Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gulsum Keskinoglu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gulsum, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from a belief that even in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope. I trust my instincts and believe that no matter the challenges I face, there is a brighter future ahead. I have faith that every ending is just a new beginning, and the best is yet to come.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an artist and small business owner in Williamsburg. I came to New York 10 years ago to learn English, and I decided to continue pursuing my art career here. It has been a challenging journey that took me 9 years to get to where I am today.
About a year ago, I opened my storefront studio in Williamsburg, which has been an amazing experience filled with both excitement and challenges. As an artist-owned business, I also open my doors to other artists who are in need of studio space. All they have to do is bring their art tools. Every month or every two weeks, I organize group art shows and workshops, providing opportunities for other small businesses in need of a space. I ensure that the charging fees are fair for what is being offered.
I have some exciting events coming up. On February 16th, I will be hosting a Valentine’s Day show, and in honor of International Women’s Day, I have two shows planned. One is exclusively for women artists and the other is open to everyone. It’s been incredible to see the support and interest from so many people who want to celebrate women, and it inspired me to open another show to accommodate everyone.
Overall, I am passionate about fostering a creative community and supporting fellow artists. Through my art and my business, I strive to create opportunities for others and contribute to the vibrant art scene in Williamsburg. I am grateful for the journey I’ve been on so far and excited to see what the future holds for me and my art business.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my career as an artist and small business owner:
1. Perseverance: The art world can be competitive and challenging, and there were times when I faced rejection or felt discouraged. However, my perseverance and resilience were crucial in pushing through those tough moments. My advice to those early in their journey is to develop a mindset of perseverance. Recognize that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the process and use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with a supportive network and believe in yourself and your abilities.
2. Creativity and Innovation: As an artist, having a strong sense of creativity and constantly seeking new ideas and perspectives has been key to standing out and evolving in my career. In a saturated market, it is important to find your unique voice and create something that resonates with your audience. To develop and improve on these qualities, I recommend regularly engaging in creative exercises and exploring different art forms. Surround yourself with diverse influences, visit art galleries and museums, read books, and attend workshops to broaden your creative horizons. And do not give up!
3. Business and Marketing Skills: Running a small business requires more than just artistic talent. It is important to develop business and marketing skills to effectively promote and sell your art. Understanding the basics of pricing, budgeting, and financial management is crucial for long-term success. Additionally, learning how to market yourself and your brand through social media, networking events, and collaborations can significantly impact your visibility and reach. My advice for those starting out is to invest time in learning about the business side of your chosen field. Take courses, seek mentorship, and stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
In conclusion, perseverance, creativity and innovation, and business and marketing skills have been instrumental in my journey as an artist and small business owner. I encourage those starting out to cultivate these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge through continuous learning, practice, and a passion for growth. Embrace challenges, nurture your creativity, and develop a holistic understanding of your craft to build a successful and fulfilling career. (And I am still working on process them all)
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Opening a new business and having an actual physical space requires immense courage, and I mustered up that courage to take my first step and bring my vision to life. The journey, however, has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with challenges and obstacles.
When I stumbled upon the space I eventually chose, I instantly fell in love with it. It spoke to me in ways I cannot fully explain. With my own two hands, I meticulously transformed every corner, pouring my heart and soul into creating something truly remarkable. I believed that with such a beautiful creation, I would have a bustling business every day.
But reality struck hard. It turns out that being a new space in the neighborhood brings its own set of challenges. People are curious about what’s new, but not everyone ventures inside. Some are hesitant, accustomed to seeing a different business in this spot. And so, the dream of constant foot traffic and enthusiastic customers quickly faded.
It is in this struggle that I find myself, constantly striving to keep the doors open and the dream alive. I have learned to adapt, to think outside the box, to find unique ways to draw people in. Marketing efforts have become a crucial part of my daily routine, as I seek ways to connect with the local community and spread the word about my business. I offer incentives, create engaging experiences, and actively seek feedback from customers to make improvements based on their preferences.
It is through sheer perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the beauty and value of what I have created, that I stay committed to this journey. I understand that building a loyal customer base takes time and effort. I am determined to build relationships, foster connections, and create an oasis that people come back to, time and time again.
Opening this business and keeping it alive has pushed me to my limits, but it has also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and determination. It is not an easy path, but I am driven by the passion and love I have for what I do. I am an artist of my own entrepreneurial dreams, constantly evolving and growing, finding strength in every challenge faced.
In the end, it is the belief in my vision, the dedication to my craft, and the unwavering commitment to serve my community that keeps me going. And with each passing day, I continue to learn, to adapt, and to conquer the hurdles that come my way. And as the journey unfolds, I am confident that my business will thrive, as a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of creating something truly remarkable with my own hands.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.awitanewyork.com
- Instagram: @awitanewyork / @awomaninthearts
Image Credits
Hideki Aono
