Exploring Life & Business with Maya Ratcliff of Hawaii Fluid Art Kansas City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Ratcliff. 

Maya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Several years ago, I was struggling with boredom. I had mentioned it to my husband who said I should find a hobby. I tried for months, whittling, oil painting, watercolors, you name it and I didn’t like any of it. One night while I was asleep, I dreamed of an art form that was “fluid” in nature. I woke up at 2 am and dug through my storage closet looking for paint, I found some and went to work creating a fluid technique of my own. 

Fast forward a few months. I started posting my art on my FB page and people started buying it. Then people started asking me to teach them how I created such unique pieces. So, I started teaching classes in my garage. Within 8 months I had a booming home business. I taught over 2000 people in 8 months. I have taught so many types of people, from teachers’ groups to differently-abled adults to children. I have even taught famous people and the CEOs of major corporations. I am so honored that people choose Hawaii Fluid Art as a place to create. 

The next logical step was a retail location. It was a huge success. Now we have one Hawaii location, a beautiful location in Kansas City, and are in the process of opening 2 more locations, one in Las Vegas and one in Nashville. 

Not only are we excited about our stores, but we are now an FDD-approved Franchise. We will be a nationwide brand! My goal is to open 100 locations in the next 3 years. 

Our Mission statement is to Nurture and Inspire the human spirit one painting at a time. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
All successful business have bumps in the road. The pandemic hit everyone hard. We were fortunate enough to see growth during the pandemic. People needed an escape, a place to go (with the proper Covid protocols in place) to be creative and forget about the stresses of daily life. 

We offered that place. A place to create, a place to feel empowered and capable. Art is healing. Our locations are a beautiful vacation from the real world. Not only can you create and enjoy yourself you take home a stunning piece of fluid art that is one of a kind. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hawaii Fluid Art Kansas City?
We are an art gallery/jewelry store that also features an art studio in the back of our Kansas City location. We are a unique model that offers local art and jewelry by different artists and designers from the Kansas City area. We offer fluid art classes 5 times a day 7 days a week. 

We believe that art is healing, art is a way to express yourself and to create lasting memories. 

To Nurture and Inspire the human spirit one painting at a time is our mission statement and we whole heartily believe that our studio helps bring smiles to everyone who attends. 

We offer one on one lessons, small groups, and large group classes. We even offer onsite events for corporations and schools. 

Hawaii Fluid Art Kansas City is a place to explore your inner artist, no skill set is required and first-time students create stunning pieces of art with the help of our certified instructors. Everyone is welcome at Hawaii Fluid Art. 

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Take care of your team and your team will take care of you. 

Having a team support you is vital to your success. Treat your team as your partners and watch them grow. 

I believe in promoting from within and giving my teammates every opportunity to succeed at a high level. 

I also believe in dreaming big. With the support of my team and customers, there is nothing we cannot overcome or attain. 

Pricing:

• 10″ x 20″ fluid art class is 55.00
• 16″ x 20″ fluid art class is 75.00
• 18″ x 24″ fluid art class is 95.00

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.hawaiifluidart.com
• Instagram: @hawaiifluidart
• Facebook: @hawaiifluidart and @mayaishappy

Image Credits
Maya Ratcliff
Don Ratcliff