We recently connected with Ellie Bromley and have shared our conversation below.

Ellie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

As a small artist, I believe seeking support from every available avenue is essential. The people around you often become your strongest advocates. When I participated in my first market, I noticed that out of the dozen attendees at my booth, about three-quarters were familiar faces. It highlighted the importance of community in nurturing a creative business.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was building the confidence to ask for support. For instance, when a friend expressed interest in purchasing one of my pieces, I hesitated to ask her to pay the full price because. To my surprise, she not only paid the asking price but also left a generous tip. This experience taught me that those who believe in my work are often willing to support me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Overall, embracing this support network has been instrumental in my growth as an artist, and I encourage others to recognize and leverage the community around them.

Ellie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Creativity has always been a part of my life, and over the years, I’ve explored various hobbies. However, I often found myself moving on to new interests whenever I encountered aspects of a process that didn’t resonate with me. For a long time, I had wanted to try my hand at stained glass, but scheduling conflicts kept getting in the way. In June, I decided to take the plunge and signed up for a three-hour class at a local shop.

The moment I got home, I was so inspired that I bought all the supplies I needed to get started. Just one week later, I had completed four pieces and was completely hooked. By the fifth week of my stained glass journey, I submitted a piece to a local art show, and two weeks after that, I was vending at my first market.

I’m excited to share that I’ve launched my website and begun to cultivate a modest Instagram following. I’ve developed a unique style that marries traditional stained glass techniques with contemporary designs. I believe what sets me apart is my creativity and my ability to harmonize colors in a way that resonates with others.

I’m incredibly proud of how quickly I’ve grown in such a short time and the positive responses I’ve received from customers. It’s incredibly rewarding to create commissioned pieces that people will cherish in their homes for years to come, and that brings me immense joy.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

I’ve found that figuring out where to sell my work has been one of the biggest hurdles in my journey. To showcase my pieces and promote my commission offerings, I created a website. While I believe this is a great platform for displaying my art, it does come with its challenges. Currently, my primary way of driving traffic to my website is through my social media channels, which means that potential customers can’t easily discover my work the way they might on a marketplace like Etsy.

Initially, I considered using Etsy as a platform, but I was concerned about the high fees associated with shipping products. Additionally, since my inventory changes frequently due to participation in markets, it didn’t seem practical at the time. However, I’m keeping the option open for the future I may explore joining a platform that might reach a wider audience.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been social media. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have allowed me to showcase my work in a visually engaging way, which is essential for an artist. By sharing high-quality images of my stained glass pieces and the creative process behind them, I’ve been able to connect with a broader audience and attract potential clients who appreciate my unique style.

Social media has also been instrumental in generating interest in my commission work. I often post stories and updates about custom projects, which not only showcases my versatility but also engages my followers. This engagement has led to inquiries from people who want personalized pieces for their homes or special gifts, significantly expanding my client base.

The interactive nature of social media allows me to foster relationships with my audience. I can respond to comments, answer questions, and share behind-the-scenes content that helps potential clients feel more connected to my work. As a result, many people reach out to me through direct messages, asking about commissions or expressing interest in specific pieces they’ve seen. Overall, social media has become a vital tool for both building my brand and attracting new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweettangerineglass.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweettangerineglass
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/sweettangerineglass