Semi-finalist Q&A: Artist for Hire

Artist for Hire offers personalized engraving on glass and metal (wine glasses with the names of the couple and wedding date are her most popular item); some murals; other customized art as negotiated. Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I have always had a passion for making art, especially glass engraving. But it was only recently that I decided to combine this with my passion for gift-giving into a service of creating customized artwork that is full of meaning for the gift-giver and receiver. I love to see the joy people get when they realize that their gift was chosen and created with them in mind, not just picked off the shelf of generic items. I think it's great that I can be a part of making that happen for other people.

What makes your business unique? Why do you think it will be a success?

There aren't exactly a lot of places around that will help people design custom art pieces just the way they want them, let alone doing it at prices that are affordable to everyone, so that makes my business unique. Actually, making sure that every piece I make is unique for each client is in itself what makes my business unique! I know that this will be a success because I have already been doing this work as a hobby for over ten years (for friends and family who know I am able to) and people always love it. Once I am able to get enough supplies for full-time work, and get a whole lot of advertising out, I know my services will catch on.

What are some of your top business-related accomplishments, or business lessons learned?

As far as business-related accomplishments, I'd have to say I'm fairly proud of the years when I was manager of a local gym. It was a brand new business and the owner could not afford to hire much of a staff (it was just the two of us). Since he wanted to keep another job and have the rest of his time to be able to train with the customers, I handled the whole business myself. Yes, all of it. It was great that he trusted me so much just on my recommendations. And within a couple years the gym was expanding its services (added a tanner and a nutritional supplements corner), and hired more assistants. One big lesson I've learned about business is that people have to know about it! Advertising is so important. Which is why I've been working on my website, http://sites.google.com/site/rtist4hire/ , and getting ready to start advertising to let my community know that my business is here and what it's all about. I do hope to get a regular domain instead of just the google site once I can afford it.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?

I hope the Idea Cafe regulars vote for me because they can see the value of giving meaningful gifts, and they believe I will provide a good service in helping people do this. Thanks everybody!