Once, a long time ago, I signed up for an art workshop at Artify Studio in an attempt to make plans for a weekend. Moments later, I received a text from J, owner of said studio:

“Shumin! You’re too overqualified for this workshop! I’m going to refund you OK.”

Before I had time to process, I received a full $120 back into my bank account - and then a second text came along:

“Actually do you want to teach workshops with us??? I saw your Instagram, I think you can! Come down to the studio. We can discuss.”

Unsure if that was an order or a question and very confused at how quickly the tables had turned, I agreed to show up anyway. At the studio, I was greeted by J: A small, spunky firecracker of a human with short, tight curls, arms decorated with beautiful botanical tattoos and a laughter that consumed her entire being and the room around us. We got along quickly, but I was unsure. As I poured my apprehension out, Jae simply looked at me, then burst into laughter:

“Shumin. Don’t try, don't know!”

My worries were quickly stowed away as she started making plans for what seemed like the both of us: I would teach a trial class this weekend, some regulars could come over to ‘test’ me, was I good at teaching kids, I could probably try no worries, if all goes well I could start doing proper classes in September, and then I could do regular art jamming if I wanted… etc.

I went along with the flow, showing up to the studio over the weekend to teach my very first class – heart in mouth, paintbrush in hand. J was right – everything went fine, and the rest was history. I went on to teach a myriad of classes, both for children and adults, and my days were filled with laughter, creativity, and an inordinate amount of paint all over. I made new friends, guided many nervous aspiring artists, saw how the most unsure of adults found joy in reconnecting with their inner child. I loved art, and I was finally able to share a piece of me with people so they could take it along with them in their lives. :)