Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Poppell, founder of Mural Mates LLC., located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mural Mates is a professional mural painting company and custom art installation studio based in Phoenix, Arizona, with work across the U.S. We create custom art for bold clients (both commercial and residential) looking to spruce up their spaces. What's great about Mural Mates is that they will help you through the entire design process, whether you already have a design in mind or would like help deciding. We often work with designers, architects, Airbnb owners, and developers to bring their projects to life.
Tell us about yourself
Coming from a commercial interior design background myself, I have always desired to create completely unique and custom spaces for my clients. I wanted murals and art installations that were very clean, modern and would be "on-brand" for our projects. Because of this, it's super fun to be on the other end and get actually to produce the art for these clients. I still have my design eye, so I've built amazing trust with my clients, and I also get to be hands-on in the creation and curation of pieces. The satisfaction of seeing a mural completely transform a space and bring awe to visitors keeps me going every day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, starting the business has been the biggest accomplishment in itself. It's been a dream of mine to work for myself and get to build something from the ground up, so I feel very grateful that I'm actually pursuing what I had always dreamed of.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say having less time to actually "create." As an artist and business owner, it's hard balancing all the things it takes to keep the business running - market, social media, bookkeeping, taxes, business filings, estimates, etc. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people don't see.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a plan.
Although many people talk about just "making the leap," it's not that simple. Many successful business owners slowly grow into their business or have multiple means of income in the first few years of starting the business. - Be yourself.
Your friends and family want to support you for who you are. Your voice will come through the company and branding, so I would say by true to who you are in the beginning, and it will naturally grow! No need to overthink it. - Ask for help.
It's guaranteed you will not know everything. Google became my best friend when starting the business, but I also asked my community for help and advice. If you can find a business mentor or someone you admire who has gone through it, then it's worth asking for their advice and respecting the time they can give you. Don't give up if it takes a couple of tries.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you're looking to partner with an artist or get a quote for your project, feel free to reach out at nicole@muralmates.com.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.muralmates.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nn_zzo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolepannuzzo/
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.
