Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts & crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nancy Keating, Founder of Mosaics Garden, located in Carmel, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a "Contemporary Mosaic Artist." Art is my business. I jokingly say, "I love to create art. But I like to eat too."
My customers include those lovely people who appreciate and buy my art in galleries, juried art exhibits, and on my website. Much of my customer base and revenue come from teaching mosaic art skills in my studio and through online courses. Public mosaic art and community-based mosaic art murals commissioned by municipalities are an additional facet of my business.
Tell us about yourself
I embarked on my mosaic journey 25 years ago, after a career in visual design. I developed a thriving business creating and selling garden art. Thus, my company name, Mosaics Garden, has stuck. Since those beginning days, my art has evolved into fine art glass mosaics. Motivation is not an issue for me.
I'm a bit driven. I'm blessed to wake up each day excited about new challenges. It could be a hefty commission, a new mosaic art concept, a social media campaign, or a photo shoot. A revamp of my website or the dreaded business accounting.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The pandemic was tough on us all. Art galleries closed. Art exhibits and fairs were canceled. My in-studio classes were canceled.
Lemons to lemonade. I designed and created a series of At Home Mosaic Art Kits with accompanying how-to videos. Amazingly and very fortunately, my business revenues surpassed those of the pre-pandemic years. The art kits continue to be a nice portion of my business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The most challenging thing about being a business owner is not being able to walk away. It becomes part of you. And that's a good thing. Running a business can be very rewarding and fulfilling.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Use social media to the max.
- Start small.
- Keep your books and accounting in order (I could improve at it ). You'll be glad at year's end.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mosaicsgarden.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MosaicsGardenByNancyKeating/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosaicsgardenbynancykeating/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3WXSO9p
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/mosaicsgarden50/
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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