Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anne Oommen, an artist based in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is about making beautiful paintings inspired by beauty in nature and in reaching one’s full potential. My customers are people who want to fill a special space, such as their home or office, with an inspiring one-of-a-kind painting.
Tell us about yourself
I have always dreamt of being an artist, specifically a painter. After many years working as a pharmacist, a job where the need for accuracy gave me zero creativity, I felt it was so crucial that I painted on the side to stay sane. I guess I couldn’t give up on being an artist mainly because I felt the most like myself when I painted. So I started my art business after selling my first painting at a local art fair and being encouraged by getting commissions from friends and family.
After five years of selling paintings as a side hustle, I got the courage to leave my profession as a pharmacist and pursue my dream of being an artist full-time. What motivates me each day is the joy I feel when I am creating and painting. For me, it is the most peaceful, invigorating, and rejuvenating activity.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am most proud of developing the level of faith I have in myself and in my dream. Being a business owner means believing in your dreams when no one does. People root for you and congratulate you when you are obviously doing well. When my commissions are taking longer than they should, for instance, or when I stare at a blank canvas and feel overwhelmed, it is this internal assurance that allows me to go on with another brush stroke.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One challenge of being a business owner is the need to do and be everything when you are starting up. As an artist, I am the manufacturer of my products, the marketer, salesperson, accountant, deliverer, etc. In every aspect, I make mistakes, fail, and try again. The cycles of growth are painfully slow for me. So most of the time, I feel that I am learning so much and not very excellent at much of it. I am used to this, thankfully, since as a pharmacist, you never know everything, and you have to keep your head down and keep learning. And I rather enjoy the challenges of running a business. I don’t want to be in a space where I am not growing personally.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Actually, I asked this question to my dad who’s been in business all his life. His advice to me was:
- Enjoy the journey.
- Make lots of mistakes.
- Never give up.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.anneoommen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aofineart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anneoommen_art/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.