Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elena Markelova, a watercolour artist based in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I create unique double exposure style paintings that bring life into people's homes. I'm also an educator and teach my own 8-week watercolour course and workshops around Vancouver. It brings me so much joy to inspire people and brighten up their days with my artwork!
Tell us about yourself
I remember painting and drawing from a very young age - in kindergarten and elementary school. And one summer day during the school holidays, I was ten at that time, and my mom came into my room. I was painting by myself, as usual, and she looked at me and said: "Come on, get dressed. We are going to sign you up for the art school!" This is how it all officially started. I never really planned to start a business, but I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a creative entrepreneur.
I spent seven years at Art School, then six more at Art University in Russia. When I moved to Canada 10 years ago, I was amazed by the beauty of nature and the wildlife that inhabits the land, air, and water. For a girl who grew up in an industrial part of Siberia and never had any encounters with animals in their natural habitat, the very first meeting with a black bear cub changed my life forever. How excited and delighted I was, one cannot imagine! Since then, nature and wild places have become my true love and inspiration.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm proud of my big and small achievements because they led me to the place where I am now. I'm a full-time artist and a mother, and it's priceless that I can be present in my son's life and also have a successful career. There is still so much room to grow as a person and an artist. The biggest projects so far are my 9 by 9 feet Vancouver Map that is exhibited at the Museum of Vancouver and a similar but hyper-detailed 20 by 9 feet mural of Map of Vancouver at UCW.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Every road is full of obstacles, and my path is not any different. I've been facing ups and downs on my way, which only made me stronger. There are still times when I doubt myself and my abilities and think of giving up, but then the Universe sends a message to me through someone with a request for a custom painting or just a heart emoji on Instagram under one of my paintings. This gives me so much energy to keep going, and I'm thankful for that!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- First and most important is to start your business around something you enjoy. In this case, even if you have struggles along the way, you'll have the passion and power to continue going.
- Don't focus on money. If you start a business for monetary gain only, you might burn out sooner than you can imagine. Think about the connections you'll be building, the relationships you'll be growing, and the joys of success. This will fuel you for a very long ride.
- Don't overthink and overcomplicate. I've met many people who are just starting a business or thinking of starting one, where they waste so much energy on unnecessary tasks. They would spend three or even six months building a website from scratch rather than purchasing a template with all build-ins, and then they are too tired to continue going. Ask for help, delegate, and hire professionals if needed. It would save you so much time and money!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://elenamarkelova.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenamarkelovaarts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenamarkelova_art/
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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