Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Desormeaux, founder of Nuthatch Artistry, located in Petawawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Canadian watercolour and ink artist that creates high-quality prints of my work. My work is often inspired by nature, floral, and vibrant colours. I also specialize in custom house and pet portraits. My customers are a mix of those looking for a very sentimental portrait done of a family home as well as those looking to freshen up their homes with my prints. As a small business owner, every order that comes in is truly exciting and a big motivation for me.
Tell us about yourself
I am originally from Montreal, Quebec, where I went to college for Fine Arts. After graduating, I continued on into culinary school, where I kicked off a ten-year career as a chef. Fast forward to today, I am a mother of four-year-old and 22-month-old twins. My husband is military and is often deployed, so the restaurant career was not feasible.
I wanted to continue bringing in an income while staying home to raise my girls, so I decided to dive back into my passion for art and start selling my work from the comfort of my home studio. Artwork is extremely relaxing for me and a true form of therapy, so it's definitely something I enjoy spending time on in my busy, chaotic day-to-day life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It feels like a true accomplishment that I have built my small business completely on my own and have connected with so many people in my community because of it. I am proud I took the plunge to pursue this dream and am happy with the results so far.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Juggling my three children, home life, and a spouse that is often away, as well as my business, has definitely been the biggest challenge. So many small business owners are mothers that are working hard to help provide for their families as well as be there in person for them, and that is truly inspirational for me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Once you start, don't give up on it. Work hard on it and continue. Many businesses are a slow burn and take time to build; give it a chance.
- Make sure it's something you truly enjoy. Since you are putting so much of your time into it, it has to almost not feel like work but a hobby you are making money from!
- Be present on your social media. Today's society is all about this. I literally grow, advertise and share my products through social media. It is an excellent (free) resource.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Love and enjoy what you are creating. Life is too short to not find happiness in your work life. Don't forget to make time for self-care.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/NuthatchArtistry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nuthatchartistryprints/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuthatch_artistry/
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.
