A Reflection on the Past Year from the Owner of ‘Brella Studio

Wow. It’s been a year. Over a year, actually. August 1, 2018, I drove all the way from Massapequa, NY in a retired government vehicle that I would convert into a mobile art classroom. 

A year ago I spent about 40 hours painting words all over the exterior of the Art Truck. 

I built tables. I painted those tables. 

I ordered supplies. I organized those supplies. 

A year ago on September 30th, I invited everyone I knew to meet my Art Truck. 

That’s when ‘Brella Studio and the Athens Art Truck made its debut. 

Being the Lady with the Art Truck for the past year has been, to say the least, a learning experience. I’d like to take a moment to share five lessons learned from owning, operating, and driving an Art Truck. 

1. Pay attention to your surroundings. 

I dunno if it’s like this for you, but when I’m wearing a new outfit I want everyone to notice it. The same can be said for the Art Truck. I felt like everyone was staring at me as I crept down Broad Street, turned onto Milledge, or be-bopped around Epps Bridge. Oddly enough, no one seemed to notice this giant truck covered in silvery glitter letters and a bright-green logo. No one, that is, except the kids. Maybe it’s because they’re trapped in the backseat watching Moana for the 80th time, but those waves and points from little ones at red lights reminded me that yes, it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings. You never know what new thing you might see. 

2. Pay attention to the path. 

I’ve gained a LOT of respect for the UPS, FedEx, and assorted delivery trucks that dart up and down the streets of our city. They navigate through tiny parking lots, narrow alleys, and graciously allow those sports cars to zip out in front of them. You know what’s also not fun? Driving one of those big vehicles when a car hops a curb to go around you on the right-hand side. Now, I try not to groan when the delivery trucks take up the middle lane of Washington Street and I’m in my “regular” car. I give them a wide berth, and perhaps a friendly wave. Because they deserve all the space they can get.

3. Pay attention to yourself. 

Imagine you just crushed it at your #goals today and want everyone to celebrate with you Imagine you had a semi-rotten day that ended in what I call “ugly crying”. What if no one noticed? Over the past year, I’ve introduced myself so many times it feels like I’m speed-dating. “Hi-I’m-Alyssa-and-I-drive-an-Art-Truck-No-it’s-not-a-food-truck-but-an-Art-Truck-Yes-I-d o-birthday-parties.” 

It’s so tempting to feel invisible when you’ve worked hard at a goal and no one seems to care. Doing anything new can be isolating and lonely. Growing a business is lonely. Change can be lonely. But guess what? I’m not invisible. You’re not invisible. People will and do eventually notice, and they will celebrate. In the meantime, give yourself a high-five, grab an over-priced coffee, or do a touchdown dance.

4. Pay attention to others. 

This one goes hand in hand with Lesson #3. When you see someone #winning, celebrate with them! I’ve been so fortunate to have cheerleaders on my team for this past year. My family and friends have sent texts, bought me coffee, given me art supplies, and even loaned me their children so I can practice lessons with them. It is crucial that when you see another person doing a great job, that you tell them. Otherwise they’ll never know.

5. Pay attention to your purpose. 

“Why am I doing this?” has popped into my head more than I can count. Let’s be honest, people. I hate driving, and I operate a business out of a vehicle that I have to drive. There have been so many moments of “I hate this - why am I here?”, and I’ll be so ready to throw in that paint-drenched towel when: 

“Thank you so much for this! I’m so glad my child has a place where they can be messy and creative and I don’t have to clean it up.” 

Oh yeah. That’s why. I want to create space for young artists to make messes, and give the adults in their life a little bit of space and freedom from cleaning up those messes. 

When the going gets tough, pay attention to your purpose. Remember why you started. And keep on trucking. ;)