Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in contemporary art, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vandy Midha, the Founder and owner of ArtMatch, an online art gallery and art consultation service based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
ArtMatch is an online gallery representing talented artists by increasing their exposure in the community while helping art lovers source the perfect art for their spaces locally. Art lovers of any age and demographic are invited to explore our collection - the art should speak for itself!
What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?
Vandy, the founder of ArtMatch, has almost twenty years of experience as an interior designer and has spent several years as a full-time artist. She recognizes the challenge artists face in marketing their work while maintaining creative output, especially those with a second job to support their art. In the interior design world, Vandy witnessed too many clients with beautiful spaces who could afford original art but treated it as an afterthought and often ended up with prints or work that did not resonate with them. There is too much outstanding art in the world for this to be happening.
As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
We have placed well over five hundred original artworks in spaces across Canada. Our residential clients frequently send pictures of the artworks installed in their homes, and our commercial clients usually allow us to tour their areas and view the established art in person. Each time this happens, it reaffirms the notion that we are helping make Canadian spaces more beautiful and enabling artists to create and distribute more of their beautiful work.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
Until quite recently, ArtMatch had only one full-time employee: me. That means you can't offload anything, whether it is an unpleasant conversation, a tedious task, or something you are awful at. You also have to trust your gut a lot, especially in an industry as subjective as art. As daunting as this can be, it is also one of the best things about being a business owner and a sole proprietor - it is hugely empowering.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
- Do it because you are passionate about it.
- Be honest about your weaknesses and seek help in those areas.
- Your brand lives in your actions more than your words.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We currently represent ~30 artists in Southern Alberta but plan to go live with our Toronto branch in the next few weeks. Stay tuned as we completely modernize our online gallery and add artist representation across other major Canadian cities!
Where can people find you online?
Website: https://www.artmatch.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artmatch.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artmatch/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach 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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