Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pamela Roberson, Owner of Strong Artist Life, located in Ocklawaha, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is called Strong Artist Life. I coach emerging abstract and abstract-curious artists so that they are able to get out of their own way, begin to reach their personal goals, and make stronger art.
Tell us about yourself
I've known since kindergarten I wanted to be an artist when I grew up, but I had no idea how to do it. I did not come from an artistic family. I studied Painting and Sculpture in college, but I found most of the experience to be unhelpful in my pursuit of becoming a "professional artist." I never stopped creating art, but I got stuck at a certain artistic level that I was only able to change when I worked with a coach.
In 2020, I realized I wanted to help other artists like me, but I didn't want to just help them with their paintings; I wanted to help them with their mindsets. Again and again, in group meetings with other artists, I heard artists speak terribly about themselves and their art, and yet, the coach and group simply didn't question their opinions. The discussion focused on how to physically change the painting. I was frustrated by this approach because it denies the relationship between the art and the artist.
When I started Strong Artist Life, I didn't want to just tell artists, "Strengthen your composition, add some of this color there, etc." I wanted to help them see where their outlook on their art or themselves wasn't realistic and to help them give themselves more grace in the uncertain process of creating.
So often, we artists are extremely hard on ourselves. We demand perfection and beauty at each stage of creating, and this unrealistic demand hinders our creativity and enjoyment of the process of creating. We find our art becoming stiffer and staler. We look for new techniques and materials, hoping that will break us out of our rut when in reality, we are our own roadblocks. That's what Strong Artist Life focuses on, asking the artist to take some risks in how they think, how they approach their art and be kinder to themselves while still doing the work.
This year, I have developed some new programs that work with artists who also need some foundational art education along with mindset work. It's important that artists are also skilled in their craft. Creating strong art takes time, dedication, and work. I love watching these amazingly talented artists become confident in their art and themselves and accomplish goals they once thought were only for other artists. It's so rewarding to watch previously insecure and timid artists begin to believe in themselves, create stronger art, grow in surprising ways, and touch other people with their art.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been pushing my boat out in the water and telling strangers, "I can help you." I resisted doing anything like this for a long time. I thought it would decrease the amount of art I make (it hasn't). I thought I had nothing to offer (I do). I thought I wouldn't make a difference (I have). I've grown and learned a lot throughout this process, and I look forward to continuing my own growth alongside the artists I am lucky enough to get to work with.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Practicing patience and not getting sucked into the world's idea of 'success.' I think so often we see all the ads and promises of being able to make a six-figure income within the first year of starting your business. I think, for most of us stepping out into entrepreneurship, it takes more than a year to learn the technology, marketing, the nuts and bolts of running a business, and develop a healthy mindset in order to develop and successfully manage a profitable business.
It's been hard for me to remember I'm not a failure because I am not a huge success story. And it's hard sometimes to remember that I actually don't want to create a hugely successful company that requires staff and meetings. I spent 15 years working in the corporate world, and I created very little art during that time. I don't want to recreate a corporate job for myself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take advantage of the massive amounts of free information out there online before you pay for coaches and programs. They will be there for you when you get the most out of them.
- Create a business around something incredibly important to you because it's that passion that will get you through the lonely, difficult, and awkward parts. It is what will get you back to work each day when it feels like no one will ever notice or care.
- Create a work schedule for yourself and stick to it - burnout is real, and so is spending too much time in front of your computer tweaking your website instead of making sure your personal relationships are healthy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://strongartistlife.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongartistlife
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongartistlife/
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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