If you’ve been following us on Instagram, you might have noticed something a little different from our usual cards.

I recently started painting pet portraits.

Cats and dogs are everywhere around me. Friends’ pets, neighbors’ dogs, animals I see every day. At some point, it just clicked: why not paint them?

I started with people I knew. That felt safer. Some became Christmas gifts, and seeing people’s reactions made me think… okay, maybe this could be something.

So I decided I’d paint about a dozen portraits before offering them to people I didn’t know. Not to be perfect — just ready enough.

When I reached that number, I planned my first outdoor painting session.

I’m lucky to live just a few blocks from Great Highway. If you’re not from San Francisco, it’s a road right by the ocean that was recently closed to cars. On sunny weekends, it fills with people walking, biking, playing music.

And yes. A lot of dogs.

Last Saturday, from 3:30 to 5 pm, I showed up with my easel and painting supplies.

I was excited.
And nervous.

Painting at home is one thing. Painting outside, where anyone can stop, watch, comment, or just keep walking, is different. But I knew that if I wanted real feedback, I had to show up where it could happen.

So I did.

Then my first client arrived.

He had two golden retrievers. My favorite dogs. He asked for one painting with both of them. I was already happy just from that.

And then he paid me five times what I was asking.
I remember thinking, wait… really? I hadn’t even been sure anyone would pay for my portraits at all.

He said he wanted to support what I was doing. Before leaving, he said something that stayed with me:
“Keep going.”

The next day, he sent photos of two more dogs for portraits, to be shipped to Oregon.

That same afternoon on the Great Highway, ANOTHER man with two golden retrievers stopped. Then a woman. One after the other. I painted, talked, took notes, and delivered the portraits over the next few days.

Apparently, golden retrievers were having a big day on Great Highway.

After that, I posted a photo of one portrait on my brand-new Instagram account, where I share some of my other creative work — like pet portraits and art classes. Another order came in.

That gave me some of the confidence I needed to keep going.

We often think we need confidence before taking action. But I’m learning that confidence usually comes after.

Courage comes first. Confidence is something you earn.
At least, that’s how it’s feeling right now.

My next step will be to do more outdoor painting sessions like this one. After that, I will ask a store where we already sell our cards if I can paint in front of the shop — maybe even turn it into a small event.

That idea still feels a little uncomfortable.
But I know that’s part of it.

So I’ll keep practicing.
Not until everything is perfect — just enough to keep going.

I don’t know yet where this new project will lead. But I do know I’m having a lot of fun — and I love seeing people smile when I hand them their painting.
For now, that’s what matters most!

🎨 If you’d like to see the portraits or this first outdoor setup, here’s the Instagram reel.

🐾 And if you’d like a pet portrait, feel free to reply to this email or reach out on Instagram.
For now, the price is $20.

💌 Finally, a small invitation: we’re hosting a Valentine card-making workshop at Offix Edge. A simple, creative moment for kids and teens, with the option to go home with printed cards. Details below.

Zélia, for SoliaVenture

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