Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hugo Lai a French/Vietnamese Painter & Artist based in Lisbon, Portugal.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a French/Vietnamese painter artist. I make art on canvas, murals, and a few collaborations with brands(clothing and billboard). My customers are people that connect with the images I create and are willing to give me money for it, and they are surprisingly quite a lot! haha.
Tell us about yourself
I randomly won an art contest back in the day, and it gave me the motivation to start showing my design to the world. I always drew but only for myself. I never intended to work in this field before. It was only when I saw interest that I decided to share with most people. I am not motivated every day. Sometimes I doubt myself and what I am doing, and the day after, I have great plans to conquer the world! More seriously, painting becomes a need, something I miss when I am not doing it. It quiets everything around me like meditation, and it's part of me now. I love to finish things, and I feel accomplished and fulfilled by something indescribable.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, if I can call it like that. My biggest accomplishments are definitely my murals because it requires a lot of power, and it's always an adventure to meet new people and new environments, and it's really different from the loneliness of homework. My accomplishment is certainly still in front of my career as we always chase new dreams when one comes true!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Saying no to a project and making time is the hardest thing, especially if you don't have money at the beginning. It can be tempting to be a Yes-man. I believe in my field, and it's not a good way to grow and value your work. It's the opposite. Being better at what you do always pay in the long run. You will always have new opportunities if you improve your value, even if you have to sacrifice a few projects to do it. Focus on your strengths!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be resilient.
- Surround yourself with people that share your vision,
- And don't say yes to everyone :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://byhugal.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhugal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byhugal/
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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