We recently connected with Hollie Blanchard and have shared our conversation below.

Hollie, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

My motto is all they can say is no… and if you never ask you will never have a yes fall upon you to open that right door.

I grew up rather shy, afraid to use my voice in school for fear of all eyes upon me… I guess really in any situation. I mean I was a smart girl, had a great group of friends around me, but I lacked confidence.

My life has been an accumulation of risks… some miles apart from the next. It 2001, I was in college soon to be graduating with a B.S. in textile design from the University of Minnesota and working at a hardwood floor company outside of St.Paul, MN. I was flipping through the W Magazine, which if you know, you know it was the pinnacle of Fashion. I paid for my subscription all on my own – it was such a proud moment each month when it arrived. Thinking back now, how did that poor postal worker fit that oversized book into the mailbox?

Okay back to the story, as I was flipping through the pages of the magazine I stumbled upon a brand I had never heard of. A feature story on “Tulah” … everything about them I loved. Their creed, their aesthetic, and a new designer to watch. Unbeknownst to me I picked up the office phone and pushed 4-1-1. For the younger crowd reading now, it is a vintage and obsolete number, but it was our google back in 2001. I asked to be given the number to Tulah in NY, NY.

First step completed. I had the number and now I had to call it. It was like calling a boy that you were majorly crushing on in Jr. High. Each ring added more and more anxiety, I could feel my nerves emerging … but the most amazing thing happened I ended up connecting with the girl who answered the phone and happened to be a fellow Midwestern from Wisconsin. We talked for quite awhile and I told her my goal to move to NYC, I had seen their ad and wondered if they had any spots available for an internship. They did not, but she ended up emailing a list of individuals that had reached out to them regarding a great intern for their own company’s.

The list was filled with amazing company’s, but ultimately I ended up working with a Celebrity Stylist named Danna Weiss. I had never known that this job existed and I was filled with so much excitement yet nerves when my plane flew over NYC. That anxiety crept in and I felt ill. I had never seen so many skyscrapers go on forever and ever. I was thinking what have you done… moving to NYC and not knowing anyone? Thankfully I was set up with a roommate from a family connection and one of my very good friends was helping me navigate the first several days, but then she left.

I was forced to jump right in… it was everything and more, all because of a single phone call. doors opened for me. I loved working on set styling look books for an up and coming designer, bringing in big labels for Molly Sims to grace on the red carpet for the MTV music awards, and living in a city where the creative energy was through the roof- you felt like you could do anything. I mean I made a ton of mistakes like thinking I could stand up and ring the bell for the city bus to stop and the kind driver helped me understand that there were set stops, and it wasn’t a la carte. I ended up getting off on the wrong subway stops in strange places, but it forced me out of my comfort zone, and really started building a new foundation of confidence in me. I was meeting new people, and building a circle of professionals, etc.

It was September 2001 and I was in NYC for one of our histories saddest moments. My father was sick with cancer and I decided to make my way back to the mini apple from the big apple. In this move it transitioned to another great risk of my life… which is for another time, but I am so grateful to the risk I took to call and ask. NYC raised my ceiling to know that I could accomplish any thing that you put your mind to with intent. It gave me the gift of believing in myself.

It is simple: if you don’t ask you will never know all that awaits you. Take a risk.

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

My story began at such a young age of being intrigued by art and design. I loved stationary, fashion, beautiful decor, art, anything that sent my senses soaring.

Whether it was remerchandising my Barbie store or reconfiguring my bedroom, growing up I found the need to always exist in a creative process. After finishing my B.S. at the University of Minnesota with an Apparel Design degree I headed out to New York City, the mecca for creatives. I worked for a celebrity stylist and later in the jewelry industry. I spent many afternoons and weekends combing the city for extraordinary art and beautiful vintage frocks at flea markets or well established museums.

After working for a short time at a gallery, I knew there was a need to bring the artwork directly into the home.

After taking some time off to focus on building our family, I jumped back in to the art world where my dreams became reality and started Art Girls. The main idea was finessing a concierge approach. I wanted to come alongside busy families and, or professionals that wanted original artwork for their homes but didn’t even know where to begin. By forging great relationships with artist and building a rolodex for niches, styles, compositions, etc. I knew I would have the insight and abilities to find the perfect artwork unique for each individual. By bringing the artwork directly into the space a confidence is secured for my clients when they feel the synergy as it elevates the space as a whole and see the scale is exactly right. Saying yes to the artwork is easy breezy.

Whether it is scheduling studio visits with an artist, creating catalogues for my clients, and scouring the frame shops for the perfect moulding to finalize the works of art for the space my mission is consistent in surrounding myself with joyful human beings. Artist, framers, assistants, partners, etc. I know my clients value this as an asset to Art Girls. Strong partnerships are key to taking a business to the next level.

My message will always be that original art brings life to your home. It is the zeitgeist of our time, a human being pouring their emotions into the canvas or clay, it’s a force of energy to be felt.

Art exists everywhere. Nothing brings to me more joy than to hunt, curate, and eventually find that perfect piece for a client. This joy then transfers to their lives as they live with a painting or sculpture that provides a visceral response that sometimes just cannot be explained.

By bringing original artwork directly into a home or business, our clients feel the excitement, emotional pull, and synergy that manifest when art and space unite.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I think one thing I would love the readers to know is buying fine art should not be intimidating. One story from living in New York City and just eagerly graduating from college in apparel design was I had all these high end fashion lines that I only saw on the Oscars red carpet or in my W magazine at my beck and call. I remember walking into Dolce Gabbana so excited to see them live in person, but leaving feeling intimidated by a less than mediocre experience.

I value the relational experience that Art Girls provides to all collectors; beginning or seasoned collectors. It should be educational, ask as many questions, meet and greet with artist, timing can be long or short in finding the perfect piece of art, but must importantly it will all be done with a smile, and having a ton of fun along the way.

My clients see my dedication to them in curating the perfect piece for them. Ultimately trust in myself plays a big role for coming back when a new art need arises and also word of mouth advertising to friends and family.

Some things that I am most proud of Art Girls is the hard work, being accountable. respectful, kind, balance with my family, and joy passed along to my clients.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

“Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.” George Washington

I have just recently stumbled upon this quote that I used for last Friday Happy Hour mailer … you can subscribe at www.artgirlsmpls.com , which showcases new art, room ideas, etc. I had to get that shameless plug in.

George articulates perfectly how you need to surround yourself with great partners in the industry that you can trust over a consistent effort of showing you who they are and what they offer to grow the success of your business. Often times I have given my trust to individuals that don’t carry thru in an honest, dignified partnership. Ultimately, it brings your business down on many fronts with your clients. I don’t care for excuses, and when a partner continues to offer them over and over … you must walk away and find a new partnership. Don’t get stuck, but move on until you find the right partnership. I am an advocate for my clients on bringing joy in every way possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artgirlsmpls.com
• Instagram: artgirls_mpls and artgirlsbespokeart
• Facebook: facebook.com/artgirlsminneapolis
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollie-blanchard-0763114?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BQ14B9dFwSwGqJDAgL4WxGQ%3D%3D
• Twitter: @Art Minneapolis

Image Credits
spacecrafting