Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in artistry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Whitehouse, owner and artist of Whitehouse Art, located in Winnipeg, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is called Whitehouse Art. I create whimsical and colorful paintings of pets and wildlife. I am so inspired by animals' unique and wonderful personalities, and I aim to convey that through my art.
Tell us about yourself
I've always loved to create art, but it wasn't until I had kids that I pursued my passion full time. I have a deep connection with animals, and bringing their personalities to life each day is a wonderful feeling. I am constantly reminded about the power of art to elicit emotion, and happiness is one of the best emotions of all. My goal with my art is to make people smile.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Today, you can find my art across the world. From the United States, all the way to Japan and Australia, Whitehouse Art brings people joy. What started as a hobby is now a full-time business, and I am grateful for it each day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I feel like, as a business owner, we have to wear so many different hats. Accountant, Operations Manager, Marketing and Artist. It can be challenging to be good at all of them. I've learned to ask for help and be willing to hire the experts in areas where I struggle the most
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just get started! So many people want to wait until they are "good enough," so start selling. I learned on the go, and while I definitely made mistakes along the way, I think I learned a lot from them and allowed them to improve my business.
- Ask for help! When I first started, I couldn't afford to hire anything out. As the business grew, I recognized that bookkeeping and accounting were a weakness for me. It was the first thing I outsourced, and it made me better able to focus on what I am good at.
- Listen to your customers. Customers will often offer great advice, especially when you are starting. I love to ask questions on social media and find out what they are looking for. Upgraded shipping options, large size prints, art on apparel were all ideas inspired by my customers. Sometimes a less than perfect review can feel personal. But I have learned to take them as an opportunity to provide better customer service.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It is never easy to start a business. To put a piece of yourself out there and hope people want to buy what you are offering. Selling my art has been a six-year rollercoaster of emotion. But as long as you are open to learning and willing to work hard, it can be one of the best journeys you will ever take.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://whitehouseart.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitehouse_art/
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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