YGG: Liza Pruitt
Now that holiday content is starting to slow down, I wanted to share a new YGG post. Today’s feature is on Liza Pruitt, a Richmond based art consultant. Liza serves as the middle man for her clients and artists, and is there through every step of the way to ensure her clients find the perfect piece of art for their home! Liza represents several artists on her website, where their fabulous art is available to the public. She also has a “Journal” where she interviews and features various artists and tastemakers. I’m so impressed with all Liza has created within her one year of business, and I know y’all will be too.
Let’s learn more about Liza, her business, and what inspires her!
Meet Liza!
Describe your business for those who may not know what it is:
A: Liza Pruitt is an online art collective with the mission to make sourcing incredible original art accessible to all. To achieve this, I curate art in a variety of styles and a range of price points. There is truly something for everyone and every budget!
How long have you been in business?
A: My one-year anniversary is this month! To celebrate, I’m dropping brand new collections all month long, so it’s a great time for new customers to snag never-before-seen pieces.
Mary Margaret Monsees
How did you know you wanted to start your own business?
A: I grew up surrounded by and appreciating art. My mother and grandmother were avid collectors, and my sister went on to manage a gallery in Charleston. When I finally started my own collection, it wasn’t long before my friends and family were asking how I sourced my pieces. My answer was almost always, “Instagram!” and eventually I had an a-ha moment. By creating a collective of curated art online, I could help people discover cool, emerging artists, in the same way that my family connected me. They made art collecting personal and approachable, which is what I hope to do with Liza Pruitt.
How did you decide on this niche?
A: The same way I tell my clients to pick art for their homes – choose what you love and you’ll find a place for it. My love for art is second only to my love for helping people find art, and I found a place for that passion by creating my business.
What was the hardest part about starting your business?
A: Wearing all the hats at one time! When you start your own business, you have to be a sales woman, manager, accountant, and marketer – often all in the same day. It is a lot to juggle, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Ashley Sellner
Where do you gather inspiration?
A: I am inspired by the artists I work with every day. I appreciate their creativity and am in constant awe of their willingness to put themselves – and their art—out there. In terms of design, I look to Instagram and Pinterest. It amazes me how I can find a new artist or designer every day by spending just a few minutes on each platform.
What has been your biggest achievement within your business thus far?
A: Repeat customers! First-time customers often consider buying fine art online as taking a chance. So, when a customer comes back two, three, even four times, I know that they not only trust my curation, but my business model is working. It’s a huge win
Jenn Thatcher
What are your current goals/plans for your business?
A: In 2020, I’ll be focused on continuing to grow my online presence, especially in the art community. Long term, I am always working towards becoming the one-stop shop for all things art!
What is one piece of advice you could give other women who are wanting to start their own business?
A: Take the leap! It’s ok if you don’t know everything, and it’s ok to be scared. What’s not okay is looking back ten years from now and wondering, “why didn’t I go for it?” You’ll learn and grow and surprise yourself when you put your mind to it!
There’s always Something to Style Over!
xx, Lea