Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Iarrobino.
Robyn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been an artist but taken many different paths because I often heard I couldn’t make a living as an artist. So I have the great jobs in Boston and was very fortunate to have the experiences I had, but somehow my work always snuck into those environments…from doing mural work to paintings. I took classes and eventually started to teach at an art school in Foxborough.
My husband and I have three boys and when my oldest was about to enter high school, there was an unfortunate accident and one of the teachers/coaches was killed in a drunk driving accident I was compelled to paint his portrait. I never knew how that would change my life. All of a sudden everyone learned that I was an artist. Many doors opened, I was asked to do commission projects, I took year long position at our high school teaching art and I started to offer art lessons.
One day, I was asked to conduct a paint party as a fundraiser for my son’s class.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure I could do it, but my students assured me I could and it was very successful. At that moment, I started to work on Blue Anchor Studio and never looked back.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course there are struggles. Just making it as an artist takes a lot. You get knocked down a lot and you have to pull yourself up and keep going. You have to dedicate a lot of hours to develop your own work but also find a balance and offer classes/events that interest people because you do have to pay bills. With hard work and perseverance, it can be achieved.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Blue Anchor Studio – what should we know?
There are so many aspects of me that I am proud of. I am so proud to have my own business and proud to help others to learn to be creative. I have worked with a pageant contestant, Carly Fisher, who is currently Miss Massachusetts Outstanding Teen. Her talent for the pageants is speed painting. In 90 seconds, she paints a portrait, upside down while giving the audience hints about who it is. We’ve worked together for two years and it’s been amazing to teach her how to paint and watch her compete. Her journey brought us to Orlando for the Miss America Outstanding Teen this past July.
What I am most proud of is the work I have been able to do with local fundraisers. People will often have the Paint Parties/Seascape Windows as a fundraiser. I have met the most incredible, kind hearted people who have amazing journeys. Last year, Blue Anchor Studio raised over $20,000 towards these charities. It’s an honor to work with them and contribute to their cause.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
You’ve got to be able to make the people you work with comfortable. Whether it’s taking lessons or fundraisers. If I can offer the services and help the people I work with find success and make it easy along the way, then it’s a success. Customer service and quality is so important.
Pricing:
- Paint Party $35
- Seascape Windows $40
Contact Info:
- Address: 25 Wareham Street,
Middleboro, Ma 02346 - Website: www.blueanchorstudio.net
- Phone: 508-364-0692
- Email: blueanchorstudio@gmail.com
- Facebook: Facebook@blueanchorstudio
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