Blooming Through Creativity
A Conversation with Nala Heer, of Zara Studio & Co.
Running a small business is never just about making money. It’s about finding the spark that lights you up and then using that spark to light up your community. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with a fellow small business owner, Nala Heer, the creative force behind Zara Studio & Co., a traveling art studio based out of Kewaunee, WI, that brings people together through painting, face painting, and a variety of community-centered events. You can see the full interview HERE.
From the moment we started talking, it was clear that Nala’s story is as much about connection as it is about creativity.
The Story Behind Zara Studio & Co.
The name Zara means “blooming flower,” a perfect fit for a business designed to help people blossom into their creative selves. Interestingly, the name came from Nala’s old World of Warcraft character (proof that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places!)
“I was like, well, that kind of fits, because I'm helping people kind of blossom into themselves with their creativity. And I just love what that means for us.” she explained.
That simple mission of helping others bloom, is at the heart of everything she does.
From Pet Portraits to Community Paint Nights
Like many entrepreneurs, Nala started small. Her first foray into business was creating pet portraits of dogs, cats, and even lizards. It was fulfilling, but she wanted something more interactive. That’s when she leaned into what she truly loves: guiding others through painting. Today, her events range from private painting parties to large community gatherings, often featuring landscapes tied to local landmarks like the Algoma and Kewaunee lighthouses.
Her passion is clear: “I really enjoy watching people paint and teaching people how to paint. So I decided to come up with this business because it's fun for me and it's fun for other people, and people need to have more fun.”
What makes Zara Studio & Co. unique isn’t just the art, it’s the way community is woven into every brushstroke. At a small business expo where I first met Nala, she introduced my daughter to splatter painting. Watching her teach in real time was powerful. My daughter was hesitant at first, but with some encouragement, she jumped in and that ended up being the highlight of her day. The best part? Everyone contributed to a shared canvas, creating a single piece of artwork built by many hands.
That’s the magic of what Nala does with Zara Studio. It’s not about producing “perfect art,” it’s about creating meaningful experiences and memories together.
Inspiration Everywhere
So, where does Nala find inspiration? Often it comes from the location itself, painting lighthouses by the lake, floral splatter paintings at a farm with alpacas and goats, or seasonal themes tied to holidays. She also finds ideas through everyday conversations, Pinterest browsing, and even casual suggestions from event attendees.
No two events are exactly the same, and that’s intentional. Each painting becomes a reflection of the place, the season, and the people involved. And even if the template topic were to be repeated, you still come away with a unique piece of art and special memories, because they were made by your own hands!
The Business Side of Art
Of course, passion and creativity are only part of the equation. As any small business owner knows, there’s also the challenge of growing a business.
Nala was candid about her biggest hurdle: marketing.
Some events struggled with ticket sales, and she realized that promotion couldn’t fall only on her shoulders. Success came easiest when venues partnered in the process, like Red’s Pub & Grill in Kewaunee, where owner Jessica (who is a marketing/promotions rock star! I’m looking at you Jessica!) helped with videos, promotions, and worked to create a behind-the-scenes buzz.
Community Facebook pages have also been a powerful tool. Sharing events in groups like our local Kewaunee Speak Up or Algoma Community Chat pages, helps her reach people who might otherwise never know about Zara Studio.
Her advice for other small business owners? Don’t be shy. Small-town communities love supporting local businesses, but they can’t support what they don’t know exists.
“…the cool thing about Kewaunee County is that we've got some great, wonderful patrons who really love supporting businesses. So if you can get your word out there on Facebook, on anything that you know, any group, or even going out into the community, doing volunteering and talking about stuff…that, really gets yourself out there, and it gets people talking about you, and it gets people knowing that you're there.”
Looking Ahead…
So, what’s next for Zara Studio?
When we asked Nala if there was anything in the works that we could look forward to, she said that she is working on building out painting kits with video tutorials, so people who can’t attend her in-person events can still enjoy the experience at home. She envisions subscriptions through her website, giving families and individuals new projects to look forward to each and every month. This will allow her to grow her business, while also spreading her gifts beyond just those who attend her classes.
There is already a version of this plan live on her website, at: https://www.zarastudio.co/pricing-plans/list.
Be sure to sign up for her newsletter while you are there, so that you get all of the updates when this plan really starts to take shape!
If I Could Grant Her a Wish, What Would She Wish For?
As she balances her role as a children’s librarian at the Kewaunee Public Library with growing her business, her long-term dream is clear:
“Five to ten years down the line, I would love to be full-time. I would love to have my whole week filled with teaching people how to paint.”So, I asked the question, “If I could snap my fingers and grant you one wish, what would it be?”
She gave an answer that I think many of us who operate businesses in the world of social media and content can relate to… she would like help with video production.
Capturing the energy of a painting event while also teaching and connecting with participants is a tall order. Having someone dedicated to filming and editing would allow Zara Studio to share its story more widely, and inspire even more people to pick up a paintbrush.
If you or someone you know may be able to help with problems like these, reach out to us at: [email protected] as we are looking to build a list of resources for small business owners in our community!
Final Thoughts
What I admire most about Nala’s journey is her mix of authenticity and courage. She took something that she loved in painting, and has turned it into that she can share with the community, to help us all experience some creativity and joy in our own lives.
Her story is a reminder for all small business owners: you don’t have to do things the way everyone else does. Sometimes, the most unique ideas are the ones rooted in fun, relationships, and genuine passion, because these are the things that create memories that truly mean something for the members of our communities.
And in the end, just like the name Zara suggests, businesses like hers help all of us bloom a little brighter.
How Can You Connect with Zara Studio & Co.?
Want to join an event, book a private party, or just see what creative fun Nala is up to? Here is how you can find her:
Facebook: Zara Studio & Co. https://www.facebook.com/zarastudioco
Instagram: @ZaraStudioCo https://www.instagram.com/zarastudioco
Website: https://www.zarastudio.co/ is where you can subscribe to her newsletter for upcoming events and tutorials.
Until next time, be sure to sign up for OUR OWN newsletter, so that you never miss a future Small Business Spotlight, and maybe one day we can feature your business!
Best wishes,
Dr. Travis Lange
