Art has a magical way of transforming lives, sparking creativity, and bringing people together. For Terri and Stephanie, a mother and daughter duo, the discovery of art came later in life—but it has become their shared passion, one that has not only rejuvenated their spirits but also sparked a creative business venture. Together, they formed Colorful Combo, an art team that blends their distinct and vibrant styles into one exciting venture.
Terri’s story begins with retirement. After years of dedicated work as a music teacher, she found herself at a crossroads. While she had enjoyed her career, retirement offered a new kind of freedom—and the chance to explore completely way to express herself. “I’ve always loved nature,” says Terri, “but I never knew I could express that through art until I started taking classes.” She began experimenting with felt and mosaics, creating pieces inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Her works often feature intricate representations of flowers, trees, animals, and landscapes. These art forms allowed her to slow down, focus on details, and capture nature’s delicate balance.
Stephanie, her daughter, was on a different path. Having successfully owned a business for years, she was facing the inevitable challenges of a shifting industry, and her business was beginning to wind down. "I always had a creative side, but it took a while for me to figure out how to bring that into my work," Stephanie reflects. When she saw her mother’s newfound passion for art, something clicked. “We decided to take a few art classes together, and it was just what we needed.” What began as a bonding activity soon transformed into an artistic collaboration.
Though both Terri and Stephanie shared an interest in creating art, their styles were distinctly different. Stephanie’s pieces are a representation of her two worlds: nature and her love for the darker side of life. “I’ve always had a thing for Halloween and horror movies,” she admits with a grin. “There’s just something fun about embracing the spooky, the macabre.” One day, she will combine stained glass, clay, and mixed media to create her interpretations of nature—like bears and flowers, but by the next day, she can be seen working on a darker piece featuring skulls, monsters—always with a sense of dark humor. “It’s a mix of beautiful and eerie. I love exploring contrasts.”
The duo’s shared artistic journey soon grew into something more than a hobby. Combining their very different styles—Terri’s nature-inspired mosaics and felt designs with Stephanie’s spooky, horror-themed pieces—they decided to create a brand together. Thus, Colorful Combo was born.
The name reflects not only their contrasting artistic visions but also the dynamic chemistry between them. “I tend to go for bright, earthy tones and intricate details,” explains Terri. “Stephanie, on the other hand, loves bold colors and a more playful or edgy approach. Together, we bring a range of textures and colors that really stand out.” The juxtaposition of soft, organic imagery with dark, whimsical elements makes Colorful Combo a unique team in the art world. They blend the peaceful with the eerie, creating a harmony that feels both surprising and refreshing.
What has made their collaboration even more rewarding is the bond it has strengthened between them. Working together has allowed them to communicate and create in a way that nurtures their relationship. “We don’t just make art; we talk about life, our challenges, and our dreams,” Stephanie says. “Our art reflects who we are individually, but together, it’s something special.”
Though their journey into art was a late one, the duo’s creations have found an audience. They currently sell their works at The Emporium on Main located in Hendersonville, NC as well as take requests for custom pieces through their website colorfulcombo.com. The diverse range of their work—combining nature, stained glass, mosaics, mixed media, and dark humor—has found a loyal following, appealing to people who enjoy both the serenity of nature and the excitement of the unconventional.
Looking back on their shared journey, both Terri and Stephanie express gratitude for the path they’ve taken. “Art has been the perfect outlet for both of us,” Terri reflects. “It’s not just about creating; it’s about living in the moment and embracing something new.” Stephanie adds, “I feel like we’ve built something together that we’re both proud of, and we’re constantly pushing each other to grow. That’s a beautiful thing to experience with your mom.”
Today, Colorful Combo continues to thrive, with the duo growing their artistic practice and exploring new mediums and techniques. The mother-daughter duo proves that it’s never too late to explore your creative side and, in the process, discover a whole new world of possibility. Through their art, they’ve found a lasting connection that is as colorful and unique as the pieces they create.
