Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monte Martella, owner of Martella's Custom Wine Barrel Art, LLC, located in Livermore, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our premium artwork is made from reclaimed wine barrels from the Napa and Livermore Valley in California. Each art piece comes signed by me. We do have a few products manufactured to offer you the same great look at a fraction of the cost. All our work is high quality and made with love and passion.
We understand that custom orders are very meaningful. We will do all we can to meet your expectations to make your order a special one. We spend our time working as if we are making an art piece for ourselves with the utmost thought and craftsmanship.
Shop for a unique wine barrel home décor wall hangs that is easy to hang. Customize your own, or pick from our listings. Show your patriotism with a wine barrel American flag, or get creative with your family crest or business logo on our design. Show your pride with your favorite sports team or college logo. Most of the work we do are from customized requests. Choose from our listings or message us and design one for yourself as congratulations, thank you, birthday, or wedding gift.
Tell us about yourself
In March 2014, Melissa gave birth to our beautiful baby girl, and I used the week off to support my wife and take apart my wife's wine barrels. As the baby slept, I spent my time in the garage making my first wine barrel chair. It came out a little lopsided, which was probably due to the lack of sleep, but it worked. Little they knew my second project would lead to new and exciting adventures. I made a beautiful wine barrel American Flag wall hang, the red strips are from the beauty of the red wine, and it became a focal point on the wall in our living room.
Little did we know that others would love it just as much. We posted our artwork on Facebook for our friends to see, and I have been busy ever since. From the overwhelming support of family and friends, we realized that we had a new business on our hands. We quickly got our design filled out and our business up and running. As we stay busy with custom handcrafted wine barrel flags, we are now expanding to others art pieces and crafts. Keep an eye out. We are always working on new art pieces and designs for our customers. This past few months, we have not only created new custom flags for our customers, but now our customers can personalize sayings on their wine barrel design to hang in their homes.
We love to hear from our customers, and we will walk you through the project you choose. Customer service is our focus, and we absolutely love to see our customers excited. Send us pictures of your art piece. We love to see them. Feel free to start a conversation. We would love to hear from you. Cheers Time!!!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is providing the extra income needed to keep my wife home with our three beautiful young children.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is marketing. Marketing on a budget is not easy and is always evolving. Preparing information booths, content for social media, graphic designs, and branding are just some of the content areas that need to be addressed regularly. It is an important part of the business, but hard when my time is needed in the shop.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a solid business plan.
- Look for someone to mentor you as you learn the process.
- Raise capital to start.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/martellas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martellascustombarrelart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martellaswinebarrelart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MartellasArt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monte-martella-983727122/
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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