We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nina Kong-Surtees a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nina, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Taking a risk in pursuing a career in the arts and entrepreneurship isn’t about being reckless; it’s about having the courage to take thoughtful actions toward your mission in life.
Growing up in a family of artists, I had an insatiable curiosity about art around me. Despite my early success in art making, the societal pressures, particularly from my family, initially led me to pursue a more conventional path. However, deep down, I knew I couldn’t ignore my true calling, so I tried to find ways to balance creativity and practicality throughout my school years.
When I finally mustered the courage to step away from veterinary medicine studies and reveal my true aspirations to my mom, I faced disappointment and resistance from her. Even without my mom’s blessings, it was a risk I had to take to honor my path. And just as I thought I found a balance between passion and practicality, the pandemic struck, prompting another leap of faith. As a new mom, I left the security of a corporate job to pursue my entrepreneurial endeavors full-time. It was another risk fueled by a desire for fulfillment and autonomy.
Leaving behind the safety net of stable career path and a corporate job was daunting. And while creating an unbeaten path hasn’t been without its challenges, it has been incredibly rewarding.
Today, I can proudly say that taking these risks is paying off. As an art historian, I’ve found fulfillment in exploring the depths of creativity and culture while amplifying the legacies and voices of emerging artists and art collectors. As an entrepreneur, I’ve experienced the joy of building something from the ground up and tapping into creativity to educate and make art more accessible for anyone wanting to learn and support the arts.
Nina, 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 into the world of fine arts began at an early age, captivated by the ability of visual expression to evoke emotions and spark conversations.
At smART Advisory, my work extends beyond traditional boundaries, offering comprehensive art advisory services that amplify artists’ and collectors’ identities, values, and legacies. Through personalized consultations and thoughtfully curated exhibitions and events, I provide a bridge between artists and collectors, facilitating meaningful connections and fostering a deeper appreciation for art.
To amplify my mission and impact, I’ve been building partnerships with local galleries, art schools, historic homes, and cultural organizations to co-host events and offer exhibition opportunities that enrich our creative community and provide valuable support for up-and-coming artists and art businesses.
Art collectors and artists often require guidance, resources, and connections to navigate the complexities of the art world.
Working at the Whitney Museum and Metropolitan Museum of Art early in my career gave me a nuanced understanding of artistic techniques, movements, and historical context in more accessible ways. As an art educator, I offer invaluable insights and guidance to emerging collectors, empowering them to make discoveries and informed decisions to cultivate their artistic sensibilities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the opportunity to guide curious art enthusiasts and supporters and make meaningful connections in the art community through my membership program, smART Collectors Club. By supporting emerging artists, fostering relationships with galleries and institutions, and connecting collectors with exceptional works of art, I aim to enrich the cultural landscape while contributing to the sustainability and growth of the art market and artists’ careers.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Amidst the pandemic’s chaos, I boldly decided to transition from a stable corporate job to entrepreneurship, fueled by my passion for running my own business, which I was running part-time. Little did I know this journey would test my resilience in more ways than one.
As a new mother, there were countless hurdles to overcome: juggling the demands of entrepreneurship while taking care of a newborn, adapting to rapidly changing market conditions, and maintaining the well-being of my family amidst uncertainty.
There were many days when it felt overwhelming, but I found strength in knowing that my resilience wasn’t just for me anymore—it was for my family. I tapped into my network for support, seeking advice from fellow entrepreneurs who had weathered similar storms. Through their guidance and mentorship, I was able to pivot my business model, identifying new opportunities in the market and diversifying our offerings to meet the changing needs of artists and collectors.
Just when things started to stabilize, I faced a health challenge that threw everything into disarray last year. It was a setback that tested my resilience like never before. But instead of letting it defeat me, I chose to see it as another hurdle to overcome. With the support of my loved ones and the resilience I had built through years of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and sailing days, I tackled the challenge head-on, even when things took longer than I anticipated.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from challenging moments; it’s about harnessing the power within to rise stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever before. Through perseverance and unwavering determination, I was able to steer my business through the storm, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before. I am grateful that my journey has prepared me to face challenges with courage, grace, and unwavering resilience.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Learning to ask for help was a lesson I had to unlearn (and still learning!), deeply rooted in my upbringing and culture. Growing up, I was taught to believe that self-reliance was the ultimate measure of strength and success. As a result, I became accustomed to shouldering the burden of responsibility on my own, even as a solopreneur navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
For years, I prided myself on my ability to do everything independently. I believed that seeking assistance meant admitting defeat, and I was determined to prove that I could succeed independently. However, as I navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, I soon realized that my reluctance to ask for help was holding me back.
It wasn’t until I hit a roadblock in my entrepreneurial journey and health challenges that I realized the importance of humility and vulnerability in fostering growth and resilience. I reluctantly reached out for guidance and support, fearing judgment and criticism. Much to my surprise, I found an outpouring of generosity, wisdom, and solidarity from my loved ones, peers, and network.
As I let go of my stubborn belief that I had to go it alone, I discovered the power of collaboration and the collective wisdom of those around me. Asking for help became a testament to one’s courage and willingness to learn and grow. It also opened doors to opportunities and growth I’d never have achieved alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nycgallerina.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/smart.advisory
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ninasurtees
- Twitter: @gallerina25
Image Credits
Michael Surtees