We were lucky to catch up with Sherrill Hill recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sherrill, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
Finding your niche and staying true to yourself, With the stained glass, I had to find out who I wanted to be in the trade. I am an artist but I can build the door that puts the glass. Can make small mass produced pieces for craft shows. Made church windows for years with the company I learned stained glass from. Decided to be an artist and make custom work along with pieces that I dream about. Glass makes me want to paint. So inspired by the textures and colors that wake every morning excited to create. My work is inspired by the nature around me and customers I meet. Bringing light into lives with the art I make is my gift to the world. My niche is me! I draw and pick out glass for each person and I paint pictures with the custom panels I make out or wood. Love the energy of the souls I meet and share my art with.
Found out that when I meet and show my work in smaller crowds I did better. I do like feeding off other artist as well so I do not want to be always by myself. How do I make money and staying true to me? Two ideas emerged. Had small shows at my house then asked customers if they would host a show for me and get a percentage off that day. The next idea was to host shows at my house with other artist. The Artist Next Door is a biannual show that is a success, I have 25 local artist and a committee. On our 15 show this Fall.
Those two avenues have built up my business. I feel strong and proud to be able work. With all the social media now it hard not to go down the rabbit hole of questioning yourself. You are the Art.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Creating what is in someones elses head is a challenge I love. Stained Glass makes you feel warm and loved when you are in its light. I make my own patterns and we pick out the glass. Fun process for everyone! So many wonderful textures and colors spill over to my wood panels too. If not every week then often enough I get customers telling me how my art makes them feel. For someone to take the time to let me know how I made them feel is the best feeling. Making stained glass art for 30 years . Sherrillsartglass.com
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Never giving up is hard. Having twins then moving 8 hours away from an established business and family was a hard 7 years. My boys went with me as I petaled my work doing home shows and visiting family. Along with the treasures I found on the side of the road to add to my art my kids never complained. When I was able to move back home it was humbling to have to start my business all over again. Woke up around 4;30 to work before getting kids to school then getting enough done before they were home. Had my goal and it was hard.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
What I have found is that meeting people and word of mouth work with social media not one or the other. Asking for help with marketing in that world is necessary but collectors want to have a live person along with their art. Do not get lazy but meet your future customers. Sell yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: sherrillsartglass.com
- Instagram: Sherrillsartglass
- Facebook: Sherrills Art Glass
Image Credits
ph0tographer Will Crooks