Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in art education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Kaiser-Amaral, Director of Studio 215, located in Evanston, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a teaching artist, and my customers are my patrons and my students. I have many collectors of my paintings and show my work in galleries. My students come from all walks of life, and I cater to ages 16 and up.
Tell us about yourself
I'm a self-starter and learned a great deal about business from my parents. My dad owns his own Heating and Air Conditioning Business, and my mom worked her way up to an upper management position at Levi Strauss and Company. My business of teaching art expanded as a result of the pandemic because more people retired and wanted to do something creative with themselves.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is proving to myself and to others that I can manage my own business. I have worked for many other schools and love being my own boss because there is less oversight.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is having to keep up with tasks such as billing, expenses, and taxes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't doubt yourself. If you have a dream and are passionate about what you do, never let someone tell you that you are not good enough. Realize that you ARE good enough. There will be setbacks, but success is measured by your resilience and your ability to bounce back.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.studio215.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahkaiseramaral/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.kaiser919/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaiser919_g
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kaiser-amaral-b42ab63/
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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