Daily Inspiration: Meet Brooke Benton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Benton.

Hi Brooke, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Originally from Wilmington, NC, I moved to Raleigh to attend Meredith College, where I pursued a degree in Studio Art. During my time there, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an artist for the Wine & Design headquarters. What started as a college job quickly grew into something much more meaningful — I found a deep love for teaching art and creating joyful, hands-on experiences for others.

While I wasn’t sure what my career path would look like after graduation, I always looked forward to my time in the studio. Hosting paint-and-sip events and helping people unleash their creativity lit a fire in me. That passion led to a management role, where I got a firsthand look at what it takes to run a business. It was challenging, exciting, and the exact spark I needed.

When I learned that the Wine & Design location in Clayton, NC had closed, I saw it as the perfect chance to bring art back to the community — this time on my own terms. At just 23 years old, with no formal business background but a lot of drive and creativity, I took the leap to open my own Wine & Design studio. The learning curve was steep, but the journey has been so rewarding.

On April 1st, we celebrated our 2-year anniversary, and I couldn’t be more grateful. From themed workshops to special events and everything in between, building this business has been a dream come true — and we’re just getting started.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening my own Wine & Design studio has been one of the most rewarding—and challenging—chapters of my life. When I took the leap, we were starting from scratch. The building we moved into needed a complete overhaul, and with the help of my incredible family, we rolled up our sleeves and did it all ourselves. From demoing walls, patching holes, and pulling up old carpet, to building cabinets and restoring the space from the ground up, every inch of the studio was built with love, grit, and a lot of elbow grease.

That first year was a whirlwind. I personally taught almost every single class and summer camp we offered. It was exhausting at times, but I was so proud of every moment. As the business has grown, I’ve been able to hire a few incredibly talented artists to help teach and host events. That support has been a huge step toward finding even a little balance between work and life—though any business owner will tell you the early years are all-consuming. From marketing and social media, to managing inventory, designing new projects, and teaching, there’s rarely a part of my day that isn’t tied to the studio in some way.

But despite the long days and constant hustle, I genuinely love what I do. I get to help people unwind, create, and celebrate. My boyfriend is a paramedic in Lenoir County, and I’m reminded often of how lucky I am—he sees people on their worst days, while I get to color and throw parties for a living. That perspective keeps me grounded and deeply grateful. I know how blessed I am to do what I love, and I don’t take that for granted for a second.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my Wine & Design studio in Clayton, we’re not your average paint-and-sip. Sure, we love a good canvas night with wine and friends, but what really sets us apart is how much we push the boundaries of what an art studio can be. We’re constantly dreaming up new events and experiences that go beyond the brush — from painting and resin art to stained glass, DIY home décor projects, and even our wildly popular pet and paint events, where live farm animals like baby cows, goats, and kangaroos visit the studio while we create!

There’s truly nothing I’m not down to try. If it’s creative and hands-on, I want to bring it to our community. My mission is to make art approachable and exciting for everyone, no matter their experience level. Whether you’re here for a girls’ night out, a date night, or your very first time picking up a paintbrush, we’ll help you walk out with something beautiful—and uniquely yours.

This year, I’m hoping to add a kiln to our studio so we can introduce glass fusion and pottery classes. Ceramics was my concentration in college, and it’s something I’ve been itching to bring back. I know the Triangle area is craving creative experiences that are fresh, hands-on, and just a little different. I feel so lucky to be in a position to offer that.

At the end of the day, my favorite part of this journey is teaching everyday people how to make something they never thought they could.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support system around me. From the very beginning, my family has been my rock. My mom and dad—and so many others in my family—have played a hands-on role in building this studio from the ground up. Whether it was patching holes, lifting heavy furniture, or just showing up with encouragement on the hardest days, they’ve been there every step of the way. I’m forever grateful.

Most of my family works in public service—police, 911 dispatch, fire, EMS—you name it. So when I decided to pursue a degree in art, I definitely felt like the black sheep. But instead of questioning my choice, they celebrated it. They were overjoyed to see me follow my passion, and their support gave me the confidence to chase a dream that felt so different from the path around me.

Beyond my family, I’ve been lucky to find mentorship and friendship within the Wine & Design community. One person who has been especially impactful is Joshua Wade, owner of the Morehead, New Bern, and Jacksonville studios. As both a mentor and fellow artist, his insight and creativity have meant the world to me. We continue to bounce ideas off each other, and I’m so thankful for not only his guidance but his friendship, too.

I also owe a big thank you to my fellow small business owners here in Clayton who’ve embraced and supported me from day one. Anna Kate from Inspire Nutrition opened her doors just a few months before I did, and it’s been incredible to watch her expand to a second location this year. Melissa Hediger from Sugar Sugar NC regularly brings her cookie and cake decorating magic to our studio for collaborative classes, and Katy and Kyle from Olde Sky Farms have helped bring our pet and paint events to life with their sweet animals.

These connections have been so meaningful. There’s nothing like small businesses lifting each other up, and I’m proud to be part of a community that believes in collaboration over competition.

Pricing:

• Classes Range from $30-$90 depending on project
• We host offsite events at no additional cost, we will bring the party to you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wineanddesign.com/calendar/clayton-nc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wndclaytonnc/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wndclaytonnc/