Meet Irene Sparks

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Irene Sparks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Irene with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My strong work ethic was instilled in me at a very young age by both of my parents. From childhood, chores were a non-negotiable part of daily life. Before any fun activities, whether playing with friends or watching TV, and sometimes even before breakfast, my brother and I had to complete our morning chores. This included making our beds, vacuuming and mopping the floors, and washing and folding clothes. Saturdays followed this routine, and as we worked, breakfast would be prepared. My mom made sure we began each day with prayer before diving into our responsibilities. My father was a disciplinarian, and his expectations extended beyond the house. Yard work was a year-round task, and the house, inside and out, was always immaculate. On top of that, I helped with his limousine business, detailing cars and preparing the limos for the next customer. As a child, I hated these responsibilities, especially when I saw my friends enjoying much more freedom. However, in hindsight, I realize how much this upbringing shaped my character. It taught me discipline, perseverance, and responsibility—traits that are invaluable in adulthood. Nothing I’ve faced as an adult compares to the challenges of my childhood routine. We rarely took vacations, as both of my parents were always working, and while I’m not sure if that was entirely good or bad, one thing is clear: laziness was never an option in our household. Oh yea if you are wondering, my dad was military, lol.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I wear several different hats, and I take pride in my success across these diverse roles. Currently, I own three small businesses: Beanie Paints, Beanie Paints Foundation, and a grant writing and business consulting service. Visual Artist Irene “Beanie” Sparks is a multi-talented visual artist based in Pittsburgh, known for her versatility across various mediums. From face and body painting to murals in restaurants, homes, and businesses, my art has become well-known throughout the region. I’m also passionate about teaching art to children and have gained recognition for my Sci-Fi FX makeup work, such as my contribution to the Pittsburgh Haunted House show Hell Way to Heaven, where I brought the character of “The Devil” to life each night. Creativity runs in my family. My mother was a skilled seamstress who crafted stunning wedding dresses, suits, and upholstered furniture, while my father, a theater set designer and professional photographer, taught photography at a local community college in Arizona. Growing up, I was immersed in their creative world, which planted the seeds for my artistic journey. Though art began as a hobby, it quickly transformed into a professional career after someone offered to pay for my work. What started as paintings hidden behind furniture as a child has grown into a vibrant career, with exhibitions in local galleries and notable spaces like the Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office, Senator Lindsay Williams’ office, and even Governor Josh Shapiro’s office for Black History Month and Juneteenth. My work has also been featured at the African American Art Museum in Erie and the Black Girl Art Show in Atlanta, among many other appearances throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. My company, Beanie Paints LLC, specializes in face and body art, murals, canvases, and customized instruments. The events we’ve done in Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Ohio have left a lasting impression on attendees, often being talked about for years. My work has been featured in The Pittsburgh Tribune and Artistic Platforms magazine in January 2020, and I’ve been a featured artist in exhibitions like the Red Fish Bowl gallery in Pittsburgh and the NYC Shoot-A-Thon event in 2021. Beanie Paints Foundation In 2022, I launched Beanie Paints Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at addressing community needs by empowering individuals through art. Our mission is to help people of all ages unlock their hidden potential and overcome personal barriers by exploring visual arts and education. Art has always been my passion, and now it’s become my purpose. Through art auctions, we raise funds to support students’ educational journeys, transforming creativity into opportunity. These events offer emerging and established artists a platform to donate their work for a meaningful cause—helping alleviate the financial burden students face in college. Art becomes a catalyst for change, and each purchase at these auctions is more than just acquiring a piece of art; it’s an investment in a student’s future.
Grant Writing and Business Consulting Also, in 2022, I transformed my extensive experience into a grant writing and business consulting firm. With over 25 years of expertise in grant writing, I’ve helped small nonprofits maintain their bottom line and secure financial funding. Since its launch, the business has helped raise over $5 million for nonprofits in the Pittsburgh area. My background in psychology (bachelor’s degree with a minor in sociology) and an MBA with a minor in finance (graduated in 2008) and just 18 credits shy of earning my Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership
allows me to bridge the gap for smaller, minority-led nonprofits that often struggle to afford grant writers. My deep understanding of nonprofit structures, missions, and program funding enables me to provide invaluable support to these organizations, ensuring they continue to survive and thrive. Whether it’s through my art, nonprofit work, or consulting services, my goal has always been to give back to the community and create a lasting impact through creativity, empowerment, and sustainability.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my life, three key qualities and areas of knowledge have been the most impactful on my journey: determination, resilience, and persistence. Growing up as a young African-American girl in a predominantly Caucasian environment, I was often the only minority in many situations. My father taught me early on that, unfortunately, due to the racism and prejudices that still exist in society, I would need to work harder and be better than my peers, simply because of the color of my skin. I remember vividly how unfair this felt at the time, but it instilled in me a strong sense of perseverance. It wasn’t just about proving myself, but about surviving and thriving in a world where the odds could be stacked against me. This lesson shaped my belief in the power of hard work and determination. I learned that success and the achievement of goals are rooted in vision, persistence, and dedication. Tools like vision boards, setting clear goals, and practicing mindfulness have been game-changers for me. My father used to meditate with us when I was young, encouraging me to envision my day and set intentions before it even began. While I didn’t fully understand its power back then, that practice taught me about manifestation long before I knew what that word meant. It’s a skill I’ve carried with me throughout my life, helping me stay focused and aligned with my goals. Another critical lesson I’ve embraced is not taking “no” for an answer. Just because one person says no doesn’t mean that the next ten will. You have to keep pushing forward, reaching for your goals, even when the path seems full of obstacles. Life has a way of making us adapt and change our goals, but if it’s something you truly want, keep taking the necessary steps to get there. At the end of the day, the hard work and persistence you put in will be worth it when you achieve what you set out to do.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, one of the most effective things I do is step back from the situation and try to view it through a different lens. By distancing myself and removing my personal emotions, I find that the situation often looks completely different. This approach has been especially helpful in relationships, where emotions can cloud judgment. When I take the time to remove my personal feelings and assess things from a more objective perspective, I can find clarity and a better way forward. As a visual artist, creativity is also one of my most powerful outlets. When I feel overwhelmed, I turn inward and release my emotions through painting. For me, art is not just a passion but also a form of therapy. It allows me to express myself in a healthy and constructive way, helping me process difficult emotions. I always recommend finding an activity that brings you joy and serves as an emotional release, whether it’s exercising, cooking, or pursuing a hobby. The key is finding something healthy and creative that allows you to express yourself, especially when life feels overwhelming.
Another important thing I’ve learned is to remove unrealistic expectations from situations. Often, we place our own expectations on relationships, work, or school, only to realize that the other party doesn’t share the same values or goals. This is where conflict arises. By managing my own expectations and understanding that others may not view things the same way, I’m able to avoid unnecessary tension and frustration. AND when this doesn’t work! I take the day off, try to reset myself, I give myself a personal day. I may just binge-watch Netflix, go for a long drive, listen to music or phone my girlfriend. Being overwhelmed never feels good. I once suffered from horrible panic attacks. Using these techniques, along with therapy, truly helped me.

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Image Credits

Images provided by Beanie Paints

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