Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Mulvihill, founder of Ninth Editions, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Thank you for asking! I have two art businesses, Ninth Editions, and Studio Ninth. Ninth Editions was founded in 2018 to create a bridge between emerging artists and would-be collectors who want real, accessibly-priced art. There is so much talent out there, but there is a lot to sift through, and the art world can be very opaque. I wanted to create a curated platform that makes collecting easy while helping artists continue to grow their practice. Studio Ninth is our consulting company, where we work with clients to help source art for their projects or homes.

Tell us about yourself

I went to Canada's National Ballet School from grades 5 to 12. Part of our curriculum was the History of Art and Ballet. It truly shaped how I see the world; I've never known life without this deep appreciation and respect for art and culture. I definitely didn't take the straight and narrow road, I struggled with what to do for a long time, but I found myself continuously drawn to artists. I wasn't sure what that would evolve into, but I followed what excited me and approached it with a relentless work ethic. I completed a Masters in Art Business with the idea that I could blend business with art to help support the art community in some way. My path to curating came very unexpectedly and organically; I simply love it and am very researched, which is why I feel like art can really be for anyone that has an interest.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are two things I am equally proud of with Ninth Editions. One is the artist fees we've paid that go directly into supporting the continued growth of the Canadian art community, from artists to framers to fellow galleries we buy from for consulting projects. The other is introducing people to art who were unsure of where to start and weren't confident in purchasing art. I've watched collectors go from buying their first print through Ninth to emailing with artists they find through Instagram for commissions. Seeing collectors build that confidence in knowing that art is not this mysterious space for an elite community is very rewarding.

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

Since launching my business three years ago, I've given birth to two children, bringing three in under four years. The hardest part of being a business owner, for me, has been having no maternity leave. Childbearing is emotionally and physically exhausting, it is this unbelievably raw experience, and then you have to sit on a Zoom and pretend you aren't falling apart at the seams. I believe women can have it all, but we haven't quite figured out how to support working mothers in those final weeks of pregnancy and the early months of the baby. I've spoken with many mother-entrepreneurs. The conversation is always the same; it is completely worth it, but if you want a family and your own business, there is no other way.

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

  1. I'm a big believer in the 80/20 rule. Get it out there and then continue to refine the concept, particularly if you're starting small. No one will ever care as much as you, and that can be a good thing. Let yourself breathe!
  2. Know your area of business. Do research, dig into what else is out there, and try to learn as much as you can about your community.
  3. Seek out opportunities and try to get as much experience as you possibly can. You learn something every time you do.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://nintheditions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nintheditions/

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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