Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Smith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stephanie. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Art has always been a part of my life. It has taken on many forms such as dance, photography, sculpting, designing, and painting.
It wasn’t until my life took an unexpected turn (about three years ago) that I really dove into creating on a daily basis. It was a form of therapy for me as I navigated through this new chapter in life. I remember posting my first finished piece on Instagram.
I was a ball of nerves and wasn’t sure anyone would like what I was putting out into the world. I felt exposed and unsure. Much to my surprise people loved it! From there, I kept creating art and figuring out my voice as a creative. I made prints of my work, made a website, and had my first solo show.
I am currently working on expanding my wholesale accounts, applying to bigger shows, and submitting to art galleries. I love what I do. There is no way I could’ve gotten to where I am now without the love and support of my family & friends.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and No. I feel like for me, especially in the beginning it was so easy to create and feel free in that space. I think the struggle came later on when my life became stable. Art became less of a necessity in a therapy sense and more of a career.
Once that happened it was a little bit harder to tap into that creative space, but it brought forth a new perspective and creative process that I find even more enjoyable.
Also, running your own business isn’t easy. I am constantly learning new and better ways to run my business. I am thankful to have people in my life. I can ask questions and learn from.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I create detailed line drawings that are abstract and colorful. I love to keep it simple in my compositions. I work mostly with watercolor, pen and ink and liquid acrylics. I have a love for paper. I have stacks of scrap paper, journals, and notepads in my studio.
I think the thing I am most proud of as a company is where I have come from. To think I started this business in my parent’s dining room that we converted into my bedroom/studio, with two small children, and a marriage that was suddenly ending.
I can’t help but be proud of all that I have been able to accomplish over the last three years. Somedays its easy to feel like you aren’t doing enough, especially if you get sucked into the social media world, but if we allow ourselves to stop and reflect on our lives, we might surprise ourselves.
I think what sets me apart from others is my unique story and perspective on the world. Everyone has a story to tell. You just have to be brave enough to share it.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I would have to say drive. I think it is easy to find an excuse not to do something or put yourself out there. I know when I started this business I had a laundry list of excuses I could’ve given.
I have no money, I’m a single mom of two small children, I don’t have space, I am scared, I don’t know how to run a business, and the list could keep going. I think the difference is, I chose not to let those things get in the way of my dreams. I worked hard and found the time (mostly after bedtime) to make my dream a reality.
Now…I have in no way “arrived” or have it all together. I still work hard at this business every day. I would just encourage anyone to put yourself out there. You never know what might be just around the corner.
Pricing:
- My art prints range in price of $25- $75
- My fine art work ranges in price of $350 – $800
- Other stationery items range in price of $4- $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephrenea.com
- Email: stephrenea@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephrenea.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephrenea.art/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/StephRenea
Image Credit:
Anne Brookshire
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