Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Lane, Owner of Abstract Underground Studio, located in Camrose, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am an artist and art teacher based in Treaty 6 territory near Edmonton, Canada. I create acrylic and oil with cold wax paintings and resin art. I also teach in person classes on alcohol inks, painting with acrylics, and resin pouring. My customers vary greatly, but it seems to be mostly people that are empty nesters and retirees, although there are younger people that come to class as well.

Tell us about yourself

Six years ago, my contract ended at my desk job, and I had a trip to Florence and Tuscany planned and paid for, which coincided with my layoff. Jobless and abroad, I was searching for answers to what to do with myself moving forward. Florence is a mecca for artists, and I was absolutely hooked. I realized that I am not a natural at admin jobs, but was a natural creator. I knew I had to make it happen for myself, and I did.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that I created a model where I can earn as much, if not more, than I did in administration. The work is much longer hours, but the rewards are immense, and it brightens my soul every day.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I think it would have to be social media. I was born in the early 70s, and I am a "TV kid." I avoided computers like the plague, with the understanding that if you didn't like computers, you wouldn't have to use them and leave them to the people that enjoyed computers. I still have mental blocks to this day in regard to new technologies and ways to use social media and the internet. For example, I am really trying to avoid TikTok because it appears to eat away at your time quite badly, and you get pummeled with videos. Not my cup of tea, but one day I may just have to jump in there and try it if I know it can grow my business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Put in the time. I wrote down my hours for the first two years, and I usually averaged about 50-60 hours a week. I'm not saying that kind of time is for everyone, but you can see that in order to be successful, it simply won't fall in your lap. You are the master of your destiny, so spend the time.
  2. Make a daily list of tasks you want to complete. My list looks something like this: 1. watch the process video on YouTube. 2. One hour of cleaning up the house/studio. 3. Create content for Instagram reels and posts. 4. One hour of computer admin and research on the computer and social media. 5. Have fun in the studio. Etc.
  3. Be persistent. You hear endless stories of people that were rejected, only to be finally accepted with accolades.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.abstractunderground.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abstractundergroundstudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/absunderground/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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