blvd. | entrepreneurs
Business boom by Michelle Boudin
Heather Opal Artwork
If you drive around Charlotte’s residential neighborhoods, you’ll likely spot one of Heather Cole’s signature creations: a brightly colored heartshaped charm hanging on a front door. Cole studied painting in college but gave it up when she went to work in information technology at Wells Fargo. Ten years went by before a tragedy inspired her to pick up her paintbrush again: A friend of a friend lost a child, and Cole wanted to help. “Immediately, with a 6-month-old strapped to my chest in a Boba baby carrier and a 3-year-old at my feet, I began painting hearts,” Cole says. She sold them and gave the money to the family. Cole continued to paint, realizing she could turn her passion into a business with a mission. She figured out how to mass produce her hearts, and she continues to give back to other families facing hardships. Her 38
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SOUTHPARK
latest outreach project, featuring a lemon motif, supports Foster Village Charlotte. Charms are priced from about $45-$150. While she fiercely loves her newfound focus, Cole admits it isn’t easy. “It is impossible to juggle mom life and business life. I am constantly dropping the ball. Luckily, my family and my cheerleaders give me grace. But even when I feel like a failure as a mother and business owner, I know I am fulfilling my purpose. Seeing my work on and in the homes of my amazing collectors and friends fills me with so much joy.” Find Cole on Instagram @heatheropal.art and on Facebook at Heather Opal Artwork. Shop for door charms, prints and more on her website heatheropal.com.
TOP PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRISSY WINCHESTER
FROM SIDE HUSTLES TO FULL-TIME GIGS: THESE CHARLOTTE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS TURNED A SETBACK — THE PANDEMIC — INTO OPPORTUNITY.
