Name of business: Buzz’N Brushes
Address: 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Phone: 365-7333
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.BuzzNBrushes.com
Hours and days of operation: Class schedules are found on the BeeCalendar on the website.
Owned/operated by: Owner, Teresa Leming
In business since: August 2013
Describe your business and the services you offer.
Buzz’N Brushes is an upbeat and entertaining creative art class for both the artistic and not-so-artistic. BeeGuests will learn step-by-step the basics of acrylic painting while enjoying music, alcoholic beverages, entertainment and the company of BeeBuddies.
How did the idea for the venue come about?
Buzz’N Brushes is a partner studio of the original creator of this concept — Canvas and Cocktails, located in Denver. The opening of Buzz’N Brushes makes 24 partner studios across the country. Even though each partner studio operates as an individual business, we collaborate with one another on marketing and sales strategies, and brainstorm on new entertainment ideas, etc. The power of unified support ensures higher standards of customer service and entertainment.
Do you see art venues in casinos becoming a trend?
I feel casinos recognizing a need for several entertainment options is the trend. Buzz’N Brushes is an innovative entertainment option in an extremely competitive market. The management team at the Orleans recognized this niche opportunity, and kudos to them for being the first. Once upon a time, a show or just live music was plenty to capture the tourist — that is not the case anymore.
What makes your business unique?
The way we make people feel! It is an enlightening experience to see a shift in demeanor of either a fearful painter, or someone stressed from a rough day at work, or maybe they are having personal challenges. Whatever the case may be, we have the privilege of witnessing the energy of people transform before our eyes. The way they walk into our establishment compared to the way they leave are two completely different emotional spectrums. For example, we have had a few BeeGuests cry from their sense of accomplishment. Once, a woman came in using a walker, and by the second break, she was dancing the Cupid Shuffle with the staff. I could not help but have tears stream down my face from the gratitude of her happiness. It was an awesome feeling.
What is your business philosophy?
The philosophy of Buzz’N Brushes is peace begins with us. If, as a company, we strive diligently to be about kindness and nonjudgment, and have compassion, show support, enthusiasm and unconditional love toward every BeeGuest, that will hopefully radiate in their soul, therefore inspiring them to do the same, and so on.
What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?
I don’t know yet. Mostly, I feel blessed. Do I have stresses? Yes. Has it been all roses and sunshine? Absolutely not. I can’t complain, though. It seems at the moments I have a thought of frustration, it’s immediately neutralized by the masses that walk into my life, asking how they can help my business grow. I feel a sense of community, furthermore a true partnership from Boyd Gaming. I am extremely fortunate to be a part of their team, and a town that fights to thrive and to have so many people that believe in my mission.
What is the best part about doing business in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is an ingenious city, furthermore a household name for being one of the most fun places in the whole world. I am proud to be a part of that reputation. We get bigger, stronger and better every day!
What obstacles has your business overcome?
Having a casino buy into a startup business, for one. Let’s be real, it’s a true miracle that I got this opportunity. The Orleans is taking a chance on me — it is as simple that. I have the pressure and responsibility to not only succeed for myself, but to shine and blow it out of the water for them.
How can Nevada improve its business climate?
Ha, if I knew this, I would be a politician. Frankly, I am not qualified to speculate. I do feel, as a state and city, we are doing our best to recover. All healing takes time, and if anything, I am an example to never give up on your dreams. I have been living in a tiny apartment, with hardly any income, wondering how I was going to pay my bills at times. Nevertheless, I relentlessly pitched Buzz’N Brushes for almost two years before this opportunity fell into my lap. I never stopped believing — with everything I am, I knew it was going to happen. That is what I would say to the entrepreneurs out there — run with your inspiration and do not let anyone or anything derail you from your dream.
What have you learned from the recession?
My personal experience is a reset of priorities. Most certainly, it is far easier to live from a state of blame rather than a perspective of ownership. For me, when I made the conscious choice to stop feeling sorry for myself, and took responsibility for the choices I made, my life started to shift. Make no mistake, it has been a rough road, I would even say brutal at times. However, every challenge was and is needed, as it changed who I am as a person. Now, I work hard to be sensitive to what someone else might be dealing with. I am not insinuating that I am a saint. I am human with plenty of flaws, but when I fall, I get right back up, take ownership and do my best to do better.