Small Business Profile~Lake Erie Artist~Pt2

Today I’m finishing up my interview with Lake Erie Artist Gallery owner Paula Atwell. You can check out part 1 of my Lake Erie Artists Gallery interview here.

What are the greatest challenges to owning your own business?

Owning a business is fun, challenging, and a lot of hard work. My biggest challenges are not having enough time or money to do the things I want, and wanting things to happen sooner than they do. Dealing with customers and vendors can sometimes be challenging as well. On the other hand, owning a business can bring great rewards.

The Front of the Gallery

What is your favorite thing about your business?

I love being my own boss, and deciding what direction to take the business. It doesn’t mean that I am always right. As a matter of fact, I came close to firing myself a few times, but then changed my mind. I figured that I would learn to do better.

Tell us about some of your products, or product lines.

We carry a line of wood products made from wood taken from deconstructed buildings. These are made by A Piece of Cleveland. Another great line that we carry is hand painted glassware by Mindy Sand. It is dishwasher safe, and very fun and colorful. We have several wonderful lines of jewelry including my own jewelry. I make jewelry using Precious Metal Clay fine silver. We just started carrying floral designs made by Mata Bottum Ziegler. She will make them to order for any occasion.

Featured Pieces

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration all around me, from my family, my customers, and other artists. There are always people around that inspire me to do more.

What venues have you used to promote your business?

I promote my business via an email newsletter, the gallery website, blog, and in varying places online including Squidoo, Hubpages, and other article sites. I also have ads in local papers, and magazines. But the most critical way that I promote is through word of mouth, art shows, and referrals.

If you’re interested in having your small business featured here, or if you have a type of small business you’d like to find out more about, or see featured here let me know in the comment section.

Images courtesy of Lake Erie Artist Gallery