Meet Brooke Padgett | Intervention Specialist + Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooke Padgett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooke, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My little business, currently named Padgettcovidart (started during Covid) was designed as a creative outlet for me, but in turn has provided people with a way to connect with others using greeting cards. I created my business off of one simple question- how can you make someone smile today? The answer? Send them a card, of course! I started this company by combining my art with funny/quirky and sometimes profane sayings to create one of a kind greeting cards. The point was to help others spread smiles, sunshine, and laughter to the world. I found the beautiful floral art combined with the often times profanity laced sayings created a perfect combination to provide laughter to someone that may need it. The world needs a bit more lightness and laughter, and my cards help to do just that!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Oh gosh, where to start. I have always loved art. I married an artist for crying out loud:) I had no idea I too could be an artist until 4 years ago. I was an intervention specialist. And while I adored working with kids, I was getting very run down with all of the other “stuff” that came along with that field. When Covid hit, I was at home on an extended maternity leave with my one year old. Soon, my kindergartener and third grader began remote learning (like the rest of the world). I began using my “me” time (very early mornings) to dabble with paint, both watercolors and acrylics. I truly couldn’t get enough, and found myself so excited to wake up early just so I could continue experimenting with the different mediums. I would watch tutorials, how to’s, etc. I have never been formally taught, which I believe allowed me to truly experiment without knowing the “rules” of art. I got to make my own rules (which suits me better anyway:) As time went on, I began pairing my paintings with funny quotes or sayings and post them to social media to lighten the very heavy load that came with Covid. With incredible feedback from my friends, I began researching how to create my own greeting cards, bought my own printer and began trial and error in printing cards created from my art. I then had to research how to open an etsy shop, and take the time to photograph my cards and then open up my shop. This was how Padgettcovidart began. Many people ask, why “Covid” art, to which I reply, during a time of such uncertainty I was able to use some of my time to create something beautiful. One day I plan on renaming my business but for now, I like the reminder that this all started during Covid. I have had such tremendous support from “my” people. I would have never been able to get to where I am now without their words of encouragement and support in buying my art.

As time marched on, I continued using my art to create new greeting cards, but my business evolved into so much more. I began buying vases from second hand stores to hand paint so I could give them new life. Again, through trial and error I discovered that through painting layers you can make the inside of a vase beautiful as well (which I paint black and white stripes as my first layer of the vase to shine through the inside). Next, I decided to try hand painting ornaments. Then earrings. Slowly but surely I realized that I love creating functional art. Art that can actually be used. When you buy a vase, not only are you buying a piece of one of a kind art, but you are buying something beautiful to showcase on a bookshelf OR to place a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

While this shortened version of my story may sound relatively easy, I assure you it has not always been! My journey has taken time, persistence, patience, and so much work. So. Much. Work. To be honest, there have been so many times that I have packed up all of my art, paint, canvases with the intention of being DONE. I don’t quit easily in anything I do, but I have “quit” my art journey at least a handful of times. As corny as it sounds, every time I think I am done, the art drifts back into my head, creating more ideas that I just have to try and I jump back into it after taking a little break. I think my biggest frustration in this journey lies with having to market myself and my art. I am not a “marketer” by nature, and really don’t like talking about myself. I am not a huge fan of social media either, but I know that it must be used. So this is the part of the journey that has been so very difficult for me. How may posts are too many posts? What should I post about, but remain authentic and true to myself? Then there are those times i have to fend off those thoughts, “are you really an artist?” or “Is your art even that good?”

One of the biggest lessons I have learned from all of this is slow and steady wins the race. My brain races one million miles a minute, with ideas bouncing around in my brain. I often have to force myself to focus on one goal at a time. I try to focus on one big goal each year. Last year was to get a couple of art festivals under my belt so I could sell my art in person. With help from friends, I navigated buying a tent, entering the jurying process, figuring out which art to bring, etc. Some festivals were winners, and some not so much but through it all I am learning. Hands down, you just have to keep trying. If something means that much to you, you have to keep putting one step in front of the other and continue trying

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend come visit me in Toledo, I would advise them to come in the spring/summer months, as winter is not my cup of tea.
If my friend and her kids were visiting Toledo, we would start out at my favorite coffee shop. I am most definitely a coffee snob, and hands down the best tasting coffee (Madcap) served in the area is at Plate 21. We may also take a little adventure to Bowling Green to drink some coffee at Grounds for Thought while looking through their thousands of used books, as well as play some of the board games they have laying around! After we grab our coffee, we might go to my very favorite local greenhouse, Bensells. I love this locally owned place- it’s perfectly messy, with cats roaming around while you shop. She always has such wonderful and unique plants at very affordable prices. Next we would probably hit my favorite antique store, The Vault. This place is magical, with so many different things to look at, being sold at such affordable prices (unlike many of the other antique stores in the area). Family owned, the owners are such wonderful and knowledgeable people to talk to about their store. Next we would get lunch at one of my favorite restaurants, Balance. This restaurant is locally owned, and uses as many of their own grown ingredients as possible. I always feel good about the food my kids eat when we go here, and fresh food never tasted so good! (a close second would be an amazing meal from Plat 8 or pizza from Stubborn Brother). Next we would hit any of the metroparks, with my favorite being Oak Openings and the Heavy Wheelhouse. We would bring the kids, their bikes, and my dog Gus, grab a coffee or pint, and sit on the patio while watching our kids ride bikes on their bike obstacle course. While at Oak Openings, we would also hit “The Spot”, an area made famous for tall, swaying pine trees. As you walk in, you are transported to an-otherworldly place, which feels like complete magic. A runner up for favorite Metropark is the new Glass City Metropark- so much to do and see, especially if you are with kids! Next up, just to wear the kids out, we would have to choose between many of our favorites- the family center at the Toledo Art Museum, the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg, or Coppermoon to create a glass ornament. After wearing the kids out, we would drop them off at home and head out for some drinks at Bellwether. I absolutely love how they have decorated this place, as well as thoroughly enjoy their creativity in creating new drink menus throughout the year. We may also hit up the Village Idiot to catch a drink and a local band. Also worth noting, my favorite place to sweat is Pure Barre Toledo. I have been going here for years, and I absolutely love the work out and the positivity of the people and instructors there. Two of my favorite festivals (and two which I have participated in with my art) are Maple and Main in Sylvania, and the Toledo Holiday Night Market downtown. Both festivals are so much fun to participate in and attend with live music, wonderful food and drinks, and local art/goodies!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many incredible people surrounding me. My friends and family have come to every art show, have bought countless pieces of art, and have commissioned me to create pieces for them (with my most favorite being an art piece created from my dear friends’ mother’s ashes). I am truly the luckiest person on this earth with how much support I receive from the people I absolutely adore. But the person I want to actually mention is my husband, David. He was the person that encouraged me to step away from an 18 year career (intervention specialist) that was not healthy for me at the time. He is the person that listens to my crazy ideas and helps me bring them to life. He is the person that places the words on my cards after I scan my artwork (as he is a graphic designer). And he is the one that is my loudest cheerleader. I can honestly say that without him, my journey would have looked very very different. He is a CRAZY talented artist, so when he looks at my art and tells me that he thinks it is good, well, there is truly no better compliment. So David Padgett, there are no words that will ever come close enough to expressing my gratitude in showing me the support you have since day one.

Website: Etsy: padgettcovidart

Instagram: @padgettcovidart

Facebook: @padgettcovidart

Other: TikTok: @padgettcovidart