Tea with Victoria….from Joanouk Fine Art and Prints

Written by Julia Bickerstaff // July 25, 2014 // Daily Juice // No comments

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We’re doing a series of interviews. Today meet Victoria Green! Victoria runs Joanouk Fine Art and Prints. We know Victoria because she’s doing our Healthy Income Program!

Victoria Green of Joanouk

What does your business do?

I create brightly coloured art prints focusing on childrens art and abstract art but I also love photography

Why did you start it?

I was always creative and loved every minute of art school in TAFE but had to quit due to money constraints. After a few years at my current corporate job I was tired of being treated like a child. I still had all my art supplies and just started painting again; the feeling was amazing! I started my online shop a few months after that.

How long have you been in business?

Just over a year.

Joanouk Spaceship

Tell us about a business success you’ve had!

I think having one of my prints be added to the “Australian Art” section on Etsy was kinda amazing. The idea that one of the admins from Etsy thought my print was good was really re-affirming that my passion is liked by others too.

What has running a business taught you about yourself?!

Not to be so shy, and to market myself. I am my number one fan and I had to learn, and am still learning, to show that passion about my business and art to everyone else.

Joanouk Flamingo

What aspect of running your business do you find toughest?

Marketing – finding where my ideal target market hangs out is hard! But slowly I am trying out different methods and getting my name out there.

Which aspect of running your business do you like best?

The creating time (which I need more of!) and the admin – I love doing paperwork and spreadsheets!

What’s your best tip for getting stuff done?

Start with little things that can be done quickly and then you feel there is more time for the longer harder to do stuff.

(Wishful thinking!) I’m giving you $5000 (£2500) to spend only on your business. How will you spend it?

Immediately go out and buy a printer and some lovely paper. I love getting my prints professionally made but it would be more cost effective in the long run for me to print my own prints.

Joanouk Cavalier

What keeps you going when it feels like what you’re trying to accomplish is so far off?

The idea that what I do could make a difference to someone I haven’t met yet. That makes me happy and keeps me creating and striving for my best.

A business book you’d recommend?

The first business book I read was really inspiring – The $100 startup by Chris Guillebeau. Chris says “Imagine that today is your final day of working for anyone other than yourself.” That is my dream and a great book to go back and read.