Today, Stacie sits down with Sandra Mejia, a Colombian-born, Canadian-based illustrator and pattern designer. Sandra shares her incredible journey of leaving a corporate career, pursuing her creative passions, and learning important lessons along the way. They discuss the challenges artists face when starting a business, the importance of focusing on one thing before expanding, and how artists can regain focus after trying to do too much. Sandra’s story is a testament to the power of taking risks, listening to your body, and building a sustainable business without burning out.

Today on Art + Audience:

• Sandra’s Journey from Corporate to Creative: Sandra describes how she left her stable job in Colombia to pursue art, selling everything she owned and moving to Argentina to find her creative path.

• The Danger of Doing Too Much: Sandra shares how she started her business by creating too many products at once, which led to exhaustion and a lack of focus. Stacie relates, emphasizing how starting small with one product is often more effective.

• Finding Focus After a Creative Leap: After moving to Canada, Sandra learned the value of narrowing her focus. She discusses how limiting her product offerings and honing her skills led to more success.

• The Importance of Strategy Over “Hope Marketing”: Stacie and Sandra both agree that hope marketing—creating products and hoping they sell without a clear strategy—can be a trap for new artists. Instead, they advise focusing on one signature product or service and building from there.

• When to Shift and Pivot: Sandra talks about learning when to let go of products that aren’t selling and redirect energy toward what works, rather than stubbornly sticking with a failing approach.

Connect with Sandra Mejia:

• Instagram: @artbysandramejia

• Website: artbysandramejia.com

Connect with Stacie Bloomfield:

• Subscribe, Rate and Review: Art + Audience Podcast

• Website: staciebloomfield.com | leverageyourart.com

• Instagram: @gingiber | @leverageyourart 

• Facebook: @ShopGingiber

• Pinterest: pinterest.com/gingiber

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