More than just a canvas found its origins in a friend's encouragement, emerging after a prolonged struggle to navigate the challenges of the real estate market downturn.
During a time when even a role as a Walmart Greeter seemed like a viable temporary solution, the founder received a prompt from a friend: "Didn't you used to teach painting?" This simple query, coupled with the suggestion to indulge in a glass of wine and "Go paint something!" ignited a dormant passion.
Armed with a bottle of wine, the founder retreated to her creative space. Unearthing forgotten paint bottles, canvases, and brushes, she embarked on a creative journey—a feat untouched for 25 years.
Despite initial self-criticism deeming the result as less than stellar, her friend's encouragement countered the doubt, proposing a return to teaching and the concept of Sip and Paint sessions.
Though met with skepticism, the idea lingered, prompting a week of diligent research into the contemporary Sip and Paint landscape. Armed with newfound knowledge of pre-drawn canvases and design trends, on March 30th, 2023, she took a leap of faith, reaching out to a dozen wineries with a global email. Expecting silence, the founder was pleasantly surprised by immediate booking responses.
Without hesitation, she invested $300 in paint supplies on credit and launched More than Just a Canvas— Creative Events - a bootstrap startup fueled by determination and experimentation.
From April 2023 to August 2024, More than Just a Canvas hosted over 150 events, marking a promising beginning.
Meat the people behind More than just a canvas
Founder Jan Taylor.
Jan spend almost 20years in the corporate banking environment including consumer, business and mortgage. She also has a Real Estate license.
In 2020 she stepped out of corporate banking and into independent roles operating a Real Estate and Mortgage Brokerage office.
When the market turned and after a lot of encouragement from friends she started More than just a canvas with a lot of prayer and as a bootstrap venture.
While still active Real Estate part time for friends and family, growing the Sip and Paint business is her primary goal.
John Taylor
Biggest Cheerleader, check in dude and used brush keeper. Also the CDO (Chief Driving Officer) for the company.
John spent 40+ years as a telecommunications engineer and spent the last 15 years on the wireless side. Retired for almost 20 years, John has been instrumental keeping things moving forward, literally.
Jan andJohn have been married for nearly 35 years with grown children and grown grandchildren.
The love of their life, their Papillon Tye is often seen with them during walk - through s of venues.
Carolyn Young
The EVERYTHING person... and we mean...everything.
Carolyn Young is retired and a good friend of Jan and John Taylor. ROOKED into helping with Sip and Paints (we're kidding... really) Carolyn can be seen at many events helping with EVERYTHING from setting up to helping painters move forward and then tearing down after the event and anything else that is needed!
Events run much more smoothly when Carolyn is there.
Carolyn is an excellent, experienced artist as well - with oils being her primary medium.
Tye the Papillon
Resident party animal.
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