Art of the DYI

Art brings people together in all kinds of ways. We gather to appreciate art at festivals, galleries and museums. However, to experience art, to craft with your own two hands, is a truly meaningful way to understand art and community.

Pam Zeman

Blending art and community with that handson experience is artist, creative and DIYer, Pam Zeman. Pam is the owner of the local art studio, AR Workshop. Pam shares with us how she started the studio and what it means to her and our local community.

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about Pam Zeman!

PAM: I grew up on the East Coast and moved to North County in 2005. I spent my first 28 years of life in rural town in Maine and was so excited to move to California. I am married to a very kind and supportive husband, and we have two children. We have lived in San Marcos for 13 years and still cannot imagine living anywhere else.

MOMSTOWN: Owning your own business has always been one of your dreams; please tell us about your business and how you decided to take the leap and start it?

PAM: I own AR Workshop San Marcos which is a boutique DIY studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom and charming home décor from raw materials. In our workshop, you can choose to make one of our many wood or canvas projects, you can also knit Chunky Knit Blankets and pour your own candles. I have always been a DIYer and have remodeled all of the houses I have owned. As my children grew older, I felt like I needed something that fulfilled my dreams of owning my own business. AR Workshop puts my love of DIY, crafting and owning my own giftshop into one.

MOMSTOWN: What is it about your business that brings you the greatest joy?

PAM: My greatest joy is when a customer looks at their completed project with admiration and then comes back to make more. The excitement in their face is priceless. A lot of people don’t realize that we have a gift shop and I love when people come in and enjoy shopping in our retail section.

MOMSTOWN: What has been the hardest part about starting a new venture?

PAM: The hardest part is finding the right work/life balance. I love my business, but I also love spending time with my family. It’s sometimes hard to find the right balance between the two.

MOMSTOWN: What advice do you have to help others follow their passions and dreams?

PAM: My advice would be to always follow your dreams and do what makes you the happiest. If you are passionate about something, then go for it!

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about AR Workshop and what would you like readers to do? Any other information you’d like to add?

PAM: AR Workshop is an experience. Sure, you will take home something that you have made, but most of all, we want you to have a great time. I don’t think people know we offer classes for young and old. At our workshop you can have a birthday party, team building event, baby or bridal shower, or just have a group of friends and family you want to spend some time together. Our kids summer art camps are also very popular!

If I had one thing that I could tell customers, it would be to not be intimidated to come make one of our projects. We will help you; you will take home a beautiful piece of home décor and you will have fun making it.

LEARN MORE about AR Workshop in San Marcos: (760) 290-5775 or visit ARworkshop.com/SanMarcos

1523 San Elijo Rd, Ste 107 San Marcos CA