Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Henderson.
Hi Rachel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My art career began early by taking crayons to mom’s kitchen wall (I guess that was my first “mural”). I took a different route in college receiving a Double B.A. in Psychology and Sociology and had a 10 year career in forensic science as a Field Agent/Deputy Coroner Investigator. 10 years was enough of that (yes “I saw dead people”) and my art career began in 1999 when a girlfriend said “I guess it’s time to stencil my kitchen” and the rest is history. I’m proud to say that this is my 27th year in business with Rachel’s Creations. I’ve pivoted several times during my career and now do murals, face painting for parties & events and teach canvas painting parties at my clients’ locations. I’ve also had many interesting projects over the years such as painting and armoire and a toy chest, painting parasols for a wedding party with a unique design, done a shadow box for a man’s running medals and more!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Struggles in the economy in the early/mid 2000’s and covid in 2020 created struggles for my business. When the economy was slow, not many people had extra income for things like murals but people and businesses still had parties, neighborhood events, grand openings and more & could use my face painting skills which I developed during that time. Also, when “paint & sip” parties became popular at storefront locations – I was able to pivot again and bring the party to people’s own homes. This was helpful during covid when people couldn’t “gather” as normal and I did a canvas painting party out in a clients’ yard for their friends & neighbors where we could still “social distance” but have a fun event. I was also lucky during covid to receive several grants from art related organizations and the government as a female owned small business which helped me during that difficult time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in small scale murals, canvas painting parties at clients’ locations and face painting for parties & events. I think I’m known for having a huge heart and truly loving what I do! It makes me smile to see someone who’s never really painted, take pride in doing a painted canvas they are proud to hang up in their own home because I was helpful talking them through the process. Nothing makes me smile more than seeing a child’s face smile, giggle and light up when I hold up a mirror to show them a fun face painting design that I did for them, especially “special requests” or when they tell me I can do whatever I feel like doing to surprise them!
I’m most proud of my tagline – making Happy Faces for ALL! I pride myself in inclusion and making everyone feel great from the smallest child to a more mature adult who wants to jump in and enjoy the fun! I think I set myself apart from others by most often not having a “set list” of face painting designs but being open to doing whatever the clients want. If I don’t know what it is, I try to google a design and make their wish come true. In doing so, I keep learning new things and challenging myself as well. In recent years unique requests have included a Narwhal, Axolotl, s’more, avocado, legos, Paw Patrol designs and more!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to know my worth and the value of my experience and expertise and to charge appropriately for my work. I do charity work for a few special select organizations a year that are close to my heart and are non-profits that are truly helping others in the world, but otherwise I have learned how important it is to charge fairly but appropriately for my work as artists need to make a living too. Art it’s not just a hobby or side gig but a full time profession for many of us and when artists give it away for free it hurts everyone in the industry as it devalues our work, time and effort. I am hired to do events- I do not “show up for free” and charge per face and “hope” to make income for a day. Many ask artists, especially face painters, to show up for free in exchange for a booth space or “exposure” and my favorite saying in that regard is “you can die from exposure”. Would you ask your doctor or lawyer to show up for free (or charge them for a booth), sit there all day and “maybe” have people pay for their work in exchange for “telling others about their services”. My skills have taken years to hone, my professional supplies are expensive and I bring happiness and joy to any event but am hired to be there by my clients so their guests can enjoy themselves and have a great time!
Pricing:
- Mural and unique project pricing varies per job – a consultation and bid are given in writing for every job.
- Face painting prices range from $120-150/hour depending on location of event with a 1 hour minimum. I can paint approximately #15-25 people/hour depending on desired designs. Private sessions are available as well for single clients – prices vary (ie; Dios de los muertos masks or other special events) and pregnancy belly painting.
- Canvas painting parties are $25/person for children’s events and range from $35-45/person for adult events depending on design/time frame desired (approximately a 1-3 hour class) and includes all supplies and step by step instruction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelscreations.net
- Instagram: instagram@Rachelmtnchick67
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelscreation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelscreations
Image Credits
Rachel Baer Henderson/Rachel’s Creations
