Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Grace Bell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Grace, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
I would never have had the kind of success I’ve experienced at a young age if it weren’t for the support of my parents. Both of my parents were doctor’s and because of their education we were always expected to go to college. When I started selling my artwork in high school, it took over all of my spare time. By the time I was a senior, I started realizing I was going to have to choose between going off to college and the business I had worked so hard to grow over the past year and a half. When I brought up the option of taking a year to see how far I could take my artwork, both of my parents were completely on board and extremely encouraging. I think a lot of parents put too much pressure on their kids to get a degree as soon as possible, which can be a good thing in some cases but for me would have cost me the best education I could have possibly gained by running a full time business selling my artwork online. I’m so thankful that in spite of my parents backgrounds, I was encouraged and supported in whatever choice I decided to make.
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
In December of 2018, I was in a bind trying to make my dad a present for Christmas. My best friend inspired me to try to paint the ocean, Since my dad taught me how to surf and has given me an extreme love for the ocean I loved the idea as a gift for him! I started experimenting with acrylic paint and resin that December and through the new year. I was determined to make my art as realistic as possible. By summer of 2019 I started an Instagram and was making things for friends and family. By August of 2019, I launched my website. Since then I have sold to 48 U.S. states and 5 different countries. I’m beyond thankful to God for the absolute GIFT it is to have friends and family who have helped me ride this wave and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’ve prayed for 2022 to be a year of BIG pieces. I sell my art of just about anything I can get my hands on. When I first started I was selling a lot of ornaments because they were affordable and feed into my larger projects. It’s been 4 years and I have a very wide variety of pieces that I sell and was ready to start focusing on the big pieces. I was really seeking to work with other brands as well as pushing my larger pieces like my canvases and surfboards.
When I started focusing of bigger things I quickly ran out of space and started renting a storage unit to use as a second studio for my overflow. It was something I put off for longer than I should have but once I finally made that pivot it made my life so much easier and helped keep my mind clear when I’m working.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I have so many customers that I talk to on a regular basis whether it be on Instagram DMs or a phone call. I think the most important thing in business is relationships and thankfully technically makes that super easy to accomplish with any client that seeks that kind of personal relationship with the person they are buying from and supporting. I like to give my frequent clients discounts just to show them that I appreciate their support and loyalty.
Contact Info:
- Website: gracebellart.com
- Instagram: @gracebellart
- Facebook: @gracebellart