We are running a blog series featuring small business owners in multiple niches and industries. It is our aim to help facilitate connections and raise the visibility of small business owners around the globe. COVID-19 caused many small businesses to pivot and retool to sustain a profitable business. Sharing lessons learned will strengthen us all!
Today we’re excited to introduce you to small-business owner,Colleen Gianatiempo. Colleen is founder of Gianatiempo Fine Art. She is a "Jill" of anything creative, she has an art practice and exhibits her own work, she owns and operates a virtual art school, she does interior and graphic design, paints murals, collaborates with other artists.... and more!
What is the WHY behind your business? What motivated you to get started?
My super power is sparking the creativity in others and showing by example how to paint expressively! I have been an entrepreneur for 27 years. I keep shaping and molding myself as I figure out who I am and what my magic is!
Did COVID impact your business? If yes, how did you pivot and overcome the challenges?
COVID shut down all of my in-person jobs. In less than 24 hours I figured out how to reinvent myself and put all of my teachings online! I duct taped a 2 by 4 to my tripod to create a place to rest my iPhone on so I could have two cameras, one for me and one for my art demonstrations. This enabled me to work all through the pandemic and grow my business worldwide. I have students now in Minnesota, Hawaii, Texas and Tel Aviv!
What lessons did you learn that made your business more resilient and sustainable?
I have the attitude that I can do anything and learn anything in order to help my business grow. Recently, I recorded some of my lessons so they can be for sale on my website and they can be downloaded at anytime to anyone. I am also working on writing a book on composition!
Who do you serve and how do you help them? (what problem do you solve?)
I serve any person who wants to learn about art. Any age. The problem I solve is filling a need to find an instructor who knows about what they want to learn. Color, composition, abstraction, watercolor, drawing, art history, techniques, mixed media.
Why/How did you select this niche?
It selected me! I just followed my passion and made sure that I was always working with my gifts.
What types of programs do you offer?
When you attend a class or workshop, you will learn and grow as a person. I create a sense of community for all of my students where they can post work and talk to each other outside of class time in my Google Classroom. Students have connected and made long lasting friendships.
What kind of results can people expect from working with you?
They can expect to get the education and tools necessary to start building the foundation for a financial turnaround.
How can readers connect with you and learn more about or support you? (share website, email, social links)
Website: www.gianatiempogallery.com • @gianatiempofineart (Instagram) https://gianatiempogallery.com/
https://gianatiempogallery.com/portfolio/aesthetic-conversation/
https://gianatiempogallery.com/online-classes/
@gianatiempofineart (Instagram)