Since I started this blog I’ve had many people ask me what it is that I do for a living. I launched an import/export company a while ago. This idea had been bouncing around in my head since I was 13. I have always been a lover of African art. There used to be a black art gallery in the city I grew up in. I was in there a minimum of three times a week. I started collecting black art at 15 (when i got my first job). Though I loved my collection nothing I had was original. It was the same lithiographs I would find in similar galleries all across the city.
A trip to South Africa changed my life and started me on my way to entrepreneurship. I was strolling through a craft market one day admiring amazing original paintings from local artists. These artists were literally sitting on tree stumps painting. None of the artists I spoke with had any formal training. It was a natural talent for them. I started picking out a few that I wanted to take back with me to the states. Suddenly I thought “Why not import these original paintings to the US and Canada, market and sell them?! This is like nothing the U.S. has ever seen.”
When I got back to the states I immediately put that thought into action. I toured several store fronts, had the artists ship over inventory and had business cards and postcards made. I always thought I wanted to own a black art gallery like the others. Then it dawned on me that I really like my freedom and I didn’t want the overhead of a store and employees. Instead I became a wholesaler. Many people/galleries cannot afford to take trips to Africa to discover amazing artists, and I became that link. There is such a demand for original black art that was not being met in the U.S. and Canada. I am more that happy to fill that void.
When I had over 200 original paintings I pounded the pavement hard! I googled and visited every contemporary art gallery from L.A. to San Diego. I registered for art fairs all over the country to display the work. I put alot of my merchandise on Amazon.com and had a friend set up an online business card for me www.africanlifeart.com I also opened my online store at etsy www.nourishyou23.etsy.com
I’ve gotten alot of online traffic so far but personally visiting galleries and stores has been the real money maker for me. Every situation became an opportunity to sell my merchandise. The fiance and I eat out alot and whenever we see a blank wall at a restaurant we think “oh, a painting would look great there”!
Being a business owner in my line of work is very rewarding. This has been my dream for many years and I’m so excited about living it.
What is your line of work? Are you pursuing your passion? Do you have a website that I can profile for you?
Till next time…
that? is seriously fantastic
I wish I could figure out what the hell I want to do with my life
that is fantastic – and so inspiring that you have followed your passion. kudos to you. i work in entertainment pr and it’s what i wanted to get into so i kind of lucked out that i got somewhat of my dream job out of school. but lately i’ve been thinking that maybe i want to try something else. i have so many passions that i feel it would be unfair to not pursue something else. i love interior design, i love travel, i love history, i would love to get involved with a non-profit…i dunno.
I love you already girl and I just meet you. I don’t know what brought you to my blog, but I am glad you stopped by. Can I just say this, and this is just me…I hate the term “black art”. I know, everybody uses it, but as a black artist, I just don’t like that term”Black art” and I’ll tell you why. I just think when you but the label “black” on anything it is setting it apart and saying it is not as good as. Now, I know that is not at all what you mean, nor anyone else, when they say they love black art, but it is just a pet peeve of mine, being an artist that creates art that depict black people. I love the fact that you sale art and maybe, if I ever decide to sale my stuff you will represent me. Anyway, that is just me. I’m going up to post on your other post now.
Hello There,
First of all, I have to say that I love your blog. Very stylish. I am extremely glad that I stumbled across your blog because I am a mixed media artist in the So. Cal area, and I am looking to enter into Art shows, festivals and fairs in order to showcase my artwork. I also plan on opening an Etsy shop as well. I would love it if you have information or tips when it comes to showcasing artwork for sale. I will be adding you to my blogroll, please feel free to add me to yours if you wish.
Hope to hear from you soon,
O
I don’t even remember how I got to your blog but it’s great. I am a jewelry maker + stationery designer + blogger and I have an online shop that you can check out here: http://springcartdesigns.com
Social worker. Not much of a money maker.