Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stevie Laney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Stevie, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I got my bachelors degree in fine art in 2010 from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. I majored in illustration and fashion illustration. In 2015, I went back to school for my post baccalaureate degree through PAFA in Philadelphia, PA. It was there that I leaned into my body/sex positive artwork. Since 2017, I have sold and show my work in Philadelphia. In 2021 I started an erotic art magazine called Very. Very is submission based and over the past few years built a community of artists that inspired us to open up PEG. The Philadelphia Erotic Gallery and Sex Museum.
The gallery consists of a rotating featured artist wall. There’s a gift shop of consignment art, store merchandise, books and more. The paid museum is focused on the social history of Philadelphia and sex education. The museum has a rotating art exhibition room, a pop culture room and a “please touch” interactive and educational room.
The group of other erotic artists, performers, sculptures, photographers, painters etc, were the inspiration to start PEG. Other influences were the Museum of Sex in NYC and the Sex Museum in Amsterdam.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2017, I started to make prints of my work. I made push pins, stickers and carried originals to local festivals to vend. It took a few years to learn the ropes of vending. Getting into the right markets that would be best marketed towards my work. Learning how to problem solve while dealing with the elements and making sure I carried the right products to sell. Having a a good price range of product was helpful. I sell small items (stickers, push pins) for under $5 and a range of products that increase in price from there. Prints, my magazine, enamel pins, etc. I would bring a few originals for those able and willing to spend a little more.
I signed up for local shows at coffee shops and restaurant’s. It’s an easy, low risk way to sell and show work. Usually the commission percentage for these places are low and/or reasonable.
Consistency is key. Showing up to the same markets and festivals, popping up at coffee shops every year and keeping inventory stocked at local consignment shops.
As my name grew in the art world, I started a website. The website grew, so did my audience. I eventually gained the confidence to open up my brick and mortar.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In the early stages of opening up a business, so many things can push your start date back. Mostly in city planning. If you’ve finally found the property you love, there might be zoning issues and those take 4-6 months to process. That is what happened to us.
Our business seemed like we would be okay with a retail zoning. Because the nature of our business is adult (Philadelphia Erotic Gallery and Sex Museum) we were flagged as a business that sells “adult-oriented merchandise”. It’s true, but we were taken back as seeing ourselves as so art focused we didn’t think that would be an issue.
Zoning can be a lot of work and can be costly. Especially if you need a lawyer. They are helpful, but we had a tight budget to begin with.
We are at the moment half way through our zoning process and so far, we’re looking good, but it is something to consider when starting your own business. Make sure you’re zoned or in the process of zoning before you sign your lease. Or at least prepared financially to go through the 4-6 month process of zoning a property.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media is all about consistency. When running a business, post a couple of times a week and do it on the same days. Over posting is not a problem. It’s all about staying relevant vent and keeping an audience engaged. Ask questions. Tag people for re-posting. Working and collaborating is a huge boost. The more people involved in a project will help boost posts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stevielaneyart.com
• Instagram: @steviellaney