Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maya Corona, artist, and teacher at Maya Corona Art & Design, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

Art that makes your soul happy! We tell our stories in full colour when we allow ourselves to let go of control and appreciate the beauty of the unexpected, understanding that life is not about perfection but experimentation and enjoying its unpredictable nature.

In my practice, I capture the story of a person's journey to self-empowerment, understanding that it's a never-ending adventure, and it's a beautiful way for everyone to leave feeling heard, gotten, and understood. Excited and clear about the future, grounded in reality, putting in the work- TO BE KNOWN AS.

We are all Magic Color Makers. To create is to be free, and being creative is easy when we encourage curiosity and go with the flow. I want to empower people to find their voice and awaken the magic colour maker inside so others can hear and see the value they offer to the world. Creating is our wellness practice and collaborative co-creation, our lifestyle.

Tell us about yourself

I am a mom, wife, artpreneur, artist, designer, and unshakable optimist.
I grew up in Mexico City; now, I live in Calgary, AB, Canada. I rediscovered my passion for art. With over 20 years of graphic design experience, I decided to step back from that world and fully pursue art. I started painting again in 2017 and couldn't stop. 2019 was the year I went all in. I am a self-taught artist. I have taken many workshops on watercolour and acrylics, and I've figured out many things by asking the community. This has helped me to understand better how the art world works. I love painting with vibrant and bold colours and always with a positive message. These are staples in my work. My graphic design background allows me to take any project from idea to completion.

Watercolours, acrylics, and mixed media are some of my favourite mediums to paint with. I love painting loose florals, animals, and people portraits. My work is all about empowerment, joy, freedom, and happiness. You can see my art outside around town and in local exhibitions. I run my studio from home and have been teaching watercolours for the past four years.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Keeping going with my business and running it for the past three years has been a joy; I love figuring out how to grow my business because I've never run a business by myself before. That, for me, is a big deal. Inspiring others is a big part of what keeps me going and why I do what I do.

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

Getting out of your own way, so my business can keep growing. I adapt very well to adversity, and when COVID got into our world, I pivoted and started doing a lot of online workshops and virtual galleries. There was a lot to learn. Being your own boss, the marketing person, the artist, the salesperson is a lot, but I have a lot of help from my Husband, David Schemikal, who has supported me always!

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

  1. Don't wait for perfection; work it out as you go; otherwise, you will never start.
  2. None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.
  3. Having goals setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mayacorona.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayaCoronaArt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayacoronaart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mayacoronaart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayacorona/

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.