Meet Kristine Novinskie | Owner, Creative Director, Lead Instructor, Event Planner, Party Host, Community Builder, Heart & Soul of this community based business

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristine Novinskie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business came from a deeply personal place. After losing my husband, I found myself in a season of rediscovery—trying to figure out who I was, what brought me joy, and how I could turn pain into purpose. I’ve always been a creative soul, and I knew I needed to build something that allowed me (and others) to heal, connect, and express ourselves through art.

The idea for Pinspiration felt like the perfect fit. I wanted to create a place that wasn’t just about crafting, but about community—a safe, happy, inspiring space where people of all ages could unplug, laugh, create, and make memories together. Whether it’s a messy masterpiece or a perfectly poured candle, there’s so much beauty in the process of creating, and I knew I wanted to share that magic with Grand Junction.

So honestly, my thought process was part heart, part glitter, and a whole lot of “let’s make this happen.” And I’ve never looked back!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My Artistic Journey: From Flunking Art to Finding Pinspiration
My personal art journey is perhaps one of the most surprising aspects of my story, and it truly sets Pinspiration apart. Believe it or not, I actually flunked art in school back in the early ’80s! My teacher simply didn’t see any talent in me. For years, that judgment stuck, and I never pursued it.

Then, in the early ’90s, a pivotal moment arrived. I decided to challenge that old belief and tried painting a deer in the forest. When my mom asked if it was a paint-by-number, we were both shocked and delighted – I had actually done it! That experience ignited a passion within me. I continued painting, mostly landscapes and animals, and it became my pure joy. I keep that very first deer painting proudly displayed in the studio as a constant reminder: never let others define your capabilities. If there’s something you want to do, find a way to do it.

I’ve since embraced continuous learning, mastering techniques like One Stroke Painting and creating vibrant, textured aspen trees with modeling paste. I’ve explored watercolors and pencils, always eager to learn new things. I don’t set limits on myself anymore, and I urge others to do the same!

What Sets Us Apart and What I’m Most Proud Of
What truly distinguishes Pinspiration is our uniquely positive and welcoming atmosphere. You can feel the “happy” vibe the moment you walk in. We’re not about being “good” at art; we’re about the experience of creating, connecting, and finding joy in the process.

My greatest joy comes from witnessing that moment when someone walks in, convinced they aren’t creative, and we help them unlock their inner artist. Seeing their pleasant surprise and newfound confidence in their capabilities brings such happiness to everyone involved.

My Professional Path and Overcoming Challenges
Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. The initial challenge was overcoming that ingrained belief from my school days that I lacked artistic talent. It took a personal transformation, sparked by the loss of my husband, Charlie, to push past that self-doubt and rediscover my own creative spirit. Building Pinspiration from the ground up, especially while navigating personal grief, required immense resilience.

The key to overcoming these challenges has been a relentless focus on joy and community. I wanted to create a space that countered negativity and self-doubt, a place where people could simply be and create without judgment. This vision, fueled by my own journey of finding happiness through art, became my guiding light.

Lessons Learned and My Message to the World
The most profound lessons I’ve learned are:

Don’t let others define your potential. Your abilities might surprise you if you just give yourself permission to try.
Joy is a powerful motivator. When you find work that truly brings you happiness, it fuels your perseverance through any obstacle.
Creativity is for everyone. It’s not about natural talent; it’s about the willingness to explore, learn, and have fun.
What I want the world to know about me, Pinspiration, and our story is that we are a testament to the transformative power of art and community. We’re a place where past labels don’t matter, where limitations are shed, and where every brushstroke, every knot, and every splatter contributes to a masterpiece of shared joy. We invite you to come and see what my happy place is all about – because your creativity is just waiting to be discovered!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A Week of Grand Junction Wonders: My Best Friend’s Ultimate Getaway
If my best friend were visiting for a week, we’d dive headfirst into the natural beauty, unique charm, and sunny vibes that make Grand Junction so special.

Day 1: Downtown & Discovery
We’d start by exploring downtown Grand Junction’s vibrant Main Street, admiring the outdoor sculptures and popping into local shops. Dinner would be at a favorite spot like the Winery for delicious, locally-sourced food.

Day 2: Red Rocks & My Happy Place
An absolute must is a scenic drive through the Colorado National Monument, often called a “mini Grand Canyon.” We’d take in the breathtaking views, maybe a short hike. Afterward, it’s straight to Pinspiration Art & Craft Studio – my happy place! We’d pick a fun project, like the Splatter Room or a paint pour, to unleash our creativity and experience the studio’s joyful atmosphere firsthand.

Day 3: Mesa Majesty
We’d take a full-day trip up to the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mesa. With over 300 lakes, it offers serene alpine beauty, perfect for a gentle hike or just soaking in the peaceful views.

Day 4: Wine, Peaches & Wild Horses
A delightful day in Palisade is a must. We’d tour a couple of the over 30 local wineries, enjoying tastings and the vineyard scenery. If it’s the right season, we’d grab some famous Palisade Peaches or Olathe Sweet Corn. Later, we’d drive to the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Area hoping to spot the majestic wild horses roaming free against the stunning backdrop of the Bookcliffs.

Day 5: River Views & Local Flavors
We’d enjoy the Riverfront Trail, perhaps on bikes, for beautiful views of the Colorado River. For dinner, we’d hit up a Grand Junction favorite, enjoying the local culinary scene.

Day 6: Choose Your Adventure!
This would be a flexible day based on their interests: maybe exploring more hiking trails in the Bookcliffs, visiting some of our local craft breweries, or just relaxing and enjoying the Grand Junction sunshine.

Departure Day (Day 7: Sweet Farewells)
A final, relaxed breakfast, maybe grabbing some Enstrom Candies as a sweet souvenir, before heading to the airport.

This itinerary ensures they experience the breathtaking landscapes – from the Colorado National Monument and the Bookcliffs to the expansive Grand Mesa – alongside the unique community spirit, delicious local produce, and the creative fun of Pinspiration. It’s all about showcasing the beauty, vibrant colors, and fantastic people that make this corner of Colorado truly special. We would be exhausted but would have covered so many wonderful things!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Shoutout: To the Pillars of My Journey
My journey, and the very existence of Pinspiration, is deeply rooted in the incredible support and inspiration I’ve received along the way. I’m honored to dedicate this shoutout to two extraordinary individuals who have profoundly shaped my path.

First, to my lifelong friend of over 20 years, Pamela Perdue. Pamela has been a steadfast presence from the very beginning, a true rock who continues to offer unwavering help and encouragement despite facing her own significant obstacles. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering support are a constant source of inspiration, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without her by my side.

And second, my beloved husband, Charlie. Though he is no longer with us, Charlie remains my profound inspiration. His memory spurred me to embark on this journey of self-discovery, finding purpose and joy even in his absence. Pinspiration, my “happy place,” is a testament to his enduring spirit, allowing me to move forward and dedicate my life to filling others’ lives with creativity and happiness.

These two incredible people are the silent partners in every smile and every happy memory created within the walls of Pinspiration. They deserve all the credit and recognition for helping me build this unique and joyful space for the Grand Junction community.

Website: https://www.pinspiration.com/locations/grandjunction/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinspirationgrandjunction/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinspirationgrandjunction

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pinspiration-grand-junction-grand-junction-2

Other: Google Reviews https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=c83668756a2998f4&sxsrf=AE3TifPYZP8rMpCNHCqFhvUEHPOoU8tvVg:1750524220798&si=AMgyJEtREmoPL4P1I5IDCfuA8gybfVI2d5Uj7QMwYCZHKDZ-E8XT7p9ZMZIIequpvGX6gX3iZI8RKbE_bUNF0Ouu_j_dGHkHsvBxCcjh7rs_cvBqO7sXEGEJj24YVmM229n-brqQ8ayGgWih1lCcngsVZhkazKJ1OA%3D%3D&q=Pinspiration+Grand+Junction+Reviews&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj8zOfy-oKOAxX1GDQIHb9bK0kQ0bkNegQIKhAE&biw=1920&bih=911&dpr=1

Image Credits
Photographer Scot Stewart located in Grand Junction Colorado. All paintings done by Kristine Novinskie