Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilly Holmes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As every artist you meet will tell you-the crave to create started young and never stopped.
Although my parents pushed hard for me to flourish in academics and sports, what brought me the most “structure” was art. It didn’t matter what it was, I just wanted to make something that once didn’t exist. The feeling was and is…exhilarating.
I had my babies young, and after my first I felt as though I didn’t have time to do things for myself. I would do little projects here and there but not like I had before. I slowly started to get back into painting, and crafting and felt like I had found myself again after having my baby.
I then got pregnant with my second baby! I was so excited but again felt this sense that I would have even less time to do these “hobbies” that bring me immense joy.
I remember very vividly doing my first pop-up market down in Austin. Was it a major success? No. Did I love it? Absolutely.
I sold watercolors, little trinkets and of course my clay magnets!
In January of this year I felt as though I could actually make money and do what I love. It was so exciting. I was gaining popularity on social media and I just beamed at thought of people enjoying what I was creating.
I was due with my second baby in late March. I was working 2 part time jobs, and chasing around my 2 year old. It was perfect timing to start a business!
The original plan was to stay home full time which I was excited to do! Now I stay home and run a small business with my 2 year old and 6 month old. It’s chaotic, wild but honestly the best thing ever.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone would consider any business a smooth road. At some points I feel content, but I still struggle to manage my time. When I talk to people about how better to structure my day they tell me I’m already at max capacity. I find myself working early mornings, late nights, during nap time, while my kids are playing outside, etc. I’m okay with it for now, but I know my stamina will not last!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think the biggest concept that has sets me apart from others is being able to keep up with what is trending and intentionally curate my art to fit the mold . I am always asking myself how I can use popular concepts in my art, because although it’s important to continue to create your own concepts, it’s still a business! I also think because each of my magnets are hand sculpted, painted, and glazed it makes every single piece unique and special to the customer. I really believe that in today age of AI people want to have things that feel intentional and sentimental.
At the same time, I never look at other artist and copy them. I want to make this very clear because I am copied constantly and am not a fan!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
There are so many different levels to risk-taking. I would not consider myself a high risk-taker nor would I advise anyone else to be. For me, I truly believe in starting small and growing with your idea and business. I think this way you can see the flaws on a smaller scale and fix them as you keep elevating your business.
But, have I taken smaller risks? Sure! I’m sure I’ve embarrassed myself a few times on social media, not made my money back at market, things like that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Lillyjaneart
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lillyjanes_artistry?dlrf=dmhtOHB0OHU3dHYy
- Other: _lilly.jane_
