As a small business myself, and with the holiday season upon us…
I thought it perfect timing to share some love and support for some of my artist friends running their own businesses!
Maybe you'll even get some inspiration for holiday gifts.
1.
ORGANIZE / DESIGN Spruce Designs
I believe that your space is a direct reflection of your daily success, and feel strongly that your environment affects your mindset.
How does being an artist come in handy while running your small business?
I am very lucky that my non-performing job also happens to be creative! Design is just another form of being an artist, so having an eye for detail, insight, and even human connection all comes in handy while working with my clients.
What makes your business special because of your background in theatre? Or what makes it special in general?
I always tell people my job is only 20% designing, and 80% connecting with clients. People come to me because they don't know what they want, or don't have an eye for interiors themselves - so it's super important for them to feel understood and heard in order to trust me with their home! I do think that my theatre background helps me read people and connect with them so I can guarantee they'll be happy with the finished product! My goal is to create spaces that represent my clients, their lifestyle, and their persona - so I have to be a "people person" in order to accomplish that.
In what ways do you implement sustainability?
Because organizing and "purging" is a big part of what goes into updating a space, we are constantly getting rid of items that people don't need or want anymore. We always try to donate these items or give them away to neighbors or friends! Additionally, we spend anywhere from 1-5 hours on install days just breaking down cardboard and separating the recyclables from the trash. This is a huge part of our services during a new move or a home makeover! It would be much easier and quicker to trash everything, but we're always sure to recycle and reuse everything possible.
2.
THEATRE, BRAND COACHING
Problem Solved by Jenna
I want to help light the spark of inspiration back into your career.
How does being an artist come in handy while running your small business?
If actors are one thing, they are adaptable. This comes in clutch when running a small business!
What makes your business special because of your background in theatre? Or what makes it special in general!
Problem Solved by Jenna is unique because you are getting advice, tips & expertise from someone who is in the industry. I understand the actor struggles, because I am living it right alongside my clients.
In what ways do you implement sustainability into running your business? Or what practices could you start implementing in your business to create a more sustainable community?
I think sustainability comes from consistency. Consistency on social media, in newsletters, branding, website, etc.
3.
HOT YOGA STUDIO
Spirit Lab Yoga
Affordable Yoga Studio in NYC!
What makes your business special?
Spirit Lab Yoga was started by a group of yoga teachers that sought to create community through accessible, affordable and welcoming yoga classes, and establish itself as a more soulful and authentic alternative to the market’s current flooding of corporate yoga chains. Ultimately, Spirit Lab aims to cultivate an environment where individuals can form genuine connections with each other through the teachings and shared practice of yoga.
In what ways do you implement environmental sustainability into running your business? Or what practices could you start implementing in your business to create a more sustainable community?
We believe that a yoga practice is an opportunity to cultivate ways of being we can take off of our mats and out into the world with us. In a yoga class, the collective consciousness is palpable, and we can feel that how we are showing up is holding up those around us - we see someone working hard and giving us a new image of what perseverance looks like, or someone takes a break and we have permission to do the same. It's the same in our worlds off the mat too, and we learn that who we choose to be affects those around us. This results in individuals taking more responsibility for their own choices, not just knowing but fully understanding that every choice we make affects those and the world around us.
In a more direct way, we have installed a filtration system on our sink so that students don't have to purchase plastic water bottles. Now that we are considering selling merchandise, we are only exploring the options that help with sustainability first, such as re-useable water bottles and bags for wet clothes. We will also be working with companies that make plastic-free, carbon-neutral yoga products.
4.
CANNABIS INFUSED TOPICALS
The Kitchen Chemists
Handmade Full Spectrum Cannabis Infused Topicals. All Natural. Organic. Eco-Friendly.
How does being an artist come in handy while running your small business?
Mostly the schedule. Working at night affords us the days to be in the kitchen chemisting.
What makes your business special because of your background in theatre? Or what makes it special in general?
Part of what makes it special is it was created because I am in theatre. Being in shows is taxing on your body and we wanted to create something that worked but did not smell like menthol and something you could feel confident in the ingredients. We have always been proponents for cannabis and its many benefits, so we figured we would give it a try. Since the products work so well, it is so great to share with the other members in the theatre community. While we sell to everyone and anyone, but performers are our #1 customers.
In what ways do you implement sustainability?
We are very conscious of sustainability in all areas of our home, which includes the business. We search for smaller businesses when sourcing our oils, so we know who they are and smaller generally denotes a smaller carbon footprint. We use glass bottles and jars instead of plastic, tins, paper, etc. Anything and everything that is either recycled or recyclable. Even down to our shipping materials. We are always looking for ways to change and update as new products come out. It can be tough, but it is very important to us.
5.
PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS Boat Nomad NYC
Nomad Charters is a private yacht charter, serving New York City and the surrounding area.
How does being an artist come in handy while running your small business?
While other people might find operating a private yacht charter in New York pretty straight-forward (pick up the guests, set sail, return guests to the marina), I find that there is so much opportunity to flex my artistic muscle, customizing each charter to the guests we’re serving. Setting the scene with curated playlists or live music, wine and hors d'oeuvres selections, interior touches featuring local artisans, even down to custom interior scents…we like to think that while New York is the showstopper and the views are unbeatable, you also appreciate all of the little details that make your time on board even more special.
What makes your business special because of your background in theatre? Or what makes it special in general!
I have to say, (although not necessarily a reflection of our business model) having a vast network of performing artists, our charters are NEVER boring. Our first few excursions were all folks working in the Broadway community, celebrating different events, and theatre people just know how to have a good time. Of course, we will ALWAYS welcome a corporate event, but very rarely do those events have choreographed moments captured for tik tok. Get those steps, friends.
In what ways do you implement environmental sustainability into running your business? Or what practices could you start implementing in your business to create a more sustainable community?
Boat Nomad NYC operates in and around New York Harbor, and with such a beautiful setting, there is no option BUT to keep sustainability and healthy environmental practices at the forefront. We do not offer single use plastics on board, only reusable or recyclable service items, and take extreme care to ensure that our waterways maintain, and hopefully improve, their natural beauty.
6.
CONVERSATIONS WITH ARTISTS
BroadwaySandwich
Broadway Sandwich features conversations with stars from “Hamilton,” “Wicked” and more!
How does being an artist come in handy while running your small business?
My small business is entirely centered around artistic and creative production, while dance and performing is at my core and has always been, either at San Francisco ballet or Netherlands dance theatre or on broadway in American in Paris. Now my focus is on production… including writing, producing, directing, pitching ideas, business development, how to fundraise and how to get everyone paid with fair wages… Everything at the centre of my business is informed from my life as an artist myself.
What makes your business special because of your background in theatre? Or what makes it special in general!
All of my work focuses on creating world class creative content that uplifts and inspires people, and encourages all of us to be more compassionate and care for others more deeply. Because if we are busy competing with one another we have no time to love one other. I don’t take anything on if I don’t see the point and the impact it can make, in making the world a better place.
In what ways do you implement environmental sustainability into running your business? Or what practices could you start implementing in your business to create a more sustainable community?
We have no office, I run the company from where I am. It’s all digital, we don’t print anything, we are a very lean operation. What I would like to do is create content that focuses on climate change, and telling brilliant stories that inspire change.
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