Episode 14: Tisha Taylor, Professional Artist/Painter

What can folks who are looking to start their own business do to be more prepared to get started? How important is it to network as an artist? Tisha Taylor wants to share her story to encourage others to start their business. She says of participating in an entrepreneurship class, “There’s nothing like getting more organized..and being around other people that are doing the same thing. That’s number one. And 2, figuring out what you’re doing wrong and what you can fix, it’s helpful.” Prior to becoming a full time artist, Tisha had been balancing another full time job and painting “in secret” until she decided it was time to lean into her business. 

I hear so often that recent graduates have a hard time earning the job they want because of limited experience. That didn’t slow down Tisha. She saw the opportunity to earn money as a face painter, and spent time face painting for free until she had the experience to earn a job with an established artist. Applying that to other industries, if you need experience for your ideal job after graduation, pursuing internships and apprenticeships, and volunteering are a great place to start.

 This episode was a lot of fun to record, and I’m so grateful Tisha was willing to join me and share her story. This experience has taught me that opportunity to be inspired is everywhere--it’s in the people you meet on the street and it’s in artwork everywhere. Please thank your small business artists for sharing their talents!

A few references you may be interested in reading more about:

• Taylored Faces & Balloons, https://www.tayloredfacesphilly.com/
• The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, https://capa.philasd.org/
• Moore College of Art & Design, https://moore.edu/
• Power Up Your Business, program through Community College of Philadelphia, https://www.ccp.edu/business-and-industry/power-your-business
• Germantown ArtHause, https://gtownarthaus.com/
• Eric Weinstein, Live Balloons Party Entertainment, https://www.liveballoons.com/

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