Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Ruiz.
Hi Lori, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my art journey a little over four years ago. I devoured podcasts on how to make it in the creative business industry. I started selling my art at little markets all throughout Austin and eventually ended up doing a solo show at Nina Berenato’s shop in the Domain.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Progress has been quiet and slow. My biggest struggle has been finding my voice creatively and sticking to a niche. When you’re an artist, you want to do EVERYTHING but doing everything does not make much sense if you’re trying to run a business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I make western art for the American feminist. I paint wildlife but with a modern/ feminine flair. My art is designed to inspire and empower women and connect them with nature. I was highly influenced by Glennon Doyle’s book, Untamed.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes! As an entrepreneur, it is so important to have a local network as well as a social network. Through the ebbs and flows of the pandemic, my sales would shift from online to in-person. I think investing in both of those communities helped me stay afloat during those super uncertain days. When my local community was struggling or canceling events, the online community stepped up and supported me and vice versa.
Contact Info:
- Email: loriruizwatercolor@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.loriruizwatercolor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriruizwatercolor/
Image Credits
Kimberly Crist Annmarie Beach
