Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tammy Yiu Coyne, co-founder, and CEO of Partial, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Partial began with a simple goal: To bring more original Canadian art onto more walls – directly from the artists that made it. As a creative myself, the very best way for folks to show their support for the arts in their communities is to actively invest in diverse, emerging artists that resonate with them. That said, the discovery process to find that special piece of art can be daunting.
Partial seeks to bridge that gap and to invite more folks into the world of art collecting. Today, Partial is an online destination for art enthusiasts to discover outstanding emerging and established artists and for artists to be introduced to a new, engaged audience of collectors (newbies and seasoned collectors alike).
To make art collecting more accessible, Partial offers options for renting or buying artwork which, as a bonus, also provides a steady source of revenue for our diverse participating artists (plus, 1% of all art sales and rentals go towards an arts organization).
Tell us about yourself
I officially established Partial back in 2016 in Toronto. At the time, I was working as a freelance graphic designer and director of a local fashion brand. The idea came to me in 2013 when I lent a piece of art to a creative friend who just didn't have time, patience, and, more importantly, access to the art she wanted. Years later, I remembered this moment when I myself moved to a new place and found myself in the same position. I looked around at the art I owned and realized that my taste had changed drastically. I wanted something new for my walls. This got me thinking about the plethora of art sitting in artist studios and how many folks out there didn't know how to access it? And more importantly, who has a ton of original art looking for a home? Artists. After spending some time doing research and doodling in my notebook in coffee shops, I decided to take the plunge and start Partial.
The journey has been challenging, and I've pivoted a few times in the years that followed as I learned more about this very new industry (especially in Canada) and what we wanted. Thankfully, I have a small but mighty team around me that keeps me motivated. Without a doubt, the thrill that comes from seeing an artist and art buyer connect on Partial is our entire raison-d'etre. Buying art is such a personal activity – and though we're an online business – it is still very human-centered. The magic of connecting people together over a piece of art and being able to actually pay an artist for their work is essential.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest points of pride as the owner of Partial is that I get to be a part of the changing ecosystem of Canadian art. This country has talent and art that is exciting, fresh, diverse, and worth noticing and investing in. It's such a pleasure to be able to spotlight emerging artists (especially BIPOC artists) and make their work known.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is carrying the responsibility of your business's successes or failures and being fully aware of the fact that these outcomes affect your team members as well as the users and artists on the Partial platform. It is what drives me, but also what makes it difficult to make sweeping changes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't wait to launch. It'll never be perfect but will at least exist once it is out in the world (and not just in your mind).
- If you want to see a change in your business or lifestyle, you have to do something different from what you've always been doing. Break habits.
- If you can find a partner that you trust and have worked with in the past, be open to it. Two minds are always better, and it also helps with motivation and validation as you move forward.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I'm always happy to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and makers over virtual coffee. Don't hesitate to say hello!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.partial.gallery/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/partial.gallery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partial.gallery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/partialgallery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyyiucoyne/
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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