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I am 29 years old and live in Bedfordshire, UK. I create original artwork on thin sheet metal using automotive paints which has a huge range of products available. The paint is UV resistant and designed for custom show cars which makes my work unique. The colour, depth and detailed intricacy comes to life under bright light. I also make sculptures and furniture out of various recycled parts and automotive products.
1. What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I tried to start a charity when I was 19 years old and quickly realised how much money and how many sponsors you need to be able to make a difference. My long term goal is to run a successful business to enable me to be able to start helping people globally who still do not have access to the fundamental basics of living such as clean water, food or education.
2. Tell us about your business.
I produce original, completely bespoke and custom artwork using automotive paints and products on thin sheet metal. I also make sculptures and furniture out of various recycled parts and automotive products. You can find examples of my work on my website https://www.clairewoolhead.com/ or on my social media pages https://www.instagram.com/clairewoolhead.art/ and https://www.facebook.com/clairewoolhead.art/ .
3. Where is your business based?
I have a studio and automotive spraybooth that is located in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
4. What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I starting selling my work locally first of all whilst making a website, business cards and the necessary marketing basics. I then individually researched 6000 companies across 13 industry sectors and have done a range of business development such as telemarketing, appointment setting, art fairs and email campaigns.
5. What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I did an exhibition at The International Spring Fair at The NEC in Birmingham which was a great success. There has been a very positive response from my work when I am able to show in person how responsive, reflective and truly unique the medium I work with is.
All my pieces are individually laser cut as well so being able to cater for unusual shapes and sizes has also been something to make my work stand out.
6. What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I had two businesses until November 2021, 72 Customs a classic restoration and custom paintwork business for cars and motorbikes as well as Claire Woolhead Art my current company. There was a huge fire that broke out in the roof then causing my beloved unit to burn for hours destroying everything I had invested over the last 8 years.
7. How did you overcome these challenges?
It was incredibly challenging to overcome, I also didn’t know the insurance had been cancelled about a week before the fire so I financially lost tens of thousands and gained debt for money that I had never borrowed. A positive mindset is absolutely key and sometimes in life the only solace can be that change is an absolute guarantee. Hard work and a tenacious mindset will change your variables and environment, just keep going and believe that things will evolve.
8. What is the best advice you have received recently?
I recently became good friends with Vivian ‘The Dutch Pin Up’ who runs a successful pin up photography business in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She reminded me how important is to set our own boundaries and expectations and sometimes we can get lost in trying to accommodate our clients needs, especially if their requirements change through out the project.
9. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Be kind to yourself on the hard days and remember that every fall only makes the days you win even more satisfying. Perseverance is essential.
10. What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am currently learning about the world of NFTs and am looking to branch off a separate side to the company. It would be a way for me to make money from my work without producing lots of original pieces with the overhead product cost.
11. What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I am currently updating my website so I will have an international shop for the end user to be able to buy from me direct as well as from the multiple galleries that I am collaborating with across the UK. I am also researching which art fairs may be best to attend later this year.
12. What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I think it depends on the industry that you’re looking to target however face to face sales has always proved one of the quickest ways to establish new connections and business relationships.
13. What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
- Facebook: @clairewoolhead.art
- Instagram: @clairewoolhead.art
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