A hello.

Hi friend,

If you’re reading this, that means I’ve done a really big, exciting and scary thing by officially launching Manalili Studio into the world. 

I’m writing this during its early stages back in March. The bits that no one really cares to talk about because there’s nothing physical to show. It’s in between winter and spring art workshops. I’m trying to not be too hard on myself because the workshops do not need to be maxed out to be successful. It will also be the second one I’ve ever done (not teaching, I mean executed completely my way). I fully think that I’m doing something absolutely stupid starting a business during such a weary, uncertain time in this world we are living in. Put in the most “me” words, “kinda makes me want to vom’ ya know?”  But somehow I am also thinking maybe this is the perfect time to do this. And the more time and effort I put into this, the more amplified this feeling I have that maybe this is what I am supposed to do. 

Manalili Studio started as a seed of an idea I had in my head for a lot of my life that 1. I should be my own boss and 2. I wanted to find a way to show others how I experience art. If you know me, the first point shouldn’t be shocking to you. I am someone who loves a goal, loves to work and plan every detail out. The second point grew along the way. I love being an art teacher. There’s nothing that could change that. If you asked me if I knew I was going to be an art teacher growing up, I would be shocked. I knew there was something big I was going to do, but had no idea what it could be because I had such a struggle figuring out who my most authentic self was. I always wanted to do good, do the right thing, live up to these high expectations it seemed like everyone else had for me. But for what? What and who was at the core of it? My answer to that now would be just a girl who loves a lot and strives to create a beautiful life. Someone who is rooted in gratitude and the ominous optimism that there is no other option. Everything will work out in the end. Somehow, all of this equaled art teacher. That makes sense. 

I love teaching the age group I get to teach, but along the way I started to see that maybe adults need just as much care and creative time as kids. I still want to do both and I want to make art accessible. Give people the opportunity to make something that is completely their own. Take a little time to just take a deep, deep breath. Create experiences that can be used to bring good people together. Maybe one day even a space that can pull it all together. 

For now, Manalili Studio is launching as a business that hosts mindful art classes and experiences throughout Northern New Jersey. I’ll be collaborating with all of these different spaces and businesses to make art accessible to people around the state. With the hope to help people reconnect with their creativity and find joy in the process- not just the outcome. If you know someone who could use a little break from their norm or a team that would benefit from a little creative self care, feel free to spread the word and make our community even just a little bigger and brighter. 

Whether you were someone at one of my first workshops or someone who has been supportive of my journey that led me to this point, I just wanted to say thank you and I’m grateful for you. Here’s to more creative self care nights and more moments in life that draw us closer together.

X,

Allison (Allie) Manalili

Founder, Owner 

Manalili Studio LLC