Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fine arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Ferguson, owner of When Studio, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
As the artist and owner of When Studio, I design bright, bold prints and cards with an Eco-edge so that you can live your best life now, surrounded by pieces that are SO you! Every When Studio print is printed on renewable, eco-friendly paper made from fast-growing plants like Agave and Cotton. It's also archival quality, so you are investing in real, gallery-quality art that will last for centuries to come.
You know you will find your perfect print at When Studio if you love bright colours and energizing playful designs. When Studio cards are also bold and fun, making it a perfect way to send some happy vibes to your nearest and dearest.
Tell us about yourself
My prints are truly an extension of me, spontaneous but consistent, happily carefree but specific. I'm usually the chattiest one in the room, and these prints have been raised to do the same.
An architect by day and artist (and mom and wife) by... the rest of the day, I've never been happier. For me, When Studio has been the loose thread on the garment, something always dangling in front of me, reminding me in its quiet way of a dream in waiting, and I'm here for it. I was four years old when I started telling the world, "when I grow up, I want to be an artist." Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were that age?
Now in my 30s, I realize that what was precious about that dream was the purity of unapologetic childhood curiosity. In other words, doing something because you just feel like it. So that's my quest with When Studio. To create and draw what feels good and makes you happy - because if not now, when?
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been seeing the change in my clients after they bring When Studio products into their lives. Seeing the joy as they step into their most authentic, bright, bold self is an amazing experience. I really see my work as the catalyst when my clients realize that they need to stop decorating their spaces for people who don't live there and fully embrace the energy they need to thrive.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Dealing with growth is definitely a challenge as a business owner. The idea of constantly facing the unknown and new skills head-on takes some time to get comfortable with. Especially as a small business owner, I am responsible for every detail and execution of those details. I've had to learn everything from customer service and using social media to shipping strategies and e-commerce! It's extremely exciting to see this growth in myself and my business, but it definitely takes a conscious effort to keep at it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build your offer out fully. Don't launch without the nuts and bolts figured out.
- Set a plan for the year. What would success look like for you in that first year, and set some goals to achieve that.
- Don't play casually. Don't let the insecurity you may be feeling of "will this work?" get in the way of letting your true passion and excitement shine through.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't be afraid to say "when." We spend far too much of our lives waiting for the right moment to come along where we believe we are finally worthy of investing in ourselves and embracing our dreams. When Studio was born out of the pandemic, when every decision felt like a sea of grey, it became my way to colour the world bright again, to bring energy to so many people who were just going through the motions trying to get by.
We all have something in us that will benefit the world. And when we make that choice to stop waiting and share those gifts with others, we see the most beautiful outcomes.
Live brightly, live boldly, if not now, when?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://whenstudio.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/when.i.grow.up.studio/
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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