Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in art and design but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lali Metta, Founder of Metta Visionary Design, located in Pensacola, FL, USA.

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

Metta Visionary Design is a Fine Art & Lifestyle Design studio created with the intention of showcasing divinely inspired artwork in the fields of graphic design, painting, functional sculpture, and furniture design, as well as providing an environment to promote Youth Empowerment through mentorship. Metta clients are sophisticated art collectors or holistic interior designers between the ages of 42 and 72 who have established a significant amount of health, spiritual insight, and wealth through their own independent ventures. Metta students are teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 seeking guidance in creative entrepreneurship, health, and spiritual lifestyles.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been a creative person, but prior to launching my business, I was working as a high-end furniture designer for a company named Armored Frog. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the shop unexpectedly closed, which left me at a standstill. I had to honestly look at myself to see what direction to go in, but I knew deep within that I didn't want to stop designing. With the encouragement of my partner, I decided to duplicate my previous job with my own independent twist. The idea of mentorship took place after my experience as a youth leader at a local church for a six-month period. Through youth leadership, I recognized that there are many teens who are getting lost in the chaos of their parents' lives and not receiving genuine guidance in creative pursuits and/or healthy lifestyles. I thought to myself, "How can I continue a creative career and be of service to the youth?" One of my current mentors always says, "Teach what you know." There it was; I simply had to open my studio to the youth to answer my own "how" question.

My daily motivation is the need to creatively express myself and my inner knowing that there are teenagers seeking guidance, not just creatively, but with life in general. I once was the teenager who got lost due to a lack of parental guidance and acceptance, so now I consistently commit to being the healthiest version of myself to maintain a strong business foundation while setting an example for the youth to follow.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is seeing my community and my audience being inspired by my creative actions.

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

One of the hardest things for me as a business owner is fearlessly balancing life's responsibilities and believing that intentional daily efforts are more than enough.

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

My top 3 tips when starting a business begin with asking yourself, "what is my intention, and does my intention make a positive influence?" My personal belief is that when our intentions are made for the benefit of the collective, it will support the unforeseen drive-through challenges one may face during the process. Second, seek mentorship from someone that's already doing what you are doing. I'm very fortunate to say that my previous boss is currently mentoring me through my journey. The third tip is, "Believe in yourself and don't give up." People can pay for marketing, sales, financing, and coaching, but you cannot pay for self-belief and intrinsic motivation.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mettavisionarydesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metta.visionarydesign/

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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