Trying to Make It as an Independent Artist & Small Business Owner

Trying to make it as an independent artist and small business owner is a journey of both heart and hustle. It’s a life fueled by passion, perseverance, and a deep belief that creativity can make a difference even when the road feels uncertain.

Every day brings a mix of art and entrepreneurship. One moment you’re blending colors and following intuition, the next you’re updating your website, answering emails, or packing orders with love and care. You wear every hat; creator, photographer, marketer, bookkeeper, and somehow keep finding new ways to keep your dream alive.

The Creative Heartbeat

Art is the heartbeat of it all. It’s what keeps you grounded when sales are slow and lifts you when doubt creeps in. Creating from the soul means putting your truth into color and texture, knowing not everyone will understand it but trusting that the right people will.

That trust is what carries you through, knowing that someone out there might need exactly what you’ve made: a painting that reminds them of hope, a pendant that speaks to healing, a poem that says, you’re not alone.

The Business Reality

Behind every piece of art is the unseen work the long nights spent photographing, writing, planning, and learning how to grow without losing yourself. It’s not just about making art; it’s about building something sustainable. You become your own team, your own support system, and your own motivator.

There’s no roadmap for this kind of journey. Some days, you wonder if it’s working. Other days, you feel the magic; when a customer’s words remind you why you started, or when a small win reminds you that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.

The Why That Keeps Us Going

At the heart of it all, there’s love; love for the process, the people, and the purpose behind every creation. Being an independent artist and small business owner means showing up with courage every day, even when it’s hard.

Because the world needs more of that; more color, more meaning, more heart. And if you keep creating from that place, somehow, you are making it.

💛 Author’s Note

I’m Alisa Marie; an encaustic artist, designer, and intuitive color guide based in New Hampshire. Every piece I create is a reflection of resilience, healing, and the power of color to uplift and connect us.

If this message resonates with you, I’d love to stay connected. You can visit my studio at Lane House Arts Center in Hampton, NH and explore my collections online at artbyalisamarie.com, or join my email list for uplifting art, color energy insights, and creative inspiration.

Together, we can keep making the world a little brighter one heartfelt piece at a time. 🌈✨