Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lucia Steeg, Owner of Messy Meerkat Studios, located in Surrey, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a mixed media artist, and I both create and teach resin mixed media. My resin crystal mixed media art pieces are created with healing intent and include card readings from spiritual decks. The readings, crystals, chakras, and certificate of authenticity, to name a few, are compiled into an 8-10 page document and provided together with the piece.
Customers in the vicinity of my home studio who would prefer a personal card reading are welcome and encouraged to make an appointment with me. I have a diverse customer base who enjoy unique art pieces containing various mediums and crystals. When I have time, I also create mixed media craft projects which are both a fun and creative outlet and bring a smile to my customer's faces.
Tell us about yourself
I emigrated to Canada in 2020, just before the pandemic locked us all down. My career in South Africa was corporate-based. I made the decision to pursue a passion of mine that I have been dabbling in since childhood and took the opportunity during the pandemic to learn new skills and mediums. I officially registered my business in February 2021 and actively started to attend craft shows and exhibitions, continuing in 2022. It is my goal for 2023 to pivot my business online and pursue wholesale opportunities for my craft line. I am motivated by the creative process overall, as well as challenging myself to push the boundaries of the mediums I work with, especially resin.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting a business and learning a whole host of new skills, including digital marketing. Everything I did was a first for me (barring product management and some marketing). Learning new soft skills, technical, software and art mediums was a steep learning curve, and I am still learning today.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Wearing so many different hats. You are everything in your business. The balancing act that comes with that puts a lot of pressure on a business owner. There are no official hours, and you must be disciplined to get things done.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start small (on the side), participate in some business coaching in the field you are interested in, and do not forget to be gentle with yourself. You will make mistakes, and that is OK.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://messymeerkat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMessyMeerkat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messymeerkat/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-steeg/
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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