I believe in a world where we cheer one another on and we don’t see any other entrepreneur as a competitor. (It’s why I love the Rising Tide Society so much!) I love when I see other business owners support one another and I can’t possibly count all of the times I’ve been inspired or motivated by another business owner. It can be a lonely world, sitting in a corner of your home, balancing the roles of parenthood, wife, photographer, creative and just overall human with obligations to friends and the house and hobbies and passions. It feels a lot less lonely when you celebrate all the other people who get it.

Our first Focus On is a spotlight on Josefina Sanders of Love Offering in Tampa FL. Enjoy this peek into her business, her balance and her dreams. Be sure to follow her, cheer her on and stay tuned for more entrepreneur spotlights every two weeks.

My name is Josefina H. Sanders and I am a creative freelancer living and working from Tampa. I am an artist, author, and the face behind Love Offering. Love Offering is the platform I use to create fearlessly, cultivate community, and celebrate the journey through powerful words and meaningful visuals.

When did you start your business? What inspired you to do this?

I started my business journey about five years ago as a greeting card seller on Etsy. I took on Calligraphy while my husband and I were planning our wedding. After wedding planning I put the pen down without any idea that I would pick it back up. Three months after or wedding as my husband and I were facing much transition, I walked through a deep depression. I began journaling and adding words of encouragement in calligraphy. Calligraphy was one of my outlets when I felt discouraged, Now I create art with therapy in mind.

About how many hours a week would you say you spend on your business? What are some of the behind-the-scenes things that your business requires that people may not realize? 

Hmm, as of lately I’d say I spend at least 15 hours on my business. As an artist, there’s a huge battle between getting things done versus getting things perfectly finished. I think there’s also this misconception that artists don’t do anything but draw and paint, but truly there’s much administrative work to be done, especially if you want good clientele. There’s way more administrative work than creative work but it ends up paying off.

On a scale of 1-10, how balanced would you say you are between your work and family/personal life?

I would say I’m at a good 6-7 when it comes to balancing work and life. I think that one of the hardest things is protecting your art from becoming just a job. Some of the things I tend to do is schedule time to create content, while also making room for fun. Creating from me and Creating for the business. I take Mondays off, and just answer emails. I also make sure to include self-care into my daily regimen.

What would you say is the biggest challenge in owning your own business?

The biggest challenge of owning a business is preserving the beauty of your hobby when it is also your business. I think it’s especially hard because my artwork is my heartwork. And sometimes it’s super difficult to set aside business and personal.

What has been your proudest moment/greatest victory as an entrepreneur?

My proudest moment/greatest victory was definitely when I released my first book this year. I worked incredibly hard on this project. It felt so good being able to share with the world a very intimate part of me.

What is the hardest part of being a business owner?

The hardest part of being a business owner is the fact it can truly be lonely and discouraging. Sometimes it can be very hard to fight off the feeling of having to go back to work because funds aren’t coming in.

How important is it to you to support other entrepreneurs and business owners? What are some ways that you try to do this?

It’s incredibly important for me to support entrepreneurs and business owners because I am one myself. I see the beauty in encouraging others while they are in the journey of supporting their families through their gifts and talents. I actually transitioned to a minimalist, about five years ago and earlier this I made the decision to support small business by shopping local and ethical before heading to Target.

 

What are your one-year and five-year goals for your business?

In one year I would love to release another book and get picked up by a publisher. I’d love to travel and speak more, and teach a couple workshops in and out of state.

In five years I desire to have my Masters in Art Therapy and my own studio where I practice Art Therapy and create more art!

What else would you like to share?

A word of advice to the person who wants to pursue their art full time. Do it. Don’t let fear keep you from flying. Don’t be afraid to give your dreams a chance to fail.

Where to Find Love Offering:

IG: www.instagram.com/loveoffering

FB: www.facebook.com/loveofferingco

Website: www.loveoffering.co

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