My shoulders lowered. There seemed to be a ton of things I needed to do, and all of them were new to me. "Yeah, but we haven't done anything yet."
"You can offer classes outside of the library or community center where people pay you , maybe start a class for kids or teens or adults. Whatever you want and expand from there," Hazel said.
"I'm happy about the turnout today, but how do I know if it will continue? What if this is just something new for people and they lose interest?"
Dalton picked up a few easels but didn't answer my question. I wanted to know what he thought.
Brady grabbed a stack of easels too. "I think you have something special going."
When they walked out, I asked Hazel, "Brady is just being nice. He doesn't really believe I could make this is a sustainable business."
Hazel gave me a look. "You remember that guy who used to paint on TV? We used to watch him in art class."
"Bob Ross. Of course I know him." I loved watching his shows. They were how I learned to do backgrounds so well."
A smile spread over her face. "You're the new Bob Ross."
"Now I know you're being crazy." I turned away from her and began packing a bag with the blank canvases, brushes, and paints.
She sobered. "I'm being serious. I think you could post short videos online and eventually start a subscription service or a course or something. The possibilities are endless."
"I wanted to teach art, but I thought it would be in person." I enjoyed that connection.
"You can still do that, but you can reach more people online. Think of the sheer number of people you could touch this way."
I shook my head even as I imagined connecting with more people. "It sounds completely crazy."
"Keep that email list, get your website going, and plan your next step. I think the problem is going to be that you'll need to expand faster than you're ready for. This could explode on you if you're not careful. Get everything set up, schedule your next in-person class, and start doing short videos on social media. Build interest, then settle on one offer. Whether it's a subscription service, an online course, or just a series of in-person classes. See how that goes."
I shook my head as Dalton and Brady returned. "I think y'all are crazy."
"The online space is booming. I've seen art kits for kids, but no one is teaching like you are. What you're doing is unique," Hazel insisted as we carried bags outside to Dalton’s truck.
She and Brady bounced ideas off each other, each one crazier than the last. They talked about me selling prints and merchandise, but the money would be in online classes or subscriptions.
I couldn't imagine filming myself and sharing it with the world. It was beyond scary.
On the drive home, Dalton was quiet.
I shifted so I could see him better. "You think they're crazy, right?"
Dalton looked over at me. "You mean Brady and Hazel?"
"Yeah, all that talk about me being the next Bob Ross and how people will pay to listen to me talk even if they're not painting."
"I think I missed that, but yeah I could see it."
I appreciated the support, but it still seemed impossible. They were just being nice. They didn't really think I could make a living online. "I thought I'd conduct classes in person. Make those personal connections."
His jaw was tight. "You should probably go back and get your degree. That way you have the credentials to back everything up. You won't just be a social-media influencer then."
"I'm so overwhelmed with everything Hazel said; I haven't even thought about the degree." I'd need to make a decision soon though. "Is that what you think I should do?"
"You want to do this right, and you've always wanted the degree," Dalton said dismissively.
This morning, he'd been so positive and supportive, but now he was closed off.
"That's what my parents want. This break was to see if that's what I wanted too, and I'm not sure."
