Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Darren Yeo, Founder of Watercolour Mentor, located in Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm an artist and online instructor. I created Watercolour Mentor back in 2020 during the lockdown here in Melbourne, VIC. I run live workshops, create instructional content and sell digital courses. My customers are people who are new to watercolour painting and want to learn the techniques and my process for creating a painting. Normally they are retired or taking up painting as a hobby.
Tell us about yourself
Art's been a huge motivator for me in my personal life, it's helped me get past challenging times, and I love being to express my creative side. I think that many of us lack that outlet in modern life. I started Watercolour Mentor to share my skills with others and to create a learning community where artists can obtain help and guidance in order to improve their art. I enjoy making a difference in the lives of my students and being able to reignite that spark of creativity. I enjoy watching them progress and improve over time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I built an online learning community of 160,000+ members.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's up and down and comes with various unforeseen challenges. There are no guarantees. Income varies from month to month, and you have to push yourself to achieve, constantly improve and learn about better ways to market your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Pick a niche that has a preexisting customer base. If it's popular, that is a good thing if you can differentiate yourself.
- Consistency and discipline. Sometimes you won't feel like getting up to work. But you need to set yourself weekly and monthly objectives and work towards them.
- Have fun. It helps if you enjoy what you're doing, but if you at least need to be good at it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://watercolourmentor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watercolourmentor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watercolourmentor/
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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