Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dawn Bova, Owner of HeARTworkByDawn, located in Bellevue, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an intuitive artist, illuminating my innermost emotions with abstract, mixed-media art. People feel a connection to the pieces I create and then become customers. I also strongly believe in the healing power of art due to my own experiences. I teach courses, host paint parties, and also have free paint on a weekly basis to facilitate the healing power of art.
Tell us about yourself
A lifelong artist, art sat on a shelf for many years of my life while I was raising a family and busy with those responsibilities. Unfortunately, my life has been plagued with grief. My father died at a young age in a motor vehicle accident. My son, Bradley, a beautiful light and soul, was plagued by addiction and ultimately last lost his life, and then his sponsor Brian who was also like a son to me, died a couple of years later. I was at an all-time low. At that point, my sister insisted I pick up a paintbrush. I was resistant, but I did sit at her kitchen table that day and paint. I was amazed at the therapeutic benefits I experienced that day. I decided to start practicing, learning, expanding my skills, and sharing my artwork.
People connected with my art on social media and purchased many paintings. Shortly after, my business HeARTworkByDawn was born. I use my art to communicate emotions that are difficult to explain in words. I also use art to help others with their own healing journey. I understand the scientific research proving the healing power of art due to my background as a mental health/addiction recovery advocate and nurse practitioner. However, my personal experience of healing cemented my belief that art-making is extremely necessary in our world. It is my intention to touch as many lives as possible with the power of art…whether someone is a collector or participant in art making!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My art has been published internationally, and I’ve been shown in an international gallery. But if I’m going to be completely honest, I believe helping my granddaughter navigate the loss of her baby brother Willie through art (yes…another loss) has been my most significant accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
If I had to put that in one word, I would say juggling all the responsibilities that come with owning a business. Often people think being an artist is painting and selling artwork. But there’s so much more to being a successful business owner today. Navigating social media, public exposure, technological advances (which, by the way, is extremely difficult to navigate, but I’m doing it), bookkeeping, and promoting are just a few things a business owner must juggle to be successful. In addition, I’m always honing my skills, practicing improving, and learning new techniques.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just start. If I had waited for the perfect moment in my life or the best timing, I’d never start this business.
- Don’t be fearful of making a mistake. There’s a phrase that I’ve been taught called “imperfect action.” It’s the action and the momentum that make all the difference, not whether or not you have a perfect outcome. Perfection is an illusion.
- Don’t quit before the miracle happens. There are periods of defeat or lack, or we don’t feel we’re progressing. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, and celebrate the little increments of victory, and you will succeed.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://stan.store/heartworkbydawn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.s.bova
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartworkbydawn/
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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