We recently connected with Sladjana Ahmetovic and have shared our conversation below.
Sladjana, 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?
This is a great question! Being a child who migrated to America, I grew up watching my parents find creative ways to feed us. I am the youngest of 5. We had to adapt to a culture that was unknown to us, a new language and everything that comes with that transition.
Most immigrants would agree that we want to grab every opportunity that we may not otherwise have. Because my parents had to rebuild, we were always feeling like we had to catch up to make it. I knew at a young age that if I wanted to live my dreams I had to support them myself. I started working at 15. Through my work experience I managed other small business’, which helped me in starting my own small business. I am a dreamer trying to fulfill my life with my purpose.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Thank you so much for the interest in my story and wanting to share it!
My name is Sladjana. Originally, I’m from Bosnia. When my family & I migrated back in 1997, we were refugees. I think our perspectives in life are dictated by our experiences and environments we come from.
I always was eager to learn new things. It only took me about 3 months to learn enough English to help my parents translate.
Pretty Dope Paintings is a mobile art studio that hosts guided art classes. We customize the class based off the customers needs (Birthday parties, kids events, girls night, baby shower.) We bring the studio to you, and guide a concept of your choice for your event.
We are the home of the Puff&Paint, meaning the participants can elevate their experience by bringing their own bud. For those that aren’t hosting private events, we offer a monthly recreational class in Mesa and Glendale. Check our “Class Calendar” section of the website (www.prettydopepaintings) for the next available open class. Or contact us for more info on bringing the studio to you!
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?
The thing about being an entrepreneur is that we have to wear many hats. The skills have to be diversified in order to succeed. To narrow it down to a few : resilience, consistency, faith.
Even if you don’t know something you have to learn it. Being a problem solver is a must! Finding creative ways to shift through different transitions of the business. Consistency is key, staying true to your word and having faith in yourself. It’s ok to not know something, it’s not ok to not try & learn it.
You have to keep showing up, you have to keep planting seeds. Keep dreaming, and keep working hard. Working with people that have the same business morals as you, and the ones that respect their reputation.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I love this question. There are a few people I value and respect that I go to for my business/life needs. I will not name them here but they know who they are. However, I will describe what ways they have helped.
When a challenge arises for me, I am not looking for someone to agree with me. I’m looking for all perspective I may not be seeing. I go to people who will be honest with me and not try to sugar coat stuff.
In order to grow; you must be accepting of peoples outlook. Real growth comes from applying the knowledge you gain by evaluating yourself. I also like to go to the ones who can relate to my scenario.
It is essential that we are open to constructive criticism and reevaluating what we think we know. Because we are forever students in this life….
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.prettydopepaintings.com
- Instagram: @prettydopepaintings
- Facebook: /prettydopepaintings
