We recently connected with ChimakwaNibawii Stone and have shared our conversation below.

ChimakwaNibawii, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The mission behind ChimakwaNibawii Arts is not only to provide for my family by creating and presenting artwork, is also to support other artists as well. I have a firm belief that support is just as important as representation. Growing up , there was not always a solid support for the artistic endeavors one would have. I was told by my guidance counselor to “pay attention in math class, because I would not make any money drawing pictures.” Yet here I am , making money drawing. I believe I would he a lot further if I hadn’t listened to my counselor. Being the support I needed , for others has been a light in my life because it feels good to help out where and when I can, and the other artists also benefit from that kind of support.

ChimakwaNibawii, 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?

When I decided to become a full time artist, I was struggling with the idea of working hard for a company that would only see me as expendable. I know that I would work harder for me than I would for any company or entity. Working for myself gives me the freedom of choice to make decisions everyday on which tasks and jobs I take on. It isn’t without the actual “work” , which is book keeping, marketing, social media, and scheduling. Providing creative solutions for my clients, whether it is creating a flyer for their event ,an album cover or artwork , gives me a solid feeling of validation that I am capable of doing what I thought was impossible for so long.
I am most proud of creating this vision from the ground up, using resources that i had to provide myself a studio and investing in merchandise as well as creating the artwork. Learning how the processes , took a bit of research and trial and error but it was worth it.
As I continue to grow this, I hope to include other artists and provide support in whatever way I can to ensure the succession of our crafts.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I began small with hardly any investment capital, and no skill. I sold my beadwork and crafts, which led to vending opportunities and I continued to reinvest and network. As I built my brand and made a presence for the craft, I also had a community of supporters. This provided the venue for other artwork to made and as soon as I was able to invest in my artwork, I did. I was able to use one craft , to help supply the other. I was able to create enough to get a studio space for my work. There are also many grants provided that assist in beginning artists and crafters, that help purchase supplies and other necessary elements for starting up.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started by making a page on Facebook, which was for my jewelry. It was just to showcase work I had done, and through that, clients would reach out and commission me from there. I eventually created another for my artwork for this same reason, and put it on multiple platforms. In today’s technological world, there are so many options for you to reach an audience. All of these can be linked so you can funnel your audience to your website or shop.
My advice for starting to build your media presence is to identify your core demographic and create content that you enjoy making naturally. If you are forcing yourself to do something, it will show. A more natural approach feels good and that is something your audience will appreciate.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.chimakwanibawii.me
• Instagram: @ChimakwaNibawiiArts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChimakwaNibawiiArt?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chimakwanibawiiArts
• Other: Www.shopturtleisland.online

Image Credits
Artist : ChimakwaNibawii Photographer: ChimakwaNibawii