School of Creative Business - Creative Entrepreneurship

Creative Entrepreneur of the Month: Dabanga Dos Santos

Creative Entrepreneur of the Month: Dabanga Dos Santos

What inspired you to become a creative entrepreneur?
The freedom to independently achieve my goals in life by doing what I love is the spark that ignited my decision to become a professional jewelry artist.

Share one business goal:
The taking of action; disregard for any comfort zones and persistence in going after what I really want rather than settling for what I want right now while maintaining a positive outlook (imperative) is the formula I use in any given situation.

What would you say contributes to your success?
I am self- motivated so I'm up usually at the crack of dawn I usually prepare dinner. lol ( don't want to think about doing that later)...and after breakfast; yes that is a must because who knows when I'll want to stop creating and eat lunch..

What is a typical working day like for you?
Lunch, social media break and whatever when the fancy hits me.

What has been your biggest struggle as a professional artist?
I have sold wholesale for many years and one of my goals is to increase my retail online presence to surpass the wholesale aspect of my business, thus eliminating dependence on the middleman.

What piece of advice would you offer to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
My journey as a professional jewelry artist has shown me that mistakes are lessons, you must find the positive in any situation, give 100 % all the time and be prepared for success, because it sends no announcement and can come at any time. ...by the way nothing I have done or said has merit if you don't to take time for yourself and your family

What resources would you recommend to help other creative people stay organized?
The school of Creative business is an excellent source of information and links.

What are you currently working on?
I am debuting and focusing on an Eco friendly line for Mushana...yes Dabanga jewelry is going green .
Below is a pic from the line was debuted at the New York Int'l Gift show on Jan 8-Feb 2nd

For More information about Dabanga Dos Santos and her beautiful jewelry: http://dabanga.com/

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Could you be our next Creative Entrepreneur of the Month? If interested- please send your contact information to alease@schoolofcreativebusiness.com.

[10 women10 business 10 questions Project] The Next Journey

The 101010 project journey for May has ended, but not without great reviews. Collaborating with these wonderful 9 women was great- and I know a lot of you have learned something from them.

But this isn't the end... Session 2 of the 10 women 10 business 10 questions [101010 project] will start June 15th - CLICK HERE to learn more.

 

 

 

"If you missed some of the soulful goodness that has been shared, make sure and head over to the blog the holds ALL THE DETAILS on the project: CLICK HERE"

 

 Thanks again everyone!

 

 

[101010 Project] Leanne Wargowsky - The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

Leanne Wargowsky

 

Name of Business: From Chaos ComesHappiness

Social Media Links:

Blog: www.fromchaoscomeshappiness.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/From-Chaos-Comes-Happiness/125848910797771

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/chaostohappiness

Years in Business: Approaching 1

Brief Bio:

Born,raised, and living in the Chicago land area, this happily chaotic soul is definitelya newbie in the universe of creative businesses. Last August, after 25 years inhealthcare, I was released from days of insurance and hospitals and I started listeningto my inner artist. My dream, From ChaosComes Happiness, was born. I'm not doing it alone, though, as my supportsystem is wide and deep with a husband who encourages me and two beautifuldaughters who inspire me. While I have a long way to go in this business ofmine, I'm determined to remain true to who I am, and stopping just long enoughto smell the roses along the way.

The hardest part at year 2 of your business is . . .

I'll let you know when I get there. ;-) Yes, if you see my bio above, you know that I am a newbie in this creative business life. While I participated in the Flying Lessons of 2010, it has taken me a little bit longer to wake up and "smell the coffee". As I slowly approach year two, I imagine the hardest part will be finding balance to create vs. running the business part of things. Even now I find myself struggling with moments when I'd love to just sit and paint and create, but know that there is some business to tend to. The creating has to take a back seat. And, keeping it all straight on the business end. Yes, I'm fairly certain that will be my challenge. Time will tell . . .

 

[101010 Project] Nolwenn Petitbois - The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

 Nolwenn Petitbois

Business Name : Inner Worlds

Years in business : 2

Blog: http://inner-voices.net

Shop: http://InnerWorlds.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InnerVoices.net

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NolwennP

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NolwennBC

FlickR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nolwennp

 

Brief bio:  I am a self-taught Mixed Media artist.  

Dreamer. Lover. Passionate. Gratitude Warrior. Bookaholic. Cook. Art Journaler...

I would never have thought that painting and creativity would be in my daily life and even less my business until not so long ago. I believe that nothing happens by coincidence and so that I do have powerful messages to share through what I create. I am a Mixed Media artist because my heart and soul need to play and discover all the time and Mixed Media allows me to mix and match techniques and materials.

My artwork usually represents strong whimsical women (that I called «Nixies») who have a positive message to deliver to the world, to you. I believe in the important power of Positive Affirmations and of Gratitude, that both guide me in my creative process. I am a life-long learner, and love to unravel new ways to make my path lighter and stronger. Healing is a huge part of my life path, I am now also a Practical Reiki Master and noticed how it shifted the way it affects my creativity and the entire process of it.

I am also an art journaler and is currently a teacher in the art journaling collaborative playground 21 Secrets that opened its doors in April 2012.

The hardest part at year 2 of your business is…. 

I currently am in this year 2 of business, or so. The hardest part right now is to find new ways to market what I have to offer and to have my customers to come back and buy something else.

My testimonials and feedbacks are good, but there seems to have something missing that I still need to figure out. I know I will eventually (figure this out) but sometimes, looking at my shop stats and not getting depressed because of what I see is hard.

I have faith in my artwork, and in the fact that it can touch people. Not everyone for sure, as my style is whimsical and my Nixies are far from looking realistic. But I know there are some women (and men too) that feel empower by my messages. I just have to find them, or let them find their way to me.

Again, it’s about commitment to my business and trust.

[101010 Project] Kelly Warren - The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

Kelly  Warren

Name of business: Happy Shack Designs

website, visit http://www.happyshackdesigns.com

 blog, visit http://happyshackdesigns.blogspot.com

 Etsy, visit http://happyshackdesigns.etsy.com

 art and photos on Etsy, visit http://kellywarrenphotoart.etsy.com

                              Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Happy.Shack.Designs

                                              Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kellynwarren

Years in business: 7

Brief Bio: An artist with a short attention span, I create work in artisan jewelry, fine art photography, mixed media, and book arts. I've also been known to sew a thing or two. I work full-time by day as the Director of Student Life and Leadership Development at a large four-year college in Florida, and am the lucky mama to wonderfully sweet eight-year-old twin red-headed daughters. I have been married to a handsome man of great patience who's put up with my art shenanigans for 17 years now.

The hardest part at year 2 of your business is...

Year two for me was in 2007, so this was before the U.S. economy tanked. My girls were going on two years old and I was traveling to about eight juried arts festivals a year. I can’t say that the hardest part of year two was growing my business. My business itself was actually doing very well. My shows were very successful. Given that, I think that hardest part of that year for me was actually the growth. I was not at the point that I could (or even was willing, frankly) to “give up the day job” for my creative business. I’m very much a people person, and the interaction I have with those I work with in my day job keeps me young. I work with college students all day!

The greater challenge for me at that point was the juggle: working full-time, being a wife and a mother to two year old twins, AND creating artwork for and running a creative business. To this day, the juggle is still my greatest challenge. I think many creatives at year two might be getting to the point of asking themselves the “Will I be able to quit my day job and devote my time fully to my creative business soon?” question. But I wasn’t at that point. I wasn’t asking that question because I knew that I wasn’t ready for that, mentally or financially.

For me, the most important part of year two, year one, year eight, year twenty, year whatever, is simply knowing yourself and what you truly want out of what you are doing. Am I getting to the point at which I’d feel more comfortable walking away from the day job and devoting my “work-time”fully to my creative business? Maybe now, at year seven...maybe. Yet, I’m a very realistic person and know that the changes that would have to take place to make that happen aren’t quite ready to change yet. There are dreams, and I have them, but I also keep a healthy grip on reality. To me, I believe that healthy grip is the most important thing to have when building and growing a creative business.

[101010 Project] Sonya McCllough - The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

Sonya McCllough

http://www.sonyamacdesigns.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sonyamacdesigns

https://twitter.com/#!/sonyamacdesigns

http://www.youtube.com/user/sonyamacdesigns

Years in Business = 12

Bio: I’m this crazy JESUS loving creative … with 2 children living smack in the middle of Tennessee. The seeds of my creativity were watered with knitting needles, yarn and nine kittens on a rock covered patio in the mid sixties. Today, we hold the fort down with a few less kittens (3) … and thankfullymy creative edge remains in tact.

I’m often inspired by some odd ball stuff & compelled to create by the sweet whispers of the HOLY Spirit. An idea generator am I. Creative collaboration is a sweet spot with me and many have locked creative hands with me to work on projects like The Bond & Respond Quilt project of 2010, Inspired Studios Magazine & The Creative Biz Marathon. My service to HIM in the body of the church currently is that of Women’s Ministry Coordinator, Southeast Baptist Church Murfreesboro TN.

The hardest part at year 2 of your business is finally knowing where you would like your business to be in say ... five years. But, knowing it will take time (maybe, even five years) of travel time to reach tour true destination.

To Read More about this Project- CLICK HERE

[101010 Project] Jean Simrose - The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

Jean Simrose

Jewelry artist, wife, mother, grandmother

Blog: www.jeansimrose.typepad.com

Etsy shop: www.jeansimrose.etsy.com

 

Bio: I was born and raised in Canada in a very creative family. We were encouraged to work with our hands and pursue creative hobbies. My sisters and I were taught to sew, knit and crochet at a young age. I liked to design clothes and jewelry to go with them.

My careers were varied and diverse. I was a hairdresser. I worked as an administrative assistant for an oil company while my two sons were growing up. After they moved out on their own I went back to university and became a social worker. I worked with people with disabilities and mental illnesses for many years. Art and crafts became therapy and a way to connect with my clients. I facilitated support groups and encouraged my clients’ creativity and skills as well as developing my own.

In 2005 I remarried and moved to the Seattle area. I took a Silversmithing course offered at a local college. I made jewelry as gifts for family and friends and as I learned new techniques my inventory increased. I started my blog and an on-line Etsy shop in 2009. Since then I have enjoyed participating in art and craft fairs in the U.S. and Canada. I love connecting with new people and expanding my knowledge of this very diverse craft.

 

The hardest part at year 2 of your business is…..

The hardest part in following my dream is not having sufficient funds to carry out all of my business goals. I envisioned taking more classes, learning more techniques and collaborating with more people. I planned on going to art retreats and connecting with like-minded people who inspire me. Instead I found myself working hard just to participate in fairs and keep my Etsy shop stocked so I could sell my jewelry.

The Mind. Body.Soul Art Journaling ecourse has helped me to further define my dreams. I have learned a lot about what I truly want from my creative business and how to get it. The ecourse facilitated this 101010 Project. I hope it will lead to more connections in my creative business world.

To Read More about this Project- CLICK HERE

 

 

[101010 Project] Kelly Thiel - The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

Kelly Thiel

Kelly Thiel Studio

kellythielstudio.com
kellythielpottery.blogspot.com
twitter.com/kellyTpottery
facebook.com/KellyThielSculpture

Years in Business: 10

Brief Bio: An artist and a mother of two young girls, Kelly Thiel lives in South Carolina, USA creating award-winning clay and bronze sculptures, as well as doing art journaling and mixed media paintings. She just finished building a new studio at her home, and is dying to log some real hours in there! Kelly is doing her best to live life to the fullest and enjoy each day, with her art and her family.

The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

Momentum. Keeping the momentum. Life happens. People get sick, and pregnancies occur. It is so hard to stay focused on your business when life keeps throwing distractions at you. And since you are your own boss, it’s easy to let things slide a bit. Not always a problem (since sometimes you really do need a break every now and then), but once that period is over, sometimes I find it hard to get going again. I am in amazement at people who never seem to lose momentum. I admire them for their continuous efforts!

At this time in my life when I have two young children at home, I realize that I am going to have to be flexible in my work schedule. There are days when I know I won’t be able to put much toward my business. On those days, I try to do ONE THING that will put me one step closer to my goals. It may be something as small as tweeting and Facebooking about an exhibit I’m in, or writing a quick blog post. It may be one business phone call, or even packing a box to ship to a gallery. Just one thing. And then for the rest of the chaotic day, I will know that I haven’t lost ALL momentum!

I’ve also taken to getting up an hour earlier several times a week. It’s not much, but it can make a difference to my mental state. I know I’ve gotten at least a little done for my business before the rest of the household gets up!

 

To Read more about this Project - Click Here

[101010 Project] Stephanie Amos - The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

Stephanie Amos

 KoiStudios

Web- http://www.koi-studios.com

Blog- www.samos-koistudios.blogspot.com

Twitter-http://www.twitter.com/stephanieamos

Etsy- www.muddypotts.etsy.com

www.samos.etsy.com

www.stephanieamos.etsy.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/samos/39883324558

Years in business: 7 years

Brief Bio:

I live in the mountains of Colorado with my amazing husband, three loving dogs, two handsome horses, and the queen of all cats. When I'm not out riding, I am usually in one of the two studios at our home where I paint, throw, sculpt and shoot my camera. I am more or less a free spirit in the sense that I can never sit still and am easily distracted by my interest in trying something new. I am fascinated with color and texture which is not limited to just art, but architecture as well. I love to travel and have been to many beautiful places and look forward to seeing the rest of the world real soon.

The hardest part about year 2 of your business is....

figuring out pricing and shipping costs for my work. I remember being so excited that someone bought a creation of mine, that I didn't take anything else into consideration. It didn't take very long to realize that I needed to re-evaluate my goal and make some changes. I also recall how fast paced everything was. In my second year of business I was super busy painting new works, participating in local and national shows, and teaching myself how to network online. It was a lot of work, but well worth every minute I invested.

Read more about Project Here

[101010 Project] Robin Norgren - The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

Robin Norgren

Robin Norgren Studios 

Website: http://www.robinnorgrenstudios.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/robinlnorgren

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellofcreations.myetsyshop

Years in business: 4 years

 Brief Bio: 

I strive to live life to the fullest. No matter what. I have grown into myself through my love for Jesus and HIS LOVE FOR ME. Art, motherhood, business, creativity and yoga are the cherished vehicles for this deepening. Life can be FULL, JUICY, MEANINGFUL, PURPOSE FILLED, LOVELY. I want to help you come to your fullest life. I create workbooks, ecourses and workshops that chronicle my change and growth and offer you ways to find out what YOUR FULLEST life will be.

The hardest part at year 2 of your business is….

The newness of the business and the excitement of all that could be in your new little bundle of joy really wraps a little cocoon around you and protects you from the rough spots and the tons of work that goes on in year 1. You really live on adrenalin and hope and ooey gooey dreams…

Year 2 really grabs you and makes you pay attention to what is and IS NOT working in your business. IN year 2 you really are paying attention as to whether or not your work is going to produce financial results. Year 2 is when you got to get honest about how long you can sustain an all out type of work schedule ESPECIALLY if you are still waiting on break even results. Year 2 truly can offer a ‘come to Jesus’ moment: is this a business or is this a hobby?

Robin Norgren is currently completing her life coaching certification and would LOVEto offer you a FREE 15 minute mini session – sign up for her mailing list here:http://www.robinnorgrenstudios.blogspot.com/p/life-coaching.html

 

Read more about project Here