An Artsy Good Time at Creatively Yours

Q & A with small business owner: Robin Buckley, owner of .

Creatively Yours is a franchise in which students come to paint for two to three hours and leave with a work of art. They are guided step by step throughout the process of creating a painting. Some students come for the theraputic aspects of painting while others come and share a drink with friends.

Q. What's the best thing about your job?
A. On my worst day I still have the best job - I get to paint!

Q. What's the hardest thing about being a small business owner in Johns Creek?
A. Being a small business owner! It's hard, long work that takes energy and dedication. At just over a year in business, I am still a "Jill of all trades."

Q. What is the best thing about Johns Creek?
A. We have a strong sense of community here. The residents and business owners are very supportive of each other.

Q. Why did you choose to open your business in Johns Creek?
A. Initally I wanted to be in Forsyth county since it is where I live, but they do not allow the BYOB concept, so I looked at other nearby areas that would allow it.  I decided on Johns Creek because I found this great space in Johns Creek Walk.

Q. Why did you pick this particular kind of business?
A. The entertainment value - the northern suburbs don't have many things for adults to do. It is so much fun and relaxing, too.

Q. How many students can sit in your class at once?
A. I can seat up to 60 for canvas painting and 70 for glass painting.

Q. What kind of materials are provided?
A. All materials are provided for the painting. Canvas/glass, paint, brushes, aprons and instruction. We also have bottle openers and wine glasses.

Q. How long have you been in business?
A. Opened on Oct. 1, 2010

Q. What are some of the services you offer that people don't know about?
A. We have recently added pet portraits and caricatures. Photos are submitted and we draw them on the canvas - and you paint them.

Q. Business website?
A. www.creativelyyoursinc.com

Q. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
A. Our online calendar shows what painting or event is scheduled for each day.  In addition to our regularly scheduled classes, we offer private classes for personal and corporate events. Painting makes a great team-building or client/staff appreciation event. We can customize the private events to fit your situation. 

We also do charity and community events, like on Jan. 14, we are doing an Open Paint and Book Signing with Author Heather Huffman: Fundraiser for Project Liberty. Jan. 14, 2-5 p.m.; Cost: $35