Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Filip Vogelpohl, Owner of Boise Art Glass LLC., located in Boise, ID, USA.

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

Boise Art Glass is located in the heart of downtown Boise, Idaho. We have a 2-story gallery full of local artists from across the Northwest. Seven of them are in-house artists. We offer Glassblowing classes to the public seven days a week. We also have a completely open studio concept and encourage everyone to stop by and view glassblowing live. We believe the glass community is for everyone and strive to share that with our community. From custom orders/commissioned art to online orders and wholesale, Boise Art Glass is always producing art seven days a week.

Tell us about yourself

I discovered Glassblowing 26 years ago and have been obsessed ever since. I originally wanted to climb the corporate ladder and maybe work for Micron. After I found glass, I could not shake the desire to be a glassblower. Boise Art Glass started as an 800-square-foot studio with just me. Now, we have 14 employees and our own large studio, and our work is displayed in hundreds of businesses and countless homes worldwide. Knowing that I feed my family, pay the mortgage, and employ as many people as I do with art and a dream that started 26 years ago is what fuels my fire to come in and give Boise Art Glass 120% every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Seeing consistent growth year over year. We have good problems. Too many orders. Growing faster than I can train people. I have an amazing team of people, and I feel so grateful for the opportunity to give them a place where their passions can align with their job titles.

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

Managing staff has always been my crux. Because every person is different, no matter where you work, there will always be conflict from time to time. Hire a good manager as soon as you can. A stellar manager will be worth their weight in gold.

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

  1. Show up early and go home late. No one will fight for your business like you. Good employees will give you 80%. Great employees will give you 90-100%. But you, you show up daily with 120%.
  2. You're going to make mistakes. That's a given. Every mistake is just an opportunity to evaluate, readjust, and keep marching forward.
  3. Give to your employees as much as you can. Create a culture that is more valuable than dollar signs. Small businesses like mine have a hard time competing with the likes of Amazon. But if you create a place where they enjoy coming into, where they feel valued, you will create a tight group who will show up for you day in and day out.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.boiseartglass.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boiseartglass
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boiseartglass/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filip-vogelpohl-2a8b87236/

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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