We recently connected with Danielle Derois and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose through grief. My dad passed away unexpectedly from cancer in 2021, and during that time, painting became my refuge. I had first picked it up during COVID as a fun way to pass the time — I had no formal training, just a love for creativity and crafting. But after losing my dad, painting took on an entirely new meaning. It became a way to quiet my mind and express emotions I couldn’t put into words. From there, my paint and sip business grew naturally — almost like it had a life of its own. What started as personal healing turned into something so much bigger: a way to connect with others, share joy, and help people tap into their own creativity.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a stay at home mama who runs a small mobile paint and sip business where I host monthly classes and private events. Honestly, I still can’t believe I get to do this for a living — people actually pay me to paint, and it’s the best feeling ever! I’m able to be home with my kiddos, have a flexible schedule and still bring in extra income for my family. It’s such a fun job, and I love getting to meet new people and connect with everyone who comes to class.
What started out as a simple little idea has grown into something so much bigger. Through networking and getting my name out there I now teach adult and kids’ craft classes at the public library, and I’ve even had my artwork displayed (and sold!) in art shows. I’ve also started teaching private paint classes for homeschool students, which has been so rewarding.
Most recently, I was selected for a local utility box art competition — where artists get to brighten up the community by painting electric boxes around town. It’s been such a fun challenge and a total dream come true.
It’s been an amazing journey, and as a stay-at-home mom, I feel incredibly grateful to be able to do something I love while inspiring others to create, connect, and have fun.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I had to pick three qualities that have made the biggest impact on my journey, I’d say resilience, empathy, and quirkiness.
Resilience is what started it all. I turned my grief into something beautiful, and that strength pushed me to begin this business. Painting became part of my healing process, helping me pull myself out of a really dark place and find purpose again.
Empathy came from that same experience — grief taught me how to connect with people on a deeper level. In my classes, yes, we’re creating art, but even more than that, we’re sharing space, laughter, and life stories. I love moving around the room, chatting with everyone, and helping them open up. Without empathy, I don’t think those genuine connections would happen.
And finally, quirkiness — it’s what makes my classes “me”. I like to keep things fun, laid-back, and full of laughter. Painting can make people feel vulnerable, so I use humor and playfulness to help everyone relax and enjoy themselves. I want every person who comes to a class to leave feeling like they had an amazing night out, not just a painting lesson.
My advice for anyone just starting out? Embrace who you are — even the messy or quirky parts. Your story, your struggles, and your personality are what make your art and your business unique.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Without a doubt, my husband Jonathon- my rock and best friend. He’s been insanely supportive in every possible way.
As a mom, it can be hard to rediscover who you are outside of motherhood, but Jonathon has always encouraged me to be my own person and chase my passions. He never questions my big (and sometimes wild!) ideas — instead, he jumps in right beside me, helping however he can.
He’s been my biggest cheerleader through every step of building this business. He believed in me long before I believed in myself. And on top of that, he’s my tech support, my web guy, and my behind-the-scenes hero who handles all the things we “creatives” would rather avoid — like numbers, websites, and taxes!
He’s truly the kind of person you want in your corner, and I feel incredibly lucky that he’s in mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oldsoulprescott.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/old_soul_creatives_prescott?igsh=MWJua2J5MTNuZ3R5YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gi6BFxMjT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
