Painting the Clash of East and West

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Hana Chai, a visual artist based in Honolulu, HI, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a visual artist creating paintings about my Korean American identity, the clash of east and west, and the struggle for balance in between. I take my paintings and reproduce prints, stickers, sculptures, and more for people to bring into their homes!

Tell us about yourself

I have always been drawing and paintings since I was a kid. After graduating with my BFA in Painting at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I've been working hard to create my artwork as a full-time gig. Creating art is therapy for me. I am able to learn and self-reflect about myself through the act of painting. It is a necessary part of my life.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to connect with people face to face at art events and pop-ups is my biggest accomplishment. I feel the best when I'm able to listen to how other people perceive my art, especially if it has made a significant impact on them. That is an amazing feeling!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Running around like a headless chicken and understanding that that is the norm for a business owner is probably the hardest part. There's a lot that can get overwhelming owning your own business. There are no guidebooks, and it is a lot of trial and error. And after you get in the groove of figuring out what works, things will fluctuate, so having multiple avenues is hard to juggle, but it's also the challenge that makes this exciting!

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

Never forget why you got into creating whatever it is that you create, to begin with! It's a hard road to go down as an artist and to pay your bills, so stick with it. Don't get discouraged!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://laurenhanachai.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanaren
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenhanachai/

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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