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

Claudia, 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 Brick is a gift shop in every sense of the word- I wanted to create a space that revolves around the act giving- not only for our customers, but for our partnering artists as well. In addition to home goods, we sell one-of-a-kind sculptures, pottery, drawings and paintings from artists around the world, especially right here in Brooklyn, NY. In fact, most of our artists found us by simply walking in. I am passionate about giving artists space to showcase their work, while keeping our collection an affordable price point, so that everyone has the opportunity to collect, and appreciate work that speaks to them.

Claudia, 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?

I am a mother of three kids, who’d been a stay-at-home mom for the past 12 years. When I decided to go back to work, I was torn between joining a company or pursuing my dreams of owning my own business. I was inspired by my mother who owned her own store in Columbia, and wanted that same sense of independence, even if it was going to be more challenging.

I wanted to create a gift shop, selling artisan articles that were not only beautiful, but also helped small businesses and communities around the world. In addition to selling goods, I also longed to open a space that created opportunity and positivity within my own community. That’s when I created the Brick’s Non-For-Profit, The Wall. The Wall is a gallery within our store that gives artists under 18 a space to display and showcase their work, giving 50% of the profits to the kids and the other 50% to a charity of their choice. The Wall was inspired by my daughter, Lea, who I’ve watched express herself through her paintings. I was also inspired by an 8-year-0ld little girl, selling her drawings on the New York Subway for 5$. I bought a piece that said, “Life Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Beautiful.” I always wanted to give that girl and other creative young people like herself, a place to share their artwork with the world. Children’s art not only makes a beautiful gift, but it also gives children the space and opportunity to display and showcase their work and find their voice.

The Brick also sells artwork from local artists. I receive everything from paintings to one of a kind, handmade artisan lamps, on consignment. My door is open to anyone who wants a space to display their art at The Brick.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My strategy is no strategy. I love what I do, and I want people to feel that they are walking into a special space, regardless of if they buy anything or not. I get a lot of joy from watching people browse items, look at art, and appreciate the space. I enjoy caring for people and making others happy. I am very detailed oriented and choose a caring approach in all of my decisions-from pricing, to managing staff, to general taste. I would like to think that people pick up on that care and attention to detail, and it makes them want to return.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As a boss, I make it a priority to make my employees feel seen, trusted, and respected. I want my team to feel comfortable to be themselves, and vice versa. I appreciate my employee’s input and really value their opinions. There is big trust- and I make it a priority not to micromanage.

I employ a lot of artists who I know will come and go, but I want them to feel supported while they’re here. I aim to make working at The Brick a mutually beneficial experience. I want to see my employees succeed and encourage them to use their time here to their advantage. If they want to learn web design, they can practice on brickartstore.com. If they want to install art, I can teach them that valuable skill. It’s important to me that everyone leaves the store with a good taste in their mouth.

Contact Info:

• Website: brickartstore.com
• Instagram: @brickartstore
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066262569184

Image Credits
Photos belong to Claudia Michaels