Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Tubbs.
Hi Kelsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in West Tennessee and didn’t come from much. Like a lot of people, I spent years working hard, bouncing between jobs, and trying to figure out where I fit. I restored cars, painted aircraft, managed teams, and learned valuable skills along the way, but I never felt truly fulfilled.
The turning point came when my back was against the wall. I knew I needed to bet on myself.
What started as a small painting business became something much bigger. For the first time, I found a career that combined creativity, craftsmanship, design, and entrepreneurship. More importantly, I found purpose in helping people create spaces they genuinely love.
Today, Sunny Side Paint Co. is about more than paint. It’s about providing a safe, professional, and stress-free experience in an industry where those things aren’t always guaranteed. We help homeowners feel excited about improving their homes instead of overwhelmed by the process.
I always dreamed of being where I am today, and for a long time I wasn’t sure I’d ever get here. I’m incredibly grateful for the clients who took a chance on me when Sunny Side was just an idea, and for the friends, family, and supporters who continue cheering me on as the business grows.
Because of that support, I’ve been able to build a life and business I’m proud of—and just as importantly, give back to the communities that helped make it possible. That’s something I’ll never take for granted
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
One of my biggest challenges was simply believing I could build something of my own. I didn’t come from a family of business owners, and there wasn’t a roadmap laid out in front of me. For a long time, owning a successful business felt more like a dream than something that could actually happen.
Once I started Sunny Side Paint Co., I quickly realized being good at painting and being good at running a business are two completely different things. I had to learn everything as I went—sales, marketing, estimating, customer service, bookkeeping, hiring, networking, and all the things nobody talks about when they tell you to start a business.
I also had to figure out who I was as a business owner. What services did I enjoy? Who did I want to work with? What made my company different from everyone else? There wasn’t a manual for any of it. A lot of it was trial and error, listening more than I talked, and learning from people who were already where I wanted to be.
I’ve learned that growth rarely happens in a straight line. Sometimes you have to adjust, pivot, and trust the process even when you don’t have all the answers. Looking back, every challenge helped me become a better business owner, and every lesson played a role in building the company I have today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
we specialize in interior painting, custom accent walls, murals, wallpaper, and decorative finishes. I’ve always been drawn to projects that transform a space and make people stop and say, “Wow.”
Some of the work I’m most proud of has been the murals I’ve created for local schools and community spaces, as well as larger residential projects that pushed me outside my comfort zone. Those are the projects that have taught me the most. There’s a unique feeling that comes from looking at something intimidating, figuring it out piece by piece, and ultimately creating something better than you imagined.
Over the years, I’ve become known for taking on creative projects that require both technical skill and design vision. I love helping clients think outside the box and turning their ideas into something tangible. Whether it’s a bold accent wall, a custom mural, or a complete room transformation, my favorite projects are the ones that make a home feel more personal.
What truly sets me apart, though, is the experience we provide. When I started Sunny Side Paint Co., one of my goals was to create a company where women felt safe and comfortable hiring someone to work in their home. As the business grew, that mission expanded. Today, I believe everyone deserves clear communication, professionalism, and a stress-free experience when hiring a contractor.
Anyone can paint a wall. What we’re really creating is trust, confidence, and spaces people love coming home to. That’s what I’m most proud of, and that’s what I want Sunny Side Paint Co. to be known for.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
If I’m being honest, I’m still figuring this out myself. My business is only about two and a half years old, and I still consider myself a student when it comes to business ownership.
One of the best decisions I’ve made recently was joining a local BNI chapter. I got lucky because the group is full of down-to-earth business owners who are generous with their knowledge and genuinely want to help each other succeed. Being surrounded by people who have already accomplished things I’m still working toward has been incredibly valuable.
I’d love to continue expanding my network and finding more business owners who are where I want to be. I’ve learned that growth happens a lot faster when you’re willing to ask questions, listen, and learn from people who have already walked the path.
My advice to anyone starting a business is to put yourself in situations that make you a little uncomfortable. That’s usually where the growth happens. When I joined my networking group, I wasn’t sure what I could contribute. I’m one of the youngest people in the room, and I assumed I’d be doing most of the learning. What surprised me was hearing that my perspective and ideas brought something different to the table. They helped me realize that experience isn’t the only thing that creates value.
I also believe there’s plenty of opportunity out there for all of us. I’ve never been interested in gatekeeping information or treating every other painter as competition. If I’ve learned something that can help another business owner—whether that’s social media, marketing, customer experience, or lessons I’ve learned the hard way—I’m happy to share it. I’ve had people help me along the way, and I think it’s important to do the same for others.
No matter how much I accomplish, I hope I never stop learning. There will always be someone who knows something I don’t, and there will always be someone I can learn from or help along the way
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.sunnysidepaint.com
- Instagram: @Sunnysidepaintco
- Facebook: Sunny Side Paint Co.
