We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Martina Sestakova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Martina below.
Martina, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I have had my company, RADOST (means ‘joy’ in Czech), for about 7 years now. I create a variety of products, which makes my days fun and interesting and allows for different sources of income. The beginnings were interesting: being self-employed is all about self-discipline and self-reliance. I have set goals and pursued them in small steps as not to feel overwhelmed. There are a lot of opportunities out there and it’s important to focus and get to know yourself as an artist and entrepreneur.
I recall being nervous walking into art galleries and stores and joining local art groups. Kind of not knowing what to expect, what to say, how to coordinate pricing and delivery times. But over time, I picked up knowledge and these days, approaching a new opportunity is a positive experience. I recently drove by a store that has been selling my wearable art for about 6 years and recalled my first time driving over there: with my shaking hands on the steering wheel. All these years later, I enjoy a wonderful business relationship with the shop owners.
It’s important to be pretty clear about what you want. I get excited about new ideas, which is both great but also distracting. I have set three specific areas in my business to focus on – wearable art, abstract painting, art workshops – and when a new idea comes up, I see how it fits into my overall goals. I am a big believer in seeking opportunities and paying attention so my creative work is filled with gratitude.
Martina, 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?
My name is Martina Sestakova and I am a native of the Czech Republic. I have been in the United States for over 20 years and after a career in clinical trials and a masters degree in fashion design, I switched my focus to owning a small business: RADOST. I have always been creating something: gardening with my grandmother, cooking with my mother, sewing outfits for my dolls, drawing greeting cards. But as it sometimes happen: I kind of forgot about all of this while pursuing my college degrees and working a full time office job. I decided to go back to school, which has ultimately changed my life leading my to what I do now. I started my company about 7 years ago with focus on textile design: I have a line of scarves that are sold at a variety of venues. That expanded to selling my abstract paintings, which are often the basis of my fabric patterns. And that then expanded into leading private and public art workshops.
Currently, I design fabrics that I turn into scarves and necklaces. I paint abstract artworks (and complete commissions) in acrylic inks on Yupo and I lead classes in retirement communities, non-profits, and in my home studio/or online. All of these activities are a lot of fun and I get to do a range of things during each day. I love story-telling – that’s at the core of all of my work – and it’s great to write short stories that accompany each textile and each painting. Art workshops are an amazing way to connect with others and heal and explore our potential.
I am proud of my work ethic. I am reliable and trustworthy and have established really lovely relationships with stores, art galleries, art organizations, and private clients. I have shown and sold my art around the DMV. My wearable art has been featured at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, and on Voice of America. I cherish kind notes from my clients about how a scarf or a piece of art or a workshop has brought joy to their day. Again, connection and the opportunity to share ideas with others is at the core of my pursuits.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
When I first started my company, I thought creating ‘pretty’ things was the goal. It was just so much fun to paint, design, sew, frame, etc. I come from a farming family so holding a brush in my hand and seeing all of these amazing colors appear in front of me was a matter of awesome self-discovery.
Today, I focus much more of the potential of art (in any form) to bring us closer together as people (to ourselves and others) and to build a supportive community. I find myself thrive through painting – taking the time for myself, observing what’s important to me in my everyday life, sharing my ideas. I also see this blossoming in my art workshops. Working with people who, in many cases, haven’t held a brush in their hand in years or ever, I see vulnerability and it’s potential to connect us. As my students paint, they get quiet, discover memories they haven’t thought of in many years, and create something they didn’t know they could. Artistic activities are an incredible self-esteem and confidence builders – if done in a kind and supportive environment. It’s been an honor to meet so many lovely humans who feel the pull to be curious and to create.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Pursuing any activity (in my case in art/business) requires resilience. I have approached so many stores and galleries. I have applied to tons of art exhibitions. I have made cold calls. I have taught hundreds of art workshops in a variety of settings. In all of these activities, there has been confusion, rejection, as well as beauty and acceptance and pure fun. My major ‘rule’ about creating and running my business is to ‘not get resentful’ – if I feel sadness or confusion, I pay attention. A rejection from a show is – these days – a lesson and a sign to move on and to seek other opportunities. I really aim to live and to run my business in a kind and self-supportive manner and paying attention to where I may feel resentment about a certain situation – and addressing it right away – is my way to staying resilient and always knowing there is an exciting way forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.radostbymartinasestakova.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radostbymartinasestakova/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radostbymartinasestakova
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-sestakova
- Other: Art page on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinasestakovaart/ Newsletter sign-up: https://www.radostbymartinasestakova.com/ Public and private classes: https://www.radostbymartinasestakova.com/classes.html
Image Credits
Jordan Snyder and Martina Sestakova