Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrew Tarrant, owner of Trespasser Ceramics, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have been creating unique ceramic artworks professionally for over 30 years now. Everything from shot-pots, tea-cups, and beer steins to urns, large form pottery, tiles, and all sorts of decorative and useful items. My customers are the type of people that want something unique, rare, and different from anything else out there, and I do what I can to provide that. I take the time to create everything as unique and perfect as I can.
Tell us about yourself
My family emigrated to Canada from the UK when I was six, and I brought with me the stories and history of the British Isles. That love of history worked its way into my artistic designs. I love to create new artworks; it keeps my brain moving and thinking of even more new things to make.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My artwork has been shown and sold throughout the world. I have even been able to travel and represent my work. However, I still feel that my knack for teaching people to make pottery is my biggest accomplishment. I get to pass on my skills and knowledge to future generations of artists.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Predicting trends and directions to work in is always difficult, and blazing your own trail can be a gamble, but you grit your teeth, believe in yourself, and go!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Prepare for the rollercoaster. Sometimes you're up, then down; it's scary at first, but eventually, you can see what is coming, and you can settle in and enjoy the ride.
- Never compromise your artistic principles; stick to your ideas and directions. It's easy to be side-tracked and overwhelmed by shiny things.
- Always have other options; sometimes things don't go to plan, and having an alternate route to your goal can save you time and money.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://store.trespasser.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrespasserCeramics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TrespasserCeramics/
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.
