Creative home based businesses are growing as area residents seek new ways to survive during tough economic times. Celestine Hart, lifelong Lansing resident seeks to expand her hobby, decorative painting, into a profitable business, Celestine Paints.
Celestine has always loved art, crafts, drawing and painting. Celestine did not see art as a career option 30 plus years ago, so she obtained a Packaging degree and a Master’s degree in Business from MSU. After over 25 years working managing business functions in the private and public sectors Hart is creating her own business. Hart worked in Materials Management with Motor Wheel Corp and has worn various hats including Purchasing and Warehousing Director while working for the Lansing School District. Hart retired in 2011.
“I love painting murals, pictures, hand-made greeting cards and giving painting lessons. I will paint anything that doesn’t move.” says Hart. “ I also face paint for parties and events. Kids certainly do move!”.
Hart learned to paint by watching painting lessons on TV and taking classes when I could. Now Hart is a One Stroke Painting Certified Instructor. One Stroke Painting is a simple technique for beginners developed by Donna Dewberry and is shown on PBS and HSN.
Along with teaching for the Lansing Parks and Recreation, Lett’s Center, Hart continues to take all of the painting classes she can, either through the internet, DVD or live classes. Hart has attended the Craft and Hobby Association National Super Show in Chicago and training conferences presented by Donna Dewberry. “I learn the most by teaching and preparing lessons for the classes I teach. I try not to repeat lessons and teach something new with every new class I teach. If a student takes my class more than once, I want to show them something new each time.” Says Hart.
As Hart’s success in the small business world grows she hope to pass on the business experience she gained from 25 plus years working in big operations to others who seek to turn their hobby into a profitable business.
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