We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Molly Wheat Baker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Molly , thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
One side of my family consists of multiple business owners, mostly in construction. The other side have been mostly government employees. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and the impact this has had on me. 14 months ago I left my career in public education. There were some really concerning things happening in the schools I had worked in. On top of the burnout, I no longer felt safe or supported in my work. After ending up in the emergency room due to extreme stress, I resigned mid year. I was heartbroken and felt so much shame for a long time. It still hits me sometimes. I slowly began to heal through painting, therapy, and rest. Art brought life back to me. More life than I ever felt before. I don’t regret my years teaching, but I am so grateful to the journey that brought me to where I am now. Even with the challenges of being a business owner.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an illustrator and painter living and working in the forest by the Salish Sea, home to the Squaxin people. Alongside my personal art practice, I work with other small businesses to help bring their ideas into the world through illustration, murals, and hand painted signs. I really enjoy hearing their stories and incorporating the small details into the work I create for them. I am always in awe of the repeat clients I have. I think what sets me apart from others is my unique style, attention to detail, clear communication, honest timelines, and working within their budget. I am most proud of the business I am building through my creative practice. As for my personal practice, I show paintings in galleries, sell wholesale items to businesses that I adore, teach block print and painting classes, run my online shop, and am starting to work on my first illustrated children’s book.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I started life as an artist, receiving the high school art scholarships and studying art at the University of Washington. Graduating during a recession, led me to working in restaurants for nearly a decade. In my thirties, I decided to return to school and obtain a Masters in Teaching. I was so passionate, but doing my best in a system that didn’t allow me to take care of myself, I had to hang up my hat. The months following were filled with depression, severe anxiety, isolation, and painting. I painted all day and all night. It took me awhile to realize it was healing me. I started showing some work and it just kind of snowballed to the point where I needed to set up a proper business. As dark as some times were, I am beyond grateful to be where I am now. In these uncertain times, I feel good about what I am putting into the world. I see my art bring a smile to many peoples’ faces. There’s really nothing like it. That’s what keeps me going.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I didn’t plan to start a business. I started participating in markets and bringing whatever paintings and prints I had. People were buying them! Then, I designed and worked with printers on some stickers and greeting cards. People bought those too. I kept reinvesting the small profits back into my art. Markets are a lot of work, but I met so many people and sold a lot of work. People I met there started reaching out for commissions, orders, and classes. I’ve gotten to the point where I can pay myself a proper wage, and that feels really great.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mollywheatbaker.com
- Instagram: @mollywheatbaker
