Meet Jami Snyder | Chief Creative Officer

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

Hi Jami, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up in a family that owned and operated a successful small business, entrepreneurship was always part of my life. I saw firsthand the hard work, dedication, and pride that come with building something from the ground up. That experience inspired me to start my own business.

I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of creating something that didn’t exist before and finding ways to turn ideas into reality. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing customers connect with what we’ve created—whether it’s a workshop experience, a personalized gift, or a project they’re proud to take home. One of my favorite parts of being a business owner is that feeling of accomplishment when you can step back and say, “I built this.” Knowing that our studio has become a place where people gather, create memories, and express their creativity makes all of the hard work worthwhile.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Planks & Paint was built on the belief that creativity is for everyone. What started as a wood sign workshop has evolved into a creative experience destination where people can gather, learn something new, celebrate milestones, and discover talents they never knew they had. Today, we offer everything from wood signs and home décor to candle pouring, hat burning, laser engraving, resin art, glass creations, and personalized gifts. What sets us apart is that we aren’t just teaching people how to make a project—we’re creating an experience and a community.

Professionally, my journey has been anything but easy, but that’s what makes it meaningful. Like many small business owners, I’ve worn every hat imaginable—maker, instructor, marketer, accountant, event planner, social media manager, and janitor. There have been times when I questioned whether I could keep going, especially through economic challenges, changing trends, and the everyday pressures of running a small business. But each challenge taught me something valuable: be adaptable, keep learning, and never lose sight of why you started.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from consistently showing up, listening to your customers, embracing change, and being willing to take risks. Over the past eight years, we’ve continued to evolve our offerings because creativity itself is always evolving. What worked five years ago may not work today, and that’s okay. Growth requires flexibility.

What I’m most proud of isn’t any single project or product—it’s the community we’ve built. We’ve watched friendships form around workshop tables, hosted countless celebrations, partnered with local organizations, welcomed corporate teams, and provided a space where people can step away from the stresses of everyday life and simply create. Seeing someone walk through our doors convinced they’re “not creative” and leave feeling proud of what they’ve made never gets old.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about our brand, it’s that creativity has the power to bring people together. Planks & Paint is about more than DIY projects—it’s about connection, confidence, memories, and experiences. Our mission has always been to create a welcoming space where everyone feels inspired to try something new, and that’s what continues to drive me every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was coming to visit for a week, we’d spend as much time outdoors as possible because Colorado is truly hard to beat.

One of our first stops would be Estes Park. We’d spend the day exploring the downtown shops, enjoying the mountain views, and hopefully spotting some elk. From there, we’d head into Rocky Mountain National Park for a day of hiking and sightseeing. It’s one of those places that reminds you just how beautiful Colorado really is.

A trip to Colorado wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Whether we’re catching a concert or simply taking in the incredible scenery, it’s always a must-see destination for visitors.

Of course, I’d have to bring them into Planks & Paint for a creative experience. We’d spend an afternoon making something unique—whether that’s a personalized gift, candle, sea glass art piece, or DIY home décor project. One of my favorite things is watching people discover a creative side they didn’t know they had.

Afterward, we’d head over to North Side Tavern for dinner. It’s one of my favorite local spots and the perfect place to relax, enjoy great food, and continue the conversation after a fun day in the studio.

Throughout the week, we’d explore local shops, support fellow small businesses, enjoy some of Colorado’s great breweries and restaurants, and take a few scenic drives through the mountains. Some of the best memories are made when you leave room for unexpected adventures along the way.

What I love most about this area is the balance. In a single week, you can experience the beauty of the mountains, enjoy amazing food, support local businesses, create something with your own hands, and make lasting memories. That’s what makes Colorado—and this community—such a special place to call home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve credit for helping me get where I am today, but first and foremost, I have to thank my family. Growing up, I had a front-row seat to watching my parents build and run a successful small business. They taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, treating customers well, and showing up every day—even when things are challenging. Those lessons have shaped how I run my own business.

I also have to give a huge shoutout to my husband, family, and friends who have supported me through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Small business ownership can be a roller coaster, and having people who believe in you makes all the difference.

One person who has had a tremendous impact on my business journey is Heather Bennett, owner of Paisley Grace Makery. Heather created the Raising Makers Bootcamp and Mastermind program, and I’ve been a member for nearly five years. The inspiration, education, encouragement, and accountability I’ve gained through that community have been invaluable. Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel isolating, and having a network of like-minded creative business owners who genuinely want to see each other succeed has been nothing short of amazing.

Beyond that, I am incredibly grateful for our customers and the local community. Planks & Paint wouldn’t exist without the people who choose to spend their time creating with us, celebrating milestones with us, and supporting local businesses. Over the years, we’ve built more than a customer base—we’ve built a community. Seeing friendships form around our workshop tables and watching people discover their creativity is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Finally, I want to recognize fellow small business owners. I’ve been fortunate to connect with an incredible network of entrepreneurs who are always willing to share advice, encouragement, and support. We truly rise by lifting each other up, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the many people who have poured into me along the way.

Website: https://www.PlanksandPaint.com

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