We were lucky to catch up with Sheyla Stevens recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sheyla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

I learned in my early childhood years to work with my hands. My mom was a single parent which meant we use to move often because she was always looking for better job opportunities. In an effort to help me make new friends and to keep me occupied during after school hours, she would enroll me in arts and crafts clubs. It was through these workshops that I developed an interest in artisanal handmade objects and in art.

I always thought that to be successful as an artist I needed a college education. But I had no idea how to go about organizing myself to make that a reality. After getting married and having children, I found myself as a stay at home mom and itching to create. So I began by taking online courses on how to paint with watercolors. It during my practice years that I noticed people online did not necessarily have a degree in art to make a career or a business out of their skills. And that is when I was inspired and decided that maybe I too could be a business owner.

Sheyla, 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?

Today, I often participate in local Arts and Craft markets where I sell original paintings, prints, handmade tea towels, handbags, clutches, throw cushions, greeting cards, bookmarks, ornaments, scarves and many other products based on my watercolor paintings and designs. I have been commissioned to create original watercolor pieces of art that include portraits, decorative plaques, and going away memorabilia. I also have a website where I sell a limited collection of some of my products for those who wish to enhance their spaces with beautiful images.

Going to markets has helped me connect with my local community and has lead to some cool and unexpected opportunities. For example, I was featured by a local beauty product company as artist of the month, and all orders placed for that month received a free greeting card featuring my art and a special message from me.

I think that my bright and soothing color palette and the simplicity in my painted images makes viewers of my art feel a sense of joy and relaxation. Customers and walkers-by often stop by my booth at markets just to talk. People often tell me how they were captivated by my art from a distance they just felt they had to come closer to admire it. I love such interactions because I get to tell a story or an anecdote connected to a painting. I love sharing why and how a painting came to be, and people too love listening.

Above all, I am grateful to each and every single person that interacts with me and my art, whether or not they make a purchase. It is the conversations and the reactions from strangers that encourage me to keep showing up for myself, my community and for my art. Especially on slow on hard days. I experience deep depressions which can sometimes make planning for and setting up at markets feel like a nightmare.

I am most proud of continuing to show up for my business and for my art. It challenges me to get organized, to have goals, to have purpose, to have something to strive for, and to be ok with things not working out as expected sometimes.

Having a business is not for the faint of heart in any field. And this is especially true for artists because our art is an extension of our own views, experiences, and interests. It can feel so raw and vulnerable to have to stay put while someone is reacting to something that is so meaningful and special to us as the creators.

I went into this business to make it work. Because there is absolutely nothing else in the world I want to do. So it is up to me to make it work.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I have had a few products manufactured for me. Some have been made overseas and some have been made locally with the help of local companies. I almost always prefer to work with local companies, but when I cannot find a local company then I extend my research to global options.

I get an idea for a product, and then I just use the internet in mi initial research. I sometimes reach out to local companies to see if they know of any other local company who can create what I need. I do a lot of research and I write everything that interests me about vendors in a notebook. I then create excel sheets to help me compare the quality of a product, along with pricing, shipping fees, production times and proof costs.

I have learned that manufacturing and product creating is a process. I need to be organized to help me make accurate and fulfilling product decisions. The greatest reward is when you hold a product in your hands that was an idea in your head for months. I have also learned to not be attached to whether or not a product sells out or not. We want people to love what we make, but not every product will be a best seller. And the products you least expect, may actually be the ones people love the most. So, don’t always only create things you like. Be bold and risky! Dare to try designs even when you don’t love them. Share the process with those around you to gauge interest and whether or not this product could be for someone out there.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for me in growing my clientele has been consistency. I am consistent at showing up for markets. I do my best to sign up for them as soon as they get announced so I do not miss my spot. I like to be in the same spot so customers get used to seeing me there and know exactly where to find me.

I also always have new mini collections or new small items for variety and to create interest. My clientele knows this and people often stop by just to see what new things I have this time around. It could be something as simple as new free coloring sheets that people can take home and share with their children, grandchildren or nieces/nephews.

I am intentional about making eye contact, greeting people and making an effort to engage in conversation. A simple question like, “Have you shopped for any of my handmade products before?”. Or just a simple introduction like “Hi, I am Sheyla, the artist, please let me know if you have any questions about my art and I will be glad to help you”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artandcrochet.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sstevensart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sstevensart/

Image Credits
All images were taken by me Sheyla Stevens on my iphone camera.