Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jenna Duncan, Owner of The Hummingbird and The Beagle, located in Northglenn, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the artist of The Hummingbird and The Beagle, and I create colorful abstract art while also making unique gift items from leftover paint.
Tell us about yourself
I'm originally from TX, but currently living with my husband in Denver, CO. I started The Hummingbird and The Beagle in 2020 after leaving my previous position as a Technical Recruiter in the semiconductor industry in Austin. With encouragement from my family, I decided to leave the corporate world and focus on building my art business. Cut to the present day, it's just me (The Hummingbird) and my dog (The Beagle), Arthur, and we run around creating colorful pieces to brighten the lives of others. I'm grateful to my family for giving me that push to get started.
I'm passionate about creating colorful, vibrant artwork and encouraging others to explore their creative passions without fear of failure. The reward you feel when you make something on your own and the confidence you gain by getting better over time and seeing the change in yourself is something everyone should have access to. I try to spread that encouragement and the joys of color wherever I go.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner would be when I sold my first large painting. For a while, I had created artwork for family and friends, but it felt amazing to have my art connect with a complete stranger who loved it enough to purchase the art to hang at home. That connection is so special!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
A challenge I experience as a business owner is finding balance. Knowing when my mind or body has hit the limit and knowing it's time to rest. Your mind can easily begin to list all the to-dos still on your plate, but that doesn't help. You have to rest and enjoy the steps you made to get this far.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Practice makes progress. Perfection isn't a thing. Failure is part of the process.
- Keep showing up for yourself. Don't stop a project you are passionate about just because you didn't get it right the first time. Once you paint the same flower 50 times, you will see a change between the 1st and 50th attempts.
- Reach out to your small business community! They are the best kind of people, and they understand the same struggles you experience as a business owner. It makes all the difference having a group to ask questions when you're unsure of the next steps.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thehummingbirdandthebeagle.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehummingbirdandthebeagle/
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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