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

Hi Katie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Collaboration. Beautification Solutions was started in 2011 with my business partner, Justin McInteer. Our success wouldn’t be what it is without his support and skills. I also reach out to other painters and artist friends to help with big jobs, feedback and advice often. I’ve learned so much of what I know by listening to others and resisting the interference of my ego.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Beautification Solutions was started with the love of painting. Justin and I both owned our own galleries, his in Echo Park and I was in East Hollywood. We started to paint together at the gallery that I ran with Chris Gere, called Synchronicity Space. Chris and I decided to have a mural wall so artists could have exterior shows as well as interior ones. Often the execution (and sometimes the concept) fell on us to finish and Justin was excited and willing to be a part. From there, we started getting referrals from friends who needed signage for their businesses or any other hand painted project. It’s now been 10 years since we started painting together and are still very much in love with the process as we were when we first started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take a drive on Angel’s Crest Highway through Angeles Forest and up to Mt. Wilson Observatory. See a movie at the New Beverly. Get breakfast at Kitchen Mouse. Get a glass of wine at Highland Park Wine and some pizza at Triple Beam. Go to York Blvd. and shop at Big Bud Press, Crush/Touch. Get ice cream at Scoops also on York or the one in Chinatown. Full disclosure: almost all of these suggestions are my amazing clients!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business partner, Justin. My sweetheart, John. My best friend, Chris. My supportive family. My mentors Doc Guthrie and Carlos Aguilar at LA Trade Tech. My fellow signpainters and muralists. My awesome clients and even the not so awesome ones that have taught me important lessons.

Website: www.beautificationsolutions.com

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

Image Credits
John Wiese, Caitlin C Mitchell

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