A Painting You Will Be Proud of

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sajida Chagpar, founder of Mrs. Chagpar Art, located in Thornhill, ON, Canada.

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

I established Mrs.Chagpar.Art is a creative outlet for teaching and inspiring young and old artists alike to create art from the heart. I aim to cultivate a love of painting and creativity in my students. I empower them and instill artistic confidence by showing them that through practicing their skills, they can create anything. In addition, I teach about the many healing benefits of painting.

Ultimately, I hope to inspire kids to take up painting as a hobby instead of watching TV or playing video games. I believe that the flow you can experience as well as the safe space to self-express through painting gives people a healthier alternative to use as a coping mechanism during difficult times.

My mission in life is to convince everyone that they can paint. I have had adults who believed that they didn't have an artistic bone in their bodies. I am happy to report that I was able to prove them wrong. To date, I haven't met a person that can't paint!

I offer classes, tutorials, and paint kits. My painting classes aim to serve as a confidence booster for students, to show them that they can do anything if they try. In addition, I encourage artists to incorporate mindfulness into their practice. I believe that everyone is creative, and anyone can be an amazing artist.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in England, but I've been living in Canada for the last 15 years. I am an Ontario Certified Teacher with two degrees in Visual Communication and Education. I also have a Masters in Education from the University of Toronto and ten years of teaching experience. I grew up not enjoying school because I struggled to connect with my teachers and I didn't feel seen. I made it my mission to become the teacher I always needed. For the last few years, I've been focusing on teaching painting because I believe art has an important place in everyone's lives because of the immense benefits which contribute to mental health, growth, and development. I love teaching my students to be creative but mostly to believe in themselves, to show them that they can do anything if they try.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I recently had the opportunity to create painting tutorials for Crayola, and this is a big accomplishment for me as a British-Canadian, South Asian Muslim Woman. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could be a face for Crayola! I took a course that taught me how to reach out to big brands, which is how I had the confidence to reach out to Crayola. It also taught me that something I never thought was possible could be. I learned investing in your business education gives you confidence, and there is no harm in trying. What's the worst that could happen, or as my coach, Jam Gamble, says, 'What's the best that can happen.'

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

It can be a mad unpredictable rollercoaster! Financially, It can be up and down, and the work-life balance lines can feel quite blurred. Sometimes, I have an idea in the middle of the night, and I just have to get up and write it down before I lose it! Also, I've had to really get out of my comfort zone and put myself out there, but honestly, as scary as it's been, it has allowed me to grow so much. So I guess that's the four hardest things, not just one, lol.

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

The hardest part is getting started. Believe that you can, and just do it right now! Honestly, believing in yourself is half the battle.
Don't do it alone! Invest in educating yourself to acquire the skills and knowledge you need so that you have the confidence to grow. Ask people around you and connect with other business owners. It takes a village!
There is no magic formula, and you might not get it right every time, but those times are the best learning opportunities to grow and come back stronger.

I don't read as much as I would like, but a book that has been instrumental in how I practice as a creative is 'Big Magic' by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is beyond inspiring, and honestly, everyone needs to read it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://linktr.ee/mrs.chagpar.art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/104905200069/910704926360812/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.chagpar.art/

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.

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