Our September Artist Highlight winner is Brooke Ochoa Hepburn, founder of Pure Energy Entertainment. Brooke’s story highlights that taking small leaps of faith can lead you to a place and a career that you never even imagined and even better than you ever expected. Her leap of faith began just 13 years ago.
“I have been Face Painting for nearly 13 years now. I started my Art Business under the name “Arts of Utopia” because I also paint canvases, shoes, hats, windows, any and everything requested.”
Prior to face painting, Brooke went to college and received her Bachelors in Mathematics in hopes to be a high school teacher and basketball coach. If that didn’t work out, she hoped to use her degree to work in accounting or bookkeeping, and for a while, that is what she did.
“I worked in schools for 4 years, and then for Attorneys for 8 years while painting part time establishing my own business. I also drove Uber and Lyft, to help support the costs of getting everything I needed to be a full time Face Painter.”
During this time, prior to becoming a full-time face painter, Brooke struggled with the feeling that many artists feel before taking the leap of faith and starting their business full time.
“I think what held me back for a long time was the feeling of not being good enough. From talking to other Face Painters, this is something a lot of us feel, especially in the beginning.
In addition,
“I didn’t have the healthiest, or safest childhood so I doubted I could give loving, happy, joyful experiences to children if I didn’t know what that was like myself. BUT, in spite of my experiences, I’ve found a way to heal and be a positive part of millions of amazing memories with children and adults! I believe that everything that didn’t work out, actually worked out for me! I definitely wouldn’t be where I am if not for each and every success AND failure!”
In recent years, Brooke has worked as a full-time face painter, and has created amazing memories and has had wonderful experiences that leave her so excited for her many opportunities ahead.
“As of the past 2 years, Face Painting has taken over, and I book 4 to 6 days a week nearly every week of the year. I am based out of San Antonio but travel all over Texas and hire other painters in different parts of Texas as well. I have travelled to 30 states and 2 countries, including 5 islands, Face Painting and speaking. I never would’ve imagined that I’d be sharing this as my truth and experience.”
Brooke wanted to leave encouragement to other artists who have a story similar to hers.
“So, I’d like to encourage whoever is reading to remember that all things are working for your good. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, if you heart is leading you towards building a business out of something you love doing, then DO IT! Everything will work out exactly HOW it should, WHEN it should.”
In addition, we asked her to share one piece of advice that she would give to face painters who are just starting out. Here’s what she had to say:
“My advice for anyone starting out is to BELIEVE in yourself! Whether it’s learning to paint a rose, using a new stencil, or even investing in a Craft-n-Go to have the best professional presentation possible… BELIEVE YOU CAN, and YOU WILL! But if you think you can’t then you won’t. The success of your new business starts with you and what you believe is possible.”
Her story is the perfect example of taking a leap of faith, even when it feels scary to do so. We never know where life will take us, so it’s important to seize the moment, take that leap of faith and watch your life change, in ways that you never imagined.
If you would like to be our next Artist Highlight winner and have the chance to receive a $50 Store Credit at Craft-n-Go, send us your story with a few fun photos to contact@craftngo.com.