School of Creative Business - Creative Entrepreneurship

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

Jan Avellana

{etsy shop} http://www.hazelnutcottage.etsy.com

{blog} http://www.hazelnutcottage.typepad.com

{twitter} https://twitter.com/#!/hazelnutcottage

{facebook} http://www.facebook.com/hazelnutcottage

Bio: Jan Avellana is a mixed-media artist with a passion for art making, books, deep conversations, and seaside adventures with her three favorite men (ages 5, 8 and 42). Jan spent the better part of her adult life trying very hard to be a grown-up with a traditional job. The birth of her two sons released her to follow her heart and reclaim the artist she has always been. In 2007, Jan created a line of silver hand stamped jewelry under the Hazelnut Cottage brand. Today, she revels in mixed-media messes, making heartfelt connections with others through art and words. In print, you can find jan in “The Pulse of Mixed Media”, “Inside the Creative Studio”, “Artful Blogging, Winter 2011” and “ClothPaperScissors Studios”. In life, you can find her immersed in the studio or at the beach (with paint in her hair).

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

…wearing all of the hats. I had great difficulty juggling it all; motherhood, wife, artist, bookkeeper, blogger, social media and marketing guru…at this point in the life of Hazelnut Cottage (my hand stamped jewelry line), I was barely getting any sleep at all and working much of the time. This was especially hard since my babies were little; just 2 and 4 at the time.

Read more about project Here

10 Women.10 Business.10 Questions Project Starts Today

The 10 women. 10 Business. 10 questions project

starts today with ...

Question #1  Collaborations: a good idea?

Click on link above to read answers.

 

Creative Entrepreneur of the Month: Michelle Davis Petelinz

Creative Entrepreneur of the Month: Michelle Davis Petelinz

Michelle Davis Petelinz, Kindred Spirit Studios

Facebook Business Page:  http://www.facebook.com/KindredSpiritStudios

Website:  www.kindredspiritstudios.com

Blog:  http://artventuring.blogspot.com

Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/KindredSpiritStudios

 

What inspired you to become a creative entrepreneur?
Like most artists I know, I’ve always been creative.  I credit my father with encouraging my initial creative endeavors as a child.  He bought me my first box of 64 Crayola crayons, and once I opened it, inhaled that unmistakable aroma, and made my first marks on paper with cornflower blue, I was hooked!

My first foray into creative entrepreneurship was as a jewelry designer; when women began asking me where I’d bought the necklaces I wore, I figured it was time to go into business.  Later, after the birth of my son, it was the lack of children’s furniture with any sort of Afrocentric flair which propelled me back into painting, which is my first love, creatively.

Share one business goal:
One business goal is to have my work in a gallery which understands, appreciates, values, and enthusiastically promotes it.  I have had six unsuccessful gallery experiences, each one either a disappointment or a disaster, so the next gallery venture will come only after a great deal of research and deliberation.

 What would you say contributes to your success?
My collaboration with my husband, who is also an artist, has a great deal to do with my success.  We bounce ideas off each other, and he takes care of the mechanical aspects of my work.  We have side-by-side studios which he built in our basement, and the ability to work in such a great space gives me the freedom to create.  

I also believe the uniqueness of my product contributes to my success.  Of course, everyone thinks her products are unique, but I can truthfully say that in all the years I’ve been doing juried art shows and festivals,  I’ve never encountered anyone who does exactly what I do, which is combining mixed media elements with bamboo and recycled wood to create wall hangings, clocks, mirrors and shadow boxes.

What is a typical working day like for you?
Since I am a part-time art teacher as well as an artist who does art festivals, a typical day would include:  teaching a class in the morning to children between the ages of 18-months to 5 years old, running errands after class, then returning to my studio to respond to calls for artists, complete show applications or work on an ongoing art project.  Weekends are my favorite time to begin new projects; the uninterrupted stretches of time provide the focus I need to bring my design ideas to fruition.  

 What has been your biggest struggle as a professional artist?

Finding the right audiences and outlets for showing and selling my work; it’s an ongoing process.

What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business?
Becoming known for my art in my local area, and being able to share my talents with others.  I’ve been asked to sit on art show juries, teach workshops, develop art curricula for summer camps, and I’ve won awards for my work. 

Most recently, I was selected to be the artist-in-residence at our local Kids Museum, which allowed me to do what I love:  teaching children about art, while creating art myself.  It was a fantastic month-long series, and the collaborative projects I did with the children will become a permanent part of the Museum’s decor.

What resources would you recommend to help other creative people stay organized?
Find a good inventory software program; you’ll need it to keep track of what you’ve created, and where it is. 

Begin blogging or revitalize a languishing blog.  It’s the cheapest (free!) way to connect with fellow artists, potential buyers and your collectors.  Posting every day is not really necessary, but you’ve got to post often enough, and with interesting enough content (images are always a good idea), to make your readers return again and again. 

Blogging is also a great way to stay organized; writing about upcoming show application deadlines keeps you aware of what’s ahead, reporting about shows can remind you later about ones you’d do again, and looking back over the year’s posts can remind you about just how much you’ve accomplished (which comes in handy for writing that Artist Statement you dread!).

Read I’d Rather Be in the Studio!by Alyson Stanfield with highlighter in hand.  It’s the best book I’ve found on the business of being an artist.  Subscribe to Alyson’s ArtBiz blog, (www.artbizblog.com) and you’ll get daily posts (yes, she does post daily!) about topics of great interest to artists.  Alyson’s book led me to begin my blog in 2007, run an Art Salon in 2008, and write a really good Artist Statement and Bio.  I was thrilled to be able to invite her to speak to my Carolina Mixed Media Art Guild (a.k.a. my tribe) here in Raleigh about the revised edition of her book in 2011.

What piece of advice would you offer to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
1.  Develop a cohesive body of work before presenting it to the world. 

2.  Be open to opportunities, and be willing to venture outside of your comfort zone.  Sometimes, taking a leap into the unknown is exactly the right direction, but you’ll never know that if you don’t try. 

3.  Find your “tribe,” people whose work inspires you, and upon whom you can depend for honest critiques, advice, and friendship.  We artists are often solitary folks, so finding like-minded others is important.

4.  Use social media to network and find new audiences for your work.

What are you currently working on?

My show season is quickly approaching, so I’m developing a new series of wall hangings which will debut at my first event in Maryland, in mid-June.  We’re also in the process of redesigning our website, and putting out a newsletter.  And, I’ll still be doing adult workshops and teaching children throughout the summer, so there’ll be new projects, lessons and samples to prepare…I’ve got a very full plate!

For more information on Michelle and her artwork - visit www.kindredspiritstudios.com 

________________________________________________________________________________________

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

 

Watch the Throne of a Creative Entrepreneur: Creative Entrepreneur of the Month

Watch the Throne of Creative Entrepreneurs - Kanye West

If I could be a super star rapper- I would choose Kanye West. He might not have been your top choice. Although many share different opinions about him- but what I like most about Kanye West is that he is confident and knows how to surround himself with top players in the rap game.

He's are a few more reasons why I chose Kanye West as the Creative Entrepreneur of the Month.

• He has no special powers - other than being able to tell a story with true rhythmic style. 
• Instead of super powers, he makes use of his intellect, mental capacity, fearlessness and acute sense of image and style.
• But he knows he can't do it alone, so he has a team and a fan base he counts on for everything.
• He uses technology to enable him to get his content out quickly  and effectively. (Facebook, itunes)
• He is a man of many resources who spends time and money on helping and advocating for others.

How about that for the Watch the Throne - Creative Entrepreneur of the Month?

I'm conducting an online meeting with other Creative Entrepreneurs on March 27th @ 8pm for SOCB's(School of Creative Business)  Starting Point for Creative Entrepreneurs Webinar

If you need a Team Player to part of your team - You've Got It!

Click here to join us on March 27th.

So, tell me ... who's your favorite creative entrepreneur and why?

 

We are all Stars!

I love create entrepreneurs that are doing and have done their THANG!  Today's post celebrates the wonderful life of Whitney Houston. I consider it a true honor to have witness such creative energy in my life time.  My hopes has always been to celebrate the greatness in all creative entrepreneurs and I continue to hope that the School of Creative Business (SOCB) will always inspire you to be the star in your own creative life.

Over the past few months, SOCB has celebrated many astounding superstar quality creative entrepreneurs- among them Mo Stegall, An’Angelia Thompson, Herb Dickinson, and Byran K. Osburn. We all know that as much as these incredible entrepreneurs have accomplished, there will always be more goals to accomplish- another chance to shine. The key thing to remember is that we are the designers, producers, and writers of our own lives.

Whitney Houston produced a creative empire that shine beyond her own vision of herself. Please understand, we have the power to shape our stories and garner our own accolades. So today, do yourself and another creative entrepreneur a favor and treat yourselves like the superstars you really are.  I know this is easier said than done, but the responsibilities of creating a business can be tough and our " little voices of doubt" gets the best of us sometimes.

But guess what- a superstar creative entrepreneur surrounds his or herself with a supportive team. They seek information that strengthens their purpose and encourages their growth. They conquer their fears and goes for it all!

Superstar creative entrepreneurs continue to work on their weakness, whatever they maybe. They understand there will be rejections and setbacks, but they keep on trying. Superstar creative entrepreneurs know that they deserve some attention, but they don't need to be in the spotlight all the time. They know to measure success by their own yardstick, and that not everyone is successful as they seem.

Superstar creative entrepreneurs know they must rest and take "me" time to recharge their spirits before sharing themselves and their talents with the world. Whitney Houston didn't take the "me" time she needed to recharge, only now does she rest. This is a  very sad event for me - but I can be at peace knowing that she has left a creative empire that will out last any bright star. 

How are you being the star in your creative business? I'd like to hear the steps you're taking to create your own satisfying ending. Share your story below in the comment section or on the SOCB facebook page.

Talk with you soon, Alease

Creative Entrepreneur Interview with Mo Stegall

Interview with Creative Entrepreneur - Mo Stegall

Mo Stegall is a visionary, pioneer and journeyman, he transcends any medium he touches. From media personality and producer to philanthropist, empowerment speaker and author, his creativity, wit and engaging persona have earned him recognition as an emerging community leader.

 

 He is a native of Atlanta, Georgia.  Mr. Stegall has enjoyed a successful career as a radio and television personality, which afforded him opportunities to work with the BET Hip-Hop Awards the CMA Awards, and countless recognizable entertainers and community leaders. But his deepest passion and desire is personal growth and development and to empower others to achieve greatness. And with a warm and captivating presence, he has integrated his television/radio career with his desire to serve.

 

 His clients call him "The Treasure Hunter™" because of his ability to empower people to discover their inner jewels and gems. He is a global humanitarian who less than ten years ago was homeless, endured the loss of his mother to AIDS, and experienced several life setbacks but has championed his journey and dedicated his life to serving others.

 

The Interview
 

What inspired you to become a creative entrepreneur?

My journey to becoming a creative entrepreneur was somewhat pushed upon me…lol .

I often dreamed about owning my own brand and company but wasn’t sure how to do so…I was working as a media director for a large church as well as dappling in a few ventures of my own on the side, one of my ventures began to take form and grow wings and my employer gave me an ultimatum to either nurture what they considered to be my infant child or delve full fledge with no aspirations of doing my own thing into their company and after careful thought and consideration along with prayer.

 

 I decided this was the outlet I needed to pursue my business…less than a few months after I was awarded a huge contract by UNCF & Wachovia to travel the world doing what I loved…empowering People!

What would you say contributes to your success?

A healthy blend of research and relationship building is what contributes to my success. I believe understanding your brand and connecting with those who share the same mission will always create a win/win relationship that yields amazing results.

 

 

Share one business goal:

One of my business goals is for my foundation “I Can BE Foundation Inc.” to build community help centers across the nation to assist undeserved communities through enrichment programs, the arts, employment, medical assistance and empowerment programs that will allow them to understand their value, overcome adverse situations and achieve goals.

 

 

 

What is a typical working day like for you?

My work days vary depending on what’s on the calendar. Aside from being the founder and president of the I Can Be Foundation a 501c3 organization, I am also a bestselling author, empowerment speaker, media personality, brand ambassador and voice actor.

 

My days can sometimes be spent in airports and on planes traveling to various cities, meeting with my agent and manager about upcoming ventures, auditioning for commercials and films, on the phone conferencing with potential sponsors or brands, writing, or simply doing absolutely nothing.

 

What has been your biggest struggle as a creative entrepreneur?

The biggest struggle has been at times riding the roller coaster of motivation…opportunities can go from plentiful to scarce and as an entrepreneur you must possess a mental toughness to push past the do over’s and continue running towards the prize at the finish line.

What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business?

Becoming a national brand known for serving the needs of others has been my biggest accomplishment to date. I grew up in the housing projects of southwest Atlanta with mere dreams and today being able to see years of building yield what others see as a remarkable and empowering brand is a humbling accomplishment.

 

What piece of advice would you offer to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I often tell people you were DESIGNED To WIN so losing is simply not an option for you. Go after what you want or you will spend your entire life settling for what you can get. God created you an original so there is no need for you to become a carbon copy. You must pursue your purpose with a passion regretting nothing and giving everything to accomplish what you were predestined to become.

"Horses are so focused on the finish line that they have no desire to stare at the starting gate. Today declare you will no longer focus on what didn't happen yesterday or what could happen tomorrow yet be more incline to explore what can and will happen today"--Mo Stegall

What resources would you recommend to help other creative people stay organized?

Google and YouTube have become my best friends…I can always find anything I need to educate myself further, enhance my brand and develop new concepts from those viable resources. I simply type in what I’m looking for or what I need and someone else has thought of a way to make life easier for me.

What are you currently working on?

Currently writing my next book, working with various entities, corporations and organizations preparing to launch the “I Can Be Empowerment Tour” and continuing to educate, encourage and empower people through public speaking.

 

 

Get Your Copy of Mo Stegall's bestselling book Against All Odds I Can BE: 10 Steps To Revolutionize Your Destiny - Voted Kindle's #1 Hot New Release by Amazon Available NOW Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking for more solid tips on business ideas, internet & social marketing, and personal branding? Check out the School of Creative Business free email newsletter, Creative Business Ideas. SIGN UP HERE

 

Creative Entrepreneur Interview with An'Angelia Thompson

 

An Interview with Creative Entreprenuer - An'Angelia Thompson

An’Angelia Thompson was born and raised in northern Ohio, and continues to reside in the greater Cleveland area with her husband, Keith, and sons, Nicholas and Michael. She displayed artistic talent from an early age and spent childhood summers participating in local art programs.

She developed a strong appreciation for artists from every genre, including Monet, Matisse, Renoir, Van Gogh, Modigliani, Picasso, and Cezanne. She was heavily influenced by the pure, rich colors of the 60s and the artists who used them, such as Peter Max, Andy Warhol, and graffiti artist, Jean -Michele Basquiat. Those influences remain evident in her work today.

An’Angelia’s work has been displayed at galleries throughout Northeastern Ohio and Michigan. She was Cleveland’s Fox 8 Featured Artist of the Week and she designed and created The 2008 Woman of Achievement Awards for Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, OH.

Her latest projects include a large mural at The Department of Labor’s Job Corp Center in Collinwood, OH. Her work is currently on display at Lakeland Community College where she also teaches creative journaling workshops.

The Interview

What inspired you to become a creative entrepreneur? Many things lead to me becoming a creative entrepreneur, but ultimately, accepting responsibility for my life gave me the courage to truly embrace myself as an artist. For as long as I can remember, I have considered myself to be an artist, and was recognized as such by my mother when I was very young. However, like many artists, I found myself in many different types of employment to earn a living. Coupled with being a wife and mother, my career as an artist remained on the proverbial back burner for many years. As my children grew older and more independent, I found more time to paint and eventually found the courage to begin showing my work in galleries in the mid 1990s.

My mother became ill in early 2008 and it looked as though she would need extended home care. I wanted to be there for her the way she had always been for me. Sadly, she passed away four days after I quit my job as a medical billing specialist. I look back at that time as her final gift to me. I hated every moment of that job but stayed from the fear of feeling like a failure, and from fear of not having enough money. The months I spent in quiet reflection after Mom's passing brought me to the realization that doing what you LOVE is the true path to being content. Working at something that you are not passionate about is devastating to your mind, body and spirit.

What would you say contributes to your success?

I think my love of art and sincere passion and desire to help inspire others has lead to the success of my classes and other creative endeavors.

Share one business goal:

One of my goals for 2012 is to fascilitate an all day workshop. I'm even considering hosting a women's journaling weekend getaway.

What is a typical working day like for you?

My day begins with my very sweet and supportive hubby bringing a steaming mug-o-coffee and the laptop to me in bed as I struggle to regain consciousness. After that, I get started on my creative process for the day which includes art journaling, preparing for my art journaling classes and creating posts for my art journaling blog. After lunch, I switch gears and practice my keyboard. I've wanted to learn piano since I was a little girl and finally began learning this past May. Afterwards, I return to my art for a couple hours until it's time to think about dinner preparations. I have dinner and coffee with my husband and then usually return to my artwork and catch up with my social media and Internet surfing. I'm really pretty disciplined when it comes to my work, working four out of five weekdays and most weekends. The fifth weekday is reserved for grocery shopping, catching up with family and friends, and anything else that needs my attention.

What has been your biggest struggle as a professional artist?

My biggest struggle as a professional artist has been isolating what is most important to me as an artist. I had to do a lot of soul searching, and I had to ask myself a lot of questions. I found two books to be invaluable to me during this time. The first book was Julia Cameron's, The Artist's Way. The second book that really brought clarity and focus to me was Lisa Sonora Beam's, The Creative Entrepreneur. These books helped me to realize that what gives me the most joy as an artist is helping others discover and embrace their own creativity. I highly recommend these books.

What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business?

My biggest accomplishment with my business is the wonderful network of beautiful women who inspire, encourage and support me. These are the women who take my classes, and the women who hire me to teach workshops in their groups. When I can see that I have been a catalyst for helping someone overcome their fear of creativity, I am overjoyed. I love the interaction. I explain to my students that I receive just as much from them as they do from me. No amount of money in the world can compensate for that feeling of accomplishment.

What piece of advice would you offer to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Follow your passion. Listen to your inner voice. Look the face of fear directly in the eyes and confront it! Take a leap of faith and believe that there is a net to catch you. Expect failure and find the strength that is left behind. You're going to make mistakes. If you're not making mistakes, you're not growing or taking chances. Expect naysayers - smile, nod, and walk away. Network, network, network. A wonderful support system is crucial, and surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Listen to their suggestions, learn from their mistakes. Most importantly, be your own best cheerleader! Nurture yourself and your dreams.

What resources would you recommend to help other creative people stay organized?

Oh, no! Not the "organized" word! I'm having a definite struggle in this area; however, I am finding the Internet to be a valuable resource for learning this skill set. Join a forum. Follow websites like Alease's, I am a Creative Entrepreneur, and don't be afraid to ask questions and get advice from the professionals.

What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a large commission painting and preparing activities for my winter art journaling classes. I am also working a new look for my blog, Angelia's Art Journals http://angeliasartjournals.blogspot.com/

Next Month:

Creative Entrepreneur Mo Stegall

________________________________________________________________________________________

Looking for more solid tips on business ideas, internet & social marketing, and personal branding? Check out the School of Creative Business free email newsletter, Creative Business Ideas. SIGN UP HERE

 

Creative Entrepreneur Interview with Herb Dickinson

Creative Entrepreneur Interview with Herb Dickinson

Herb started out in the art business working as a graphic artist and illustrator. He has worked for a national food store chain eventually heading up layout design for general merchandise ads in one of their districts. He started getting free lance work offers and started his own graphic design and illustration business working on packaging projects for Krispy Kreme to Saks Fifth Avenue as well as architectural renderings for prestigious home builders in the Charlotte, NC area.

After 10 years of Herb Dickinson Commercial Art, Herb was drawn to picture framing. Eventually that evolved into framing original art and prints of his own work. Herb enjoys all styles of art, however, modern, abstract and impressionism in acrylic provide an outlet for mixing texture, colors and nature together.

Herb's paintings are in private collections internationally and local galleries. Some paintings are commissioned to a print publisher.

 

The Interview

What inspired you to become a creative entrepreneur?

The feeling of accomplishment. Knowing that I've been a part of a creative process that produces a product or service that attracts someones interest.
 
What would you say contributes to your success?

You have to keep on keeping on. The market and/or business in general is not affected by your personal emotions. For example, if things seem slow or bogged down to you and it gets you discouraged, you have to remember, your emotions on that particular day aren't being felt by the market. So, you have to ignore the negative feelings and put in a days work just the same.

 
Share one business goal.

I would like to have a good residual or passive income in my retirement years from royalties.
 
What is a typical working day like for you?

Get up early. Do marketing on the internet for an hour or two. Work on a painting. Sometimes, I have to stop to go make deliveries to a gallery or buy supplies, then back to painting.
 
What has been your biggest struggle as a professional artist?

Me personally, I feel like not living in a large art market like LA or New York.
 
What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business?

I would say getting my art published.

What  advice would you offer to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

In regards to being an artist, I think most people would be happier if they have a career in another field or related field. Be successful in that and then pursue your passion.
 
What resources would you recommend to help other creative people stay organized?

In regards, to art I would say, use an office program to create an master inventory and individual inventories for each location you have your art at. You would be surprised how easy it is to loose track of where your art is. Also a copy of the book, "Fine Art Repressentatives & Corporations Collecting Art" by Directors Guild Publishers.
 
What are you currently working on?

A piece called "Coastal Waters"
 

You can find out more about Herb and his artwork at www.onesourceart.com and on Facebook.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

I want to Thank Herb Dickinson for taking the time to participate in the Creative Entrepreneur of the Month Interview . Share this month interview with other creative entrepreneurs you know.

 

Creative Entrepreneur Interview with Bryan K Osburn

Creative Entrepreneur interview with Fashion Designer Bryan K Osburn http://bryankosburncollection.com/

Our creative entrepreneur interview of the month is with Bryan K Osburn. Bryan has always been interested in fashion; as a kid he attended a Roman Catholic grammar school, where he would get in trouble with the nuns because he would draw inside of his school books of fashion ladies with long legs and high heels- needless to say, the nuns did not like this.

His parents later brought him sketch pads, and ever since then he have always carried one. He got his start in fashion... on May 25th, 1985 -The night of his very first fashion show at Ray-Vogue College of Design and the night of his first sale - a black and silver brocade jacket with a black silk satin pencil skirt, which sold for $300.00.

Bryan K Osburn is originally from Chicago. His first job in the bridal industry was with Vera Wang. Soon after, he went on to work for: Galina, Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, Paula Varsalona, and Alvina Valenta. He has a ball gown on permanent display at “The City of New York Museum” for “The History of Fashion Exhibit”.

In 1993, Bryan went on his own to design under the name “Bryan K Osburn Collection”. Designer Bryan K Osburn lingers mostly in the European tradition of couture. His passionately designed collection have clean, classic lines.

He sold bridal gowns to high-end specialty boutiques throughout New York City, made custom designs for private clientele and designed for celebrities: Miss America (1994) Kenya Moore, Natalie Cole, Phyliss Hyman, Patti LaBelle, Diana Ross, opera singer Kathleen Battle, actresses Sheri Headley, (Coming to America,) Valerie Pittford (Half and Half), and Erica Alexander (The Cosby Show).

The Interview

What inspired you to become a creative entrepreneur?

My mother and father inspired me to be a creative entrepreneur, my mom was always so supportive, and my dad owned his own business.

What would you say contributes to your success?

Hard work, determination and never settling all contributes to my success in business.

Share one business goal:

My one business goal, to sell a lot of dresses to my new store account in Virginia.

 

What is a typical working day like for you?

Typical work day: Get up around 10am. Check and respond to emails and text messages. Head to my loft space downtown, get in prepare work, I make patterns, cut and sew samples. Order fabrics if needed, and on Thurs and Friday, work with my intern. Work till about 9pm, home by 11pm, check other emails, and text. After I eat late, and catch some t.v, I then head to bed by 2:30am, to start all over gain at 10am.

 

 

What has been your biggest struggle as a professional artist?

Biggest struggle as a professional artist, keep dresses sold.

What has been your biggest accomplishment with your business?

I have been fortunate enough to have several accomplishments with my business..one of my last... my past collection being requested on the road, in several states.. I love traveling for shows.

What piece of advice would you offer to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Advice to someone who wants to do what I do...Stay focused, determined, work hard, and never letting anyone come in the way of your goals.

What resources would you recommend to help other creative people stay organized?

Resources I recommend for other creative people to stay organized. Keep a large calender to write date, appointments and events down. Get a small note book that can fit in your bag, I write everything down, I write down my thoughts, my ideas and I sketch my new designs. When you write things down that you need to remember, I find out that it helps me stay not only organized, it helps me stay in my zone.

What are you currently working on?

Currently I am working on furnishing up orders for my new account, after this, I will start my new bridal collection The Black and White Collection..which I hope to debut in April 2012.

Bryan currently lives in Chicago doing what he loves – designing custom made bridal gowns and evening wear. Returning to Chicago has reignited his love affair with the people and places that originally inspired his dreams of becoming a designer. His current collection may be found at “Soliliquy Bridal Couture” in Herndon, VA. (www.soliloquybridal.com). His “loft” studio is located in West Town-west of Chicago, IL

 

"Fashions fade..Style is eternal"

.....Yves St. Laurent