Life & Work with Kassondra Taylor of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassondra Taylor.

Kassondra , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always loved Art and felt most confident in myself through all the different art mediums. After being a stay at home mom for 10 years, the plan was I would go back to College as my children started school full time. I was pursuing my Art Education degree when the pandemic changed everything for the world and my family. Suddenly I was a full time college student and full time homeschool mom! But, what at the time, seemed overwhelming, We soon realized it was exactly where we were supposed to be! Homeschooling just felt right for us. There is so much more freedom and togetherness as a family. I felt like homeschooling was healing and teaching me so much more as a mom and teacher than any college course could. We recently moved to the East side of Cincinnati in a small rural town with tons of farmers fields all around! It’s our very own slice of Heaven! I was wondering around and found an Art studio in our new town! I instantly fell in love and have joined Jessica Blankenship, the owner along with 6 other incredibly talented teachers! We offer Art making experiences for everyone! My main focus is the homeschool community! I love teaching Elementary age and high schoolers! We cover the basics in building confidence and skills for beginners and also more advanced dedication classes for those that want to dive deeper into a topic or medium. I am known for my “messy” art projects because I love nothing more than really getting into the process of creativity! I understand not all homeschool moms want to take on all the supplies, chaos and mess. That is why the Artful Gathering is the perfect place! I want it, I encourage it. I will clean it up and your family gets to go home with a new masterpiece!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The fact that my young children where now homeschooling. It seemed an impossible situation to have my dream job and continue to keep my children at home. They were thriving with this new way of education. Being their mom needed to be my first priority. I was really searching for a way I could still do both. I am forever grateful I did!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I tell my students every class, that God made us perfect and yet we have flaws. Our art is better when it’s not perfect because it’s made by us and that’s what really matters. I strive to make sure every student feels supported in just trying. Many students have made comments that “Mrs. Taylor loves everything we make!” it’s true! I just am so excited and filled with joy when I see a student try something new, use their creativity and create anything!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
It’s not easy to talk about myself but I do pride myself in being adaptable to different situations. Lots of times plans do not work out or you’re missing a supply or some material is just not doing what it’s supposed to. I never let that stop me. I adjust to use what we do have or look on the bright side and find the lesson we can learn from a mishap. I am very go with the flow and we can always scrap the whole idea and do something different! No worries!

Pricing:

• classes range from $2o-$65

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theartfulgathering.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartfulgathering/