Practically Personalized: Wishing Well Studio and Gifts

One of the first things you’ll discover about Wishing Well Studio and Gifts is that it isn’t located in a shopping district. Only a couple hundred feet off Interstate 69 at exit 357, you’ll notice an intersection with a sign pointing to the studio on a rural road. The studio’s exterior gives off a charming “she-shed” vibe. The building is off-white and blue-grey with window sill plantings and residential French doors, welcoming you to explore the inside. Once inside you’re greeted by several rows of shelves filled with hand-painted glassware, and walls filled with decorative wall hangings all produced by the owner inside. Despite its rural location, word of mouth, local referrals, home parties, and an online shop have kept the studio busy.

Wishing Well Studio and Gifts is the dream Tarma Van Aken didn’t know she wanted. She discovered one-stroke painting as an adult at a class she took with her mother and eventually became a certified instructor. She now offers one-stroke painting classes and card-making classes once a month at her studio. Van Aken’s enthusiasm for her business is infectious. She beamed when she said July will mark her 25th year since she began her business. She’s been in her current location for about eight years. “It’s kind of therapeutic for me to just be in my own zone doing whatever I want to do.”, she said. Van Aken is an advocate for local businesses and donates to local community events and nonprofits. “I grew up in Angola and have lived in Fremont my whole adult life,”she said and added, “I will gladly support them because without them I would not be here. I would not be getting to do what I love every day.”