Art is often referred to as the image of life, and for Five14 Art Studio Wine and Paint Bar owner Ashley Frazier, she has taken that image to the next level with the creation of her very own business.

The lifelong Woodbridge resident spoke with the PW Perspective about her incredible journey, transitioning from the corporate world into entrepreneurship by exercising her passion for designing art.

Although the art studio is a new endeavor, being a business owner is nothing new to her. Owning a background is in business management, she and her husband also own a trucking and brokerage company.

“I’ve worked in all types of industries,” said Frazier. “I’ve worked in management, customer service, communications, and advertising. Yet I always had this passion to be an entrepreneur and do something where the community could benefit.”

From there, she said, the vision of creating a studio took shape. “I wanted to bring a space for people to relax and socialize, she said,” to help release any stress or anxiety that they may be going through during the week.”

As with many who transitioned into entrepreneurship during the global pandemic, she was already making preparations, but for a different reason. “I just maximized my down time to focus on what I wanted to do. In 2019, I became pregnant with twins, and was already quarantined [laughs], and I took that time to focus on my passion.”

“We used all of our savings to invest in the business, and that’s what we’ve been doing ever since. [Dumfries] Mayor [Derrick] Wood was really instrumental in helping us make that possible.”

So now that the studio is a go, she goes into details of what people can expect. “The art studio is going to offer a variety of sip and paint options. Hopefully, it will become a place where artists can express their love of art, but our primary service is going to be a sip and paint classes.”

“What I did was to maximize the space as much as possible, so I turned the open wall space into a gallery, so local artists did all the art you see.”

“It’s turned into a multi-functional business. We plan to have up to 10 classes per week, including one class per day Monday through Thursday, then 3 classes from Monday to Friday. the atmosphere is very family-friendly.”

She has plans already in place for expansion for the studio. “When people come here, they can sip and paint, experience the center. They can enjoy the elevated appetizers, sweets and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.”

However, she envisions it will be more than just a place for adults. “We also plan on having classes for children, more like an ice cream and paint as well as creating spring and summer programs.”

Speaking of its multi-functional abilities, she wants it to become a full-fledged entertainment center in Dumfries. “We would love to incorporate poetry, open mic nights for artists while we’re painting in addition to playing jazz, keyboard and incorporating live music while people paint.”

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Five 14 Studio has several events in place, with tickets still available. People are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early for preparation.

Friday, Feb. 11 at 8:30pm (18+)

Saturday, Feb. 12 at 11:00am (18+), 4:00pm {8+) and 8:30pm (18+)

Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3:00pm (ages 8+) and 8:00pm (18+_

Valentine’s Day at 6:30pm (18+)

They are located at 3928 Lansing Court in Dumfries and information can be found at their website, Facebook and Instagram pages.