Today we are introducing you to Bianca who creates traditional and contemporary aboriginal art in Launceston, TAS.
Bianca uses Tasmanian petroglyphs within her aboriginal jewellery to give it a unique twist. These are traditional rock carvings that add fine details to her work. Since working with Penelope, her Many Rivers business coach, Bianca has been able to create more regular and consistent sales of her jewellery.
“Working with Penelope has been a great experience, she makes me feel positive about my business and the potential I have as an artist, and as a person.”
Read more about Bianca’s traditional and contemporary aboriginal art small business journey.
Meet Bianca
For the last two to three years I have been making contemporary and traditional Tasmanian aboriginal shell jewellery, as well as expanding into new techniques with mediums such as resin.
Before working with Penelope, I mostly only worked on my business when commissions came in. This was very rare and irregular and so it was not a sustainable income or lifestyle for me. Then I heard about Many Rivers, through word of mouth in late 2019.
When I engaged with Penelope from Many Rivers, we explored other media platforms to showcase my work. We have started utilising different social media platforms to get more people seeing my artwork.
I mostly just wanted to get myself out there and known as a sheller. Also, I want to pass on the knowledge which my nan had shared with me. I think what marked the beginning of my business journey was when I started thinking about other types of jewellery that I could make to compliment the styles I already had. This way I could start to grow my stock list. I tried new techniques that I had never seen other jewellers try before. For example, I have started petroglyphs carvings into jewellery.
The biggest change since starting my own business has been my self-confidence in my art has increased enormously. Also, my confidence in what I am doing with my business has improved.
Working With Many Rivers
Penelope has provided me with business support, organisational techniques and supported me to develop policies and procedures. It was great to have someone there that I could bounce thoughts and ideas off. It just about having another persons perspective. Working with Penelope has been a great experience, she makes me feel positive about my business and the potential I have as an artist and as a person.
The personal support as well as the business support was the best part of what Penelope has offered me. Penelope made me feel cared for as a person. She didn’t treat me like I was just one of her clients at her work or another KPI target. Penelope was aware of the personal difficulties I was facing. So she would take on the task to assist me herself. Her knowledge base on small business and her support and connections have allowed me to advance myself as a business and an individual person.
Biggest Challenge
The biggest challenge has been having confidence in myself. Penelope has been my biggest supporter when my mental health would go down drain, or life was exhausting me. Penelope’s positive attitude and determination to see me excel made a massive difference.
Biggest Success
Obtaining an online stockist of my unique aboriginal jewellery.
Future Goals For Her Aboriginal Jewellery Small Business
In the future I hope to be able to show case my work to more people. I also would like to explore different client bases.
Thanks Bianca
Thanks Bianca for sharing your business journey. We know that there are many other people out there looking to take the next step towards setting up their own business. Your story will inspire them to take the first leap. If you would like to continue following Bianca’s business journey, check out her Facebook.
Do you have a passion or small business idea? Do you have a business you would like to expand or would like some business coaching support?
We’re here to help.
CLICK HERE to see if Many Rivers is right for you
Keen to read about more Many Rivers’ supported business journeys? Meet Hollie and Hayden, the small business owners of Ingrained Cultures, a beer delivery and brewery tour small business in Wodonga NSW.
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