Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Martin Ahoubim, owner, and president of Galleria Fine Arts & Custom Framing, located in Greenvale, NY, USA.

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

Galleria Fine Arts & Custom Framing was established in 2004 on the north shore of Long Island, New York. Since its opening, we represent a wide selection of original oils, watercolors, pastels, and limited edition giclee and serigraphs on different media- like canvas, archival paper, acrylic, and aluminum- from well known national and international artists. Whether your home or office is traditional, modern, or somewhere in between, a visit to the largest galley on Long Island is well worth your time. We cater to our clients from Manhattan to Hamptons.

Tell us about yourself

Although my post-graduate education in the USA is different from my profession, I have always loved to be in the art business. Leaving my home country in the early 1980s due to revolution and facing high rates of unemployment and inflation when I arrived in the United States, I decided to open my own business rather than work for others. I love my work, and I get motivated every day when I help my clients to find the right artwork or frames for their homes or office.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment during the past twenty years that I have been involved in the art business is the sincere trust and loyalty that I have established with my artists and my clients. Since I love my work and I care about my customers, I get a lot of satisfaction when my clients trust me to the extent that they leave their artworks for me to decide about the design, colors, and materials to use to complement the décor of their house.

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

One of the hardest things about opening your own business is the amount of time and energy you have to spend to become successful. Until you establish your new business and create a stream of regular customers, you need to differentiate yourself by working hard to be better than your competition.

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

When you have your own business, you get more satisfaction from your work. Here are my three tips for those who are looking to start their own business:

  1. Study your market and find out how you can differentiate your business from your competition.
  2. Secure enough capital to be able to pay your expenses for at least six months.
  3. Employ the new technology in your business, e.g., friendly use website, social media, and regular advertising to put your name on the map.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't be scared to open your own business. This country is full of opportunities. If, as an immigrant with little capital, I was able to survive. With dedication and hardworking you will be successful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.galleriafinearts.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalleriaFineArts/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/galleriafinearts/_created/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/galleriafineart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-m-ahoubim-78863625/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.