I live and work in Accra, Ghana as a visual artist. I work with oils, acrylic, pastel and digital mediums of art. My journey started when I got inspired as a little boy by an older friend who was always drawing. I gradually realized that art was my true path. As I grew older I explored various fields in design and art. Then gradually I realized the need after much study to be unique and represent my identity and the diverse black culture re: my art both digitally and traditionally. Art is not really about trying to please a specific category of people, it's about finding yourself as an artist and expressing it in the best way you can. The right people will be drawn to your uniqueness and would want to pay money for it.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
Everything around me was a big hurdle, friends, family etc. If you want to start something great and unique you should understand that as an entrepreneur, you’re still held accountable but instead of answering to the boss (you), you have to answer to employees and customers. One way to handle this hurdle is to surround yourself with responsible employees that can help take on some of this stress and handle customers when your patience wears thin.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
Currently I am reading Sapiens a brief history of humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. I have read books such as Mastery, 50th Law and 48 laws of power all by Robert Greene. I also read The subtle art of not giving a fuck by Mark Manson. I think they are great for entrepreneurs.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
Yes I dealt with contention from my family and some friends. I just saw them as people who didn’t really understand what iI wanted to achieve but I don’t blame them. We are all different, I ignored them and went on with my plans anyway.
In hindsight I will do the same thing.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
I think the single most influential factor is relentlessness.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
I think everything came at the right time. I learn as I move forward. The idea is based on a Japanese concept known as Kaizen
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
My advice is this. When you realize what you want to do, be relentless and patient.
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