We recently connected with Laura Iosifescu and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Absolutely. The power of being in control of my own time, destiny, future, and ideas has been one of the most liberating aspects of running my own business. When you’re your own boss, you have the unique opportunity to craft the vision that drives everything forward—whether it’s the events you host, the artists you support, or the messages you send out to the world. You get to decide the people you want to represent, the causes you champion, and the direction you steer your business. There’s no hierarchy to navigate, no one above you telling you that your ideas need tweaking to fit someone else’s agenda. Every decision reflects your vision.

In many larger institutions, they say no one is irreplaceable, and I’ve seen how true that is. In those environments, you’re often just following someone else’s roadmap, and because you’re executing another person’s vision, they can always find someone else to do the same. But when you run your own business, like I do with Laura I. Art Gallery, the dynamic changes completely. Without me, there is no gallery, no exhibitions, no events like I Am An Arktivist. I’m not just a piece in someone else’s puzzle—I’m the central pillar around which everything else revolves. There’s a real power in knowing that I am the one who makes the critical decisions, builds the connections, and sees the ideas come to life. And while I can hire others to help, they are there to bring my vision to fruition.

As a business owner, I get to choose who I collaborate with, ensuring that my partners’ values and work ethic align with mine. But in an employment situation, you often have to bend over backward trying to please bosses who may not even value your input. The frustration of working hard to gain someone’s approval, only to feel undervalued or overlooked, can be overwhelming. The stress of trying to fit into someone else’s mold is far greater than the challenges of owning my business, where every struggle leads to personal growth, and every success is a direct result of my effort and determination.

The journey of entrepreneurship started early for me. I remember being just 10 years old and starting my first business selling flowers. Growing up in an impoverished family, we didn’t have much. Money was tight, and I was determined to find a way to contribute, whether it was to buy food or even a simple treat like sweets—things that were luxuries at the time. Selling flowers wasn’t just about making money; it was about transforming a thought into reality, seeing my hard work result in something tangible that had a real impact. It was empowering to see that, through my labor, I could change our circumstances, even if only in small ways. That early experience taught me the power of my ideas and the potential within me to make things happen.

Running my gallery today, those early lessons stay with me. I know firsthand what it’s like to have an idea and bring it to life, and the satisfaction of seeing that idea make a difference in people’s lives is unmatched. It’s why I pour so much of myself into the events and exhibitions we create—because I know that, like when I was 10, I have the ability to transform thoughts into reality and make a lasting impact.

In many ways, that flower-selling experience was the foundation of everything I do now. It taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profits—it’s about independence, creativity, and having the power to shape your own future. Every project I undertake at Laura I. Art Gallery, whether it’s supporting artists or organizing community events, carries the same core principles I learned all those years ago: the belief that my work can change lives, and that I have the freedom to decide how that happens.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Laura I. Art Gallery, we don’t just promote art for the sake of art; we believe in art as a powerful tool for change. With a collection of over 900 artworks from more than 76 artists, we are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and cohesion through creative expression. Our focus is on real, ambitious talent and the people behind the work—their personal stories, their challenges, and their innovation.

As an artist myself, I’ve always been inspired to push boundaries in my practice. One of my signature creations is wearable art made entirely from paint, which has been showcased at prestigious venues like Saatchi Gallery and the British Museum. For me, art is about honoring the past while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for the future. It’s a way to respect the rich history and evolution of human creativity while challenging myself and others to innovate, to create something that speaks to our time and shapes what’s to come. I’ve explored new dimensions by pushing the physicality of paint itself, going beyond the limitations of traditional canvases to create pieces that almost take on a sculptural form, though the medium remains paint. It’s about challenging conventions and bringing something new to the art world.

This philosophy extends to the artists we represent. We seek out individuals who dare to do the impossible in their practice—whether through groundbreaking techniques or the personal sacrifices they make for their art. Many of the artists we support put their art above all else, saving for materials instead of holidays and making other significant sacrifices to fuel their passion. These are the artists who are shaping the future, and we are proud to provide them with a platform to share their stories and talents.

Our gallery’s flower logo is a symbol of our commitment to community, solidarity, and diversity. It represents the beauty of our differences while also highlighting the values we share. At Laura I. Art Gallery, we use art to bring people together, to celebrate both uniqueness and unity, and to make a lasting impact on the world.

As for me, my journey into the art world wasn’t just about becoming a part of an industry—it was about creating spaces where people could find meaning, connection, and empowerment through art. I’ve always believed that art has the power to change lives, whether it’s through inspiring dialogue around critical social issues, or giving people the courage to express themselves and their stories. What I am most proud of is the impact we’ve had on the community and the artists we represent. Seeing artists flourish, helping communities heal and connect through creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what art can achieve is what drives me.

For anyone interested in our work, it’s important to know that Laura I. Art Gallery stands for more than just artistic talent. We stand for inclusivity, innovation, and the belief that art can be a catalyst for real change. We support ambitious artists who aren’t afraid to challenge the norms, and we aim to create lasting impacts through every project, exhibition, and event we produce. We’re here to celebrate diversity and foster creativity that goes beyond the canvas—creativity that truly makes a difference.

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

There was a pivotal moment early in our gallery’s journey that completely reshaped our mission. Initially, when we started Laura I. Art Gallery, our focus was primarily on showcasing talented artists and building relationships with clients. However, being based in Barking—a borough with one of the highest populations of young people—something unexpected happened. Young people would stop by the gallery, intrigued not just by the final artwork but by the creative process itself. They saw me creating and were inspired, wanting to get involved and make something with their own hands. The challenge was that many of these young people couldn’t afford the typical costs associated with art programs or materials.

Then the pandemic hit. As the world moved online and people sought connection and support in new ways, it became clear that we had an opportunity to evolve. We realized that our work needed to provide social value, focusing on how art could generate real impact. So, we made the decision to pivot from being a purely commercial gallery to becoming a not-for-profit organization. This shift allowed us to ensure inclusivity and reach more people through various creative programs and workshops.

This change brought about a deeper focus on using art as a tool for empowerment and personal growth. Our projects have created lasting change, and we’ve seen the effects firsthand. We’ve been honored with five different business awards recognizing our impact and the sacrifices we’ve made to make sure that everyone, regardless of their background, has a chance to reach their dreams. Whether it’s through free creative learning activities, professional development programs, mentoring sessions, or socially conscious initiatives like our environmental project Noah’s Ark, we’ve expanded our reach far beyond what we initially envisioned.

What truly sets this pivot apart is the immediate impact you see when working with the community. In the traditional art market, you might not see the results of your work for years. But when you work directly with your community, the rewards are immediate. You see the happiness and transformation happen right in front of you. It’s incredibly fulfilling and gives you the strength to push through challenges, especially when it comes to securing funding for these projects.

The joy that people experience through our programs is similar to how I feel as an artist when someone connects with my work. Art comes alive through the love, curiosity, and admiration of others. And now, through our gallery’s programs, we’ve created spaces where that same magic happens for so many more people, whether they’re creating something for the first time or taking steps toward a professional career. That’s the kind of impact that makes all the challenges worth it.

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

One of the most effective strategies for growing our clientele has been engaging with collectors and art enthusiasts face-to-face, either in our gallery or at art fairs. While we do sell artwork online through partners like Artsy and Artsper, the personal interactions we have with clients in person create a much deeper connection. These moments allow us to offer more than just a description of the artwork—we can provide valuable guidance on the practical aspects of owning art. We discuss where best to display pieces, how to frame them, recommend framing services, and even arrange immediate delivery. This personalized approach helps to demystify the process of collecting art and makes it more accessible and enjoyable for clients.

Art fairs, in particular, have played a significant role in growing our reach, despite being expensive to participate in. These events offer a unique opportunity to meet new clients and collectors in a dynamic environment. But art fairs also require seamless teamwork; it’s crucial to work with professional artists who can provide their best pieces, prepared and ready to sell in perfect condition. The collaboration and effort from everyone involved in making the event a success create a beautiful synergy. It’s in these moments—when artists, curators, and collectors all come together—that meaningful relationships are built, and it’s these relationships that continue to grow our clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauraiartgallery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraigallery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauraIgallery/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-i-art-gallery-cic-1bb056128/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauraIgallery

Image Credits

@lauraigallery