We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fiona Jeppson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Fiona, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
It is so exciting to earn your first dollar as a creative because it allows you to feel that this path is possible. I will break this answer down into two areas, my first dollar earned from family/friends and my first from a stranger because I do think there is a difference. When I first opened my art business, Wildridge Moon, I was so nervous. Nervous about sharing my art with others, nervous of what people might think and it took a lot of courage for me to take that first step. When I launched the business, I was so touched by the outpouring of encouragement from my family and friends. Not everyone has that level of support and so I know how lucky I am there. Now, the question was, would those kind words and encouragement actually turn into purchases? Within 24 hours, I had multiple orders from family and friends for some of my art prints. This completely warmed my heart and helped to give me the confidence that my art was something that people would want. I was deeply grateful for the support and just the thought that my art would be hanging in others homes moved me so much.
When I did my first market, I sold my first piece of art to a stranger and now art collector. I will never forget this. She came over to my tent and told me that she just had to stop by because of all the bright colors. She had just moved to Colorado and was starting a new job. She selected my framed “Earth Goddess” piece which she said she would put right on her new desk. That particular piece is all about new beginnings and growth. Making that first sale to someone I did not know, almost brought me to tears. This meant that beyond my direct support system, I could make a difference. This meant that my art could impact someone’s life positively and encourage them on their own journey.
Fiona, 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?
Sure! I’m Fiona and I am the owner of Wildridge Moon. Wildridge Moon is a one-women owned & operated small business based in Colorado, striving to share empowering art with the world.
I have been an artist from a young age, always drawing, painting, and creating. Throughout the years, my art classes were always where I felt at home, allowing me to tap into my inner emotions, inspiration, and creativity. After college, I spent my time establishing my career, getting a masters degree, and lived a more fast paced lifestyle. This caused my art to take a pause, but I always felt that pull to go back to my art. After a particularly challenging and transformational trip to Mexico, I began making major shifts in my life.
During this period of reflection, I focused on personal growth and healing. I reconnected with my creative self and started painting again. I found solace in creating a piece that felt deeply personal: a moon goddess. Empowered by its significance, I began painting moon goddesses for the inspiring women in my life, blending personal meaning with art.
Currently, I sell original acrylic paintings, fine art prints, and yoga mats. My focus is twofold, first is to empower women and second to give space for the feminine energies of compassion, empathy, nurturing, and creativity to emerge through my art. With this, I hope, what truly sets my work apart, is that my art is not just beautiful to look at, but can be used as a tool to assist others in their process of self discovery.
The feedback from customers—like “She helps me stay grounded” and “Seeing her every day reminds me to practice self-love”—fills me with so much pride and gratitude to have supported others when they need it.
What I want art collectors to know the most is that each piece of art has an emotion behind it and was crafted with intention. By purchasing some of my art, the pieces are to help magnify what you need in your life or what you want; growth, love, abundance, adventure, etc. My art is more than something to hang on the wall, it is something that speaks to your soul.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Today, we have access as consumers to anything we want at the push of a button. So, pushing through the noise and getting exposure can be extremely challenging. The best way to support artists and creatives is simple, by supporting their business. Supporting their business does not just come in the form of purchasing what they sell, it comes in the form of attending events, markets, commenting and sharing on social media, adding reviews, etc. Through this support, we can see our communities continue to thrive and create places that are unique to live. Additionally, the more that we as creatives can continue to encourage and support one another the more we can build a strong creative community that impacts our neighborhoods.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is creating something that did not exist before and holds deep meaning to me. If I can put paint to canvas and express my inner emotions, wonder of the world, and illustrate the human experience in some way then I get great satisfaction in that. Additionally, if that work then impacts someone else by bringing them to tears, resonates with their current situation, makes them feel seen, or helps them connect with their our soul then I feel I have done my job as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildridgemoon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildridgemoon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Wildridge-Moon-Shop/61560971120842/
