For Hawaii Fluid Art Founder Maya Ratcliff, the fluid art form came to her as a happy accident. When the pandemic hit, Ratcliff was looking for a fun hobby to occupy her time, so she signed up for art classes. By Kelsi Trinidad
When Maya Ratcliff began toying with acrylic paints in her garage three years ago, she never dreamed she would soon be the founder of one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S. By Patty Horansky
Elva Alcala of Celina, Texas, worked in social services for some 20 years. She enjoyed her career but longed for a business of her own. As a young person, she loved to paint and draw but put aside her art as an adult. When her employer restructured in 2021, Alcala was let go. “I thought it was time for me to do something different and that I really loved,” she said. “I’ve always been interested in the arts.” By Patty Horansky