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

Hi Sarah, how does your business help the community?
I may not be changing the entire world, but I truly believe my business helps strengthen our local community. Through Paint My Buddy, I bring pet lovers together to celebrate the bond we share with our animals through art. My workshops and events create a space where people connect, share stories, and build friendships centered around their love for their pets.

My own dog, Momo, was rescued from Love Leo Rescue. Through working closely with rescue organizations over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible work they do; pulling dogs from euthanasia lists, providing medical care, and helping them find loving forever homes. None of this would be possible without community support and donations.

That’s why many of my workshops and events give back to local rescue groups. While the contributions may not do much, they help raise funds and, just as importantly, spread awareness about the life-saving work these organizations do. Supporting rescue efforts is something I’m deeply committed to as both an artist and a pet parent.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art comes from the heart. While technique matters, my true goal is to capture the love and connection people share with their pets. I don’t just paint what a pet looks like. I try to preserve the feeling they bring into someone’s life. As a pet parent myself, I understand how deep that bond runs, and that emotional connection guides every piece I create.

My journey wasn’t easy. Starting my own business required resilience, learning how to market myself, host events, and push through uncertainty. Over time, I’ve learned that passion and community are everything. The support from rescue groups, returning students, and fellow small business owners has shaped where I am today.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s built on love — love for animals, art, and community. If my work can preserve a memory or help support a rescue in the process, then I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d definitely take them to some of the pop-up markets I participate in! Pop-up markets are trending right now as more people are beginning to appreciate small businesses and handmade goods over mass-produced items. It’s incredibly inspiring to see so many passionate small business owners come together to share their brands and build their dreams.

Of course, a museum visit would also be on the itinerary! My favorite is the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. While it’s not the largest museum, it houses a stunning collection of artwork—including my favorite piece, St. Cecilia by Guido Reni—as well as amazing works by Van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, and many more. We’d also have to make a stop at The Getty Museum and LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art).

If you’re visiting SoCal, a trip to the beach is an absolute must! Whether you prefer a peaceful, secluded spot or an iconic destination like Santa Monica, SoCal’s beaches are all stunning in their own way. And if you can stick around to catch the sunset, it’s the perfect, satisfying way to end your day—or your entire trip.

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?
First and foremost, I want to thank my family for supporting me unconditionally. Building a creative business comes with risks and uncertainty, and having their steady encouragement has meant everything to me.

I’m also incredibly grateful for every single person who attends my workshops. Some students return again and again, and their continued trust and enthusiasm allow me to keep creating and growing. The rescue groups I collaborate with also deserve so much credit. They not only work tirelessly to save animals, but they trust me enough to partner with me and even support my wild, creative fundraising ideas.

The small business community around me has been another huge source of strength. We truly uplift one another, share resources, and show up for each other’s events. That kind of mutual support is priceless.

As a Certified Bob Ross Instructor, I owe a special thank you to my teachers, Faye Dasher and Nic Hankins, who guided me through the certification process and encouraged me to pursue this path seriously. And finally, someone I’ve never met but who profoundly changed my life as an artist: Bob Ross. His passion for art and his generosity in sharing it with the world inspired me to teach, to give back, and to create joy through painting. It’s an honor to carry on a small part of his legacy.

Website: https://www.sarahlew.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-lew-5559ab371/

Other: https://sarahlew.smugmug.com

Image Credits
I have the rights and permission for the images.

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