We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joanna Garel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joanna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

I absolutely take vacations. Whether it’s a mini staycation in Los Angeles /Palm Springs or a three week vacation to Africa with my whole family.

As a small business owner, it’s easy to forgo, what I feel is an essential break, however I pride myself on prioritizing mental health and family above all else.

I make sure to work a vacation into our budget every year. Some years we might just go on a long road trip and pitch our tents, others we stay in luxury hotels and fly to remote places. I think vacations are doable on every budget and a must for any entrepreneur. I’ve come to realize that the business will not stop in its tracks if the owner takes a break, in fact it, vacations avoids burn out, puts things in perspective and for me enhances. my performance in running my business.

Joanna, 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?

My journey to becoming a gallery owner started with my high school art teacher introducing me to Warhol, Lichtenstein and Picasso. I was enthralled by the works and also bewildered at the feeling that these artworks evoked in me.
It was like a switch went off and I was immediately obsessed with art in any shape or form thereafter. I vowed then and there that I would collect these artists work in the future. I do, however, remember feeling daunted at the age of 15 as to how I was going to afford these works.

Fast forward to single motherhood at the age of 18 followed by a successful career in modeling and acting, I was able to realize my dream and started my collection with a Roy Lichtenstein piece from his Reflections Series.

Collecting art was not enough, however, I yearned to teach art to children to invoke their passion for the arts. I volunteered to teach art on and off for 20 years while devouring up to 2-4 art shows a week. Opening a gallery and curating works, to give opportunities to underserved artists seemed like a natural step and I eagerly jumped into it.

Thus, Garel Fine Art, a contemporary fine art gallery, opened in Manhattan Beach in April 2024. I am proud of the fact that I was able to create a space never before seen in the South Bay.

I carefully curate each exhibit with an eclectic eye. I am proud to show a Warhol beside a local artists work in their first gallery show. Art collecting to be accessible and fun for all, not daunting or intimidating. Fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is important as I introduce new collectors to art collecting.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I became a teenage single mother at the age of 18 and it was a pivotal moment in my life, because it allowed me to focus on being the best mother I could be. I wanted to succeed for my son. I was fortunate enough to support us both with a career as a fashion model and actress because I did not buy into the narrative that being a teenage single mother would be restricting and difficult. In fact, it inspired me to blossom as a mother, I enjoyed it and even in the times that I could only buy 69 cent pasta, we were happy and comfortable. I think resilience comes from having a certain perspective and my natural optimism and resourceful nature helped me to be resilient in any situation.

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

I opened my art gallery only 6 months ago and I’ve noticed the most effective way to grow my clientele is through maximum exposure. This was accomplished by working with a broad range of artists that brought in their network of friends/collectors. Working with different curators also expanded my network. Of course, one cannot ignore the power of social media and running ads. Utilizing the myriad of network funnels is essential for any fledgling business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.garelfineart.com
• Instagram: @garelfineart
• Yelp: GAREL FINE ART

Image Credits

all images @joannagarel