An Inspired Chat with Gia Ciliento of Old Town Scottsdale

Gia Ciliento shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Gia, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: When was the last time you felt true joy?
A few nights ago, I was preparing Sunday dinner with my 6-year-old, Giovanni. We were making meatballs and he was elbow-deep in ground beef, while I tried to keep the sauce from boiling over. It was chaotic, messy, and kind of perfect. Sharing something I love with him, and watching him own it, felt like a small moment I’ll remember forever.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Gia Ciliento, founder of The Brush Bar, Scottsdale’s original paint-and-sip studio. We just celebrated 14 years of helping people tap into their creativity (with a paintbrush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other). What started as a fun night out has grown into something bigger, a place where people come to try something new, loosen up, and surprise themselves with what they can create.

Now we’re expanding that experience beyond the studio with Art Box, our line of DIY painting kits and online tutorials. Our goal is to make art more accessible to everyone, no matter your schedule, background, or skill level. Whether you’re a busy parent, a burned-out professional, or someone who hasn’t picked up a paintbrush since grade school, we believe you should still have the chance to create.The ability to tap into your creativity is magical and we’re on a mission to make that magic a little more accessible.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For a long time, my identity was completely wrapped up in my business. The Brush Bar wasn’t just what I did, it was who I was. While that kind of dedication helped build something I’m really proud of, it also kept me from seeing where else I could grow. I’ve had to learn that holding on too tightly, even to something good, can keep you small.

Now, I’m learning to let go of the idea that I have to BE the business in order for it to succeed. I can evolve, delegate, and create new things, like Art Box or other creative ventures, without losing what I’ve built. Releasing that old version of myself is what’s making room for what’s next.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to sit still in the discomfort instead of trying to outwork it. Success is loud, it gets applause, but suffering is quiet. It strips you down and shows you what really matters when nobody’s watching. It taught me resilience, but more importantly, it taught me to ask for help, to rest, to let go of control. Those are things success never required of me, but they’re exactly what made me stronger.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Mostly. I don’t have the energy to be two different people. What you see, whether it’s in the studio, online, or at school pickup, is me, but like anyone, I filter. I lead with the creative, the business-minded, the pulled-together version. What you don’t always see is the self-doubt, the behind-the-scenes chaos, or the fact that I’m constantly figuring it out as I go. So yes, it’s real, it’s me, it’s just not all of me.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes. More than once. I’ve hit goals, checked the boxes, and thought, “Wait… this is it?” I’ve launched things that worked, got recognition I thought I wanted, and still felt a little empty afterward. I’ve learned that getting what you want isn’t the same as getting what you need, or what aligns with who you’re becoming. Sometimes the goal was never really mine to begin with. It looked good on paper, but it didn’t feel good in my gut. That’s when I knew it was time to shift.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebrushbar.com
• Instagram: @thebrushbar
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-brush-bar-scottsdale
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrushbar159

Image Credits
Katelyn Roser
Jessica Seiferth