We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brittany Hepworth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brittany below.

Brittany, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Artisan ABQ, our mission is to empower and inspire creativity within our community by providing a welcoming space for artists of all levels. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we are deeply committed to continuing the legacy of supporting local artists that began in 1975. We believe in the transformative power of art to help individuals discover their unique identity and voice. Our Albuquerque store, with its diverse range of art supplies for every budget, and our downstairs gallery, which hosts classes and demos, are dedicated to fostering artistic expression and promoting mental well-being. We are proud to be a cornerstone of the local art community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore and share their creative potential.

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.

My name is Brittany Hepworth, MBA, and I am proud to be the third-generation owner of Artisan ABQ, a business that has been serving the artist community since 1975. My journey into the art supply industry began early—growing up, I was surrounded by creativity, with my father passionately running the art supply store. Watching him support and nurture local artists left a lasting impact on me, and when the opportunity arose, we knew we wanted to continue the legacy by keeping Artisan ABQ alive and thriving.

We, Jerry Hepworth and I, purchased the Albuquerque store to ensure that local artists would always have a dedicated space to find the supplies they need, no matter their budget or experience level. But Artisan ABQ is more than just a place to buy art materials; it’s a community hub. We’ve expanded to include a gallery downstairs, where we host classes, art demonstrations, and exhibitions that showcase the incredible talent within our community. This space is designed to be a nurturing environment where artists can learn, experiment, and grow.

At Artisan ABQ, we offer a wide range of art supplies that cater to every artist’s needs, from beginners to professionals. We understand that art is not just a hobby; it’s a powerful form of expression, a tool for mental health, and a means of discovering one’s voice. That’s why we stock everything from the most affordable beginner supplies to high-end professional materials, ensuring that art is accessible to everyone.

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to our community and our belief in the transformative power of art. We don’t just sell products; we offer a space where creativity is encouraged and nurtured. Our gallery and classes are an extension of this mission, providing artists with opportunities to connect, learn, and inspire one another.

We are most proud of the community we’ve built at Artisan ABQ. Seeing artists of all ages and backgrounds come together, support one another, and grow in their craft is incredibly rewarding. It’s this sense of community, combined with our dedication to quality and accessibility, that we believe truly sets us apart.

For those new to Artisan ABQ, we want you to know that our doors are always open to everyone, whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or are a seasoned artist. We’re here to support you on your creative journey, offering the tools, knowledge, and space to help you express yourself fully. Art has the power to change lives, and we’re honored to be a part of that process.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A Story of Resilience:

Running a family-owned business like Artisan ABQ has always come with its unique challenges, but one moment that truly tested our resilience was when the Albuquerque store was at risk of closing. The economic downturn had hit hard, and many small businesses in the area were struggling to keep their doors open. There were times when we questioned whether we would be able to continue the legacy my father and his partners had worked so hard to build.

But we knew that Artisan ABQ was more than just a store—it was a lifeline for the local artist community. The thought of artists losing a place where they could not only purchase supplies but also find support, inspiration, and community pushed me to fight harder. We couldn’t let go of the vision my family had nurtured for generations, and we certainly couldn’t let down the artists who relied on us.

During this difficult period, we made the decision to expand rather than contract. We added a gallery space downstairs, despite the financial risks, because we believed that offering more to the community was the way forward. This gallery became a place where local artists could showcase their work, where we could hold classes and demos, and where the community could come together to support one another.

The road wasn’t easy, and there were countless sleepless nights. But seeing the impact the gallery had on our community—how it breathed new life into the store and provided a much-needed outlet for creative expression—reaffirmed my belief in what we were doing. Slowly but surely, Artisan ABQ began to thrive again.

This experience taught us that resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm; it’s about finding new ways to grow even in the face of adversity. By staying true to our mission and doubling down on our commitment to the local art community, we were able to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity for growth and renewal.

Looking back, we are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Artisan ABQ is stronger than ever, and it’s a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the belief that art can make a difference.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A Lesson Unlearned: The Myth of Playing It Safe

When we first took over Artisan ABQ, we operated under the belief that the best way to honor my family’s legacy was to play it safe. We thought that sticking to what had worked in the past—offering the same products, maintaining the same marketing strategies, and keeping operations as steady as possible—was the surest way to continue the store’s success. After all, Artisan ABQ had been around since 1975, and it had a loyal customer base. Why rock the boat?

But as time went on, we started to notice that things were changing around us. The art supply industry was evolving, with more competition from big-box stores and online retailers. We could sense that our customers’ needs were shifting, too. The same old strategies weren’t resonating the way they used to, and we began to feel that Artisan ABQ was at risk of becoming stagnant.

The turning point came when we noticed that fewer people were coming into the store, and those who did often asked if we had new products or if we offered any classes or events. It was clear that simply maintaining the status quo wasn’t enough anymore. Our community wanted more—they wanted engagement, innovation, and a sense of connection.

At first, this realization was unsettling. We had to confront the fact that playing it safe was actually holding us back. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially because we had convinced ourselves that being cautious was the responsible way to run the business. But we knew we had to unlearn that mindset if Artisan ABQ was going to thrive in the long term.

The first step was embracing change: we started by expanding our product range, bringing in new and exciting supplies that catered to emerging trends in the art world. We also introduced a series of workshops and classes, which allowed us to engage with our community on a deeper level. These changes required investment and, at times, felt risky. But we realized that taking calculated risks was necessary for growth.

One of the most significant changes was the decision to transform our downstairs space into a gallery and event area. This was a big leap from our traditional retail model, but it quickly became clear that it was the right move. The gallery not only drew more people into the store but also created a sense of community that resonated with our customers. It gave local artists a platform to showcase their work and allowed us to host events that brought people together in ways we hadn’t before.

Through this process, we learned that clinging to the idea of playing it safe can be more dangerous than taking risks. While it’s important to honor the past, it’s equally important to adapt and evolve. Unlearning the myth of safety allowed us to embrace innovation and growth, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and successful Artisan ABQ.

This lesson has been invaluable, not just in business but in life. Sometimes, the things we think are protecting us are actually holding us back. And it’s only by letting go of those beliefs that we can truly move forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ArtisanABQ.com
• Instagram: ArtisanABQ
• Facebook: ArtisanABQ
• Linkedin: ArtisanABQ
• Twitter: ArtisanABQ
• Youtube: ArtisanABQ
• Yelp: ArtisanABQ