The Journey to Becoming a Creative Entrepreneur: How Paige Lindsey Built a Thriving Art Business

In this episode of The Art Coaching Club podcast, Hayley Price interviews artist, entrepreneur, and podcaster Paige Lindsey. Paige shares her inspiring journey of building a successful creative business during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on resilience, community, and balance, Paige offers practical advice for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs who are looking to turn their passion into a full-time career. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or seeking ways to grow your art business, Paige’s story is filled with valuable lessons.

Paige’s Journey to Full-Time Artist

Paige Lindsey always had a passion for art, but after graduating from college, she found herself unsure of how to turn that passion into a career. She began working at a local paint-and-sip studio, where she learned valuable business skills and gained confidence as a creative professional. However, like many aspiring artists, Paige took a detour into the corporate world for financial stability.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Paige was laid off from her corporate job, she saw this as a pivotal moment. Instead of looking for another traditional role, Paige took the opportunity to turn her part-time art project into a full-time creative business. She started teaching virtual watercolor workshops, which quickly gained traction, and she expanded her offerings into live wedding painting, commissions, and eventually, a podcast.

The Balancing Act: Managing Business, Family, and Personal Well-Being

As her art business grew, Paige faced new challenges, particularly when it came to balancing her work with her personal life. Recently becoming a mother, Paige had to navigate the complexities of running a creative business while prioritizing her well-being and family responsibilities.

Paige emphasizes the importance of self-care and seeking professional support when needed. She talks openly about her experiences with therapy and how it has helped her manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and stay grounded amidst the pressures of entrepreneurship. By being transparent about her struggles, Paige has built an authentic connection with her audience and serves as a role model for other creatives who may be dealing with similar challenges.

Success Stories and Future Aspirations: From Magazine Features to Passive Income

Throughout her journey, Paige has celebrated several significant achievements. One of her proudest moments was being featured in multiple bridal magazines for her live wedding paintings, an unexpected and fulfilling niche in her creative practice. Another milestone was completing her first large-scale mural, despite having no prior experience with this type of work.

Looking toward the future, Paige is focused on diversifying her income streams. She aims to create more passive income opportunities, such as developing educational resources for other creatives. Additionally, Paige’s long-term goal is to achieve financial independence, which would allow her husband to become a stay-at-home dad and provide even more flexibility for their family.

Paige also continues to grow her thriving online community through workshops and events. Her passion for building connections and fostering collaboration within the creative space is evident, and she sees community-building as a vital part of her business's future success.

Key Lessons: Perseverance, Adaptability, and Community

Paige’s journey from corporate life to full-time creative entrepreneur is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. She believes that one of the most important aspects of success in the creative industry is being open to new opportunities and trusting the process.

Paige encourages other artists and entrepreneurs to remove themselves from limiting environments and surround themselves with supportive people and communities that lift them up. She stresses that success isn’t just about financial achievement, but also about building meaningful connections with those who inspire and encourage growth.

Final Thoughts: Learn from Paige Lindsey’s Creative Journey

Paige Lindsey’s story is a powerful example of how resilience, creativity, and community can lead to a fulfilling and successful career. By embracing new opportunities and building a strong support system, Paige has been able to turn her passion into a thriving business that continues to evolve and grow.

For artists and entrepreneurs who are looking to take their creative careers to the next level, Paige’s advice is clear: be adaptable, take care of your mental health, and surround yourself with a supportive community.

To learn more about Paige Lindsey, visit Paige’s website or follow her on Instagram at @paigelindseystudio.

To learn more, listen to my interview on Paige's podcast.