Meet Elya Moline | Founder of Oceanside Art Collective

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

Hi Elya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My background is in education, and I’ve always loved the arts. Even as a classroom teacher, I intentionally integrated art into my lessons because I saw how it increased engagement, built confidence, and helped students connect more deeply to what they were learning. For me, art and education have always gone hand in hand.

In 2022, I left full-time teaching and began working with Chancy and Bruce, a small curriculum and assessment company, while also supporting Luna Arts and Ed providing professional development and community art experiences. Through that work, I started leading private paint-and-sips for small gatherings, which naturally grew into after-school art lessons for kids.

For years, I had a quiet dream of opening an art workshop studio, a welcoming community hub where parents could relax while their kids engaged in something creative and meaningful. I envisioned a space where people could gather and feel inspired, and where local artists and artisans could sell their work, teach classes, and connect with one another.

As the classes and events continued to grow, opening a studio didn’t feel like a leap, it felt like the natural next step, bringing together everything I care about: education, creativity, and community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is rooted in expression, accessibility, and connection. I’m especially drawn to watercolor, paints, pencils, and markers, because of its fluidity and movement. I love bold color and subjects inspired by animals and nature, while continuing to explore new mediums to keep growing as an artist.

What sets me apart is how my background in education shapes everything I do. I focus on the experience of creating, not just the final piece. I’ve always looked for ways to improve engagement, first for my students, and now for the artists, vendors, and families in my space. I’m constantly asking how I can make the experience more welcoming and meaningful.

I’m new to entrepreneurship, and it’s required risk, adaptability, and continuous learning. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to build with intention and stay connected to your purpose.

At its core, my brand is about creating welcoming spaces where creativity brings people together and continues to evolve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, it would definitely turn into a food tour. I’m a foodie, so we’d plan everything around great spots to eat and drink.

We’d start with breakfast at Communal for coffee and something fresh to kick off the day. Then we’d head to North County Spa for a massage and some relaxation before grabbing lunch at Local Tap House, and we’d absolutely order the pretzel as an appetizer.

In the afternoon, we’d spend time at the beach just north of the pier, and one of my favorite stretches. After rinsing off the sand, we’d stop by Oceanside Art Collective to shop for unique gifts and support local artists.

For sunset, drinks at Mission Pacific overlooking the ocean are a must as the views are hard to beat. And we’d end the night with dinner at Harney Sushi, which is fresh, fun, and always a good choice.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to acknowledge my husband, Chad, who’s supported me from the beginning and continues to believe in what I’m building.

My mom, JoDee Luna, has been a constant mentor and partner in this work. I’m also grateful for my aunt Gina Wilson and friends Paige Rolbiecki and Melissa Cizaukas, the backbone of the collective.

To our artists and vendors, thank you for sharing your talent and trusting this space. And to our wider community of family and friends who show up and support us, this truly exists because of you.

Website: https://www.oceansideartcollective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceansideartcollective/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elya-moline-7796331b4/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Oceanside-Art-Collective/61582110594871/