Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and crafts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elaine Bell, founder of All Trades Design Co., located in Columbus, OH, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business, All Trades Design Co, is a creative studio that specializes in custom murals, lettering, and illustration. I’m often called a “Jane of All Trades,” so when I was looking for a name for the studio, “All Trades” came up, and it stuck. I work with businesses, homeowners, and organizations who are ready to make bold changes to their spaces and show off who they are to their customers or community. I aim to deliver a piece that honors the client’s taste and story, with the goal of bringing ease and fun to everyone involved. Ultimately, All Trades Design Co. is about bringing people joy – to both the storyteller and the witness!

Tell us about yourself

People have always said I’m a good listener. I’ve known for a while that I wanted to live a life of service, but when that landed me waiting tables at weddings and working back of a house at a bakery, I couldn’t help but wonder if my impact could expand a bit more. I’ve always had an inclination for art and pick up skills quickly. So becoming a freelance commercial artist just sounded like the next big step! Now that I’ve made the leap to becoming a professional artist, I’m stretching my skills and being challenged every day. It’s been important for me to remember that sharing my gifts is what I set out to do when I turned in my food service apron and picked up a painter’s jumpsuit. If I know there’s a bigger way for me to share my gifts and I’m choosing not to, then I’m doing a disservice to myself and the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I made more money running my freelance business than I did at my full-time job just in the first year! That was a pretty big deal to me. And if you’ve started your own business, that alone is an achievement to be celebrated!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the things I struggle with as a business owner of a sole proprietorship is feeling like I’m alone. I am grateful for the reminders that I am accompanied by other business owners who maybe have felt the same at some point! I make sure to ask loved ones for support when I can and value a nice happy hour with my peers to exchange stories and tips.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Keeping your overhead low at first is a big one. I also encourage people looking to grow to establish a relationship with someone who can be your mentor or join a group with professionals who are ahead of you. Ground yourself in the fact that you don’t know it all and actively pursue spending time with people who have more experience (or even different experience). Their feedback will be invaluable! Lastly, but probably most important, remember to take care of yourself and celebrate your wins!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I’m a big fan of setting goals for my business, even if they seem outlandish! It can’t happen if you haven’t identified it or people don’t know what you’d like to achieve! For example, one of my goals this year is to paint a mural out-of-state. Soooo if you know a business outside of Ohio who might like a mural, hit me up! ;)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.alltradesdesignco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alltradesdesignco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alltradesdesignco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainebarrybell/

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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