Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Mayer, Founder of Savvy Art Inc, located in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a one-stop resource for all the artwork needs of residential and commercial clients and the design trade. We are a Canadian art agency and provide styling services that help people find, select and place Art in their spaces. We believe Art is for everyone, so we cover the spectrum of all art needs in all mediums behind glass, on canvas or acrylic, etc. We supply Canadian originals, prints, reproductions, photography, custom framing, gallery walls, client photo walls, photo editing, commissions, repurposing client art, art styling, and accommodating the challenges of big walls. We are happy to share what we know and have learned over time, so we do workshops for people who want to learn more about Art and how to buy it. Recently we started a companion business called ArtSpa, helping people reignite their creativity.
Tell us about yourself
Twelve years ago, I had an epiphany at work that directed me to quit that job and start working on my own entrepreneurial dream of helping people buy Art and support Canadian artists, inspired by a CBC radio spot about a New York couple, Herbert and Dorothy Vogel. Over the course of 46 years, the Vogels amassed an art collection of 3,900 pieces worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The story was so special because Herbert and Dorothy were not wealthy. They simply loved Art and supported young artists. Her librarian salary was used to cover their living expenses, while his postal worker salary went to purchasing the Art they liked. Eventually, they donated their entire collection to the National Gallery in Washington, DC, where others could enjoy it.
Art has always played a role in my life, making it, viewing, and buying it, bringing me joy, deep satisfaction, and time for stress relief. I felt compelled to help people who didn’t know enough about the benefits of living with great Art. The thrill and joy that people express when they experience an artwork that touches them deeply are what motivates me every day to do this work, seeing their faces light up when they connect to Art. And when the Art is made by me, I feel an extra deep satisfaction that makes my soul sing. Helping others connect to that joy is the very root of my business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Although I don’t think success is about one big accomplishment but a series of small wins that sustain a company through challenging times, my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is growing a business based on people’s appreciation of Art. Just the thought that the pure joy people get from creativity and Art is important enough to sustain my company and industry. Because Art is not a necessity, and yet I am still in business for 12 years, it is a testament to the fact that people really do need joy from Art.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is balancing cash flow to transition from doing everything myself to hiring staff and professionals to do work that I should be delegating. This transition marks stages of business development both early on and occurs every time the business grows past a milestone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your customer (target audience) intimately, their needs, wants, desires and obstacles, and always stay focused on the reason why you started your business.
- Respect your “gut.” Your intuition is vital for success, guiding you through decisions.
- Your dream of business success is yours alone, so don’t get discouraged if the people around you don’t understand or don’t help. Only seek advice from qualified people who are potential clients or have done similar work and succeeded.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.savvyartmarket.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyArtMarket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvyartmarket/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savvyartmarket/
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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