Today we’d like to introduce you to Karyn Blaney.
Hi Karyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Art has always been a part of my life. I earned my BFA in Studio Art from Kent State University and spent years working as an instructional designer before deciding to return to my creative roots. In 2014, I launched ArtSocial 805 as a mobile art studio, bringing creative experiences to wineries, businesses, schools, and private events throughout the Central Coast.
As the business grew, I opened a permanent studio in downtown Paso Robles where people of all ages can paint pottery, create mosaics, explore watercolor, work with clay, and enjoy a wide variety of hands on art experiences. Today, ArtSocial 805 has become more than an art studio. It’s a place where people come to create, connect, celebrate, and discover that everyone has a creative side. My passion is making art approachable, building community through creativity, and continually finding new ways to inspire people to make something they’re proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many small business owners, there were plenty of challenges along the way. Building a business from the ground up meant wearing every hat, from artist and instructor to marketer, accountant, event planner, and janitor. There were financial risks, long hours, and moments where I questioned whether I could keep growing.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that having an art degree doesn’t automatically mean you have a business degree. I knew how to create, teach, and inspire, but running a successful business required learning about finances, marketing, legal issues, hiring employees, pricing, and strategic planning. Those were skills I had to develop over time, often through trial and error. Being an artist is one thing. Being an entrepreneur is another.
Another challenge was helping people see that ArtSocial 805 was more than just a paint-and-sip business. I wanted to build a creative community where anyone, regardless of experience, could come together and make art. Educating people about everything we offer while continuing to innovate has been an ongoing journey.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to pivot almost overnight. I adapted by creating take-home art kits, offering virtual experiences, and finding new ways to stay connected with customers. That experience reinforced something I still believe today: creativity isn’t just what we teach, it’s also how we solve problems.
Looking back, every challenge made me a stronger business owner and a better leader. It taught me that success comes from continually learning, adapting, and being willing to grow just as much as your business does.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ArtSocial 805 is a creative studio in downtown Paso Robles built around one simple idea: art should be accessible, welcoming, and fun for everyone. We offer far more than a traditional paint-and-sip experience. Guests can choose from pottery painting, canvas painting, mosaics, watercolor, paint pouring, stoneware workshops, mixed media, seasonal projects, and a growing menu of creative experiences. We also bring our mobile studio to wineries, corporate events, schools, weddings, fundraisers, and private celebrations throughout the Central Coast.
What sets us apart is that we focus on the experience just as much as the finished project. We want every guest, whether they’re five or ninety-five, to leave feeling creative, confident, and connected. You don’t need artistic experience to walk through our doors. We believe creativity is something everyone has, and our job is to help people discover it.
Innovation is a huge part of who we are. I’m constantly developing new workshops, themed events, educational programs, and creative collaborations with local businesses and wineries so there’s always something fresh to experience. We strive to create events that people can’t find anywhere else.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that ArtSocial 805 has become a place where people gather to celebrate life’s moments. We’ve hosted first dates, proposals, birthdays, bridal showers, corporate team-building events, family reunions, and fundraisers, while also providing a creative outlet for people looking to relax and reconnect with themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to know we’ve become part of so many memories.
More than anything, I want people to know that ArtSocial 805 is a place to create, connect, and celebrate. Whether you’re making your very first painting, bringing your child to an art class, planning a company event, or spending an afternoon with friends, we want every visit to feel inspiring, welcoming, and memorable. Our goal has always been to build more than an art studio. We’re building a creative community where everyone belongs.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing people may not know about me is that I’m fascinated by art experiences around the world. Whenever I travel, I’m just as excited to visit local art studios, museums, and creative spaces as I am the typical tourist attractions. I love seeing how different cultures create, teach, and celebrate art. My dream is to visit every continent, exploring the world’s most inspiring museums, ceramic studios, and creative communities. Those experiences fuel my creativity and often inspire new ideas that I bring back to the 805.
Pricing:
- Kids classes start at $25
- HOMESCHOOL classes are $100 for four lessons
- Pottery starts at just $10
- Glow in the dark painting starts at $40
- Mosaics start at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ArtSocial805.com
- Instagram: @artsocial805
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtSocial805?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
