Sarah Sweeney is an incredibly talented artist who recently took the jump into making this her full-time job. You can check out her work on her Facebook, Instagram or website. Her work is beautiful and available for purchase!
Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Sarah. I'm a Pennsylvania native who two years ago moved to the mountains. I spend my time now playing in the High Desert and mountains. Nature and adventure fuels my soul!
How did you get into your business?
I began art as soon as I was old enough to lift a pencil. I have always created and was always willing to try any form of art I could get my mits on. I created stained glass art in high school, have worked with hand screen printing, and more. For a while I operated a successful photography business. I have sketched my entire life and am known for my deep shading, and recent years began painting. Most recently I have added water coloring to my list of art forms.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I'm not a morning person. I wake up, pour of a cup of Don Fransico's coffee, stew for a few minutes while I wake up and grab a bite. After that I am ready to face the day. I like to warm up with a small watercolor painting and then begin work on my other larger projects and commissions.
If you could narrow your success down to one thing, what would it be?
My success is still blossoming. If I had to pin it down to one thing I think it would be the willingness to simply go for it - head first. You got to take that first leap or you'll never fly. Many people never even get off the ground.
Where do you see yourself in one year?
I think I will have a more established income stream and routine for myself. A big goal of mine this year is to have my first art show publicly and have my "debut" if you will, as an artist in the community. I'm hoping to have accomplished that as I see it as a big step towards being an established artist.
What do you wish you had known when you started?
Not to under not to under sell yourself and to be willing to say no. Some jobs aren't worth the money. If they don't fit with what you are trying to do in the world, the financial gain does little to settle the negativity that comes with it.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Growing up in a community where art isn't valued as it is in others. People not valuing my passion made me doubt a lot of my own skill and talent. In the end it took a change of scenery and a big change in mindset.
What are your top three tips for women starting their own business?
Believe in yourself, if you don't - do it anyways, and don't let one down day ruin a week of work. I think for women especially, we are so very hard on ourselves. If we fail to accomplish one small task we feel like we've failed the entire project. But that's simply not true. Keep going!
What's your business motto or quote you live by?
Say yes now and figure it out later. I've taken on a lot of projects I didn't know how to do. And almost every time in the end I am proud of what I managed to do. Every opportunity is a chance to learn a new skill and it's a shame to pass one up because you "don't know how". If you pass up the job - you probably will never learn how.
If you were starting your business over again, what would you do differently?
I'd of started sooner! Easy!
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