Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Ruggeri, Founder of David Ruggeri Fine Art, located in St. Louis, MO, USA.

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

I am a visual artist who creates one-of-a-kind paintings. My customers are professionals who desire to own original artwork for their homes and businesses. My collectors are from the US, Canada, and Europe.

Tell us about yourself

I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember. After earning an MBA, Masters of Economics, MPH, and PhD. and working in other areas, I knew that I would regret not giving my dream of becoming a professional artist a try. About eight years ago, I began selling my work commercially. First, at non-juried art fairs, then I progressed to juried art fairs, and now my work is in fine art galleries. Each day I just try to get a little better than the day before. When I began, I sold my drawings for $25-50, and after years of hard work, my paintings are now in the $4,000- $10,000 range. I am very grateful and appreciative of all the support I have received from collectors, gallerists, and fans of my work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is making my collectors happy. Seeing the smile on their faces when they see a piece of my work is just amazing. That is what drives me to keep creating.

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

Being a business owner is nonstop. There is always something to do. Making art is now a smaller percentage of my time than I would like. Between social media, ordering supplies, working with clients and galleries, accounting, the list goes and on.

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

  1. Have a plan. Your plan will change, and you need to be flexible, but without a solid business plan, before you begin, you will spend money and time inefficiently.
  2. That being said, just start. There are a million reasons and excuses to delay starting your own business, but you just need to do it. Do not do it blindly, but start today. Right now. Go get a piece of paper and a pencil and start. Write out your plan. What will you be selling? To whom? How much? Etc.
  3. Know that a business needs time to grow and become successful. Be patient. Don't worry about what others post on social media; their time frame is different than yours. Just keep moving forward, continue to get better, and treat people fairly and with respect. If you do those things, your business with continues to grow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://davidruggeri.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daveruggeri
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave_ruggeri/

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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