Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anne Green Hurst. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anne Green, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the greatest risks I have taken with my business is opening a storefront in a season that I did not think was “perfect.”

My name is Anne (“Annie”) Green and I am an artist.

In 2012, I graduated college earning a degree in computer graphics with an emphasis in fine arts. In pursuit of my career, I reached out to my city’s local market to see if I could become a participating small business. Located in downtown Dayton, Ohio, 2nd Street Market is an old train depot filled with unique businesses which includes restaurants, farmers, and artisans. Unfortunately at that time, a spot was not available and even if it was, I realized that I did not have the finances to put towards opening a storefront in this season of life.

But my childhood dream of illustrating books, designing fun art, and running a storefront did not fade away. I decided to participate in pop-up markets and events, which connected me with amazing business owners, introduced me to new friendors, and taught me how to run and grow my business. In the market season of 2022, I decided to apply as an outdoor vendor for 2nd Street Market and I was accepted! Little did I know, I was one step closer to my dream of opening a brick and mortar storefront.

This past spring, 2nd Street Market had an indoor “permanent” spot open for a new business. My heart jumped, but then it sank. I wanted to apply for this spot, but realistically it did not make sense. I was pregnant with my second child and being the founder, designer, accountant, and coffee girl for Anne Green Design, I did not know how I was going to open a brand new business around the time my baby would be coming in the summer. Later that week, I opened up to my husband, Luke, about this spot opening. I made the comment about how I knew it wouldn’t work in this season, but in another time, I would love to apply if another spot were to open up. Luke listened carefully and after I finished spilling out my thoughts, he calmly, but confidently told me that I should apply, and if I did get the spot, we would figure out what to do in the next steps.

I applied. Two weeks later I received an email saying that I made it to the interview stage! Members of the market wanted to see a sample of my products and hear more about my business plan. Walking out from the interview, I knew I had done my best, and I was proud of myself for taking a risk with my dream.

I cried happy tears when I received the voicemail from the director at 2nd Street Market offering me the space for my business. I knew deep down I wanted to take the risk, but it took a village of people around me to encourage me to take a chance on myself in a season when it did not make sense. My husband was right, we did figure out the next steps in the midst of a busy season in our lives. Family and friends have graciously given time and energy to help me set up my storefront (while I was 8 months pregnant) and work my storefront while I was on maternity leave with my little girl, Jubilee, and my two year old son, Ezekiel. The risk of pursuing my childhood dream was absolutely worth it. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday my business is open to the community, and I have the honor of meeting new people and sharing my designs with each person who walks into my store.

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?

My name is Anne Green. Since I was little I have loved to draw, tell stories, run a “shop,” and share creativity with those around me. Before going to college, I was caught in-between two drastically different majors…did I want to study computer graphics or medicine? I decided to find a university that offered programs that excelled in both departments to help solve my dilemma. After taking multiple art courses, I pursued my childhood dream of becoming an artist and business owner.

Anne Green Design offers original designs which are clean-cut (inspired by Swiss Design) and utilize white space around a design. I combine mediums of graphic design, drawing, and watercolors with my work. I am inspired by conversations and absolutely love a good pun. I offer greeting cards, prints, journals, dad caps, small gift items, custom designs, and more!

What sets my business apart is that you can find a design to fit any occasion. Whether you are celebrating your new goldfish or you simply need a birthday card, my designs celebrate the everyday! Each design is created with the purpose of reminding you of a friend who would be encouraged by a fun piece of art.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing someone uplifted and encouraged by my designs. With each person who walks into my storefront or walks up to my booth at a pop-up market, I have the opportunity to see what speaks to them in that moment. Hearing laughter as someone looks at a card, learning about a customer’s dog as they choose their “AlphaDog” dad cap (one of my most popular gift items!), or creating a custom design as a present for the holidays…my business has the opportunity to spark joy!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

There are numerous ways you can support artists and creatives!

Continue to shop small.

Support creatives and artists in-person or online.

Share about an artist or creative with someone who you think would like their work. On social media you can expand their network and potential new customers by sharing their posts. In person, you can take your friend to an art show, a market, storefront, restaurant opening, concert, or wherever their creative platform may be!

A way that creatives can support each other is to embrace community. If someone asks you for a specific style of artwork, design, music, food, but it is not something you offer, keep a list of creatives who DO offer it and share it with the person inquiring.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annegreendesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annegreendesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annegreendesignllc
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/anne-green-hurst
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnneGreenDesign

Image Credits
All photos and designs are copyright of Anne Green Design