Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Smith.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Art In The Dark Paint because I wanted to give people a place where they could express themselves in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. I did not want to create another brightly lit, paint-by-number experience that felt more like a grade-school art class than a date night, corporate event, or celebration. I wanted the experience to feel creative, immersive, and different from the moment guests walked through the door. We opened our first location in New Hope in 2021, and from the beginning, Art In The Dark Paint has been a family-operated business. My husband, my children, and I have painted every wall in each location, and I have personally selected every detail that has gone into the space. Eventually, we moved into a larger location in Malvern, which allowed us to welcome more guests and expand our private parties, children’s celebrations, and corporate events. This studio is truly an extension of me. My family and I have poured so much of ourselves into building it, and I think that personal connection is part of what makes the experience feel so special.
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?
No, it has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been keeping the business financially sustainable while managing rising operating costs. At the same time, I was raising my family, working, and completing both my undergraduate and master’s degrees. There were many days when I went from schoolwork and seeing clients straight to preparing for an event at the studio. It was exhausting, and there were moments when I questioned how I could continue carrying everything. The journey has required a lot of sacrifice, but it has also shown me just how much I am capable of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Art In The Dark Paint is an immersive experience where guests create wearable art under blacklights using neon paint. Rather than creating something that may eventually sit in a closet or hang on a wall, our guests leave with artwork they can wear and use to showcase their creativity. As a therapist, I understand how much an environment can affect whether someone feels comfortable enough to relax and express themselves. That perspective influenced the entire studio. There is no pressure to be an artist, follow a specific design, or make something that looks like everyone else’s. Guests are free to create in a way that feels natural to them.
We are also known for our music, welcoming atmosphere, and open drink bar. We serve water, juice, soda, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails because I wanted everyone to feel considered, including guests who do not drink alcohol and those in recovery. No one should feel left out of the experience. What I am most proud of is that every part of the studio has a purpose. Whether someone comes for a date night, birthday, corporate event, or another celebration, they can relax, enjoy themselves, and leave with something that represents their individuality. That freedom to be yourself is what truly sets Art In The Dark Paint apart.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
For me, it has always been about how people feel while they are with us. Customer service is the main objective, and I believe it has been the most important part of our success. I treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect, but I also talk with our guests, laugh with them, and make sure they are comfortable and having fun. That is exactly what people mention in our reviews. They describe us as attentive, accommodating, friendly, down-to-earth, and willing to go above and beyond. Several guests have written about the conversations we shared, how personal the experience felt, and how much they enjoyed meeting us. One guest even said she felt like she had known us forever. Those comments mean so much to me because they show that people recognize the genuine care behind what we do. The activity may bring them through the door, but the way we treat them is what makes the experience memorable.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artinthedarkpaint/
