Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessy Morales, Founder of The Magical Atelier, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We offer creative art classes given in English and Spanish and believe that each child is a unique artist. In our studio, the focus is placed on the process and not just the product. Our classes are ideal for toddlers, preschool, and elementary school children ages 2 to 12.
Tell us about yourself
When I was younger, I found myself challenged with a mild learning disability, which caused me to struggle academically in school. Art was one of the few places where everything seemed to fall into place and make sense. I later studied child development and art and began a career working with young children and elementary school-aged kids. In doing so, I saw many schools do cookie-cutter art projects, and many times I saw how children couldn't explore that much in those "creative" projects. I started The Magical Atelier because I wanted to reach others with art because art had helped me so much to express myself and create, and now I am able to share this wonderful practice with our students & the community.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm very thankful for the community I have worked in for the past 25 years here in Santa Monica. I'm honored that I have made a difference in the creative development of so many young children. I found my passion doing art with children and sharing it with families and the community, and in doing art as a community. There's a quote painted on the wall at The Magical Atelier that says, "Let the beauty you love be what you do." I believe this is true, and when children and families come through our studio, they can read it and take that inspiring message with them. Also, we teach that you should do art in your own way... it doesn't have to look like someone else's art. Everyone has a gift, and it's just about discovering what that gift is... Art helps us to discover that. Art helped me discover that for myself. Now I'm blessed enough to share that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Starting a business can be intimidating because it seems like there is so much to consider and to track. The needs of the business change as it grows. You have to be willing to grow with it, try new things, learn new things, and when you realize, there's something that just doesn't come easily for you, to find the right people to bring into the business to do those tasks. You have the find the right people and let them help, but also stay in control of how the important decisions get made. It comes down to respect and communication and picking people you trust.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start small and turn to your community for support. It is challenging to start anything, but if you have good people around you to encourage and help out, you can make it through the rough patches and find yourself with a business you're really proud of.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.themagicalatelier.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themagicalatelier/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ateliermagical
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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