Diana Lombardi\u2019s philosophy is simple \u2013 do what you love, work hard, and treat people with kindness and respect, as well as let your creativity flow. \u201cCreativity has the power to build confidence, bring people together, and provide an outlet when they need it most,\u201d said the owner and instructor of Abington Art Studio in Clarks Summit.<\/p>\n
Lombardi\u2019s passion for the arts began in high school and grew during her college years. She attended Wilkes University with a major in art education and a minor in psychology, and obtained her master\u2019s degree in art education in 2020.<\/p>\n
In addition to operating her business, the businesswoman has served as a public school art educator since 1997.\u00a0 \u201cEducation has always been at the core of who I am,\u201d she admits.\u00a0 In 2011, when she was furloughed from the district, she chose to turn a professional setback into an opportunity and founded Abington Art Studio in 2012.\u00a0 \u201cWhat could have been a discouraging chapter instead became a catalyst for building something meaningful for our community,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n
In 2015, she returned to public education and currently teaches at Mountain View High School, balancing both her teaching career and her business.\u00a0 \u201cManaging both roles requires dedication and strong time management, but it allows me to expand my impact across multiple generations of students,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
As the owner of the business, Lombardi oversees all aspects of it, from teaching and curriculum development to daily operations, marketing, scheduling, and community partnerships.\u00a0 Over the years, the studio has grown to include a dedicated staff of seven team members, including teachers and studio assistants.\u00a0 \u201cWe work together to create a welcoming, safe, and inspiring environment, fostering artistic growth in our students,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
Throughout her journey, she has been fortunate to have mentors who guided her, including fellow educators and artists, such as Colleen Munley, who has made an extraordinary difference in her life. After establishing her own studio, the Art School of NEPA, her friend and mentor generously guided Lombardi through the early stages of building her business.\u00a0 \u201cHer insight and practical advice gave me the confidence to move forward, and I credit her as a key reason I successfully launched my studio,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
The entrepreneur attributes her success to resilience, passion, and community support.\u00a0 \u201cSeveral dedicated families have supported my business from the beginning and continue to support it today,\u201d she said.\u00a0 One of her greatest challenges came during the pandemic in 2020, and facing great uncertainty, the business adapted quickly and found creative ways to stay connected with its students.\u00a0 \u201cThat experience reminded me of how essential art and creative spaces are, especially during difficult times,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Lombardi admits that she would not be where she is today without her family.\u00a0 Her mother, a cornerstone of her support system, has helped with the studio and business from day one.\u00a0 \u201cHer belief in me never wavered,\u201d she noted.\u00a0 Her husband and children have also supported her every step of the way, making sacrifices, offering encouragement, and celebrating each milestone alongside her.<\/p>\n
Through both public education and Abington Art Studio, the art instructor is proud to provide children and adults in the area with access to the arts, helping them to discover pride and self-expression. \u201cBeing recognized among the Top 25 Women in Business is a tremendous honor, and it inspires me to continue building a business and community where creativity, resilience, and opportunity thrive for everyone,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
Diana Lombardi<\/p>\n
Age:\u00a0 53<\/p>\n
Home: Clarks Summit<\/p>\n
Title:\u00a0 Owner and Instructor<\/p>\n
Company:\u00a0 Abington Art Studio, Depot Street, Clarks Summit<\/p>\n
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