We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Beverley Wolter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Beverley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Covid has brought about so many changes – has your business model changed?
Before Covid, my focus was more on my self image as an artist. During 2020, when everything slowed down, it magnified what mattered. I feel like it was a blessing in a way, I was able to focus on my health, I spent more family time and found new inspiration and renewed focus on what I do. Being able to be creative and resourceful, embrace my natural gifts and follow my visual inspirations and express them artistically is an integral part of who I am.
In addition, after dropping 34lbs during isolation I found purpose and a wonderful social outlet in wellness coaching. It allows me to connect with more people and help others embrace the tools to shift ones mindset. I think I found a beautiful balance between 2 businesses. It’s the best of both worlds.
Beverley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As an Entrepreneur and an artist, I create transitional, abstracts on large-scale canvases. I’ve been an artist from a young age. I trained for years on techniques and different forms of arts. Years ago, I had an award winning faux finish business and it really expanded my abilities and perspective.
I find my inspiration in nature, color & interior design. I have been featured in many local showrooms and Art Galleries. I’ve sold my art nationally and even abroad. There is so much energy that goes into my pieces and I know people can feel that. It’s important to me that it comes though in my work because art is emotional. Even in a photo you can feel my work and that’s very important to me. When I finish a piece that conveys both beauty and feeling, I like the thought of sharing it with others and finding a place for it to “live”.
I am also a wellness coach, teaching others through the path that helped me. Combining my love and training in personal development, I use proven tools to transform and connect with one’s authentic self to become healthy, both physically and mentally.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Being authentic is important and having a true passion for what you do. Of course talent helps, although people can feel authenticity and passion.
Be consistent in following a model. You have to have a plan. There are many great artists out there! I’ve taken time to study and talk to them about what they do in their business. It helps expand my mind and how I think about things both creatively and in business. There are also some great online courses I’ve taken that helped me with the business side of things too.
Staying in contact and connection and with others is very important too. People want to know you care. So show up and care. The rest always falls into place.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
When I started my children’s art line, I used Etsy and I built my own website. I learned a lot building both platforms which had a lot to do with algarhythems and consistency. I grew my following and connected with my customers. However, there were multiple fees on Etsy which affected my profits. I ultimately went back to selling my canvas art to exclusive private clients which was more my niche. In return, I got an in flux of private clients and found time to nurture my art, my family and my health.
My website has worked as a great visual guide for my clients when I’m helping them design their own piece. I’m in the process of expanding sales of my prints and reproductions.
Having a website comes with its expenses and after finding the right way to build my site, Its my preferred method.
Contact Info:
- Website: BeverleyWolter.com
- Instagram: @beverleywolter
- Facebook: Beverley Wolter -Art & Design
Image Credits
Ines Piquet