Meet Samantha Urso

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

Hi Samantha, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of the Art Nest is the impression we leave from the experience we provide at each event. When I was probably 5 years old, I attended a fairy birthday party. There was a lady dressed up as a fairy. She was dressed in glitter, wings, and an elaborate, costume- like something out of a movie. I can remember she told a magical story about some fairies that lived in a small crystal terrarium and we each got to take a quick peek at the magical “fairies.” I don’t remember whose birthday it was, who was there, or any other details about the party, but some 25 years later, I remember the fairy lady and the magical impression she left on my five- year- old heart. I was in awe and that birthday party transported me into a different universe of imagination.

I have thought about the fairy lady many times over the past decade of creating and molding The Art Nest. It is incredibly important to me that The Art Nest leaves an unforgettably, magical impression on each guest. There are so many young artists who aspire to create and collaborate and I am so proud to provide a medium for them to do this in a party setting. Whether it be a painting party or crafting party and ending the event with cupcake decorating, The Art Nest aspires to be a memorable hit!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started working at my mom’s restaurant as a hostess when I was about 12 years old and I eagerly spent my first paycheck on a painting set. I have always loved painting, crafting, design, or anything with creative ties. I continued painting as I grew older and took my first formal classes in high school, where I really just fell in love with it. My favorite part of my painting classes in high school was that I was painting alongside a group of fellow painters who were just as excited to create and learn as I was. Once I graduated with my bachelor’s degree I decided to continue my education and get my Master’s degree in elementary education. I taught 1st grade alongside my painting business until my oldest son was born when I left the classroom. The Art Nest is truly a fusion of my talents, passions, and aspirations that I can excitedly pass on to others! My painting experience, love of collaboration, education, and passion for working with kids makes my business, The Art Nest, one of the finest birthday party options in the Denver area!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Denver Native, I love this question! If it is a warm day, my perfect itinerary is to park at the Shops on Gaylord street and have breakfast at The Cookery at Myrtle Hill and enjoy their Eggs Benedict with a homemade biscuit and jam. I would order a black iced tea to- go so that I could enjoy an iced tea while walking Washington Park nearby. You can even rent surrey bikes or pedal boats to enjoy. One of my favorite places to visit during the Colorado summer is the town of Vail. Just walking up and down the charming mountain town is a feast for the eyes. There are endless restaurants and the most beautiful flower displays along the main roads. My family loves going to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and playground. On a colder day, I really love walking around Park Meadows mall and enjoying a French onion soup in the Nordstrom Cafe. The mountain town of Breckenridge has a lot to offer in both summer and winter months. During winter time, Breckenridge really embodies the holiday season and looks like the movie- set of a classic Christmas movie!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I started The Art Nest, originally Canvas N Cupcakes, in 2014, when I was a freshman in college. I owe my family largely for the fruition of The Art Nest. My mom is an entrepreneurial restaurant owner who showed me from a young age that I could create anything I put my mind to. I used to help my dad teach Sunday school, where I realized how much I love working with kids. My sister is the one who actually gave me the idea to combine my passion for painting with my love of kids to create a business. Today, I am constantly supported and encouraged by my husband, Randy, who is always ready to help in any way he can. My two little boys inspired me recently to add the crafting option in hopes to expand my parties to appeal to even more children with varying interests. I am incredibly fortunate to have an immense support system of help and inspiration.

Website: www.artnestparty.com

Instagram: www.instgram.com/artnestparty

Facebook: www.facebook.com/artnestparty