Meet Your Neighbor: Different Strokes Paint n' Sip Art Studio

Join us as we chat with Daphne Rose, owner of Different Strokes Paint N' Sip, to learn more about her journey to creating an uplifting environment dedicated to inclusivity and creativity.

What was the inspiration behind Different Strokes?

Unfortunately, the inspiration behind Different Strokes Paint n' Sip was racial discrimination at a large corporation in Colorado. I was forced out of the workplace due to being targeted for racial discrimination, like being subjected to harassment in a toxic workplace environment. I decided I would never work in a corporate environment again or for anyone else again. Different Strokes was born out of all of the pain, and it took me back to my creative/artistic side and led me into the path of business ownership. Now, I provide beautiful, meaningful experiences and have a warm, welcoming environment for everyone.

What do you love about operating in Aurora?

I love operating my business in Aurora because it is the most diverse city in Colorado. After experiencing all of the darkness that racial discrimination inflicts, it's a wonderful blessing to be able to provide a safe space for everyone. Our art is just as diverse as the city. I love that Aurora is filled with so many small business owners who are just trying to live their dreams and so many residents who pour into those small businesses, making Aurora a melting pot of community!

What is the most rewarding part of personally owning a sip and paint business, especially in fostering creativity and a sense of community among your customers during sessions/workshops?

The most rewarding part of owning a Sip n' Paint is more about owning a space for ART and creativity! Our warm and inviting studio helps unleash the inner creativity that resides in all of us. We get to ease fears and build confidence in every session. Instead, it's a customer's first time painting, or they're a pro; the EXPERIENCE in and of itself is the cherry on top. We get to put SMILES on faces and provide a couple of hours to let your hair down, breathe, and relax. Art is therapeutic, and with all of the chaos and unrest in the world, you'll get to unleash and unwind during every session. ART THERAPY is what we like to call it.

What role do you see your business playing in contributing to the overall vibrancy and culture of Aurora?

The role that we see in our business contributing to the overall vibrancy and culture of Aurora is to keep being part of the community, especially when ART in schools is very scarce or nonexistent. Art has no age limit and is full of color, so everyone from every background, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can participate. We create and offer art that fosters positivity. Being part of the community and doing business in Aurora is deeply embedded within us. We aim to be part of the solution through our community presence and what we offer. Our art is vibrant, and when you walk in our doors or drive through the parking lot, we've been told our studio exudes vibrancy, positivity, and creativity. We want to be known as the GO-TO Sip n' Paint because it truly is an unmatched experience.

What are you most proud of as a business owner?

I am most proud of being a business owner because I need to uplift, encourage, empower, and inspire people from all walks of life, especially young ladies and women. Being a Black Woman business owner has its own set of what can be crippling challenges, so to be able to overcome and remain in business for seven years now is something for me to be proud of. Turning all of the ugly and devastation that happened to me in corporate into my own beautiful, peaceful piece of the world shows many people that they, too, can change their lives and circumstances; you have to believe in yourself and your abilities.