Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vanessa Lesniak, Owner of The Sprout Creative, located in Buffalo, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I create artisanal watercolors and custom handpainted sketchbooks. My customers come from all different backgrounds, ranging from beginners to experts who are artistically inspired to create.
Tell us about yourself
As a Social Worker by profession, I originally began experimenting with watercolor as a form of self-care. What began as an occasional dabble into the art soon became a profound passion. Now a full-time artist and paintmaker, I share my passion for creative expression with others by teaching the benefits of creative expression as a meditative form of self-care.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is actually creating my business from the ground up. As someone who was embedded in my 16-year career as a Social Worker, I never imagined making such a huge change in my life. It was a struggle, but it has been extremely rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me personally has been taking on a role as a saleswoman, along with all other roles that come from running a business solo. It was extremely hard for me to ‘advertise’ and push my products. As a Social Worker, that did not come naturally to me. I have had to learn how to balance the teaching and selling aspects.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Before taking the leap, make sure you have a plan. Plan to put in extra hours, especially in the beginning, to get your business out there and off the ground.
- Make sure that your business is something that you are passionate about. When you lack passion for your business, it shows.
- Finally, engage with your community. This is extremely important. Your customers want to feel connected to you and your products. Put in the effort.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thesproutcreative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSproutCreative/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thesproutcreative/
https://www.instagram.com/vanessa_paints_/
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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