Today’s small business feature is Ni Zhang – an artist, mother and military spouse.
She is utilizing her artist education and her eye for the creative and combining it with the ever-changing landscape of military life. From stickers to apparel to portrait drawing, she is using and sharing her talents (literally) around the world. While currently living in Okinawa, she is now on her way to the United States.
Tell us a little bit you – your background and what brought you into the world of art?
Growing up I have always drew and doodled, on everything, everywhere I went. So I was elated when I get to further than passion in college. I was classically trained, my tutor(s) from back home are from one giant familyof artists who practiced different styles for at least three generations.
In 2009 I graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, a college belongs to one of Europe’s top art university – The University of Arts London, after living and studying art for 5 years in London, UK.
How did you start your Etsy business?
At the moment our apparels are on threadless.com platform because of their quality and “happiness guarantee”. Our stickers are available on Etsy and can be shipped nation-wide, including PO Boxes. Designing merchandise was never my intent, I have always made these just for my family (mostly my baby girl). After receiving so many compliments and requests I decided to put them up for sale to share our love of Okinawa, our first official duty station and where my daughter was born.
What made you start your own business?
Two major reasons, my passion and my child. I love visual expression, and Okinawa has just been a constantsource of inspiration. So when we relocated and I was kind of forced to “take a break” from a 9-5 office job, Idecided my time would be best spent on pursuing something I’m passionate about. Soon after I was pregnant with my first, and after she was born, seeing her little face, I just can not imagine not being with her on her journey growing up, there are so much I want to share with, and teach her, I want to have complete control overmy own schedule. So I decided to take on this challenge and start my own business.
What is your favorite part about drawing others?
As much as I love nature, I can not tell you enough how much I love seeing the human spirit through a person’seyes. That’s why I primarily focus on portrait when it comes to art. All of my favorite artists possess the ability to capture the essence of the moment when their models were sitting right there in front of them, and the silent thoughts that’s being projected through their eyes.
What is your favorite part about being an art tutor? Do you have a fun or difficult student story to share?
Honestly every class is a new challenge, but I enjoy it immensely. To me, the fundamentals of drawing shares so many principles with life, I love explaining these principles to students to help them incorporate art into their life, not just on the canvas.
What are your plans for your Etsy shop?
I would love to continue offering the Okinawa series via Etsy because I know there will be waves after waves of people who come to live here and fall head over heels for it. As we continue our journey with the USMC I’m sure I will develop new designs that illustrate our journey that I think will resonate with fellow military families.
Do you have plan to create virtual art lessons or classes during this time period? Or maybe even continuing
them after that?
Yes. I have plenty of experience of teaching online. However if possible I would always prefer to teach inperson, especially when they advance into color, there are some things you just have experience in real life.
Do you find that it is manageable to continue the business whilst navigating the other duties of marriage and/or parenting?
It is hard, no question about it. We are utilizing childcare and other services that are available to us at themoment while I set up this business and physically recover from a pretty rough birth. I’m grateful of how supportive my husband and family are, and hopefully can outsource mundane chores when I can afford them so I can focus more on spending quality time with my family.
Favorite motivational quote?
Oh dear, no words can motivate me more than just looking my child in the eyes, and seeing how much she loves me and how much I want to be there to guide her. And every time a student tells me about this new thing they noticed that they wouldn’t have otherwise if they didn’t possess the observational skills through learning how to draw, and how they were able to express an idea through the creative process we practiced.
Favorite thing to do?
Draw, paint, play cello, listen to music. Don’t get me wrong, I spend plenty of time watching tv and playing video games too, not as much as I used to be able to do obviously, but I still enjoy them whenever I can.
Favorite place to live?
Okinawa is hard to beat, but I’m ready to soak in some forest foliage on our next adventure to Cherry Point, NC.
How do people contact you for orders?
Portrait commission: Facebook messenger / Instagram PM / email at: ohdearni@gmail.com
Shisa Car stickers: Etsy shop
All other Okinawa designs: Threadless shop
Number one tip to give to fellow moms who want to start their own business?
If I learned anything from the past year, it would be to start planning today, put your ideas into practice! I wish I had started this much earlier!
Make your brand legible on your logo, cursive letters are cute and all, but the no.1 goal of a brand is to make a clear and distinct impression.
Check out our Instagram today for an amazing art giveaway!
