We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanna Harvey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I actually get this question a lot! And the process was very organic. I was an elementary school teacher who decided to take some time off when I had my children. During that time, my husband recommended that I teach art classes out of our basement for fun. That’s where the first studio was created. And during this time, I was trying everything: homeschool classes, afterschool classes, mommy and me classes, night parties, field trips, and more. It was time consuming and overwhelming. And then one day my son walked into the studio and said to me, “Mom….stop trying to teach us and just let us play!” It was definitely an “Ah ha!” moment. So we got rid of all classes and now just focus mainly on the “play”. To create a space where kids can explore art on their own and make a big mess. Over time, word of mouth spread our unique concept throughout south Atlanta and we now have two locations with a third on the way!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It has been such an honor to create and grow the SPLATTERDASH brand. The experience was definitely a “jump now and build your parachute on your way down” situation (and I made a LOT of mistakes on the way down!) But I needed to go through those challenges in order for the business to become what it is today. Now, I am proud of the 15 years of business and tens of thousands of customers that we have served. I am proud of the toddlers who painted with us in the beginning that are now staffers in the studio. I am proud of the customers who show me holiday paintings they created and now display 15 years later. But I am most proud of what SPLATTERDASH has become…..a place where families can come together and play together no matter the age or ability. Where a toddler can finger paint with their siblings. Where grandma in a wheelchair can connect with her grandchild on the spectrum. Where a trauma victim can find therapy through artistic expression. We provide that space and support for our customers. And what an honor that is!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our little town of Peachtree City is such a unique area in Atlanta. Everyone here uses golf carts on the 300+ miles of trails to get around town! If I was going to host my best friend, we would definitely rent a golf cart for the day and bop around to all the fun antique and thrift stores in Peachtree City followed by a light meal at Bloom Organics Cafe. Then we would spend a couple of days visiting downtown Atlanta making sure to stop in Decatur to visit some art galleries and eating on the square. Next, we would do a little shopping in Buckhead followed by a picnic lunch at Piedmont Park. Finally, I would recommend we spend the last few days on the north side in Dahlonega for some hiking and relaxation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband. As a small business owner, maneuvering my company through everyday life is usually a rollercoaster. But navigating it through a recession and a pandemic was like stepping into a tornado. There were so many times when I was ready to give up and go back to corporate life. And my husband was always there offering me encouragement to keep going. He was there on those late nights painting floors and fixing lights right by my side. He could have easily asked me to stop and try something new. But he knew I strongly believed in this concept and he strongly believed in me.

Website: https://www.Splatterdash.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/splatterdashartstudios

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/splatterdashstudios

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@splatterdashstudios

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