Meet Emma Muir | Owner, Painting & Vino Tucson

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

Hi Emma, how do you think about risk?
I see risk taking as a necessary ingredient for growth, whether it be in relationships or in bettering yourself or your business.

Putting myself out there and trying things that weren’t guaranteed to succeed has been scary but essential to beginning and expanding my paint and sip company in Tucson. When I take risks, I do my best to trust myself and my values and to check in with people I trust. I’ve taken some risks that haven’t worked out and others that have – its been terrifying but has led me to where I am, which is where I feel I’m supposed to be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started the current leg of Painting & Vino Tucson in April 2022. We are nationally licensed and locally run and owned. Our mission is to provide quality, step-by-step paint lessons in bars, restaurants, senior centers, offices, and anywhere else in the Tucson area. We offer a laid-back introduction to creativity in a nurturing, social environment. We are entirely mobile and partner primarily with other local businesses. We currently have 13 fabulous venue partners – and growing!

What sets us apart from other companies is that our events take place at family-friendly gardens, bars, restaurants and more. This allows for a casual environment that lets creativity flow for painting newcomers. Additionally, our public paint and sip classes provide three full hours of expert instruction – and we offer a large 16×20” canvas for each of our patrons to take home afterward. We strive to keep our events eco-friendly with reusable cups, rags, and brushes. Over the past year, I’ve gained an amazing team of artists who teach and run our events, and I’m honored to make our vision a reality alongside Noemi, Yesennia and Amanda.

When I started the business a year ago, I had no idea of the journey it would take me on, or the excitement and personal development it would bring. It is so fulfilling to get to work with local businesses and bring joy to individuals who attend our classes. There’s a sense of empowerment when folks create a painting they never knew they could. It’s humbling to provide a resource that provides relaxation, amazement, and connection among Tucson community members.

I started the business with close to nothing and have learned to commit to my values, trust my instinct, and pivot quickly when things need changing. What’s kept me going is the endless amount of people who are supportive of and excited about our mission. I hope we can continue bringing these classes to Tucson for a long while.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always show friends the Loop for bicycling or walking as its one of my favorite parts of Tucson. I’d do my best to squeeze in a nature walk at Saguaro National Park too. For local eats, I’d be remiss to not show them Red Captain Coffee, Selena’s Salvadorian, Tuk Tuk Thai and Sher-e Punjab!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my partner who has been there every step of this journey and for every step in between. They have provided encouragement, humor, space in our apartment, time, rides, emotional processing, physical support and setup at events, and so much more, even with tons going on in their own life. Endlessly grateful for you, partner!

Website: paintingandvino.com/tucson

Instagram: instagram.com/paintingandvinotucson

Facebook: facebook.com/paintingandvinotus

Yelp: yelp.com/biz/painting-and-vino-tucson-tucson

Other: Tiktok: tiktok.com/@paintingandvinotucson