Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aurelie Jezequel, founder of Aurelie's Gallery, located in New York, USA.

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

Aurélie's Gallery is an online photography gallery and gift shop I started in 2021. It's my way to celebrate the many talented photographers I met during my career. The selection of artists and images reflects my desire to feature a wide array of photography. From newcomers to established talent, from landscapes to fashion, black & white to color… the only common thread is that these are all images I love.

Besides prints, I also create home and work accessories that use images from the online exhibits (just like a gift shop in a museum!). My customers are other photography lovers but also people who want to decorate their homes with beautiful and unique images. Some of the exhibits focus on specific topics, like horses or jazz musicians, which in turn attract people who are interested in these topics and might want a print (or notebook) with their favorite image. Ultimately, the gallery is about sharing my love for photography!

Tell us about yourself

Photography has always been a part of my life. I feel it's the most democratic art form – not everyone goes to museums or art galleries, but everyone has seen (and most likely taken) photos in their life. Photography has become a universal language.

I've always worked in the photography world, either in an ad agency, choosing the photographers who were going to shoot our campaigns, or as a freelance producer, working with photographers on the logistics of their shoots. I even started a photography magazine and blog, Resource Magazine!

After working for more than 25 years in this world, I was ready for a new adventure. I wanted to build on my experiences and connections. The gallery idea came naturally. Not only do I get to feature, discuss, and look at photographs all day (which I love doing!), I'm also championing and supporting artists, which is immensely rewarding.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Keeping faith in my idea while the world was falling apart around me because of COVID. I'll be honest, I thought of giving up – everything felt so meaningless – but I kept at it. Working in the gallery kept me sane during a very insane time.

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

Time management! There's never enough time to do everything, and I never seem to make a dent on my to-do list. It's hard not to feel overwhelmed at times.

I try to stay organized (I use Asana to keep track of my long to-do list). An entrepreneur friend of mine has become my action partner: we talk almost every day, and she helps me (re)focus when needed. Her support and insight are invaluable.

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

  1. Write a business plan even if you're not looking for funding. Putting things in writing will help you refine your idea. Include your financial projections: although it's impossible to know how much you're going to make, you need to know your expenses at least so you can prepare for them. Revisit your plan every six months (or more often if it feels right). It's easy to lose track of the big picture or some of your earlier ideas when you're busy.
  2. Create as much content as possible before your launch (social media posts, blog posts, newsletters, graphics/ visuals, etc.). And then create some more. Seriously, you will never have too much content!
  3. Don't forget to breathe! Be kind to yourself – we all deserve and need a day off every once in a while! Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I have been impressed with the amount of free information available online. From articles and guides on social media/ marketing/ PR/ entrepreneurship to webinars, video tutorials, etc., you have a ton of valuable information at your fingertips.

I follow a few business blogs not only to stay updated on what's happening around me but to stay inspired. Running a business is about experimenting (especially at the beginning). Have fun with it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.aureliesgallery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AureliesGallery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurelies_gallery/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurelie-s-gallery/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.