We recently connected with Princessa Williams and have shared our conversation below.

Princessa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

For many years, I have heard that if you write down your goals, you will manifest your goals into reality. So at the age of 12, I gave it a try. I took out my journal and started writing out my goals. One in which I remember was, “I am going to have a store by 30 years old”. I remember ripping that page out, in particular, for whatever reason putting it away in storage. I later found that journal entry in my early 20’s where I read it and cracked a big smile, not really thinking too much of it. After spending my 20’s participating in selling my handmade and hand painted jewelry at various vending events, I found myself taking my art more seriously. After selling my first canvassed art piece, I thought, “well if I can sell one piece of art, I definitely can sell two, four, even ten”…and I did! I soon began showing my art in many different Art Galleries and Exhibitions, renting different venues, teaching large paint classes and traveling to many different art shows.

Fast forward a few years, at 30 years old I found myself looking for a steady location to work out of. I found the perfect location at 1271 Hertel Avenue Buffalo, NY. 14216 in North Buffalo. Unfortunately, I was set back due to the Covid-19 outbreak and pandemic which blindsided the world. By default, I took this time to convert the 2,200 square foot space into a beautiful Studio and Art Gallery. My beautiful Art Gallery is now named Princessa’s Studio & Art Gallery. It wasn’t until the keys touched my hand that I had an epiphany; that 12 year old Queen that set the goal and kept God first, manifested her goal. WOW!!!

Today, I can say that I am going into my third year of business. In addition, I teach 2D Art Design at Villa Maria College also Saturday Academy and after school programs for Buffalo Public Schools. I host my own youth and adult paint classes and I participate in community arts (such as murals). As a muralist, I’ve been contracted to plaster walls and buildings throughout Erie and Niagara County. I still travel to showcase my art while being involved with many organizations focused on arts and culture. I have created a platform teaching and building young artists to properly showcase their art in various galleries and shows around the world to bridge the gap that I had at their age.

Princessa, 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?

My name is Princessa S. Williams and I am the CEO of Princessa’s Studio & Art Gallery (PSAG). I am proud to say I have operated my Art Gallery for nearly three years. For the past 20 years, I have been doing art and since the inception of PSAG, I have been involved in community art. I take pride in using the Art Gallery to teach art classes to all ages. I am an Adjunct Professor at Villa Maria College teaching 2D Design. I travel and participate in different art shows. I am a muralist and I love instilling my expertise into new upcoming artists in the industry.

I got into the art industry because it has been a passion of mine ever since I was a toddler. Throughout my life, I have had many jobs and although they all taught me things relevant to life, my mind and heart was always with my passion for creating art. My discipline for art came from my mother. She is also an artist. When I was younger, she would buy me sketch pads, and a ton of material to draw and paint so that I could practice.

What sets me apart from others is that I am the only Female Afro-Latina Millennial Art Gallery owner in this region. I am most proud of my brand and work because the typical Art Gallery is not owned by a female, person of color, millennial or a sole individual under the age of 40 who withstood the trying times of the pandemic.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

When I had a 9 to 5, art was always secondary. However, there was a point where I walked out on faith and turned my passion into my everyday. I gave it no second thought at all. I went hard on not giving up on what I really wanted to do, and what really made me happy, which was having my own Art Gallery as my main career. I don’t regret my decision at all.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I funded my business with my own capital. I have always had a great sense of saving. I only spent on things I needed and not wanted. With this great sensibility of discipline, I was able to manage an account to start my business with no helping hand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://princessasartgallery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dope_art_by_princessa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PSAG716
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/princessa-williams/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/princessas-studio-and-art-gallery-buffalo

Image Credits
Robert Kirkham (photo where I’m painting sideways up close to the mural)