Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jan Powers, Founder of HenBitArt, located in Flourtown, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I create unique home goods using fluid acrylics and resin. I make serving trays in a variety of shapes and sizes, tea boxes, coasters, and charcuterie boards. My customers are people who are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece to add a pop of color to their home or to give as gifts.
Tell us about yourself
I stumbled upon acrylic pouring when I was searching for a fun, artistic project for my daughter's 30th birthday. The following winter, having been intrigued by the process and having my own creativity stimulated, I just kept pouring.
A year later, without ever planning on this becoming a business, I was doing my first local craft show selling my work! It's been five years, and I still get excited to go up into my dedicated studio space to experiment with paints and resin. It truly brings me joy to do my work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment? Hmm, well, I'd say getting into a high-end craft show in Philadelphia and selling out of just about everything I brought! Also, my tea boxes were mentioned in an online Forbes article this year: Holiday Gift Guide 2022: The Best Luxury Gifts For Tea Lovers. This led to a banner holiday season for my tea box line.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part of my work is the online marketing and keeping track of net profits after all the fees are taken out from Etsy, ads, shipping, credit card fees, show fees, and miscellaneous expenses....it can be discouraging seeing how much it costs to sell a piece.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- First and foremost, some advice early on from my entrepreneur daughter (CarolynPowersDeisigns.com), "mind the details" that is, be sure the product you are creating is the best it can be (crisp edges, quality supplies, excellent displays, and photos, etc.). It is easy to cut corners, but even if I am the only one who knows, I like producing products that I am really proud of.
- Second, there's room enough for all of us! Don't be envious of fellow artists; instead, join the community and lift others up, whether you're encouraging a new artist, taking an interest in someone's craft, or coming alongside an artist that is struggling. It brings joy and enriches the larger community. I am so grateful to know so many gifted artists that I've met over the years and celebrate their work and successes.
- Third, keep at it! Whether you're in a funk or discouraged from how sales are going, don't give up. You might have to try something new, maybe outside your medium, to jumpstart the creative juices, but keep exploring, experimenting, and growing.
- And one other, I know that's more than three, but....do the hard things. Whether it's filing your expense report or cleaning up the studio, or sanding for hours, don't put those things off. To be successful, the hard, dirty, tiresome parts have to be done.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://henbitart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HenBitArt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henbitart/
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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