We recently connected with Michael Hulett and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

As a small business owner, I constantly fluctuate between the exhilaration of forging my own creative path and the sheer terror that everything could collapse at any moment. I genuinely believe that this push-and-pull dynamic is what keeps both me and the business moving forward. The fear of failure fuels my drive, keeping me motivated and hungry—without it, I wouldn’t accomplish nearly as much or take the necessary risks to succeed.

That said, there are certainly days (more often than not) when I catch myself daydreaming about taking a “real” job—letting someone else foot the bill while they deal with the relentless stress.

But until those thoughts get the best of me, I’ll continue to love running a gallery and showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists from around the world.

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.

I am a former artist turned art collector turned art dealer. For a decade, I ran a prominent gallery in Los Angeles before resigning to open my own gallery in my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 2022, The Hulett Collection is the only fine art photography gallery in the state. Our primary focus is 20th-century and contemporary photographic works, which we place in collections across the U.S. and internationally. Beyond that, the gallery actively supports the local art scene, serving as a community ally for creatives.

I also serve on the Education Committee for the Association of International Photographic Art Dealers (AIPAD), where I help organize public discussions between institutions, educators, and artists on various themes within fine art photography.

I’m proud to have created something entirely new for this region while expanding my hometown’s cultural landscape by showcasing artists who might otherwise never be exhibited in Tulsa.

What sets us apart from other galleries is our approachable atmosphere. I don’t have a formal fine arts education—my knowledge comes from decades of hands-on experience. That background allows me to offer a relaxed, welcoming environment for anyone looking to start or grow their collection. We’re not ER doctors saving lives; we’re joy mongers, introducing people to visual and emotional touchstones. Art should be an experience to enjoy, not something weighed down by unnecessary seriousness.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I think this is an important question to address in the fine art world, where most galleries don’t display prices on their websites, let alone offer e-commerce services. When I started my gallery, I made a conscious decision to do both. While some of my colleagues consider it gauche, it has generated a steady stream of revenue.

I believe that for the industry to evolve, it must engage a younger demographic and cultivate the next generation of collectors. This generation grew up with the internet and expects instant access to information. Personally, if I’m browsing a website and have to email or call someone just to find out a price, you’ve already lost me. Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate a conversation with someone who has deep knowledge of a product. But I don’t want to be forced into one if I’m simply looking.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

In nearly three years of running my small business, there have been countless payrolls when I had no idea where the money would come from. Yet, in some miraculous twist of fate, a piece would always sell just in time to make the cutoff. There was one occasion when I had to dip into my personal savings to cover payroll and keep things moving forward—it took a few months to pay myself back, but I did. In the early years, I relied heavily on a high credit card limit to keep afloat, letting my credit score bear much of the weight.

I’m still waiting for real traction, but each year has shown slight improvement—whether it’s higher sales, lower expenses, or a reduced credit card balance. To me, survival is success. The bills are paid, the gallery lights are still on, and I get to live to fight another day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thehulettcollection.com
• Instagram: @thehulettcollection