Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in contemporary art, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deborah Herringer Kiss, the founder of Herringer Kiss Gallery, a contemporary art gallery in Canada.

Tell us all about your business...

My business is contemporary art by living artists and my customers are those who value intriguing perspectives of our world and support those with vision.

What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?

I grew up surrounded by art books and loved spending hours flipping through the pages. I was thrilled when I discovered that I could study art history at University. This was the first step to my future. After University, I worked for other galleries while writing business plan after business plan for my own gallery. My motivation is my artists. I ring their praises and showcase their talents and my goal is to develop as many collectors as possible. The world would be a sad and boring place without artists and more people need to value artists in our society.

As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?

To have the trust and respect of those in our industry across Canada.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

The base level of stress you carry always. You take work home with you, you take it on vacation. It never leaves you and it can keep you awake at night. You start every month at zero and have to work, first to break even and then to profit. There really is no rest from it.

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

1. Make sure you have the financial depth or resources to ride out slow times.

2. Have a team! You need people you can go to for advice or even just emotional support.

3. Examine everything you do, every procedure whether its an industry-standard or "the way it's always been done" and ask if there is a better way. Don't be afraid to do things differently.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It may be cliche but it's true, find something you're passionate about and turn it into a business. If it's going to keep you awake at night, you should really love it!

Where can people find you online?

https://www.herringerkissgallery.com/
https://www.instagram.com/herringerkissgallery/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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