Knowing Your Worth as a Woman Entrepreneur in the Art World

By Startup Canada  |  
A woman paints on a canvas in an art studio. Utilize your creativity in entrepreneurship to optimize your business' potential.

Written by Kendra Dyer and Ralph Jean-Jacques

Running a business in the arts industry can often make you feel like you need to wear two hats: your entrepreneurial hat and your artistic one. However, exploring creativity in entrepreneurship can give you a unique edge in the business market. We want to help you build a strong foundation, so that you can feel confident in your entrepreneurial journey in the arts space. 

According to Statistics Canada, over half of Canadians employed in arts, culture, recreation and sports-related fields are women-identifying. Knowing this, Startup Canada continues to support women entrepreneurs through Startup Women monthly panel discussions and workshops. On April 20th, we discussed the tools available to women in arts as part of our Industry Advisory Circle series. We were joined by Amanda Wilson-Ciocci (Co-Founder of KIAM Studio), Andrea Curtis (Executive Director & Co-Founder of Vancouver Mural Fest), Kate Buote (Programs Manager of Canada’s Music Incubator), and Nathalie Clermont (Executive Vice-President, Content Strategy and Business Development of Canada Media Fund). These industry experts painted a clear picture of the importance of knowing your worth and the key ways to succeed in arts entrepreneurship.

 

A zoom meeting shows six women discussing creativity in entrepreneurship. Text on image reads: "Industry Advisory Circles, Startup Canada, Women in the Arts."

 

Honing your potential and setting boundaries are game-changers

“As a young, professional woman in a very male-dominated industry, I have a hard time asking for money, or asking for anything. That is a challenge I face and that I’m trying to overcome.” — Kate Buote, Programs Manager of Canada’s Music Incubator

Many women-identifying entrepreneurs find it difficult to negotiate, know their worth, and say no to tasks that aren’t serving their business goals. But it is incredibly important to move through that discomfort, to put your foot down at times, and set boundaries in order to recognize your value. 

During the event, our panelist Amanda Wilson-Ciocci, Co-founder of KIAM Studio, provided her top 5 lessons in starting an arts business as a creative entrepreneur:

  • Diversify your business. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! There are so many ways to expand your business. Try offering coaching services, online memberships, or starting a podcast.  
  • Prioritize your email list. Harness the traffic you get on social media and during events, and direct them to a platform where you can build a community of ideal clients. 
  • Word of mouth. A customer will likely buy again from you if they have a positive experience. Think of how you differentiate yourself in the market, and why customers should recommend your business. 
  • Community and collaboration. Be sure to reach out to mentors and peers to get the support you need. As Amanda says, your network is your net worth. 
  • Be careful what you say yes to. You want to follow your joy. This is why you started your business. It’s okay to say no to a project that will drain you. 

“Knowing what you are worth and what your time is worth, and making sure that you are always out there saying, ‘Here is what it costs.’’’ — Andrea Curtis, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Vancouver Mural Fest 

 

Seeking mentorship and collaborating with others are great tools

It’s easy to see art as something personal, that requires only your independent creativity and wits to flourish. But mentors, whether they be industry professionals or your peers, can provide advice, help you navigate the market, and avoid pitfalls. 

Collaborating with others in the arts industry is important as they can help in a plethora of different ways, such as helping you come up with an idea for a new service that you could offer, or some possible revenue streams that you would have otherwise been unaware of. 

We want upcoming women-identifying entrepreneurs in the arts industry to grow their business and build positive relationships to create a thriving community.

“Always seek collaboration.”  — Andrea Curtis, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Vancouver Mural Fest

 

Creativity in entrepreneurship can provide your business with more options

“You are what is unique to your business.”  — Amanda Wilson-Ciocci, Co-Founder of KIAM Studio

Always remember that your business is a representation of you, your core values, and your creativity. Viewing your artistic side as something that needs to be separated from a business mindset can actually limit your potential. Bringing your creative spirit to the table can help you solve problems in unique and unconventional ways.

Honing your imagination and originality as an entrepreneur can also lead to discovering revenue streams that non-creatives may overlook. Integrating both logistical and artistic elements in your work can allow you to navigate the market more effectively, and diversify your business. 

Combine these skills with essential tools on the business side, and this balance will lead to success in the arts industry. Remember that your business needs time and effort for it to grow and flourish. Stay dedicated, creative, and build the business you love. 

“Sustainable businesses are not made in 8 weeks or in a small program, it’s an ongoing process.” — Kate Buote, Programs Manager of Canada’s Music Incubator

Creativity in entrepreneurship should be embraced in all fields and industries—and Canada’s women in art have taught us just that. 

For women-identifying entrepreneurs who are looking to learn more about how to run a business in the arts industry, Amanda Wilson-Ciocci will be hosting a free ‘Business For Artists’ masterclass on Thursday, May 19th.