The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
I have been in Tampa Bay for a total of five years. I moved to St Petersburg during my time on Active Duty, and started my business concept and perfected it throughout the years. My military service took me to the West coast, then eventually, I came back to Tampa Bay to open up my establishment.
Hustle (job)
Owner and Creator
What do you do?
I own Joes Palette Paint Bar, opened July 1, 2022, which has a team of artists who specializes in instructional paint classes and assist with hosting our themed, divested weekly Sip and Paint events such as Latin nights, reggae nights, disco, Karaoke, ’90s alternative and more. We also cater to event space rentals, as well as private parties.
Why do you do it?
I love seeing people come together and have a great time and art is something that is universal and had showed time and time again, that it is the glue to creating and merging cultures and ideas. I grew up in the islands, moved to America, joined the military and traveled the world. I had the honor of meeting people from various backgrounds, and embracing their cultures as well as expressing mine. Art is the glue that allows me to do so continuously and that’s why I created Joes Palette Paint and Wine Bar.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
I’ve always had a love for art, ever since I was in pre-school, in high school I took it a bit more seriously and won an award for my skills during my senior year. Where I am from, in the islands back in those days, art wasn’t something that was considered to be something to bring in income, but really a childish hobby.
So I took a break from art and joined the corporate world. In 2018, I started painting again, and eventually had so many pieces that I sold them all, and that’s what really started my venture. I hosted local paint classes right here in Tampa Bay with co-workers and friends, then it grew to sold-out clubs and lounges in Sacramento California, and Washington, D.C. When I moved back to Florida, it was only right that I put all of my experience within the business into action and open my own paint bar.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
“Art doesn’t pay well.” I think that is the biggest misconception because, for me, I’ve used what I’ve learned from both my Bachelor’s and Masters’s in business and turned my art into something that generated a steady income because I loved it, and enjoyed what I did regardless of how much I made; and I believe my business mindset and my love for art combined allows me to have a constant market for what I do, and what Joe’s Palette offers.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
Not being able to franchise just yet.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
When you hit an obstacle, find another route, when that route may seem like another obstacle, keep moving forward.
