Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Barnett, owner of Patina Gallery, located in Santa Fe, NM, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I established Patina Gallery in 1999 with my husband, Ivan Barnett, in the historic museum district of downtown Santa Fe. Since its opening, Patina has become one of the most inspiring galleries in the world to exhibit, represent and sell handmade jewelry and objects of fine art. The gallery balances aesthetic sensitivity and pacing to create profound, artful experiences in a dynamic space that was once home to the original Santa Fe Native craft market of the 1930s. Through its immersive curation and storytelling, Patina intends to sustain the souls and lives of its artists, patrons, founders, and colleagues through authentic, caring, loving. Compassionate attention, given in an environment that stimulates all the senses. Over the course of 23 years, Patina has evolved into an international destination for cultured, well-traveled, sophisticated, confident, and unconventional collectors. Our client's backgrounds are diverse. The common through-line is their appreciation for the beauty in the handmade and rare find they will find only at Patina.

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in New Orleans and always knew I would be in the arts. My grandmother inspired me since I was young, having opened her own dress store, Dress Circle, in 1933, at a time when young women did not and were not encouraged to have their own business. As a young woman in university, I studied studio metalsmithing and craft. I always tried to imagine who my clients would be when I was out in the real world. I grew up with a great appreciation for the arts, style, and culture. While living in Florence, Italy, during my junior year abroad, I had my first vision of having my own space to show my artwork while visiting cafes for my daily cappuccinos. The idea is a gathering place with jewelry work readily available to enjoy while sipping a cappuccino and experience with all the senses. Eight years later, I founded Patina with my husband, with the idea of sharing this vision with the world. I am motivated every day through my encounters across the counter with collectors and on the same side with colleagues. Sharing this profound work, made with love and intention, feeds not only the soul of our collectors but mine in this exchange of ideas.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have accomplished so much in my almost 25 years as a business owner. I am most grateful for the opportunity to celebrate my love of craft with so many people whose trust I have gained and who have created a soul-stirring lifestyle in one of the most beautiful and original capital cities in the world.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is that it never lets up. There are times when you can ride the success wave, but when business is lean, you must dig even deeper and make difficult decisions to hopefully better your position, e.g., COVID, leaning in to work every day, all day, and being a leader through it all. It takes courage to make the choice to prevail. Stepping up to find your "it," your "why," and finding solutions during a time of deep stress is never easy. To protect your business and your creative team, and to ensure their future longevity, is both collaborative and courageous.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

If I were coaching someone in starting their own business, I would want to help them define the difference between these three ideas starting, running, and growing. It takes devotion and hope to start, energy and commitment to run, and strength and stamina to grow. Have a strategic plan. Differentiate yourself. Define your secret sauce. Be specific, and never stop dreaming and believing in yourself.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

As one of our finest collectors said, "Patina stimulates our senses. To have all our senses enlivened is a really good thing, not only for the soul, but for the brain, the body, and our health. Some doctors are now writing prescriptions for patients to go to museums-literally writing prescriptions. I think doctors should start writing prescriptions to Patina."

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.patina-gallery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatinaGallery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patinagallery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patinagallery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patina-gallery/

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.

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