Biography of Emily Strauss: Founder & CEO of Mural Painter -Entrepreneur
Emily Strauss: The Visionary Behind Mural Painter Inc.
A Passion for Art from the Start
Before Emily Strauss could even talk, she was already
expressing herself through scribbles on her highchair. Growing up in Bayside,
Queens, her love for art was evident, but she didn’t always fit into
traditional art programs. In fact, she was kicked out of every extracurricular
art class her parents enrolled her in. However, this didn’t deter her
passion—it only fueled her determination to carve her own path.
Early Beginnings in Mural Painting
At the age of fifteen, Emily started painting murals on
cabinets and kitchen tables in her home. Her mother’s personal training clients
would pass by and admire her work, leading to word-of-mouth commissions for
murals in Long Island homes. What began as a small passion project soon turned
into a business opportunity.
Balancing College and Entrepreneurship
Emily enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
in New York, where she pursued her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. However,
juggling full-time studies while running a growing mural business was
challenging. To manage the workload, she recruited her classmates to assist her
on weekends, marking the beginning of her leadership journey.
The Birth of Mural Painter NYC
In 2017, Emily officially launched Mural Painter NYC with
five of her college friends. While building her company, she also worked as a
union painter, donning hard hats and protective gear to make ends meet. As her
business flourished, she faced a critical decision—continue her side jobs or
take a leap of faith into full-time entrepreneurship. She chose the latter.
Expanding into the Corporate World
Many artists struggle with the transition from creative work
to business, fearing the idea of “selling out.” However, Emily saw it
differently—she believed in “buying in” to a larger vision. She transformed
Mural Painter NYC into a structured company that bridged the gap between
artistic expression and corporate branding, offering hand-painted murals and
signage for businesses.
From NYC to National Recognition
As demand for her work grew, Emily expanded her company
beyond New York, rebranding it as Mural Painter Inc. Her team worked on murals
and signage projects in multiple states, offering high-quality, hand-painted
artwork for businesses, restaurants, and chain stores.
Landing a Spot on Shark Tank
In 2020, Emily’s hard work paid off when she was featured on
Season 11 of Shark Tank USA. She pitched Mural Painter Inc. to a panel of
investors and secured a deal worth $100,000 in cash and a $200,000 line of
credit. This investment gave her the financial support needed to take her
business to the next level.
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Overcoming Challenges During the Pandemic
Unfortunately, the timing of her Shark Tank episode’s airing
coincided with the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses, Mural
Painter Inc. faced significant challenges. However, Emily remained optimistic,
believing that once the world stabilized, people would seek inspiration through
art—and she was right.
Expanding to New Markets
Emily's ambition didn't stop with Shark Tank. She explored
new markets, taking on projects in San Jose, California, and considering
expansion into the San Francisco Bay Area. She recognized the strong street art
culture there and saw an opportunity for businesses to integrate mural art into
their branding.
Building a Diverse and Skilled Team
At Mural Painter Inc., Emily assembled a talented team of
artists, designers, and construction experts. Her company specialized in
murals, installation art, 3D design, vinyl wraps, sculptures, signage, and
branding. The company also took on large-scale projects for multi-location
businesses, proving that creativity and business could successfully coexist.
Offering More Than Just Murals
Beyond painting walls, Mural Painter Inc. provided artistic
fabrications, property renovations, and installations for businesses. Emily’s
vision expanded beyond traditional murals—she embraced various materials like
metal, fiberglass, acrylic, and wood to bring unique designs to life.
A Role Model for Entrepreneurs
Emily’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs,
especially those in the creative field. She proved that art can be both a
passion and a thriving business, encouraging artists to embrace the business
side of their craft rather than shy away from it.
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Beyond business success, Emily also battled personal
challenges, including Lyme disease. Despite her health struggles, she remained
dedicated to her company, proving that resilience and determination can
overcome even the toughest obstacles.
A Message of Positivity and Perseverance
One of the biggest takeaways from Emily’s story is her
unwavering positivity. She believes in staying optimistic, keeping her chin up,
and continuing to push forward no matter the challenges. Her journey is a
testament to the power of perseverance and a strong mindset.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Mural Painter Inc. continuing to grow, Emily remains
focused on expanding her business, exploring new opportunities, and inspiring
others along the way. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success
comes from passion, hard work, and the courage to take risks.
Timeline for story
1990s – Emily Strauss shows an early passion for art.
Early 2000s – Gets kicked out of multiple extracurricular
art classes.
2007 – Starts painting murals on furniture at age 15.
2010 – Enrolls at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
2017 – Launches Mural Painter NYC with five college friends.
2018 – Rebrands as Mural Painter Inc., expanding beyond NYC.
2020 – Appears on Shark Tank, secures $100,000 and a
$200,000 credit line.
2020-2021 – Faces challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022 – Expands into new markets, including California.
2023 – Builds a diverse team, specializing in murals,
branding, and installations.
2024 – Continues scaling Mural Painter Inc. while inspiring
creative entrepreneurs.
