Beverly Whysall, franchisee, Painting with a Twist, Shiloh

By RITA DUCKWORTH
    If you think a girls’ night out can’t change your life, just ask Beverly Whysall.
    Whysall had a career as a union electrician. As an empty nester, she spent about
    10 years traveling around the country, working for a large construction firm. Working with men all day at job sites, she jumped at the chance when female coworkers invited her for a night out. “We grabbed our wine and snacks and went to Painting with a Twist in Temple, Texas,” she remembers.
    This “sip and paint” concept began in Louisiana about 10 years ago and has grown in popularity with 344 franchise locations. Patrons bring their own refreshments and with the guidance of an artist, create their very own work of art. Neither experience nor artistic ability is necessary. The studios provide all tools and materials.
    After that first visit, Whysall was hooked. “It was so relaxing and so much fun. The two hours flew by, and we all went home with something worthy of hanging on the wall.” She went back often, and if no one could join her, she’d go alone.
    Back at her home base in Shiloh between construction jobs, Whysall became bored.
    “I would have loved to go paint, but the nearest Painting with a Twist was
    26 miles away.” That’s when the lightbulb went off. She began researching the franchise immediately. In April 2016, Whysall put away her electrician’s equipment for good and opened her studio in Greenmount Crossing in Shiloh.
    For Whysall, it’s been everything she dreamed of, and more. She likes that she is giving back to the community. “The company’s concept is to give people a way to hang out, have a good time, and feel refreshed. That’s exactly what it did for me, so I enjoy giving others that experience.”
    The studio provides open classes and private parties. It has become popular for baby and bridal showers, birthdays, retirement parties, work groups, or friends looking for something different to do together. It gives people an outlet to unwind and to express their creativity.
    Whysall sees it as a great family activity that both parents and children enjoy. She recently hosted more than
    40 children as part of a Kid’s Art Camp for the park district.
    “With an established business such as Painting with a Twist, you hit the ground running. There’s a learning curve to keeping up with the momentum,” says Whysall. “There will be some growing pains.”
    “But I’m living the dream!” laughs Whysall. Her biggest surprise has been her level of devotion to the company. “You have to have commitment,” she says. “But if you have passion for what you’re doing, the commitment and devotion come naturally.”