After nearly 20 years in New York City, Ivelisse Nieves reached a point where she needed a change. The fast-paced, high-stress lifestyle had left her drained, and she was ready for something different. On May 11, 2021, in the middle of the pandemic, she packed her belongings, left her friends behind, and moved to Savannah without ever having visited the city. Flight cancellations had repeatedly disrupted her plans, so she relied on her own research and took the leap. What began as an uncertain new chapter turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever made.
Ivelisse’s journey has included significant challenges, personal loss, and moments that tested her strength. Today, faith plays an important role in her life, and she continues to learn, grow, and make intentional choices about the woman she is becoming. She values genuine connections, time with family, and opportunities to bring joy into the lives of others.
Getting to Know Ivelisse
What do you do?
I am an Activity Coordinator and the founder of Paint Pleeze! As an Activity Coordinator, I design and lead recreation programs for seniors in an assisted living community, keeping residents active, motivated, and engaged through games, crafts, and social outings.
My passion is bringing joy, connection, and relaxation through art. I love creating stress-free spaces where people can clear their minds, express themselves, and share a memorable experience.
Through Paint Pleeze!, I provide mobile painting experiences, including public paint nights and private group events for corporate gatherings, families, churches, and special occasions.
Real wisdom comes from being willing to change, learn, and evolve.
What brought you to Savannah?
After almost 20 years in NYC, I was completely drained by the fast, high-stress lifestyle and needed a fresh start. On May 11, 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic, I packed up, left my friends behind, and moved to Savannah without ever visiting first. Flight cancellations kept messing up my trips, so I just relied on my own research.
It was a huge culture shock moving to a much slower pace, but it turned out to be the absolute best decision. I’ve never been happier.
In a few words, how would you describe yourself?
I’m a passionate, step-out-of-my-comfort-zone kind of person who leads with faith, heart, and a love for taking bold risks. Above all, I’m deeply devoted to my family and to helping others, whether that’s volunteering at my church or sharing art and crafts with local seniors to brighten their day.
I like to keep things warm, creative, and genuine, and I always aim to bring a little bit of joy and light wherever I go.
What is something you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today?
Overcoming the language barrier was a huge milestone for me. Coming from Puerto Rico, I didn’t learn fluent English in school, as English is our second language. When I moved to NYC at 28, I had to invest time and money taking ESL classes on and off for four years.
It was tough, but learning the language unlocked every door that brought me to where I am today.
What does success mean to you?
In the short term, success is waking up each morning blessed with health, movement, and purpose, and laying my head down at night feeling satisfied with what I accomplished.
In the long term, it means achieving financial freedom so I can provide better opportunities, quality healthcare, and enriching travel experiences for myself and my family.
I always aim to bring a little bit of joy and light wherever I go
What is one thing people may be surprised to learn about you?
People will be surprised to learn about the deep pain and adversity I survived growing up. I was raised in a home filled with domestic violence, often having to flee with my mother in the middle of the night, and I spent years grieving the loss of three brothers, especially my brother who left behind two young children.
I also spent some time living in a shelter in NYC after leaving an abusive relationship myself. Surviving those traumas shaped my resilience, taught me the true value of safety and healing, and fueled my passion to bring joy and light to others today.
What is your favorite thing about being a woman in Savannah?
Coming from New York City, where I constantly felt paranoid and carried pepper spray everywhere, my favorite part of living in Savannah is the absolute peace and security I feel.
While some might complain about safety here, my background gives me a different perspective. I treasure being able to walk down the street without fear, breathe easily, and enjoy a sense of calm I never had in NYC.
What is one word that describes the woman you are becoming? Why?
Wise. At 50, I know that age alone doesn’t automatically bring growth. Real wisdom comes from being willing to change, learn, and evolve.
Rededicating my life to Jesus two years ago completely reshaped my perspective, as true wisdom begins with faith and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I’m also actively growing by educating myself on financial literacy, turning past mistakes into lessons, and making intentional decisions rooted in both spiritual guidance and practical understanding.
Continuing to Grow, One Day at a Time
Ivelisse’s experiences have shaped her understanding of resilience, safety, and healing. Through faith and a willingness to embrace change, she continues to work toward a future rooted in wisdom, financial freedom, and meaningful opportunities for herself and her family.
Having found a sense of peace in Savannah, she appreciates life’s simple pleasures, including playing tennis, watching sunsets, enjoying rooftops, and spending time with her two beautiful cats.
Ivelisse, thank you for sharing your story with Savannah Woman Magazine. Your openness about your journey reminds readers of the importance of growth, faith, and finding peace in the life we choose to build.
Connect With Ivelisse Online
- Instagram: @pt.plz
- Facebook: Paint Pleeze
- LinkedIn: Evie Nieves
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