We were lucky to catch up with Paulette Frontanes recently and have shared our conversation below.
Paulette, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Not caring what people think. The moment I stopped caring what people thought of me, the world changed. I focused on what God thought and what He wants me to achieve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Meet Paulette Frontanes: Artist, Educator, and Creative Visionary Behind Color My Palette
Paulette Frontanes is a passionate artist and dedicated K–12 art educator with Cuban and Puerto Rican roots, whose vibrant work and heartfelt mission continue to inspire both young learners and art lovers alike. Based in Florida, Paulette brings a unique blend of cultural richness, technical skill, and imaginative energy to everything she creates—from fine art canvases to her signature Color My Palette resin jewelry designs.
As both a classroom and homeschool art educator, Paulette finds deep joy in sparking creativity in children, helping them connect to the world and themselves through the visual arts. She believes that every child has an artistic voice, and she works tirelessly to nurture that voice through hands-on learning, meaningful exploration, and artistic confidence.
What makes Paulette’s journey especially exciting is how she bridges traditional fine art with functional design. Her Color My Palette jewelry line began as a love letter to self-expression and cultural beauty, featuring vibrant, hand-poured resin pieces that are equal parts art and adornment. Each piece is one-of-a-kind—bold, joyful, and deeply rooted in her artistic perspective.
Currently, Paulette is expanding her focus toward fine art design and building enriching experiences for the homeschool community. Her goal is to ensure that children in every learning environment have access to high-quality, diverse, and inspiring art education. Whether through an expressive brushstroke or a sparkling handmade earring, Paulette’s work is a celebration of creativity, identity, and the boundless power of the arts.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three Impactful Moments in My Creative Journey — and Advice for New Artists and Educators
My path as an artist and art educator was shaped by three defining moments, each one opening a door to discovery and purpose:
1. Working with Children with Unique Abilities
Teaching children with diverse needs changed my heart—and my career. It revealed the transformative power of art as a universal language and made me realize that education, especially in the arts, should be inclusive and empowering.
2. Finding a Creative Outlet Through Fashion and Clay
After immersing myself in education, I felt the need to express my own creativity again. I remembered watching one of my favorite art teachers make earrings from polymer clay, and that moment planted a seed. Being someone who loves fashion and color, it made perfect sense to explore this new medium.
3. Creating My First Hand-Painted Frida Kahlo Earrings
That first pair of earrings wasn’t just jewelry—it was a spark. A reflection of my culture, my artistry, and my voice. It was the beginning of Color My Palette, a space where I could blend fashion, fine art, and identity into wearable designs.
Final Thoughts:
The most important thing you can do early in your journey is to stay rooted in your why. Whether it’s the joy of helping children express themselves or the thrill of making art with your hands, let your purpose lead your practice. Learn from others, stay curious, and be proud of every small step. That’s how beautiful stories—and meaningful careers—are born.
Advice: For those just starting, lean into the moments that move you. Real growth happens when you step into spaces that challenge your perspective. If you get the chance to work with different kinds of learners, take it—it will teach you more than any textbook ever could. Your first piece, your first idea—it doesn’t have to be perfect. But it has to be you. That authenticity is what people connect with. Trust it, nurture it, and allow your passion to grow into a business, a brand, or a lifelong calling. Stay open to inspiration. Sometimes it’s the small, quiet things—watching someone else create, scrolling past an idea—that will light your fire. Follow your curiosity, and don’t be afraid to try new mediums or techniques just because they’re unfamiliar.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one challenge I’m currently facing is finding financial balance while managing my responsibilities as an educator, artist, and mother. Growing Color My Palette as a fine art and resin jewelry brand, expanding into more homeschool art education, and still supporting my family—all of it requires time, energy, and resources that don’t always align easily.
How I’m Working to Overcome It:
Strategic Planning: I’ve started mapping out short-term and long-term goals—both financially and creatively. This helps me stay focused on what brings income and impact, so I can invest wisely in materials, events, or opportunities that truly matter.
Diversifying My Income: I’m creating new fine art collections and exploring more homeschool art workshops and lessons, so I can reach a broader audience while generating more sustainable revenue streams.
Creating a Healthier Work-Life Rhythm: I’m learning to set firmer boundaries around work and family time. I’ve realized that protecting space for my loved ones also protects my creativity and helps prevent burnout.
Remaining Resourceful and Resilient: Whether it’s applying for grants, collaborating with fellow educators, or repurposing materials, I’ve learned to get creative not just in my art but in how I manage and grow the business.
This journey isn’t always smooth, but it’s one filled with purpose. I believe that through consistent effort, heart-led decisions, and a willingness to adapt, I can continue to grow Color My Palette and support both my family and my community through art.
Contact Info:
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