Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Merril Seidl, Founder of more the merrlier, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I create colorful collage art from tiny scraps of recycled magazines for adults & children alike. My art is used to send smiles, hug walls and is featured in my growing collection of children's books.
Tell us about yourself
I started my business as a playful evening unwind from my day job as a water resources engineer. Over the course of six years, I have grown it from a scrappy side hustle to a scrappy full-time endeavor. I have found that growth requires as much personal development as it does business development. With two small kids, digging into my true passion on my own schedule has been such a blessing. It motivates me to keep playing at this, even on the days where I 'get' to wear my less desirable business hats.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Recently, I was thrilled to participate in one of the top fine art shows in the country, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. Perhaps it was my beginner's mindset, but I was almost sold out, with thirty original pieces of artwork finding new homes. It was so awesome to see my art resonate with so many diverse and lovely people.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Having a plan for the day and then being completely derailed when a technical element of the interwebs goes awry. If you are a solopreneur, you are the only one who can fix it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start! If you scroll back one thousand posts on my IG, which I don't suggest, lol, you will see just how scrappy I started. But that's how it goes.
- Baby steps are required. But just because they are baby doesn't mean they have to be slow. You will be surprised if you do the work and stay open to possibility; quantum leaps will appear along the way.
- Perhaps the most important, drop the self-doubt and worry and step into the joy of the journey because that is ultimately what it is all about!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://morethemerrlier.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morethemerrlier
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morethemerrlier/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merril-augusta-seidl/
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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