We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Catherine Hallam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Catherine, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I developed my work ethic very young, I was always interested in business and entrepreneurship. From running yard sales in my front yard at age 9 to babysitting starting at age 11. I have never really stopped working whether it was in school or everyday life. I was fortunate to be raised by two very industrious, hardworking, creative, adventurous parents who always had a project on the go and weren’t afraid of a good challenge. I always had a part-time job throughout high school and while in university. It was through these part time jobs I worked with many adults who were new immigrants trying to build accreditation in their field in this new country and trying to make ends meet. They inspired to work hard at whatever you do.
I followed my passions and went through art school, took business courses along the way and an education degree. I thrived on keeping busy and work helped me forge an independent spirit. I taught for almost 20 years from Canada, to Uganda to China. In 2019 after returning to teaching after having my second child at 43, I was ready for change. I was ready to harness my entrepreneurial spirit and work with my small community of artists and free spirits. Gabriola Island is fueled by a passion for nature, alternative thinking, small business and the Arts. I wrote the business plan I had stopped and started for many years, starting looking for suitable commercial spaces and never looked back. I opened Free Spirit Gallery & Shop in November 2021 and the business has both evolved and expanded over this period. I expanded my space in the Fall of 2023 to include a dedicated art supply shop, a much needed resource on our tiny island of artists. Our sales have continued to grow as well as our loyal client base. We are deeply rooted in our community, supporting many local charitable auctions, non-profit organizations and fundraisers.
I represent over 60 local artists and artisans from across Gabriola Island and BC. I curate a diverse selected of contemporary artists from emerging to established. We are an inclusive gallery and take pride in representing indigenous, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ artists.
In 2022 I was nominated and won Best New Business award by my community and the Gabriola Chamber of Commerce. I have been an active board director at the Chamber for over a year. Bringing a voice to both the Local Arts Community and Retail Businesses.
The challenges of being a mother of young children, a business woman, a partner, in a tenuous economy are immense but the rewards of supporting the creative community and the joys of looking forward to being in this space everyday meeting artists and clients are endless. Learning to balance and harness all the skills I’ve built over the years in the arts and business makes me realize I’m where I’m supposed to be.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Gallerist on Gabriola Island, BC. I started Free Spirit Gallery & Shop in November 2021. I aim to create a art space that is warm, welcoming, inclusive and in tune with my local community needs and wants. Alongside the main gallery and shop space I curate feature solo and group exhibitions every 3-4 weeks. I also organize regular artist talk with feature artists. I represent over 60 diverse artists and artisans from across Gabriola Island and BC. With a permanent population of just over 4000 people, Gabriola has the 5th highest density of working artists in Canada. We are dubbed “The Isle of the Arts.” I studied art and design at NSCAD University in Halifax and Fashion Marketing at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and Art Education at University of British Columbia.
I established my gallery in the main village to be accessible and reach the both local, and tourist community. It is a small but mighty space where I carefully curate every square inch. Creating a personal, warm, knowledgable, positive, professional, welcoming, bright environment for enjoying art means clients leave with a positive experience every time. Keeping the art on the walls and shelves fresh, current and reflective of my values and those of the community of Gabriola. Seeking out art that is local, handmade, sustainable and high quality. Many of the artists use sustainable packaging, salvaged local wood and other plant based materials. The gulf islands are unique ecosystems and by supplying locally as much as possible I avoid shipping great distances, excess packaging, and forging personal relationships with many artists. The value of Arts education is still at the forefront of every thing I do.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Determination: Stay focused on your goals and dreams. Being fiercely independent and determined has helped build my confidence and business.
Risk-taker: Many people said the risk of starting an art business was too risky in this economic climate. I have always believed nothing ventured nothing gained. I had a different vision for a model that I had not seen on our island.
Embrace change: Be ready to pivot when you feel like your path is stagnant and comfortable, chase challenges and adventure. Being in tune with your mind and body when you know you need to grow.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge for me at this point in my business is learning to seek help in areas that are not my strengths. Delegating tasks and maintaining balance in work and personal like. It is easy for lines to become blurred especially i a small community. Both parts feed each other and need to be nurtured. I have talked to successful business owners and there is there advice is do this sooner rather than later. It’s helpful to bring in other perspectives and skills especially when you are a small business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.freespiritstudio.ca
- Instagram: @free_spiritgallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freespiritstudiogabriolaisland/
Image Credits
Photo of me is by: Stephanie Artuso @s_artuso
