Meet Shelby Ford | Owner, Fine Artist & Lead Instructor of Let’z Paint

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In June 2023, we confidently launched Let’z Paint with a vision to make art enjoyable and accessible for everyone. We are staunch advocates that art is beneficial for all. Our journey began with live painting in nightclubs alongside big-name bands and artists, and volunteering to teach art to inner-city children after school. Art undeniably holds a powerhouse of benefits. It doesn’t merely reduce stress, but transforms it into creative fuel. It doesn’t just promote creative thinking, it ignites it. Art fosters more than literacy in children, it nurtures it. It boosts memory in adults, enhancing their cognitive abilities. It fine-tunes motor skills across all age groups, while providing a safe haven for self-expression. We provide tailored social creative experiences that harmonize with the atmosphere of your party, letting all guests delve into various forms of art, from canvas, glass & drinkware, accessories, pottery jewelry, and much more. Art can be anything, and we are thrilled to create with you!

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
We’re not just another boring art class. We are Let’z Paint, and we are all about having a good time. As a proud Black female-owned mobile and virtual paint party company serving Houston, TX and the greater Houston area, we provide unforgettable creative experiences through our diverse range of fun paint party packages. At Let’z Paint, we provide our guests with the opportunity to explore various forms of art. From painting on canvas, glass, drinkware, and wood to crafting jewelry, pottery, and accessories like bags, hats, shoes, we offer so much more. We firmly believe in creating art that resonates with you and can be integrated into your daily life. Our most sought-after party packages are our functional and wearable artwork paint parties. Here, you can immerse yourself in the joy of creating artwork that goes beyond mere decoration and becomes a part of your everyday experience. With over a decade of experience in the paint party industry, we observed a glaring gap in the market. Many providers restricted clients to one medium, such as canvas. We decided to step out on our own, offering people a broader platform to explore and express their artistic side. What sets us apart from our competitors is our commitment to flexibility and accessibility. We’ve designed our business to be completely mobile and virtual. This allows our guests to easily transform their events and parties into creative experiences, minus the inconvenience of travel or studio restrictions. Whether it’s your home, school, business, park, hotel, or virtually anywhere, we’re ready to bring the paint to your parties. Our customers keep coming back because we prioritize their convenience. At Let’z Paint, we simplify the party planning process so you can focus on having a fabulous time. In line with this, our motto is, “We bring the Paint. You bring the Party!” So, Let’z Paint! Book your fun paint parties and receive your FREE paint party quote at www.letzpaint.art. Use Promo code: SHOUTOUTHTX

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc. In your view what are some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places or things to check out?
A few weeks ago, we were thrilled to welcome our best friend and college dorm-mate, known affectionately as “Roommate”, whom we hadn’t seen since our freshman year at KCAI (Kansas City Art Institute) in Kansas City, MO over a decade ago. This was a joyous reunion and we ensured she experienced the best of Houston. As soon as we picked her up from the airport, we headed straight to the Color Factory, an incredible spot where we cherished our time and captured beautiful memories. We also visited Elixir Lounge in Old Town Spring, TX. Hailing from the Midwest, she naturally enjoyed a day at Galveston Beach. We capped off the visit with a fun-filled skate night at Fun City SK8TE. It was a fantastic time, and she expressed her love for her first visit to Houston and her eagerness to return.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would like to dedicate this article to “JJ” Jennifer Telge Janak.

In middle school, despite my evident talent in art, I was skeptical about pursuing it as a career. I had this idea that artists only get recognized after death. However, a shift happened when I moved to a predominantly white area. My 8th grade art teacher urged me to participate in a state competition, V.A.S.E. This event marked the first time I had to present and critique my artwork.

There, I met an extraordinary woman, Jennifer Janak. Despite the rules stating that my work should be judged by the assigned instructor, Jennifer called me over from across the hall. From the moment she sat down with a knowing grin on her face, I knew she had something in store for me.

Instead of listening to my nervous explanation about my art, she interrupted. She declared my art astonishing, gave it a perfect score, and asked about my plans for high school. I mentioned Ronald Reagan High School, one of the most affluent and predominantly white schools in San Antonio. She had a different idea. Jennifer was the visual arts instructor at the North East School of The Arts, a top arts magnet school. She saw potential in me and wanted me there.

This fateful moment changed my life. I attended NESA, and Jennifer mentored me. She recognized my advanced skills and pushed me to explore my artistic message. During my first two years, as my mother battled ovarian cancer, Jennifer was a constant support. When my mother passed away three days before my 15th birthday, Jennifer stepped into the maternal role my mom had asked her to fill.

Jennifer was a pillar of strength. When I was on the verge of breaking down, she reminded me of my resilience. She urged me to continue pursuing my passion for art, steering me towards art college. When my personal life took a turn, she took me in. Despite the visible cultural & racial difference, she proudly introduced me as her daughter, and I became an integral part of her family.

Jennifer and her husband Artie helped me transition to college. They bought all the necessary materials and drove me 12+ hours from San Antonio to Kansas City to start art school. Jennifer nurtured me and pushed me to be strong, always reminding me to “put your big girl panties on and get it done.”

Her constant love and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping me as an artist. Now, as Janak battles lung cancer, she remains a tough cookie, just as she’s always been. I will always be grateful for Janak, the exceptional woman who became a mother to me when I was just an 8th grader. Thank you JJ.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our mentors and instructors who have guided us throughout our lives. We specifically acknowledge the influential role of Houston-born fine artist and instructor, Jennifer Telge Janak, for challenging our creative boundaries. We also appreciate Kansas City fine artist and instructor, Hugh Merrill. A special mention goes to our family lineage of artist & educators who have nurtured our creativity and provided unwavering support over the years. We are also grateful to our partner, friends and colleagues who continue to encourage & inspire us. We would also like to express our profound thanks to the remarkable businesses who have sponsored and partnered with us, enabling us to bring our creative social experiences to public events. These include Kizz My Legacy Winery, Full Mom Life, Shoot Your Shot & SYS For Kids, Elixir Lounge, and more.

Website: https://www.letzpaint.art

Instagram: @LetzPaintParties

Facebook: @LetzPaint

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/let-z-paint-houston

Other: 3 Easy Steps to Booking Your Creative Experience:

Step One: Visit www.letzpaint.art and click “BOOK NOW”. Choose the number, event type, and party package that fits your event. Our event coordinators will then provide your FREE paint party quote via email. *USE PROMO CODE: SHOUTOUTHTX

Step Two: Choose your party artwork and provide remaining party details through our complimentary consultation. Secure your party’s date and time with your invoice or deposit payment.

Step Three: Get ready to Paint & Party with Let’z Paint!