Small Business Profile~Lake Erie Artist Pt1

One of the things I’d like to start here at Bizzia Small Business is a regular series where I profile a unique small business. I’ll ask them questions about their business, which will hopefully help others. I’ll be interviewing successful businesses in areas I think would be of interest to readers.

If you have an idea for a type of business you’d like to see covered here, please feel free to drop me a note in the comment section.

Today’s featured business is Lake Erie Artist Gallery, a lovely studio in Cleveland Ohio. I asked a few questions of Paula Atwell the studio owner.

I’ve gotten to know Paula over the last couple years through online ventures, and social media. I think she has a unique business set up, and a great business style to share.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Lake Erie Artist Gallery:

Tell us a little about your business?

I am the owner of a small local gallery in Cleveland, Ohio at Shaker Square near the eastern border of the city bordering Cleveland Heights, and Shaker Heights. I am located in a wonderful historic neighborhood filled with lovely architecture, great local restaurants, antique shops and other galleries. We are also on the route of the Green Line of the RTA rapid transit system.

Lake Erie Artists Gallery started as a cooperative of local artists and has grown into a full blown small business supporting local artists, authors, and musicians. In addition, we try to buy all of our supplies and services from local Cleveland vendors. We have an ever changing group of artists represented, approximately 50 artists, as well as a full supply of books about the Cleveland and Northeast Ohio area. Our merchandise includes jewelry, paintings, photography, posters, glassware, wood sculptures, souvenirs, and ceramics. We also teach workshops and classes.

What makes your business unique?

Our business is unique in a few ways, most especially that we support the local art community, and give back whenever we can through working with fundraisers, and charities. We have a friendly, happy gallery that everyone feels comfortable in, and carry items from $1 on up, so that anyone can afford to buy something beautiful for themselves or a gift.

A sampling of the Lake Erie Artist Gallery product line.

How did you get started?

Lake Erie Artists Gallery started with a small group of artists that wanted to share the responsibilities of doing art shows, the time, expense, and equipment.

I’ll be back tomorrow with part two of my interview with Paula.

Images courtesy of Lake Erie Artist Gallery