By nature, I'm a careful person. I’ve always taken my time with big decisions. I’ve stayed in jobs long past their expiration date, held onto relationships that were ready to be released, and over-analyzed every fork in the road.
But one lesson I’ve been practicing more and more as I step fully into this art career is this: trust the nudge. When intuition speaks, listen. Trust that it’s leading me toward the right people, the right spaces, the right opportunities. The ones where I can do more good with less grinding.
One warm day last summer, I was walking home through downtown York after a long conversation with my boyfriend about the future. My artist studio lease was coming up for renewal, and though I didn’t know it at the time, my landlord was about to try and lock me into a three year commitment.
I remember casually thinking, “I guess I’ll be here another year. Another year working in this storefront.” But as soon as the words formed in my mind, something inside me dropped. A wave of sadness hit me. Not relief, not excitement. Very subtle dread.
That feeling stopped me right there on the sidewalk. I asked myself, “Wait... am I unhappy here?” It was a quiet, honest moment. And the answer surprised me.
I have so much gratitude for this studio. It came to me at a time when I didn’t even plan on opening a storefront. My intuition led me here in 2023, and I followed that call. This space gave me room to grow, to paint more, to build an art practice I’m proud of. But standing there on that sidewalk, I realized I was outgrowing it. It felt like wearing a coat that no longer fit. A little too snug. Not enough room to stretch.
(photo credit: Catherine Roque)
That realization started a gentle but determined search for something new. I wanted a space that felt collaborative. One with natural foot traffic, so I wouldn’t feel quite so alone on the quiet days. A space large enough to welcome more people into my classes, without squeezing them into every corner.
And now... I’m ready to move my artist studio storefront.
This decision comes ten months into being a full time artist and two years since moving into this space. And what a chapter it has been. More time to make art. More moments of financial anxiety. A crash course in building stronger business systems. Big yeses to new opportunities. Preparing for my largest art show yet. And showing up consistently in new ways. I’ve kept the storefront open with regular hours. I’ve shared behind the scenes emails each week. I’ve posted updates on social media nearly every day. It’s been a season of courage, and of building strong roots.
(photo credit: Catherine Roque)
And I’ve been paying close attention to both the numbers and my intuition.
At the end of December, I sat down with my spreadsheets, receipts, and my tea, and I looked at the full picture.
Here’s what I found.
My online shop and the markets I sell art at bring in the most visibility and the most art sales. My storefront, while meaningful, brings in the least. And it is by far my biggest expense. Two years in, with little organic foot traffic, I realized it was time to pivot. It was time to make space for what is working.
My Next Chapter
Starting June 6, Steph Holmes Artist Studio will have a new home in the business incubator space on the second floor of Gather 256, my favorite neighborhood bistro and community space. I’m designing the space intentionally to support every part of what I do.
- More classroom space, so we’re not bumping elbows.
- A dedicated gallery wall where you can visit your favorite original paintings in person.
- A print wall stocked with all your favorite nature inspired pieces.
- A painting station set up and ready, so you can stop in and see me painting live.
And yes, you’ll be able to do all of that while sipping a warm latte or a perfectly steeped London Fog from Gather 256 downstairs.
(photo credit: Gather 256)
My last day in my current space at 336 W Market Street in York, PA is Friday, April 25, 2025 open from noon to 6 PM.
The Grand Re-Opening Party for my new studio at 256 W Philadelphia Street York, PA is Friday, June 6, 2025 from 5 PM to 8 PM. If you're local, I’d love for you to come by, say hello, and celebrate this next chapter with me.
Thank you for walking alongside me through every season of this journey. Your presence, encouragement, and support make all of this possible. It means the world to me to be able to make art that reflects the beauty and soul of the natural world, and to share it with kindred spirits like you.
Find more info about the Grand Reopening Party and RSVP here on the ole' Facebook: click here
