A Quick Thought About Business and Art

 

Photo source and credit: https://hatchikiangallery.com/en/andy-warhol-et-le-pop-art/

Dear Reader,

I want to start by saying that running a small business alone is hard, but not impossible.  When I was first making art, as I shared with you earlier, it was about emotional release and processing.  Once I decided to form a business around my artmaking, I noticed I was making less art and doing more business.  Then I started thinking about an artist who I have loved for a long time, Andy Warhol.  Warhol made business into an art.  He produced his art for the masses.  Now, I don't know if I want to recreate everything Warhol did from that standpoint, but only time will tell.  What I am getting at is that Warhol has inspired me to see the creation and upkeep of The Love Trollinger Initiative as an art and not just a business--all about the numbers and documentation.  And I am very grateful for his example in that respect. 

The business is growing slowly, but surely.  Due to moving, being hacked, and a host of other challenges, I have had to put out these fires before I could truly settle in on seeing my creation become an independent force--something that ca run without me.  And that's the whole goal.  I always want to own the business, but I never want the business to be about me.  I want it to be about our mission, which is ultimately about using gifts and talents to share Christ.  I know everyone is not Christian, but I look at it like Chic-Fil-A or Hobby Lobby--they have Christian foundations, but their customers and supporters are anyone who can use their services and products.  That's how I see us.  I wanted to get into business, but be real about my values and what is shaping the business.  I didn't want to be fake.  I didn't want to be a chameleon.  I wanted to honor God and help people.  That's it.  And in the process, receive a return on the value that I am bringing into the lives of others through my gifts and talents.  

I see us expanding to include more staff, more artists, more volunteers, and a physical space.  But it is step by step, and for me, it is step by step after and while listening to the Holy Ghost lead.  

I want to encourage you if you are an artist or business owner not to through in the towel.  Keep working and building.  If you have the opportunity to provide for you family and contribute to your community through a business of your own, that is a blessing and not to be taken lightly! Give it time.  My mom was my inspiration for starting my ow business.  I found out it took her almost 20 years to gain good ground and sustain herself.  I am still early in the process--year 2! And wherever you are in the process, whether you are a sole proprietor or have another formation, please stick to it.  If you must pivot, I understand, but please do not give up. 

Be well and God bless!