For many entrepreneurs and small businesses, social media can be an absolute game-changer! All it takes is one viral post and a business can suddenly take off.
At Like A Voss Social Media, we’re highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are killing the online game. This week’s spotlight is on Rachel Piluso, Owner of Arteak Design Studio!
Arteak Design Studio is owned and run by Victoria based artist Rachel Piluso. She specializes in making beautiful things for you and your home. Inspired by the ocean, she creates realistic resin seascapes and oil paintings as well as hybrid wood resin jewelry.
Our CEO Mandi interviewed Rachel about her secret to success in business and in life. We also got some awesome insights into what they think makes social media such an effective tool in business.
A Little Bit About Being a Female Entrepreneur
1: How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for 4 years.
2: What made you decide to break away from the 9-5 and start Arteak Design Studio?
I became very unwell at a young age in Ireland with an undiagnosed illness and soon learned as an adult that a regular 9-5 job just was not sustainable. After moving to Canada I started my business with the help of my husband so that I could help support our family on my own terms, and that catered to my finally diagnosed chronic Lyme disease.
3: What do you love most about being a female entrepreneur?
I love the flexibility that comes with being my own boss, and that I get to be creative and do something I love every day.
4: What is the hardest thing you have had to overcome as a female entrepreneur? Something you did not foresee when you decided to start Arteak Design Studio?
The hardest thing for me is learning how to use social media effectively. Nowadays businesses are so reliant on social media for marketing. I am a naturally shy person and a bit of an old soul, so for me the hardest thing is keeping up with the constantly evolving tech side of things and learning to put myself out there too.
5: What is one thing about working in the arts/maker industry that people would be surprised to learn?
I think that people would find it surprising to learn that it is not ALL fun creative stuff!! Probably only 25% of my time is spent doing the fun things and the rest is all business and admin. A lot of makers and artists also work from home so whilst you might imagine a Pinterest worthy studio and a house filled with beauty, the truth is that the majority of the time your kitchen table is a packing zone, your spare room is a warehouse and there is mess everywhere all the time!
And Now Onto The Social Media Questions!
6: Do you have a favorite social media platform? Why?
I prefer Instagram personally because it is a visual platform and as an artist I am a very visual person.
7: What made you decide to start using social media as a way to promote your company?
I started a social media account when I started my business but to be honest I did not really put as much into it consistently as I should have for a very long time. In the past year, due to in person events shutting down, I have really started to use Instagram to its fullest. It has become a crucial part of my company.
8: How has social media impacted your business? Would you say that it’s an effective marketing tool?
Without being able to sell in person – social media has saved my business and helped me grow a great deal. It is extremely effective as a marketing tool when used correctly and consistently. It is a wonderful way to connect with like minded businesses and potential clients not only locally but worldwide.
9: What advice would you give to other businesses and entrepreneurs who want to use social media as a way to connect with customers?
I would say that it is so important to be a real person on social media. Show your face, talk to people, tell your story and be social!! Don’t focus on the numbers of followers you or other people have (although it can be hard). Quality over quantity is key.
A Little More About Rachel
Rachel’s work is inspired heavily by the raw beauty found all around having grown up and lived in rural Ireland. She is English by birth, Irish by culture and Canadian by marriage. Rachel draws her inspiration from past and present.
Suffering for over 20 years with chronic Lyme disease, Rachel is no stranger to pain and uses her art as a freedom and detachment from illness. With a connection to the simple beauty in nature, her hope is to bring a peaceful escape to your home. She captures a tranquil coastal moment for you to enjoy in everyday life. Whether it be through art, luxurious home-wares or one of a kind hand carved jewelry that are rich in history and stories, Rachel’s pieces are a little bit of luxury and truly unique.
Connect with Rachel
Know Any Voss Babes?
Do you know a female entrepreneur who loves social media as much as we do? Contact us today – we’d love to tell her story!
