Why I Built the Fusion Artist Studio Collective Instead of Just a Website

By Sara Shewolf

When I first set out to establish a digital home for my work—Flint Fusion, LLC, Howl & Heal Sanctuary, my dance and fitness instruction, spiritual counseling, marketing services, and more—I thought the answer was simple: build a website for each. That’s what entrepreneurs are told to do, right? But after more than a year hunting for a web host that could provide all the capabilities I needed for each, I realized that multiple sites to manage was not only going to be a struggle, my needs were so diversified that combining into a single site was too going to be a struggle, and no single generic website platform could truly bring my vision to life.

I didn’t just want a website. I wanted a community—a place where fusion artists could come together, learn, grow, and support each other. A static website couldn’t capture the essence of mentorship, collaboration, and artistic empowerment. This is something I longed for and began to find when I joined the Stygian Collective, which I am eternally grateful for.  And so, the Fusion Artist Studio Collective was born.

A Journey Through Struggle, Inspiration, and Transformation

This wasn’t just a business decision; it was deeply personal. It was shaped by my struggles, my experiences in various artistic and spiritual communities, and, most importantly, the mentors and loved ones who guided and supported me.

I have faced my share of mental and physical challenges, making the pursuit of my passions an uphill battle. Balancing multiple businesses while also being a wife and mother often felt impossible. There were times when exhaustion, self-doubt, and the pressures of running everything on my own made me wonder if I could ever truly bring this dream to life.

But through it all, one of my greatest sources of strength and inspiration has been my husband. His unwavering support, generosity, and belief in me have been foundational to this entire journey. Not only has he been my biggest cheerleader, but he has also been an incredible mentor in business management, offering guidance, insight, and a steady hand when things felt overwhelming. I value him beyond words, and I am endlessly grateful for his presence in my life—not just as my partner, but as someone who truly wants to see me and my vision succeed.

The Communities That Shaped My Vision

Throughout my experiences in various artistic and spiritual spaces, I’ve encountered both empowering and toxic environments. I have seen:

• Unreliable mentorship that left students feeling lost rather than guided.

• Unnecessary competition that prioritized ego over creativity.

• Unprofessional business tactics that devalued artists and their work.

• Political debates and power struggles that overshadowed the art itself.

But I’ve also felt the magic of spaces where:

• Mentors truly invested in their students and supported their growth.

• Humility, accountability, and collaboration thrived.

• Artists lifted each other up instead of tearing each other down.

• Networking and shared opportunities led to new creative horizons.

I knew I wanted to create something that embodied the best of what I had experienced—a space where artists could find mentorship, community, and real opportunities for growth.

The Search for the Right Platform

(And Why I Gave Up on Generic Websites)

For over a year, I searched for a web hosting platform that could bring my vision to life. I needed something that could serve as a learning hub, an artist network, a business directory, an event space, and a collaborative marketing tool—all in one.

But no platform truly supported the level of interactivity, mentorship, and artistic exchange I envisioned. A website would always be a static page—but a collective would be a living, breathing movement.

The Mentors Who Inspired This Collective

The Fusion Artist Studio Collective was shaped by the incredible mentors who guided and inspired me along the way:

• Mike Lilly, my lifelong art teacher, who taught me that art is everywhere and should never stop evolving.  And that compassion will take humanity exponentially further than competition.

• Jennifer Keasler & Julietta of Genesee County Acro & Cradle Yoga, my yoga mentors, who instilled in me the power of balance, movement, and self-discipline/care. These fundamentals have transformed my mind, body, & soul.

• Alley of Blue Crow Talent, my fire & flow mentor, who showed me how movement could be both liberating and powerful.

• Alisyn & Jared Hurd of FLI-City Studios, my (first and always) dance mentors, who provided a space where I could grow as an artist and performer; taught me the value of learning and respecting the cultures and people behind the movements; have always provided me with the absolute BEST example of mentorship (as well as an amazing example of how to run a professional dance company) from student through entrepreneur; and finally, who believed in the dancer inside me, even before I could find her myself. 

• Ebony Qualls & Michelle Sorensen, my fusion artist/dance mentors, who not only have been a source of inspiration and growth for me as a dancer and entrepreneur, but who took a chance on a feral fusion artist from Flint trying to find her place in this industry and trying to put her dance family and city on the map. Your artistry never stops fueling my drive and inspiration. And your faith in me and willingness to see my city for yourself are gifts you've given me that I will never, ever let go of.

• Daewen of Stygian Dance and the Stygian Collective, who has both inspired me and introduced me to a collective of fusion dancers that resonated deeply with my spirit and artistic identity. And who also has been an amazing source of guidance and inspiration throughout bringing this project to life.

• Janelle Beren, my lifelong best friend and confidant, who has been my rock through every challenge, always pushing me to believe in myself.  And who never stops inspiring me to be better simply by being the amazing human she is. Life with her would be bland, uneventful,

• And most importantly, my business partner in shimmies & shenanigans, Coco Banghart, who shares my passion, vision, and belief that art is meant to be shared, not hoarded.  In addition to our dance sister Amanda Moomey, who’s knowledge, dedication, determination, mentorship, and support have been, and continue to be, instrumental in Coco and I’s journey.  

Each of these individuals shaped the way I see mentorship, creativity, and community, and their influence is woven into the very fabric of the Fusion Artist Studio Collective.

Why You Should Join the Fusion Artist Studio Collective

If you’re an artist—whether in dance, music, fitness, modeling, photography, visual arts, spiritual/energy work, or any fusion-based discipline—you know the struggles of standing alone in your craft. You’ve likely experienced:

• A lack of real mentorship from people who genuinely care about your growth.

• Competitive environments that discourage collaboration.

• The chaos of self-promotion, marketing, and networking while trying to focus on your art.

The Fusion Artist Studio Collective exists to change that. This isn’t just another business venture—it’s a movement designed to:

• Provide real mentorship from experienced artists who want to see you thrive.

• Create a community that values support, accountability, and shared opportunities.

• Encourage collaboration and networking so you never have to navigate this journey alone.

• Help with marketing and business growth so your art gets the visibility it deserves.

I could have built a website—but I chose to build something bigger, stronger, and more meaningful. A website is just a platform. A collective is a force.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in traditional artistic spaces, if you’re looking for a community that values mentorship, creativity, and real connection, then this is your sign.

Join us at The Fusion Artist Studio Collective—because you don’t have to do this alone.  And I feel like the world needs to see how valuable our artistry can be.