When I was little, I used to live right next to balloon fest in Ashland, Ohio. Balloon Fest is a popular Ashland activity where people from all over Ohio come to watch a beautiful display of hot air balloons firing up to music and lighting up the night sky. All people of Ashland look forward to the fest. Floods of people would pass my house every year as I lived on a side street that lead directly into the field.
One year I wanted to monetize on this opportunity. Instead of opening the standard lemonade stand, my father encouraged me to sell my art instead. So at the age of 6, we set up a table, a sign, and I sold my art for 10 cents a piece. I even drew on the spot commission pieces if someone wanted something in particular. I had prepared selling in advance by piling my drawings high in cardboard boxes. I kept my change in a little lockbox in front of me.
My store was a success. My little 6 year old self sold picture after picture as everyone wanted a drawing from a little artist. I remember drawing furiously in marker waiting for the next passerby to market my wares to. I did the sale several years. It was a blast! It was my first experience at being an entrepreneur. My parents trained me to work for myself from the very beginning. Probably why I am working for myself now!
I guess you can say that I have not changed much since the age of 6. I still love to create. I have only upgraded from markers to oil paints. My store has likewise evolved… I am pleased to say my online store is now open for business! I will be selling originals, canvas prints, photo prints, and commission pieces available for purchase through PayPal. Also, all the paintings that I paint on twitch will appear in my store as well. If you follow me, you will be able to see my paintings being painted live.
I am very excited for this next step in my art career. Let’s see what happens and how everything will evolve!
Till next time,
Grace