Brushing Up Business at Gitartsy: My Entrepreneurial Client Canvas
By Gitanjali Sood, Founder and CEO of Gitartsy
From my school days to university, where I studied Fine Art, and then to becoming a qualified art teacher, my love for art has been unwavering. But amidst teaching, I found myself yearning to create a business based on my passion, and that’s when Gitartsy was born.
The Genesis of Gitartsy
Setting up Gitartsy was a leap of faith, driven by my passion for custom artwork and the growing demand for hand-painted sneakers and accessories. Leaving my teaching job behind in 2020, I dove headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. Armed with my trusty Angelus leather paint, I started hand-painting sneakers, clothing, and accessories, catering to a diverse range of client requests.
From Passion to Profit
What started as a hobby soon turned into a full-fledged business, especially during the lockdown period, when I had more time to focus on my craft. Returning to the UK, I was amazed by the demand for my hand-painted creations. From there, orders started pouring in, and before I knew it, I was doing what I loved full-time.
Despite the challenges, like the sudden loss of my business Instagram account (never put all your eggs in one basket), I persevered, leveraging alternative platforms, and rebuilding my brand from scratch. With each setback, I learned valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of diversifying my business.
The Personal Brand Touch
For me, the heart of Gitartsy lies in collaboration with my clients. Each project begins with a consultation, where I listen carefully to their ideas and preferences. Whether it’s creating custom wedding sneakers or corporate gifts, I strive to infuse each design with a personal touch that reflects the client’s vision.
Drawing inspiration from diverse themes and styles, I aim to create truly unique pieces that resonate with my clients. From intricate details to bold designs, every brushstroke is infused with care and attention to detail.
Crafting the Gitartsy brand has been an incredible journey, from developing the name and logo to creating custom packaging and building a strong online presence. Social media has played a crucial role in growing my brand, allowing me to connect with clients and showcase my work to a global audience.
Navigating Challenges
My entrepreneurial journey – like most – has been filled with challenges, from logistical constraints to unexpected setbacks. Limited workspace and material sourcing hurdles posed initial obstacles, but I learned to adapt and find creative solutions.
The sudden loss of my Instagram account was a major setback, but it taught me the importance of diversifying my online presence and investing in a robust website. Through it all, I remained focused on delivering exceptional quality and customer service, which has been key to overcoming challenges and building a successful business.
Inspiring Others
I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from my clients and followers. Their feedback and loyalty have motivated me to never give up, even in the face of adversity.
I hope that my journey inspires others to pursue their passions and embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship. By staying true to yourself and never giving up on your dreams, anything is possible.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs at LSST
If I could offer one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, it would be this: stay true to yourself and never give up on your dreams. It’s easy to get discouraged when faced with challenges, but remember that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of perseverance and resilience. With dedication and determination, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals.
Here are my top five client-handling skills I’ve picked up on the Gitartsy journey that I believe could inspire LSST’s budding entrepreneurs:
1. Understanding the Vision Just like a good artist listens to their muse, a successful entrepreneur listens to their clients. Understanding their needs and desires is essential for delivering a product or service that truly resonates with them.
2. Solve issues Every business faces challenges, but it’s how you tackle them that sets you apart. Whether it’s finding innovative solutions to logistical issues or brainstorming new ideas to meet a client’s request, thinking creatively is key.
3. Clear communication Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful business relationship. Keeping your clients in the loop, being transparent about expectations, and actively listening to their feedback are essential for building trust and rapport.
4. Personalising the client experience Just as an artist adds their unique flair to every piece, entrepreneurs should strive to personalise their offerings for each client. Tailoring your products or services to meet their individual needs and preferences shows that you value their business and care about their satisfaction.
5. Bounce back In business, as in art, setbacks are inevitable. What’s important is how you handle them. Resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude are essential for overcoming challenges and turning them into opportunities for growth. Remember, every setback is just a stepping stone on the path to success!
As I look to the future, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. From expanding my product range to collaborating with celebrities and launching online courses, there’s so much I want to explore and accomplish. I’m committed to continuing to grow and evolve as an artist and entrepreneur, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey with LSST. Here’s to many more exciting moments ahead!
Discover more via www.gitartsy.com or scan:
Fantastic article! 😇
Consistent excellent creative artist…. Super talented and I think there’s alot more to come