The Intuitive Art Hideaway - The Birth of my Dream Studio

Have you ever envisioned a space where art is not just an act but a lifestyle? Imagine a house where it’s not just a personal painting studio, but a sanctuary for art enthusiasts seeking solace in their creative pursuits. That's the vision I had when I started on the journey to create The Intuitive Art Hideaway.

It all began with a dream - a dream of a personal painting studio, a workshop area to host group painting sessions, an “ArtBnB” room for my solo retreat participants, and a comfortable living space for my mother. The desire was not just to create a space, but to imagine & birth a sacred sanctuary for the soul to be nurtured.

The concept visionboard from images found on Pinterest.

The concept visionboard from images found on Pinterest.

The concept visionboard from images found on Pinterest.

Challenges

However, starting this dream faces some big financial challenges. Gathering the necessary capital to initiate The Intuitive Art Hideaway requires thoughtful planning and strategic decisions.

Furthermore, after launching, keeping up this dream space needs thinking about money all the time. Making sure this creative home lasts a long time needs a strong money plan, so I’m carefully looking at good ways to make it work.

Worrying about money, a mix of concerns comes up. When thinking of balancing being a host to my mom, creating in my studio, and facilitating retreat guests, it feels like it’s going to be a careful dance. Putting my studio in the open living area might make it tricky to keep personal space and quiet time for painting. I'm afraid that focusing on making money might take away from my original plan – to paint my own stuff. I'm concerned the space, meant to be my sanctuary, could end up only serving others and forgetting about my artistic aspirations amid people coming and going. These challenges, blending money concerns with personal goals, are at the core of this challenging journey.

Finding a coach

In this pursuit for solutions and bringing my visions to reality, I found a guiding light in Melissa, my friend and life coach from Taiwan, whose wisdom and holistic approach offered practical solutions while aligning with my artistic vision. I was so happy and in immense gratitude when she agreed to coach me! I was looking for someone who can be my sounding board, helping me navigate challenges as I work towards my goals. I want a support in finding solutions and brainstorming when I face obstacles. Melissa's intuitive opinions and suggestions, especially from someone outside my city, would bring a fresh and revolutionary perspective. I always came off the coaching call feeling very motivated, energised and hopeful. I like how Mel suggests strategies for my art business using her practical corporate skills and experiences, and also balances the method with her holistic and spiritual approach to making things work. Mel speaks my language, and I feel seen, and that makes me want to continue to be coached and move along the milestones joyfully.

Me during my zoom calls with Mel.

Progress

With Mel’s coaching, I started feeling more positive, confident, and brave to pursue my dream. I started a Facebook group with this message: “Hello friends, this is an exclusive VIP group for my latest project, The Intuitive Art Hideaway in Malaysia. As my sponsors, supporters, allies, ambassadors, and art lovers, you'll be the first to know all the updates about this project.

Here, you'll get exclusive photos, videos, offers, and events related to my upcoming studio. This special space is also for:

• Updates on my initiatives and asking for your feedback

• Following my journey and being part of the pioneer of this art movement

• Getting updates on the latest paintings, events, or workshops at the studio

Your feedback, suggestions, and support, whether moral, emotional, physical, or financial, are greatly appreciated, no matter the size. For now, I'll use this group for updates instead of on the donation platform because direct interaction with you is important to me. Even if the sponsorship campaign ends, I don't want our connection to stop. There's much to be done in the coming days and in the future!"

I invited some close friends who were aware of my dream to join my Facebook group and support me, and they happily agreed!

Travel Inspiration

On July 16th 2023, I took a road trip to Thailand, where I found inspiration after meeting an artist who manages a beautiful serene homestay resort in a secluded location. Her passion, care, and energy in pursuing her dreams left a lasting impression.

Beautiful resort managed by Cat, the artist owner in a small town Phatthalung, Thailand.

Cat, the artist and resort owner, with her works!

Her passionate energy resonated deeply with me as she shared why and how she loves running her space while also cherishing her love for painting, further igniting my inspiration. I was feeling full of admiration for her, as we exchanged our life experiences. She, managing a 14-room resort (still expanding as we spoke), and me, overseeing a 3-bedroom coliving home, both committed to our shared passions of art and service. It felt like a sense of camaraderie, that we both believe in the same mission: to serve and to express! This exchange further reassures me that if Cat (the resort owner) can do it, I can do it too!

Cat passionately hand-painted every guest room’s wall with her art.

Back Home with Rejuvenated Energy

Upon returning from vacation, I wasted no time and scheduled a property viewing for a house I had been eyeing, conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from my current residence. I initiated negotiations for the rental contract right away. Simultaneously, I immersed myself in crafting a 'Sponsorship Proposal' fundraising campaign using Canva. The drive to secure the house and starting to write my sponsorship proposal marked significant milestones toward manifesting this dream.

In the next post, I will share with you more about the actions I took to make my visions come true (and my fair share of challenges!). Stay tuned for more updates as this dream takes shape, and together, let's bring this haven of creativity to life!

The Intuitive Art Hideaway is not just a physical space; it's an unfolding narrative, and you are an essential part of this story. Join me on this journey - your insights, whether emotional, moral, or tangible, mean the world to me.

How about you? Have you ever chased after a dream so passionately that you pursued its success relentlessly?

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