Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marie-Judith Jean-Louis, artist, urban sketcher and writer based in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a multi-disciplinary self-taught artist with a passion for mindfulness, personal growth, and conscious relationships. My goal is to inspire people to know themselves more deeply and better connect with their surroundings.
One of my businesses consists of painting, illustrating, and designing various visual assets for clients. My clients range from individuals seeking to offer a gift to someone special to companies and organizations looking to connect with their community.
I've created art and illustrations for companies such as L'Oréal, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Eric Thomas LLC, University of Toronto, The Daniels Corporation, and a number of local businesses.
Tell us about yourself
I've always been the creative type and dabbled in art since I was a kid. Whenever there was an opportunity to illustrate a poster, design a yearbook, a newsletter, a report, or a t-shirt, I would signup for it. That habit followed me through my school years all the way to engineering school. It continued even when I was working as an engineer. However, it wasn't until later in life that I started to turn my passion for creating into a growing business.
I love the opportunity to teach and expand people's minds through art, illustrations, and graphic designs. I've always believed that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that's one of my main motivations for creating. I also create to better understand my surroundings and uncover the mysteries behind people, nature, places, and how they relate to one another.
Creating art makes me feel more connected to people because I feel I understand them (and myself) better. With my art, I wish to convey a sense of human connection, curiosity, wonder, awe, and peace. Uplifting people's spirit through my art energizes me. Knowing that there's a chance that my art can help others appreciate life a little more gives me a great sense of purpose.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have a couple of accomplishments I'm thankful for, but the most recent one was when I received 2021 I HeART Main St Awards in the Innovative Award category by STEPS Public Art for a project I did for the Clarkson BIA. It's my first award as an artist.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me taking a break and not feeling guilty about it is one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner. There's always something that "needs to be done" in the business. My to-do list doesn't have an end. So learning to take some time to rest in order to be more efficient when well-rested is a work-in-progress.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn from people who do what you want to do and apply the lessons in your business.
- Don't let the fear of failure keep you from either succeeding or teaching you a valuable lesson.
- Find a group (or several groups) of peers that can keep you motivated and accountable.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My other business is related to the art of love. I partnered with a friend to create group conversations related to relationships and help them navigate their relationship issues in a more conscious way. I'm also currently working on a book about conscious relationships scheduled to be published next year.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mariejudith.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistmariejudith
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjsketchbook/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariejudith/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
