The Sarah Jane Story: Part 1
September 17, 2010
Photo by Katherine Le Cheminant
Next month is Sarah Jane Studios‘ 3 year anniversary! Now through the end of the month, I will be sharing my personal story of how a simple idea turned into a stay-at-home career in illustration & design
THREE YEARS AGO was an interesting time in my life. I had 2 children, 2 1/2 years old and 1 and 1/2 years old. I was finally sleeping through the night after 2 solid years of nursing and having babies. We were living in a tiny, middle story condo and my husband was in graduate school. Part of me was really tired, and the other part of me was just getting out of the slump of having my babies 12 months apart and I was finding a new energy. I had this incredible urge to start a business from the paintings and the drawings I had been working on that summer. I had recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater, and was ready to put my stage life behind. I have always been an artist, and knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life in my art. I had big ideas, big energy and big hopes, but no money, tactics or direction.
But beyond my burning creative energy, I had a strong motivation to start working with my art to support my husband through school. He is a school teacher, and had just recently decided he wanted to get his master’s degree. It left him with absolutely no time to get a second job, and left me even more convinced that I needed to step in and help out.
Me and by babies the month I opened the shop.
My faith is a huge part of my life. I can’t tell you how many times you’ll find me praying in a day. This art journey of mine is no exception and during this time 3 years ago, I was very prayerful about how to start a business at home without it getting in the way of my two infants. I barely had any time! Addie’s naps were very short and Ian’s were long. They went to bed early so I had some time in the evening, but they were very early risers so it was hard to stay up late. I told God that I needed to start a business to help support my husband through graduate school, but I didn’t want to leave my babies. I also had a dream about making a mark in the children’s industry, but I told him I didn’t know how to even get started. But I started working in that direction, and prayed for a way to make it happen.
One of the first items in my shop 3 years ago
My husband came home from work one night with a clipping from a newspaper he had read that day. He never reads the paper. He prefers the computer. But that day he had read the paper, and saw a clipping about an event specifically for women entrepreneurs who want to start a business. It was the following night and it was only a few miles away. I had no idea in that moment how much I would learn about how to get from the “dream” stage to the “make it happen and really have a business” stage. I was about to embark on a really awesome journey.
The event was perfect. Was it a coincidence that Nancy Cajun spoke on the very topic of “Turning an Idea into a Business?” Was it a coincidence that she was a published author and she spoke about the lifestyle and ropes being an author and illustrator? Was it a coincidence that she talked about protecting your art and holding to copyrights? It was almost too perfect. It was just what I needed to really have the motivation and tools to move forward. But even more than that, I met people that night who could help mentor me, brainstorm, and give me ideas and support.
Goodnight friend: My very first sale.But from here, I learned things like:”Know where you fit in the market, but don’t try to fit in.” “Your business needs to fill a need in the market. Identify it, and fill it.” “Do your homework and know your competition.” Simple business tips like this that allowed me to think beyond my own sketchbook and gave me the motivation to move forward. Someone like me, who had no business training, art education or professional experience in this market, needed to hear these things, and I was so grateful.
I will stop there with my story. There is a lot more to tell. But it’s long, and it’s not fair to ask you to read it all in one sitting. But what I did want to express this morning is how grateful I am this month for the mentors and support I found 3 years ago which ultimately gave me the boost I needed and the contacts I needed to get Sarah Jane Studios from my head into an LLC. I realized how guided I was then, but I see it even more now as I look back. It’s just amazing…all the people and events a long the way that took me, step by step, in the right direction.
Kelly King Anderson, founder of Startup Princess has provided a fantastic network of support, and if you are feeling the need to start a business from your hobby, or if you have already started but need some extra support or inspiration, there is an event next week that will really help you. Sept 23& 24 I’m going to be speaking about building online sales, specifically on ETSY. I’m feeling rather sentimental and hope there are “Sarah Jane’s” out there like I was 3 years ago….driven but needing help and ideas. I know how much these events can help, and I hope to see you there! Register here: www.startupprincess.com/touchpoint and enter in ‘princess’ for $50 off.
I’m going to be writing parts of my story over the next few weeks. It’s a special one to me, and I love looking back to see how I have been so led and guided the whole way.
Happy weekend everyone! And thanks for all your support. It’s been an amazing journey!
25 Comments for this entry
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October 7th, 2010 on 10:07 pm[...] how October is a special month in these parts? It’s the month I started my little shop here, and so this weekend I’m [...]
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The Sarah Jane Story Part II: Finding my Voice « Sarah Jane Studios Blog
November 22nd, 2010 on 12:22 pm[...] I have actually been rather pensive as I’ve looked back on the journey I’ve been on the past 3 years. I had this idea in my head of what I wanted to do (open a shop selling artwork and stationery for [...]
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Thank you for sharing your story. I have followed you blog and have been so inspired by your work. I love to draw as well and I’m working on opening my own Etsy shop, hopefully soon.
I also think that it’s no coincidence that I got to know you and your art. Your story and art are total inspiration to wannabes like me. Keep sharing!
Congrats on such success in just three short years! You’re definitely an inspiration and I hope to follow down that same path. I often feel like I’m the only person (that I know personally) who is building something from scratch in the hopes of being successful one day and will someone please just throw me an instruction booklet instead of me having to google something new on business every day?! It’s part of the journey I suppose. And I also have little ones at home to keep company on that journey. So it’s very helpful to follow someone who’s doing it all – and well
Thanks for sharing your story! You inspire me so much. I can’t wait to read more.
This was wonderful to read. Thanks so much for sharing the first part of your story, Sarah. Everything certainly does happen for a reason, and I am so excited to see just what else God has planned for you in your future~ Keep up the inspiring work!
eyeopener! Thanks for sharing, love your work, still dreaming here….but nog for long…
Thanks for sharing! Very inspiring and it gave me a few things to think about myself. I look forward to reading more.
I’m so glad you started your business!! We have a couple of your prints in Marissa’s bathroom, but also I am mostly glad because you created our beautiful print of Jaime and Marissa together. I will always treasure it!! Thank you!!
I also want to ask you…are you interested in having any of your work in an art gallery? If so, contact me privately. When Marissa had her first opening, the gallery owner saw the two prints I bought from you and asked about who made them. He thought they were cute.
Thank you for sharing your story. You are such a huge inspiration to me! I’ve been following your blog since before you opened your Etsy shop and have been so excited and happy for all the good things happening for you. You truly deserve them.
I wish so desperately that I could go to the conference and meet you. I will have to plan ahead for next year.
I’m an Artist Mom too and I have been seeking God for wisdom in which direction I should go. I am encouraged that He has a path for me too if I will just trust and keep moving forward.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’ve been following your work for a while but it’s so nice to know how an artist starts their own business. Congrats on your 3-year-anniversary!
Your story was just what I needed to read this morning – thank you! Rather late in life, I have this year started my own greeting card business with support from some of my friends. But others are very negative – ‘is it worth the effort?’ – so it’s really inspiring to read about someone who is succeeding in not the easiest of circumstances!
Thanks all of you for your wonderful comments. It’s been good for me to look back and see the events that transpired to get me where I wanted to go. And so glad to hear so many of you are on the same road! I’d love to hear all your stories too:)
Sarah – thanks for sharing your story – I look forward to hearing the rest. Wish I lived closer so I could attend the conference – it looks like a great one!
Sarah,
It is really so encouraging to read your journey and see how you made it work, especially with little ones at home, the fear of treading into the unknown, and going from art-hobby to business venture. Honestly, I find it quite overwhelming at times as I start on this path, and get stuck with fear, and self-doubt. But reading your blog really helps quell my fears and gives me the courage to just go for it and be brave.:) The online community of children’s book illustrators have been sooo helpful with their generous advice and wisdom.
I am so happy for you and your family for the success you have achieved thru your hard work and strength! I look forward to reading your next posts on your “start-up” story. Wow, in 3 years you’ve really achieved alot! From one mommy to another, I send you a big hug of congratulations! You are a multi-tasker extrodinaire!! And such an inspiration!!!
I loved reading about how you began your business. It is reassuring to read how your faith and prayers lead you just the right places and people. : )
Thank you for sharing!
THank you Sarah for your blog . It’s very conforting to read your story and gives me hope tonight ….
Looking forward to reading you again !
xo
Thanks for sharing… I love…love…love your work!
)
I’ve been following your blog from Brazil and here i intend to open my own bussiness.
Congratulations for your blog, work, stories….
Your story (i’m waiting for the rest…) gave me the courage that I need!
Ohhhhh, Sarah!
You write exactly of what I need to read.
I SO wish I could go to that conference and hear you speak!!
You are a true inspiration to me!!
many many hugs with lots of love from Brazil!
Amazing story by an amazing woman! It’s been a blast knowing you Sarah!
Sarah,
I signed up for the conference two months ago mostly because I saw your name as one of the speakers! I’m so excited to meet you in person and to learn from you.
You have been so inspiring to me. I look forward to meeting face to face on Friday!
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of it.
Isn’t it SO important to prayerfully consider our next step? That’s where my husband and I are at right now (for anyone reading this- we could use some prayers)… and I know He will be faithful, but oh! sometimes I get impatient!
Thank you again for the story, the encouragement, and the reminders.
Sarah,
Thank you for sharing your story. It is so inspiring to me. I too am at home with my kiddos 3 and 6. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body, but I have some children’s stories rattling around in my head. I hope to write them down someday soon. As they have been formulating (for the last several years) it is your sweet pictures that I imagine with my words. They are so sweet, simple and innocent.
Thank you!
Oh Sarah, i would have love to come to touchpoint, I think I need to come to it next year to network, and to get inspired about how to run a better business. You are inspiring, and I know by faith that God work’s in mysterious ways to lead you in the direction where you need to be as an artist. I know we share the same beliefs and I am excited for your journey. It’s fun to see how you get inspired as well. HUGS!
Thank you Sarah. I feel very inspired by your energy & drive to reach out, or draw from deep within, to get what you Love & need. It is beautiful to read about stories of faith. Thanks kindly, Katie Jane.
P.S We share a second name!
[...] how October is a special month in these parts? It’s the month I started my little shop here, and so this weekend I’m [...]
[...] I have actually been rather pensive as I’ve looked back on the journey I’ve been on the past 3 years. I had this idea in my head of what I wanted to do (open a shop selling artwork and stationery for [...]
Dear Sarah and Team,
You are an inspiration to me and my wife. She is a budding ‘Sarah Jane Studios’ like you said, but we are just missing the know-how to get up and running. Following your blog and posts all help fuel the hard moments and get things rolling. Thanks for the tips about startup princess. I’ll be checking it out. (even if this is like two whole years after you wrote this post…)