We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Belaire Farris and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Whitney, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
God is the foundation behind my accomplishments in life. The healing from recovery over years of opioid addiction poured out into building a business that I thoroughly enjoy. I feel like because that particular obstacle was so overwhelming, I can conquer anything using the same spiritual strategy. My spiritual fitness is first priority for growing my business successfully and peacefully.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Everything I paint is custom made without stencils or vinyl. Because of this, every piece is unique and personal. My specialty is my swift hand lettering ability to draw out letters without even penciling first. I do make mistakes and always learn from them. In high school, I started working at a pottery shop in Kingwood Tx in 2004. I became the custom artist and manager full time . Fresh Prints of Belaire was my side hustle until I was put on bed rest for 7 weeks until my little son was born. Our miracle boy weighed 1 pound 15 ounces and we spent over 3 months in the NICU for him to grow. Naturally, my side job turned into full time so I could stay home with him and continue to work. I had little money at the time so I bought Goodwill frames and scrap wood and just started painting stuff and selling it. My clientele began to grow and business eventually got too big for me to handle alone. My father in law, Jim started building all my wood signs and he loves making sawdust in his garage. My friend Jaki recently had a baby and left her full time job as an interior designer to come be a stay at home artist with me. Sarah is my friend of 17 years and runs my website, Pinterest, and Etsy shop. She is behind the scenes helping me research areas where we can grow our business. I am so blessed to be working alongside my close friends while able to be flexible for my family. God continues to layout the path of my dream job daily. I hope to glorify Him and shine is light through my company.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For breakfast I would take them to Humble City Cafe in Humble, Tx. Then we would go for a swim at the Texas shaped lazy river at the Marriott Marquis downtown. We would eat at Craig Biggios restaurant “Biggio’s” in the Marquis. After lunch we would catch an afternoon Astros game at Minutemaid Park. From there, we would take the metro train and head over to GreenStreet for dinner at McCormick and Schmicks. Then, cap the night off with some singing at Pete’s dueling Piano Bar. Something fun would be to find some awesome Houston murals around town and take pictures with them. Going for a run around the trails at Hermann Park The Houston Zoo
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God for laying it all out. My parents and in-laws for loads of support and help. My husband for encouragement and hearing me vent and teaching me sales. My close friend Teri who I worked under for 16 years and taught me business and so much more. My friends for support, ideas, and joining my business. My clients for encouraging, sharing, and loving my art.
Website: www.freshprintsofbelaire.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fresh_prints_of_belaire
Facebook: www.facebook.com/freshprints.belaire
Other: Visit my Etsy shop at https://etsy.me/2X8CXF9
Image Credits
Kitty Sanchez Photography
Nominate someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.