Nancy Carol Studio
Business Name: Nancy Carol Studio
Based In: Port Moody, BC
Products Include: Ink, watercolour and gouache greeting cards and art
When did you open your Etsy shop?
2015
What inspired you to start your business?
Honestly, I just wanted to get a little feedback on my art. Creating art just makes me feel whole and brings me into a better state of mind. So why not share those creations with everyone? If I could create all day long…wouldn’t that be a dream? I truly believe that how you feel when you create shows up in your creation, be that art, food, music, or any other creative endeavor. After I opened my Etsy shop and made some sales, that got me thinking…this could work! Now 7 years in, I am a serious small business owner and I love every minute of it.
How would you describe your business?
After moving to B.C. in 1999 and taking some art courses, I felt inspired to put my drawing and painting talents to work by celebrating the beautiful, eclectic personalities of towns and cities in B.C. I myself shop locally because I love to support other small businesses and put money back into my community. That can be Port Moody, or in a broader sense, Canada. I keep it super simple with my tools and materials. Starting out with mixed media, it just wasn’t conducive to a small condo, so I switched to watercolor paints and ink pens. The ink pens are a perfect pairing with my drawing skills and the watercolor is such a beautiful medium, it almost creates the work for you. Taking those paintings and turning them into prints and cards seemed to be the natural next step.
What’s your bestselling product?
My bestselling product is “Breweries of Port Moody” Print which is a watercolor, gouache and ink piece that includes the six breweries’ storefronts.
Why do you think it’s so popular?
After I contacted all the local breweries for permission to create a likeness of their storefront, they were very happy to support a local artist and couldn’t wait to see the final product. It was an instant success in a local Port Moody gift shop. There is a tangible pride in every neighborhood that everyone wants to be a part of. And it’s bragging rights as well. Gifts to friends and family to say, “hey look, I live in a cool place”. It’s so much fun seeing people recognize the art pieces highlighting their neighborhood on the prints and cards at craft fairs. Bringing those proud smiles to their faces is so worth it! Etsy has made it possible to expose these local pieces to customers around the world. I had a customer from England buy a Vancouver Card because it reminded him of the trip he had with his partner. I didn’t realize that my local theme could bring joy to so many people, not just the ones living here. Currently, I have cards and prints available for Burnaby, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Vancouver, North Vancouver, East Van, and White Rock. I’m always adding new cities and towns!
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