We recently connected with Jacqueline Rizzo and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqueline, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Our goal is to create a premier platform that empowers emerging artists to showcase their work, build connections, and advance in their artistic careers. The inspiration for this mission struck me at the age of 24 while navigating the challenges of exhibiting my art in 2015 Philadelphia. Despite the limited opportunities then, the few art shows I joined fueled my passion to establish this platform for fellow artists. Our mission is fueled by the belief that talented artists deserve exposure to the right audience. We uphold a standard of excellence, expecting top-tier work from our artists, and strive to attract customers who appreciate and seek such quality.

Jacqueline, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

A New Jersey native, Jacqueline initially pursued a degree in chemistry at West Chester University but discovered her true passion in the realm of art. Fueled by a love for creativity and community, she embarked on a journey that led her to curate art shows starting in 2017. Jacqueline’s vision materialized with the creation of the iconic Waffles and Wine Art Show in 2023, a blend of culinary delight and artistic expression right in the heart of Philadelphia.

Beyond showcasing her own artistic prowess, Jacqueline serves as a vital bridge, connecting artists to buyers. Her passion lies in providing a nurturing space where artists can shine, ensuring they feel at their best. She is committed to her goal of keeping the Philadelphia art community together through her events. Jacqueline’s identity emerges from merging elements, seamlessly transitioning from scientific curiosity to artistic innovation. She remains a catalyst for connection, leveraging her art to transcend boundaries and craft memorable experiences that resonate with individuals from all walks of life.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the fear of failing. I was always one that was full of life, growing up I would look at the stars and wonder how this universe exists. I would always ground myself in moments of fear by remembering that our chances of being on earth are unimaginably small, our time here is short, and that everything is going to be okay because none of us know what is going on after all. I am someone that is overly grateful to be here, to be blessed with health and family. But, for some reason when it came time to start my business, I was very scared.

I unlearned this feel by breaking things down quantitatively. By taking risk based approaches, I was able to settle my fears. For example, if I had to make a monetary decision I’d ask myself what would happen if I lost all of the money? I’d play that thought out to completion, and depending on what worst case scenario looked like, I would decide if it was worth the choice.

Another fear I had for many years starting up was what if no one shows up to my events? Then, I’d picture the outcome, it looked something like the artists losing trust in my ability to host them, the artists being frustrated that I failed them, the artists thinking I took their submission fees just to gain a quick profit. I squashed this feel by telling myself I can only do my best, my intentions are pure and in favor of the artists, always. With proper planning it easy to prevent a “failed” event. And so far, I am blessed to say the events have all been going well.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of my earliest significant art shows was slated for October 24, 2020, with 40 artists eagerly paying their submission fees to exhibit at an outdoor beer garden. However, the night before the event, a sudden weather forecast change predicted 50 degrees and rain.

Faced with the decision to cancel and effectively communicate with 40 artists, I found myself contemplating amidst a friend’s 30th birthday celebration. Stepping aside to gather my thoughts, I devised a plan. The initial step involved informing the artists of the cancellation, coupled with a promise for further details on re-booking the show or obtaining refunds in a follow-up email.

With time to strategize, I secured an indoor venue the next day for two nights, splitting the artists into two groups and transitioning them to the indoor events the following month. While some artists expressed dissatisfaction and others remained indifferent, the majority understood the necessity. The rescheduled events turned out to be a success. Although I didn’t profit from them, the experience gained and the confidence earned in navigating such situations was invaluable, affirming my ability to handle similar challenges in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.wafflesandwineartshow.com
• Instagram: @wafflesandwineartshow

Image Credits
Jake Voorhees