Chelsea Bailey was spending a lot of time with her daughter, being active and creative together, exploring their artistic side. It helped build “a special bond,” she said, so much so that she wanted to help other families share in the experience.
Thus, it was Bailey’s daughter, Harper, who inspired her to open Mi Amor Art — during a pandemic, no less.
“I wasn’t one to believe in the arts but once I started exploring the basics three years ago with my daughter, I was hooked,” Bailey said. “I wanted to open a space where kids of any age can unlock hidden interests, all while having fun with engaging activities. I believe we are all born with a vast amount of potential just waiting to be unlocked.”
Bailey opened her art studio in August. It’s centered on kids of all ages, and offers supplies and space for such activities as painting, canvas, action art (a Jackson Pollock-inspired activity), slime-making, fake-snow, bead jewelry, ceramic pieces, mosaic tiles and more.
Do you have any recent news you’d like to share?
I’ve been working with fellow local artists and hosting paint parties a few times a month. I’m eager to work with even more local artists and do more collaborations.
How did you feel about opening during the pandemic?
I was very apprehensive, especially as a single parent opening her very own small business. At the time, it was still unclear how things would go in the city. It has been a challenge throughout it all, but signs of life are slowly coming back and the studio is seeing more kids and families come in. With summer coming up and kids being out of school, parents are looking for indoor activities for their kids, and the studio is a great option for that.
Explain the benefits of art therapy and who should consider trying it.
Those who are open to trying something new and stepping out of their comfort zone will gain something from art therapy. Life can get very distracting, but painting in a quiet and clean environment with just my own thoughts, that is my therapy. Art therapy can help bring us back to our true selves and ground us, especially after a crazy day. I encourage those who have never painted before to pick up a brush and canvas and try it out.
Do you have a presence at First Friday, or plan to?
I hope to have a presence at First Friday in the near future. It would be so fun to have a space at the event for kids to paint and create a small piece of art that they can take home with them. There isn’t a better place to make art and express yourself than during First Friday in the Downtown Arts District.
What do you love best about your job?
The absolute best part about my job is seeing the kids and parents having the time of their lives together at the studio. Every ‘thank you’ I receive, I remember. Kids as young as 3 will say the sweetest things like, “thank you for making this place,” and my heart melts every time. These are the moments I live for.
How does Mi Amor fit into the community? Is this service a void that needed to be filled in Southern Nevada?
There are many great local spots for kids to go to and play, but I found it difficult to find a place that offered continued education through their activities. I wanted a space that allowed kids the freedom to choose an activity or project they gravitate toward and learn naturally. My mission is to help kids of all ages express their inner creativity and open up different channels within themselves.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
A good friend of mine told me “if it was easy, everyone would do it,” and it has always stuck with me.
What’s your advice for other single mothers who want to go into business for themselves?
If you have something that you are passionate about and want to make it into your career, go for it. So many single mothers possess a talent or passion, yet don’t have the support system to turn it into a business. Make connections, start relationships and open yourself to opportunities as they come. It was hard work for me, but worth every moment and I have met amazing people along the way.
What are you reading right now? Or binge-watching?
With my daughter, I’m constantly watching the latest cartoons. Currently, I’m reading “The Cloud of Unknowing” whenever I have some “me time.”
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
One thing is to slow down more. It’s important to be appreciative of everything going on in the moment, even when life gets too busy. Enjoy the little things in life whenever you can.