Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in art education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Leon Belokon, Founder of Lebeor School of Art, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

We are in the art education business, teaching students to draw, love art, and find joy in life through it. With students ranging from the 1st grade to the 12th grade, we concentrate on developing their skills over time and with efficiency. Located in New York City, one of the centers of the art world, we prepare our students for various competitive art exams for middle and high schools, which have the best art programs in the city.

Tell us about yourself

I first started teaching to support myself while I was in graduate school doing a Master's in Graphic Design. Then, I saw that my students were positively responding to my classes, and it was helping me financially. Soon after, we started winning art contests, and students were being accepted into various prestigious schools, so I saw that my approach to art education was working for them both practically and inspirationally while also providing me with an enjoyable and meaningful job. That was over 30 years ago, and I'd say that is still true today. I feel that art education is beneficial for people who are open to art. The goal is to make visual art a part of our students' lives, a space that can grow endlessly and change them and their vision of the life they lead.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For me, to support and give others more light in their life through art, which they might not be able to get otherwise.

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

Being patient with our parents and keeping going when business slows down.

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

  • When starting my business, it was good to have a basic plan in place but not to overthink and worry; rather, I was ready to be courageous and wait as long as it took.
  • Feeling that I was on a mission helped me through my ups and downs with the business.
  • Making my business about giving to others became a huge satisfaction for me. It combines the desire to serve people and be satisfied as a creative person.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lebeor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lebeor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebeor/

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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