Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mélissa Mourez, a conceptual painter and photographer based in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an artist that works in several mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography. I started to make greeting cards several years ago, that range from floral designs to festive animations. I have a strong appreciation for quality paper and want each card to be the ultimate gift for every recipient. I offer hand-drawn and linoleum print designs on Italian handmade paper, archival paper, and seed paper made with recycled materials. At the moment, my customers are mainly family, friends, and acquaintances.
Tell us about yourself
I started to make art 10+ years ago as a means of expression because words didn't always come naturally. Being able to visualize my emotions became a very therapeutic practice. I created my website to be able to share my art with a wider audience and wanted to provide opportunities for people to connect and purchase my work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I rediscovered the simple pleasures of writing letters to family and friends. I wanted to create opportunities for my clients to create cherished memories with their families and friends too. As a result, I began designing stationery (including folded cards, postcards, and wedding invitations). Continuing to create allows me to connect with myself and others, and this motivates me to keep moving forward with it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say that my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is my ability to connect with people. I have had the great honour of working with clients to conceptualize cherished memories and turn them into paintings. Being able to share those moments and visually represent them on canvas brings me a lot of joy. It also gives my clients unique artwork tailored to them, capturing their experiences and elevating their memories.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I struggle with marketing my products and reaching out to potential buyers. Being a full-time student or employee makes it hard to focus all my energy on expanding/growing my business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your audience. It makes connecting with people to share your story much simpler.
- Don't undersell your products. You put a lot of time and energy into making them, and your craft should reflect that.
- Don't let what other people are doing change your craft. Your audience will be drawn to your work because of its uniqueness, not its similarity to other content.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.melissamourez.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissamourezart/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissamourezart/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mélissa-mourez-406788176/
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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