From Brick-and-Mortar to Art on Wheels

Sometimes the best business decision isn't about expanding your space. It's about reimagining how you do business. For Kay Burnett, known as Kay The Paint Lady, that realization led to a major transformation of Kay's Paint Joint — and a colorful new chapter on wheels!

When the Business Outgrows the Building

Kay originally operated a traditional brick-and-mortar painting studio, but as demand for private paint parties, classes, and community events grew, she found herself spending more time traveling to customers than welcoming them into her studio.

Before long, the studio had become little more than a staging and storage area. She was paying rent while constantly packing supplies, hauling equipment, and setting up at other locations.

That's when Kay had an idea: What if the studio itself could travel?

The answer was Kay's Paint Joint Mobile Art Bus, a creative studio on wheels that would bring painting experiences directly into the community.

The Mobile Art Bus brings creativity directly into the community.

Building a Dream, One Step at a Time

Transforming a bus into a mobile art studio took planning, resources, and plenty of determination. With help from a small municipal grant, community donations, donated services, and a whole lot of hustle, Kay steadily brought her vision to life.

In August 2026, she was still working on the final details and reaching out for support to cross the finish line. By October, she had exciting news: The Mobile Art Bus was officially complete and on the road! And Kay was already putting it to work.

More Than Paint Parties

Today, Kay's Mobile Art Bus is bringing creativity to schools, community organizations, private events, and families. She's secured recurring after-school programming and is launching Young Makers Studio, a youth program combining STEM education with art and hands-on learning.

What began as a practical solution to a business model that no longer fit her needs has become an opportunity to inspire creativity, encourage problem-solving, and make art more accessible to young people.

Connections That Inspire

Kay first connected with the Washington Center for Women in Business at the INSPIRE Pop-Up Market in October 2025. She continued that connection as an attendee and vendor at the INSPIRE Women's Business Conference in May 2026.

Over the past year, we've had the pleasure of watching her take an ambitious idea and turn it into reality. Her journey reflects the spirit of INSPIRE — bringing women entrepreneurs together to share ideas, build relationships, and support one another along the way.

Learning Patience Along the Way

One of Kay's proudest accomplishments is securing after-school programming, allowing her to share her passion for art with the next generation.

When inspiration strikes, it's natural to want everything to happen immediately. Kay's advice to other women starting or growing a business is to be patient, stay persistent, and understand that building something meaningful doesn't happen overnight.

Her Mobile Art Bus is proof of what patience, determination, and community support can accomplish.

What's Next for The Paint Lady?

With the bus officially operating, Kay is focused on growing her programs, securing additional school and community partnerships, and keeping the bus equipped for the next generation of young artists.

Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn't always mean sticking to the original plan. Sometimes success comes from recognizing when it's time for a change and having the courage to make it happen.

And for The Paint Lady, that journey is just getting rolling!

Learn about upcoming Young Makers Studio programs.

Explore classes and registration →