We recently connected with Ariel Panowicz and have shared our conversation below.
Ariel, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
This is a really important question for me. For so many years, I felt that because I was a short woman with bright red hair and tattoos that I would never be able to be seen as a serious business woman in certain rooms. I constantly felt this voice inside my head telling me I needed to fit into a certain box if I were ever going to be successful or taken seriously. Well, turns out, that mindset isn’t really for me. As soon as I embraced the seemingly different parts of me, the sooner I realized that not everyone is for me and that’s ok. The sooner you begin living your truth and being your authentic self, the sooner you will find your people and the sooner they will find you. Instead of trying to mold myself and my businesses into what I *think* people want to see, I have found the most doors open to me by being a kind hearted human who works hard to provide an authentic, intentional experience. In the end, I think that’s what people want most.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I began my photography business about 14 years ago. My work lives in a rich, colorful land of vibrant people and places. I try and create authentic moments in unlikely spots as I believe you can find beauty anywhere if you shift your perception on things a wee bit!
I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot over the last 14 years. Throughout my travels, I would always come upon these really amazing spaces. Funky, colorful, bright, happy creative spaces, made by creatives. Where people could come together and create beautiful work and connections. I would always find myself wondering why we didn’t anything like that in my hometown, Omaha.
After years of wishing a space like that existed, I thought, well, I’ll give it a try!
So, I did just that. I started setting up meetings with anyone I thought could be a good contact for me to have. I simply told them my dream and asked for any advice, input or connections they would be willing to share with me.
4 years after looking for the perfect space, I was approached by someone who heard I was on the hunt and had a spot they wanted to show me. I was instantly in love. It was the one, so we went for it.
The buildout of Luli Creative House began! After mocking up roughly 87 different versions of my dream space, questioning myself and if I knew what I was doing every single second of every single day, the buildout and furniture ordering began.
I learned one thing at a time. I knew nothing about taking out a loan. I knew nothing about looking at space or working with a commercial realtor. I knew nothing about building a business plan or doing projections. I knew nothing about cabinets and flooring. I knew nothing about working with contractors. I knew nothing about engineering and lighting and specs.
I knew nothing when I started this project, but slowly along the way, I learned. I googled and I asked questions and trusted myself.
October 1st, 2022, Luli opened its doors to the public. With an emphasis on giving back and community support, a big part of Luli’s mission is to support local organizations through fundraising at each of our events. I’m so grateful to have a space where the community can gather and celebrate each other through photoshoots, celebrations, team meetings, fundraisers, workshops and more. We get to help people celebrate happy moments in their lives. What a dream.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Perseverance. It’s really easy to give up when you’re told no. Not everyone will understand your vision, but ultimately, the only person that needs to believe in you, is you. Have tunnel vision with your dream and your goals, don’t get distracted and keep going.
Trust. Man, it’s really easy to feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. Constantly riding the line of believing in yourself and feeling totally lost. I think that’s just what small business is, though. Choosing to trust yourself even in the times where it feels impossible.
Community. Lean on your community. Know there is so much power in talking with others, asking for insight, sharing your vision and hearing from them. Meet with everyone you can and learn everything you can about the community you are trying to have a business in. I truly believe if you love on your community, they will love you back.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I think as a small business owner, you pretty much feel some sort of overwhelming emotion on the daily. The best advice I have is to take a few deep breaths and remind yourself you’ve overcome challenges before and you will overcome them again. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget the power in reminding yourself of all you’ve overcome to get to this point. Take a look in the mirror and know that you are capable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lulicreativehouse.com / www.arielpanowicz.com
- Instagram: @arielpanowicz / @lulicreativehouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lulicreativehouse
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/luli-creative-house-omaha
Image Credits
All images taken by me, Ariel Panowicz Creative! The headshot of me is by Ali Champion.
