Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Helen Lary. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Helen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Where I am now is definitely not how it all started. Learning the ins and outs of my business took a lot of time and mistakes, but I really feel like this business means so much more because I learned it all from the ground up. Looking back, it has been a journey to finding my creative voice as well as learning how to run a business.

One of the things that helped me navigate my way at the beginning was to surround myself with an artistic community. Interacting with artists created an environment where we could learn from each other, share techniques and receive valuable feedback. Fostering a supportive artistic community not only taught me practical things, but it also helped inspire me creatively!

On the business side of things, my business degree certainly came in handy, but when I started this venture I certainly wasn’t thinking about what takes to maintain a business. I dove headfirst into learning everything from website design to taxes. And while I feel personal accomplishment having gone step by step, I now know that delegating things out helps you streamline what it is that you want to spend your time doing.

Helen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an abstract artist based in Dallas who started this business on a whim. I picked up painting as a hobby when my husband and I moved into our fist home and needed some art for our blank walls. From there it organically turned into a business and I have loved every second of it! I specialize in colorful abstract paintings, landscapes and one of a kind ornaments around the holidays. I work with interior designers to create custom commissions for their clients and I also have my art at The Collective in Dallas, as well as my website. This holiday season, I will have my unique ornaments and mini original art pieces available. These are some of my favorite things to paint. I get to have fun with color! I will have a few options this year from personalizing your ornaments, to gifting, to decking your whole tree full of art.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Sharing! I think artists and creatives everywhere would agree with me in saying sharing is the best way to support us. It can be as little as sharing a piece of original art you bought with your friends to sharing something you loved through social media. Small acts of support like this make such a significant difference in an artist’s life. I create art in the hopes that my pieces spark joy with someone, so to have somebody share that with others means the world to me!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I started out I had small children running around so there have been a few times where I had to pull back on the time I spent pouring into this business. Stepping away from something I worked hard to create was frustrating at times and also welcomed at times, but all in all it was definitely worth taking the time to reassess and come back with a stronger plan. I now realize what it means to maintain the health of my business as well as prioritize family.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.helenlaryart.com
• Instagram: @helenlaryart
• Facebook: Helen Lary Art

Image Credits
Andrea Murry Photography (image in blue dress)