Meet Nik Boivin | Artist & Nonprofit Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nik Boivin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nik, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my art business out of a deep need for creative expression. By day, I work in finance, but once the workday ends, I crave the tactile experience of creating—working with my hands, playing with color, and bringing ideas to life on canvas. Painting professionally and developing my business felt like a natural next step. As a proud gay artist, I also draw inspiration from my community, incorporating LGBTQ+ culture, identity, and storytelling into my work. Beyond just making art, I wanted my work to have a purpose, which led me to start Bee the Change Foundation—a nonprofit that uses art to drive social change and give back to causes that matter.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with my mental health. The further I strayed from creating, the more my mental health spiraled. At one point, I hit a breaking point—a full mental breakdown triggered by the realization of how rapidly the honeybee population was dying. That moment cracked something open in me. It wasn’t just about the bees; it was about my own survival, my need to create, and the deep connection between art and healing my soul. Art became my way of processing, of making sense of the world, and of finding my way back to myself.

Everything I create comes from this desire to be true to myself. My art is deeply rooted in LGBTQ+ identity and representation, amplifying voices and stories that are too often overlooked. I believe in the power of community, in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether it’s through my paintings, my Portraits of Drag project, or Bee the Change Foundation, my ultimate goal is simple: to do good in the world.

That’s why I live by Bee Kind. It’s more than just a phrase—it’s a guiding principle in my art, my nonprofit, and my life. Kindness, community, and creativity all go hand in hand. But what truly sets me apart is my unrelenting passion. I refuse to give up—on my art, on my mission, or on making a difference. My work is bold, vibrant, and unapologetic, filled with bright colors that reflect the energy, resilience, and beauty of the stories I tell. I don’t just create art for art’s sake; I create to uplift, to amplify, and to shine a light on the underrepresented. Whether it’s through a portrait, a painting, or a nonprofit initiative, my purpose remains the same: to leave the world better than I found it.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way? Don’t listen to the doubters. Trust your gut. Take chances. Do it. And above all—Bee Kind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego, I’d want them to experience all the things that made me fall in love with this city. Being from the East Coast, I’m still exploring after three years here, but I’ve learned that San Diego is all about good food, stunning views, and an incredible sense of community. We’d start the day with coffee—either the cozy, 24-hour vibes of Lestat’s or a solid caffeine fix from Better Buzz. Then, we’d dive into San Diego’s unbeatable Mexican food scene, stuffing our faces at Cafe Coyote in Old Town with fresh tortillas and margaritas. A stop at Balboa Park and the San Diego Museum of Art would be a must before heading to The Studio Door to check out local artists. At night, we’d hit Urban Mo’s for some laughs and cocktails before playing Drag Queen Bingo at Gossip Grill with my friend Mariam T—because nothing beats bingo and queens.

For adventure, we’d soak up the views at La Jolla’s cliffs, spend a beach day in Coronado, and wrap it all up watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs. Somewhere in between, we’d make a pit stop at In-N-Out—because priorities. And, as a Disney adult, I’d absolutely drag them up to Disneyland for a full day of magic, staying late for fireworks before heading back. San Diego is still full of surprises for me, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s that the mix of art, food, beaches, and fun makes this city unforgettable

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support and encouragement of so many people. First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to my amazing partners, Patrick and Jordan, for always believing in me. Their support means everything. I also want to recognize my parents for their encouragement throughout my creative journey.

A special thank you to the online streaming community where I got my start—especially Jess from TheNiceLadyOverThere and Leaf from iPuppy—for fostering such an incredible space for artists.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my former professor, Deb Kelly, whose guidance and inspiration helped me take the leap into nonprofit work. Bee the Change Foundation wouldn’t exist without her influence. And finally, immense gratitude to Patric Stillman for his unwavering support through the gallery and studio, helping me grow as both an artist and entrepreneur.

I truly wouldn’t be here without these people, and I’m endlessly grateful for the roles they’ve played in my journey

Website: www.TheHoneyBee.org AND. BeeTheChangeFoundation.com

Instagram: @BeeTheChangeFoundation. AND @TheHoneyBeeArts

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-boivin-81102a323

Other: Linked in for my business and nonprofit:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-honeybee-arts
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bee-the-change-foundation