Published on November 15, 2021 by Morgan Black  
Batson Haley
Haley Batson, a senior marketing major and studio art minor, is the founder and owner of Sunshine & Color Inc., a specialty company that offers custom watercolor portraits, houses, and pet paintings, re-creating special memories and moments with friends and family. 
 
Through Sunshine & Color, Batson aims to  spread light through creativity, positivity, and compassion in each work of art, word said, and relationship made. 

How has Brock School of Business and the Samford Startup program helped you launch your business?

The Samford Startup program helped me take the next steps in making my business real. Last year I incorporated as Sunshine & Color Inc. and I was supported by the staff throughout this process. In our meetings, we gain insight into the entrepreneurship world, are encouraged to ask questions, and are given the opportunity to learn from experienced business leaders in the areas we are most interested in exploring as they relate to our current situations. The opportunities I’ve had to network, learn, and dive into critical thought about my business endeavors and decision-making processes has been extremely valuable in shaping me, not only as an entrepreneur, but also as a student, friend, and human being. I am so thankful to be a part of this school and encourage anyone seeking to start a business, get their feet wet with entrepreneurial thinking, or just make a positive impact on the community to consider being a part of or supporting the Samford Startup program!

Looking to the future, what do you envision for your business?

Sunshine & Color is currently in the pivoting/expansion process, seeking to focus more on mental health, opening up the floor to discussions on body image, wellness, mindfulness, and money to educate, answer questions, and create community among young women in the high school/college realm. I currently host a podcast where we talk about these important topics, providing insight into how to navigate life with perspective and gain tools to endure hardship and have patience through trials and seasons of fear and confusion. In the future, you can look forward to new podcast episodes, mindfulness and creative activities, art, and membership opportunities to learn and be a part of the S&C community!

How can the Samford and Birmingham communities learn more about your business?

  • You can find my art on Instagram @sunshine_and_color
  • Place an order or ask questions at sunshineandcolor@gmail.com 
  • And listen to my latest podcast episodes here on Spotify or any place where you access podcasts!
 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.