Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Krista Shiner, owner of Shiner Studios, LLC, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I help people create soulful spaces with original Artwork and commissioned Artwork. As a multidisciplinary artist, predominantly a painter, I am able to create artwork for sale, as well as architectural art. As a lifetime supporter of the earth, my emphasis is utilizing a myriad of eco-conscious paints, concrete, and plasters to create custom finishes for fireplaces, walls, and other architectural elements in Denver and beyond. With a lifetime in the arts and 20 years of hands-on experience, I have built an expanse of knowledge on sharing with clients. My tagline for most of my career is "The Art of Healing With Art," as it encompasses the core of inspiration for creation.
My customers are home and business owners, designers, design-build firms, general contractors, and architects. Essentially anyone who is alignment with the type of artwork I create and who has the desire to bring beauty and intrigue into their space.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, surrounded by the natural environment, directly influenced who I am as a whole and the inspiration for my work in this life. This, coupled with being drawn to and influenced by the healing arts, are integral parts of what type of artwork I create. I feel that being in beautiful surroundings promotes healing by shifting the energy in spaces through the use of color, imagery, placement, and overall design. As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this is where creating custom work in alignment with my client's desires and what I envision for them.
Creative services evolved from my experience working with other artists doing decorative-architectural art while I was in college pursuing a BFA with an emphasis in painting. It combined my love of the arts as a whole- including design- an integration of the fine, decorative, and healing arts and the ability to combine all I am passionate about. I feel that is what has continued to motivate me each day to do what I do.
Each year has been an evolution as a small business owner and creative professional and what I specialize in. I am grateful to witness the expansion of eco and health consciousness in all industries for the earth and its inhabitants over the years, as this is of huge importance to me. In an effort to stay true to my heart and consider all aspects from a business perspective, I am focusing on the redevelopment of the services I provide and allotting more energy to create artwork for sale, mostly paintings. I am still offering commissioned architectural art through shinerstudios.com with the intention of completing these on a per-project basis.
My other website is devoted to my artwork www.kristashiner.com. Even though I enjoy these projects, I am considering my overall health, future, and other variables as a business owner in this multi-faceted industry. Returning full circle to my heart's true desire of what led me into this line of work- which is being a painter and an advocate for mother earth and our fellow earthlings.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I feel that would be a 100% woman-owned company beginning long before there were as many programs, resources, etc., for entrepreneurs, artists, and women. Perhaps alongside this, I have weathered an economic recession within two years of starting (barely, lol) and a global pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The challenges of finding the right help for your particular niches. That and wearing multiple hats.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Planning and strategizing what you are selling and to who.
- Approach your plan with an equal balance of heart and mind. This includes following your intuition of what you feel confident you are truly great at, being aware of your limitations, and assessing the type of life you desire. Delegate.
- Surround yourself with others who can be mentors, fellow small business owners, and others in your niche to foster a support system. Do not expect others to cheer for your success. Cheer for yourself. Some had the impression that I could do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted as the owner of a small business, which couldn't be further from the truth. Be prepared for maximum accountability and responsibility.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website(Personal): https://www.kristashiner.com/
Website(Company): https://www.shinerstudios.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShinerStudios/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristashiner/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristashiner/
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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