Artisan Joy’s Stephanie Blanchard on Smashing the Myth of the “Starving Artist”

Hello Stephanie! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I am the publisher of Artisan Joy, a website and magazine that celebrates creative entrepreneurs. Artisan Joy’s mission is to smash the myth of the starving artist by publishing success stories of artists, designers, artisans and makers who have turned their passions into profitable businesses. I am also a freelance copywriter.

So Stephanie, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

Being in a supportive community and meeting Entreprenistas to write about in Artisan Joy!

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

After I had my first child in 2014, I started freelance copywriting to have a more flexible schedule, but I’ve always know I wanted my own business. It took becoming a mother to put me on the path. I started Artisan Joy because working at a magazine has been a lifelong dream, but there are few opportunities where I live. The only way I was going to do it at this point in my life was to start my own magazine. I chose to focus on creative business owners because whenever I meet one, I am so inspired.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I was a copywriter.

So Stephanie, did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes.

Initial marketing strategy is SO important? What was your initial strategy?

As a freelance copywriter, I found my first clients through past employers. Marketing Artisan Joy has been way harder. I initially launched the magazine by featuring women I met through an online community.

What is the biggest challenge you are navigating?

My biggest challenge is growing Artisan Joy’s audience. I’m still learning from this challenge.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Launching a magazine.

We all want to believe in work/life balance? Do you actually believe in it?

Some days you’re going to have to put more energy into your life and other times it will be work. I’m still working on how to be ok with that.

What’s a piece of advice you can share that you wish you’d known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?

Starting a business is hard work. To keep it going, you really have to love what you’re doing. Some days I wonder, “Is this worth it?” but I can’t put aside what I’ve built. That’s how I know to stick with it.

Stephanie, you have lots to celebrate! What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

I was invited to a pitch competition. I didn’t win, but someone else thought enough of my business to invite me — that’s a win — celebrate the small wins!

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I want to keep inspiring and elevating creative entrepreneurs with Artisan Joy’s content.

 Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!