I am passionate about celebrating women in small business and I truly believe in creating connection and community NOT competition. Therefore, the focus of this blog, in my small way, is to lift others up and showcase the amazing work that is being done by women in small business in our area. After all,

“The true value of networking doesn’t come from how many people we can meet,

but rather

how many people we can introduce to others”

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by incredible businesses in the South West and they each have a unique story to be told; a BIGGER PICTURE to be discovered.

So, to celebrate some of the amazing women we have in our backyard, I shall endeavour to introduce you to one of them each month!

My very first feature, is the very talented…

Jenny Phillips

tower hill art studio

Sometimes when you meet a person for the first time you know that you’ve met a kindred spirit. This is exactly how I felt when I first met Jenny. I came away from our session feeling engaged, inspired and bursting with positivity and I knew I had just made a new friend.

Multi creative and super talented, Jenny just oozes creative energy and I’m so excited for you to read her story.

Tell us about your business and what services you offer.

I run Wine & Art events and guide people to create a work of art, while celebrating special occasions such as, birthdays, hens parties, team building events or just because they want to have fun!

I also offer acting workshops, drawing on the incredible training I received from Howard Fine and the National Theatre of Drama. I am passionate about sharing what I have learnt with the Southwest community, especially given our distance from Melbourne (275km), which can make it challenging for people to access training.

I also run kids’ art and/or acting parties. They are so much fun and bring the youth out in me! I honestly have as much fun as they do.

I do a bit of photography and paint my own artworks when I can and I have created an online store to sell my products called Jen’s Creative Gifts which is fairly new.

I launched and co-run/organise (with Edwina Palmer), KORTRAITS Art Competition/Exhibition as part of the Koroit Irish Festival. I also launched the Humble Spud Competition in honour of Mary’s Humble Spud poem at the festival this year.

Is there a story behind the name you chose?

Yes, the name Tower Hill Studio is inspired by the picturesque Tower Hill which is where my studio is located. It’s a natural choice that reflects the stunning surroundings.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I am a true creative and am inspired every day.

My inspiration comes from daily life and from everywhere - whether it’s the soap suds on the dishes or the play of light and colours on trees and buildings while driving, everything around me fuels my creativity.

My book Jenny Chats With Mary was inspired by Mary herself. I used to love hearing about Mary’s life stories as did many. She was also a true creative and incredibly inspiring. Everything she said made complete sense to me. It was a massive project, but I had to do it. It felt right.

What is your favourite part of your job?

There are two main parts to my job that I love. Interacting with people and my own creative time.

I love empowering people through my art and acting sessions. We face many challenges as individuals in life, and I try to help in whatever way I can. I love it when inexperienced painters come in not having painted since primary school, and walk out with a work of art they are proud of.

It is the best feeling knowing that I have helped a person in some way, whether it be big or small.

The other part is my personal creative time. A long time ago it came to my realisation that art has to be a constant in my life, or I feel incomplete without it. Balancing my business responsibilities and my need for personal creative time is something I am constantly working on.

What do you offer your clients that no one else does?

Firstly, I am committed to empowering my clients in whatever way I can and bringing joy to their lives.

Secondly, my acting training is second to none. As well as the experience of having worked on many productions over the years, before I started popping out babies, I used to work on films as an actress, a crew member and in production. I love that I can offer my students unique insights and extra guidance, as I know what each department will expect of them. You can’t beat life experience.

Many moons ago I produced a short film called Still Life which was accepted into the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France.

Finally, the stunning views! Tower Hill speaks for itself. I really do believe it is one of the best places in the world!

Over the past few months, I have been fortunate to participate in two of Jenny’s classes; an adult Paint and Sip party and a children’s painting party and I’ve got to say, they were so much fun! I highly recommend her classes; not only will you leave with glorious works of art, (you’ll find talent you never knew you had!!), but you’ll leave her studio with a smile on your face and a spring in your step!

Edwina xx