We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tesha Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tesha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2021, I contracted Covid-19 and found myself isolated and alone, grappling with the uncertainty and fear that came with the illness. As I navigated the challenges of the pandemic, I struggled to find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in my day-to-day life. However, during this time of solitude, I stumbled upon a newfound passion for art. With limited options for entertainment and an abundance of time on my hands, I turned to painting as a therapeutic outlet—a way to channel my emotions and escape the overwhelming thoughts that plagued my mind.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
As I delved deeper into the world of art, I discovered that the creative process provided me with a much-needed mental and emotional release. It became a refuge from the anxiety and stress that had become constant companions during my battle with Covid-19. Each stroke of the brush and every color I applied allowed me to transcend the confines of my illness and find solace in the act of creation. Art became my sanctuary—a means of self-expression and a source of profound healing.
It was during this transformative period that the idea for my art company began to take shape. Fueled by my newfound passion and the understanding of the profound impact art had on my well-being, I was inspired to share this therapeutic outlet with others. I wanted to create a platform where individuals could explore their creativity, find inner peace, and experience the same sense of liberation that had uplifted me during my darkest days.
Thus, my art company was born—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of creativity. Through my business, I seek to provide others with the opportunity to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and emotional release through art. It is a tribute to the profound impact that art had on my life, allowing me to emerge from the depths of despair, find purpose, and connect with others through a shared passion for creativity and healing.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
I chose to sell on Etsy due to its robust SEO optimization and the large platform it provides, which consumers are familiar with. The platform’s search engine optimization (SEO) features have helped my products gain visibility and reach a wider audience, ultimately contributing to increased sales and brand recognition. Additionally, Etsy’s established reputation and user-friendly interface have made it easier for me to connect with potential customers.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the drawbacks of selling on Etsy, particularly the substantial fees they deduct from each sale. These fees can significantly impact my bottom line, especially as my business grows. Furthermore, with the platform’s popularity comes increased competition, making it challenging to stand out and maintain visibility in search results. As a seller, I must continually strategize and invest in marketing efforts to ensure that my products receive adequate exposure amidst the sea of listings on the platform.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I attribute the development of my reputation within the market to the values of authenticity and integrity that I hold dear. By prioritizing genuine connections and emphasizing the importance of being a good person in all my interactions, I have been able to build trust and credibility within my industry. Additionally, my commitment to continuously honing and refining my artistic craft has allowed me to deliver exceptional quality and innovation, further solidifying my standing in the market. Through these efforts, I have established a reputation as not only a skilled professional but also as someone who genuinely cares about the people I work with and the impact of my work.
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