Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Russell Thomas, an artist at Birdsong Studios, located in Okotoks, AB, Canada.

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

My business is art, specifically paintings of human and animal subjects. My customers stretch across the country and across North America, thanks to connections made through social media.

Tell us about yourself

I started painting at the age of 47. By the age of 50, I couldn't keep up with the commission requests and made the leap away from traditional employment into the world of being a full-time working artist. After creating over 1,800 original paintings, I still love the hours I get to spend at the easel. I create something new almost every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

In addition to creating a successful art business, we have been able to use my paintings to generate over $400,000 for charities.

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

The hardest thing to navigate is the natural cycle of sales. Inspiring sales when things are slow and keeping everything organized when sales are brisk are two fundamentals to success.

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

  1. Commit to putting in the effort every day and embrace that it isn't going to be easy.
  2. Always be open to learning new things. There is always a way to be better.
  3. Make your passion your business. Passion is a natural sales tool.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

When I was young, the term "starving artist" was bandied about by everyone. We have proven, after a rather late start, that abundant life in the arts is possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.birdsongstudios.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/russellthomasart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russellthomasart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rvthomasart

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.