101010 Project: Jan Avellana

Jan Avellana

Etsy shop: http://www.hazelnutcottage.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.hazelnutcottage.typepad.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/hazelnutcottage
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hazelnutcottage

Jan Avellana is a mixed-media artist with a passion for art making, books, deep conversations, and seaside adventures with her three favorite men (ages 5, 8 and 42). Jan spent the better part of her adult life trying very hard to be a grown-up with a traditional job. The birth of her two sons released her to follow her heart and reclaim the artist she has always been. In 2007, Jan created a line of silver hand stamped jewelry under the Hazelnut Cottage brand. Today, she revels in mixed-media messes, making heartfelt connections with others through art and words.

In print, you can find jan in “The Pulse of Mixed Media”, “Inside the Creative Studio”, “Artful Blogging, Winter 2011” and “ClothPaperScissors Studios”. In life, you can find her immersed in the studio or at the beach (with paint in her hair).

Success in business is defined as….
Hmmm…I’d say, that I define “success in business” as reaching your financial goals in a way that comfortably sustains the business, while engaging in meaningful work that is aligned with your personal values and goals. “Success in business” also means growing your business at a rate that allows you to maintain your sanity and avoids burnout. As indie artists, so many times we wear all of the hats and play all of the important business roles from accountant, to marketing specialist to artist, so having a successful business also means having enough down time to just be a normal human-being instead of having to work around the clock to get it all done.

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101010 Project: Sonya McCllough

Sonya McCllough

http://www.sonyamacdesigns.com
https://www.facebook.com/sonyamacdesigns
https://twitter.com/#!/sonyamacdesigns
http://www.youtube.com/user/sonyamacdesigns

Years in Business = 12

Brief Bio:
I’m this crazy JESUS loving creative … with 2 children living smack in the middle of Tennessee. The seeds of my creativity were watered with knitting needles, yarn and nine kittens on a rock covered patio in the mid sixties. Today, we hold the fort down with a few less kittens (3) … and thankfully my creative edge remains in tact. I’m often inspired by some odd ball stuff & compelled to create by the sweet whispers of the HOLY Spirit. An idea generator am I. Creative collaboration is a sweet spot with me and many have locked creative hands with me to work on projects like The Bond & Respond Quilt project of 2010, Inspired Studios Magazine & The Creative Biz Marathon. My service to HIM in the body of the church currently is that of Women’s Ministry Coordinator, Southeast Baptist Church Murfreesboro TN.

Success in business is defined as ….
Success in business to me is defined as my life (offline & online) & my business both reflect a single objective. Which is to inspire others with words & images.

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101010 Project: Jean Simrose

Jean Simrose

Blog: www.jeansimrose.typepad.com
Etsy shop: www.jeansimrose.etsy.com

Brief Bio:
I was born and raised in Canada in a very creative family. We were encouraged to work with our hands and pursue creative hobbies. My sisters and I were taught to sew, knit and crochet at a young age. I liked to design clothes and jewelry to go with them.

My careers were varied and diverse. I was a hairdresser. I worked as an administrative assistant for an oil company while my two sons were growing up. After they moved out on their own I went back to university and became a social worker. I worked with people with disabilities and mental illnesses for many years. Art and crafts became therapy and a way to connect with my clients. I facilitated support groups and encouraged my clients’ creativity and skills as well as developing my own.

In 2005 I remarried and moved to the Seattle area. I took a Silversmithing course offered at a local college. I made jewelry as gifts for family and friends and as I learned new techniques my inventory increased. I started my blog and an on-line Etsy shop in 2009. Since then I have enjoyed participating in art and craft fairs in the U.S. and Canada. I love connecting with new people and expanding my knowledge of this very diverse craft.

I hope people enjoy my jewelry as much as I enjoy making it.

Success in business is defined as….
Success in business for me is being financially secure while I’m doing something I love. I need to feel like I’m appreciated and that I inspire others. Art and crafts have always been a way for me to connect with people. When I worked as a mental health social worker I facilitated a support group for my clients to teach them ways to relax. I taught them different art projects; I watched them express themselves creatively and become passionate about something. It gave me a sense of accomplishment in my work. Unfortunately working in the mental health field is very stressful in other ways and causes a lot of social workers to “burn out”. Before I did that I decided to pursue other avenues to get what I needed to feel successful. I want to be sought after for my jewelry, to be respected in the industry and be inspired and feel fulfilled by my work. I also need to feel as though I am contributing in some small way and teaching other helps me to do that. I have a long way to go to accomplish my goals but I’m enjoying the journey!

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101010 Project: Alease M. McClenningham

Alease M. McClenningham

Name of Business: The School of Creative Business

Blog: www.schoolofcreativebusiness
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AleaseMichelle
Twitter: @Alease Michelle

Years in business: 4

Brief Bio:
As an expert, Alease lends knowledge to the press, editorials and serves as a subject-matter expert. She is a sought-after presenter in the areas of creative marketing, personal image, branding and fashion.
As a professor, Alease is committed to her student’s education, furthering their exposure and considers their success a direct reflection of herself.
As a mixed-media artist, Alease participated in several exhibitions. Wishing to market her artistic endeavors, she found little advice available. This, coupled with her passion for education – she tracked her online marketing & branding journey and founded The School of Creative Business.

Current Projects:
On a 12 Week Sabbatical
(video updates) https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150720851787080&saved#!/video/?id=818177079

101 Free Resources to Grow Your Creative Business

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150720851787080&saved#!/SchoolofCreativeBusiness/app_197602066931325

Creative Entrepreneurs of the Month Interviews

http://aleasemichelle.typepad.com/my_weblog/creative-entrepreneur-interviews/

Starting Points for Creative Entrepreneurs webinars

http://www.anymeeting.com/AMStudio

Success in business is defined as….
A business that showcases your true love. And you are happy working, managing and growing the business.

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101010 Project: Kelly Thiel

Kelly Thiel

Name of Business: Kelly Thiel Studio

Website: kellythielstudio.com
Blog: kellythielpottery.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/kellyTpottery
Facebook: facebook.com/KellyThielSculpture

Years in Business: 10

Brief Bio:
An artist and a mother of two young girls, Kelly Thiel lives in South Carolina, USA creating award-winning clay and bronze sculptures, as well as doing art journaling and mixed media paintings. She just finished building a new studio at her home, and is dying to log some real hours in there! Kelly is doing her best to live life to the fullest and enjoy each day, with her art and her family.

Success in Business is defined as…..
I’ve recently been able to narrow down my definition of success a bit more. It used to be something akin to “Make Cool Stuff”. Not so much anymore. Now that I have two young daughters, I am interested in generating income to use for the education of these two girls. I have recently decided that I will be “successful” if I can do several things: Generate enough money with my art for the ‘education fund’, exhibit with a certain caliber of galleries, and receive some peer recognition. The thought of these things keeps me awake some nights. But I think that's a good thing

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