Art Aficionado - Jennifer Kostuik
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and craft but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Kostuik, owner and president of Jennifer Kostuik Gallery, located in Vancouver, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I represent visual artists that are local, across the country, from the US, Europe, and Argentina. The artist's works are varied, but there is an aesthetic link because I chose them, which provides a platform for clients liking more than one artist's work from my group. Clients trust my eye and tend to also like new artists I bring on board.
Tell us about yourself
I was always the best artist in grade school and high school; it came naturally to me. When I was accepted into a studio at the University, I realized I didn't have the vocational drive - I didn't need to make things. I then studied art history and decided I loved it but felt more driven to promote living artists than work in museums. After working for several commercial galleries, a stint with management consulting, and either getting fired a lot or quitting, I ventured on my own in a city no one knew me with one artist and a 5-year lease. 25 years later, I still believe in my artist's work; I enjoy working with them. I love when people connect with their art, and everyone is moving forward in the art that reveals something about each party concerned. It's important to make art and to own it for the human soul.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making a living off of something that is needed, but not everyone understands or realizes it is needed.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to wear all the hats and being responsible for everything.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Find out if doing things like your competitors works best or doing things your way works better. Do not doubt your intuition! Make sure you always have plan B as a backup.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My business encapsulates all my interests and my personality traits-marketing, curating, being detail-driven, being socially engaged, working on projects, figuring people out on a daily basis, and being the decision-maker. I think that may be what drives anyone to want to succeed because you get to be who you really are.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kostuikgallery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkostuikgallery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KostuikGallery/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JCSfP568474zSse7A
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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