Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Aldea Gerard, Owner of Aldea K Creative, located in Syracuse, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have two businesses. I am an artist, and my customers are people looking for murals, commissioned paintings, and those who appreciate the artwork. Through my art business, Aldea K Creative, I also create content for local businesses.
I am also a partner with Hey Alec Productions, a production company aimed to expose smaller cities and destinations for travel through arts, culture, and local business. We partner with many local artists, take them to explore Syracuse, and create mini-episodes for others to see. We also create content and offer video services to others.
Tell us about yourself
I have always had the drive to create. It's necessary for who I am. Creating brings me joy and allows me to see the magic in the mundane, the beauty in the experience of existing in the present.
As an artist, I want to be able to grow our community, to show love for all forms of creativity. I want to see creatives and local businesses thrive. Through this passion, Hey Alec Productions was created. The thought of a place where creatives can thrive, the thought of showing the beauty in the world, and the interns and partners, and volunteers who believe in my mission, that is what motivate me to continue.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Most would agree that winning an award for our pilot episode at the Seattle film festival is our biggest accomplishment. But looking at where I am now from where we began, both with art and my production company, the biggest accomplishment is the growth of both while still serving the purpose and change I aspire to make.
The biggest accomplishment is to still be able to do both, be an artist, and have a production company.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Hands down, the hardest part is the grit. Having the grit to continue when you have rejection, when you hear no, when a piece doesn't sell. Early on, I called a dear friend after a rough initial pitch. I was defeated, asking myself what I was doing and how do I make this work. He said the simplest thing to me that changed my whole perspective. Being a visionary means not everyone sees your vision. It doesn't stop your vision.
Through the years to follow, that grit has allowed me to meet and work with some of the most brilliant people.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
To start, just do it. Just start by doing something in the direction you want to go. Be open to flexibility. Without it, you close the doors to opportunities you did not see coming. Do not do all the work yourself. Know what is best spent for you to do and what is best spent on hiring someone to do it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.aldeakcreative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AldeaKCreative/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aldeakcreative/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AKCreativePaint
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aldea-gerard-631882101/
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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