Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mark Gucciardi and Pascale Ropert of The North Carolina Academy of Art, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a Classical Art School located in the heart of the NoDa Arts District of Charlotte, North Carolina. NCAA offers training to students of all skill levels in classical drawing and painting techniques.
Tell us about yourself
I was the first student at the school, and it was about to be closed. I asked Mark Gucciardi if he would be interested in taking it over since he was at the time the substitute teacher and had such a solid background, having been trained at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our greatest satisfaction has been to be able to grow the school and survive the Covid pandemic. We have also been able to create a fairly relaxed studying environment yet very disciplined and focused at the same time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Everybody needs to be able to go on vacation or take a break at some point. As a business owner, you cannot really do that unless you have a solid partner that is familiar with the tasks you are responsible for. As a small business, it is more true, obviously.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- The most important is to know your product, understand its value or the demand for it, and what the competition is in the area (provided you are not selling online).
- Secure the right resources to deliver a service or product of quality.
- Be very clear about your customer service rules. Communicate them clearly to your customers but at the same time care about your customers and show it. Be flexible, be accommodating, make exceptions to the rules if needed, and set boundaries when needed.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ncacademyofart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncacademyofart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncacademyofart/
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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