long time, highly recommend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely have shoutouts! None of this would be possible without my husband, Raegan, and my family-especially my parents. Having people in your life who support your dreams and visions is essential when creating a new business and maintaining your sanity (haha). From the beginning, my husband believed in me and my vision. Without his support, I would have never taken the leap to open The Art Table.

I’m incredibly grateful to have such supportive parents who believe in me. Beyond emotional support, they’ve helped in every way they can. My dad, an amazing woodworker, built my front counter and retail shelves-no small feat, especially when you have a specific vision. My mom, from whom I inherited most of my artistic genes, has been instrumental in this journey. She’s been eager to assist with decision-making, offer her opinions, and, did I mention, she’s teaching half of the classes we offer?

When I say none of this would be doable without them, I truly mean it and do not take their support for granted!

Website: https://thearttable.us/

Instagram: @thearttable.us

Other: TikTok: @thearttable.us