The Early Days: Juggling Multiple Roles

The Early Days: Juggling Multiple Roles

Before I became a full-time artist, I was a hairstylist and salon owner for 15 years. I loved my work, and I had a steady stream of clients. But deep down, I knew there was more for me—more creativity, more freedom, and more of a chance to express who I really was. However, like many of you, I had responsibilities. I’m a mother of four, and finding time to pursue my art while managing my family and business felt like an impossible task.

But here’s what I learned: you don’t have to do everything at once. I started small, creating art in the evenings or on weekends, bit by bit. I focused on nurturing my passion without feeling like I had to go "all in" right away. Slowly but surely, I began to see where this could lead me.

Making the Leap

When the pandemic hit, it forced me to slow down and reassess. My salons closed, and I suddenly had time on my hands—time I hadn’t had in years. I took it as a sign. Maybe this was the perfect opportunity to dive into my art full-time. I had always wanted to, but life had always gotten in the way. Now, life was telling me to go for it. So, I did.

I began selling art prints online, and to my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. It gave me the confidence to pursue more—commissions, collaborations, and eventually full-time artistry. There was no road map, but I had a vision. I knew what I wanted my art to represent and how I wanted it to make people feel. That vision became my guiding light through the uncertainty.

Finding Your North Star

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to have everything figured out when you start. You don’t need to know all the answers. What you need is a vision—a clear sense of why you’re doing what you’re doing and who you want to serve. For me, it was creating art that empowered and inspired others. That “why” carried me through the rough patches when things felt impossible.

So, ask yourself: What’s your "North Star"? What’s your vision for your business or creative work? Once you lock into that, everything else will start to fall into place.

Balancing Dreams with Reality

Being a mother and an artist isn’t always easy. There are days when I feel like I’m being pulled in a thousand different directions. But over time, I’ve learned the importance of boundaries and self-care. Balance doesn’t mean everything is perfect—it means you’re doing what works best for you in each season.

It’s okay to ask for help, to take a step back when needed, and to prioritize what truly matters. Don’t let the pressure to be perfect hold you back. Just start, even if it’s messy or imperfect.

Starting my art business wasn’t a smooth ride—it was full of challenges, doubts, and moments when I wasn’t sure how to move forward. But I wouldn’t change a thing. The journey has shaped me, both as an artist and as a person. And I’m here to tell you that if I can do it, you can too.

No matter where you are on your journey, remember this: You’ve got this. You don’t need to have all the answers right now. All you need is the courage to start. Your dreams are worth pursuing, and your vision can become your reality.

What’s your vision for your creative business? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! If this post resonated with you, be sure to subscribe for more insights and inspiration on how to build a business you love, one step at a time.

Ready to dive in? Check out my first post: [The Beginning of Becoming Boss]https://shauntelewis.com/blog/blog-post-title-one-9cy4k