Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts and culture but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emilya Colliver founder of Art Pharmacy, located in Sydney, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Art Pharmacy - a full-service art and culture agency. We work with governments, corporates, businesses to curate, manage and deliver creative projects in the private and public realm that culturally enrich spaces and tell sophisticated, interesting, and people‑centric stories about place, community, and creativity.
Tell us about yourself
My passion is supporting Australian art and creative practitioners. Before launching Art Pharmacy, I studied Art History at SOAS and UCL in London. I also worked for top art institutions and galleries; Lisson Gallery, Hauser & Wirth, The British Museum, Eskenazi - as well as managing the collection of James Birch Esq. (fun art collector and a mentor to me). I am motivated to bring more arts and culture into people's lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our impact on the arts community - In the past three years, Art Pharmacy has supported over 1620 artists and contributed over $1,434,000 to the creative community.
What I am most proud of is seeing the positive ripple effect our work has had in communities; How it has changed mindsets, created engagement encouraged creativity, and brought joy into people's lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Running your own business is so tough at times, and you don't have time to stop. Balancing time is the hardest - it's nonstop! But it is also so rewarding too.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Always trust your gut, it is never wrong.
2. Surround yourself with people that believe in your dreams and passions, it is not worth being around energy suckers, they're around.. beware! My favorite quote is 'Comparison is the thief of joy.'
3. Think about intention and what that means in everything you do. (Learn to do a 5-year plan and goal setting)
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.artpharmacy.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/artpharmacy/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-pharmacy-consulting/
https://www.facebook.com/artpharmacy
https://twitter.com/artpharmacy
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.
