WE'VE MOVED!
We are proud to announce our NEW community destination. Engage with resident experts and fellow entrepreneurs, and learn everything you need to start your business. Check out the new home of StartupNation Community at startupnation.mn.co
We are proud to announce our NEW community destination. Engage with resident experts and fellow entrepreneurs, and learn everything you need to start your business. Check out the new home of StartupNation Community at startupnation.mn.co
Need someone who knows something.....
EskimoLuck
subscriber Posts: 3
Hello!
I am currently in the process of starting my own business. I am looking for someone who might have some experience in my area for some advice! I am Alaskan Native with a passion for art, and a love for my people. Though there is some avenues for villagers here on the north slope of Alaska to sell thier artwork, it is few and very lackluster.
I am planning to visit the villages twice a year and buy artwork, then sell them to gift shops and collectors. Eventually I will hire someone part-time in each village to buy the art for me. I will also bring art supplies to sell to the artists, things specifically used for carving ivory, and for beadwork I am an avid ivory carver, a beader, a painter and have been selling my art since I was 11 years old.
Because employment is hard to find here on the north slope, many have turned to art to provide income. I am hoping to establish a business specifically to serve both the artist and the buyer...to ensure quality, craftmanship, and trust.
I have talked with several tourist gift shops and they are desperate to have access to native crafts from my area. I also know that many artists would like better access to buyers.
Anyways...sorry about the rambling! I am very passionate about my mission...but am looking for advice and knowledge in this area.
Quyanupak! (Thank you very much!)
I am currently in the process of starting my own business. I am looking for someone who might have some experience in my area for some advice! I am Alaskan Native with a passion for art, and a love for my people. Though there is some avenues for villagers here on the north slope of Alaska to sell thier artwork, it is few and very lackluster.
I am planning to visit the villages twice a year and buy artwork, then sell them to gift shops and collectors. Eventually I will hire someone part-time in each village to buy the art for me. I will also bring art supplies to sell to the artists, things specifically used for carving ivory, and for beadwork I am an avid ivory carver, a beader, a painter and have been selling my art since I was 11 years old.
Because employment is hard to find here on the north slope, many have turned to art to provide income. I am hoping to establish a business specifically to serve both the artist and the buyer...to ensure quality, craftmanship, and trust.
I have talked with several tourist gift shops and they are desperate to have access to native crafts from my area. I also know that many artists would like better access to buyers.
Anyways...sorry about the rambling! I am very passionate about my mission...but am looking for advice and knowledge in this area.
Quyanupak! (Thank you very much!)
Sign In or Register to comment.
Comments
I think what you describe is an outstanding opportunity for all
involved. I spent 13 years in Alaska, in Southeast and the Mat-Su
valley. Never made it as far north as Barrow; got up to Kotzebue on
business one winter.
You might want to talk to Vincent (iouone2) as his business is importing handcrafted artwork, mostly from Asia, for sale online and in stores.
Good luck and keep us posted how things are going for you.
The Swaynester
EskimoLuck: How do you say, "I shouldn`t respond to posts at 4 a.m. anymore" in your language?
The SwaynesterWatch both Vincent and I be totally wrong and Sway be right. We`d never hear the end of it.
"less than respectable" conversation... But I have to say... knowing
your (Sway, Ester, or what ever your latest nickname is) sense of
humor...
"You`ll Quyanupak me later." In English it sounds a bit x-rated.
But yes... (to return to respectful conversation) I will thank you later.
I have tried E-bay, at this moment that is my last resort. The market was flooded with mass produced ivory items made by non-natives, confinscated by the F&G and then sold by the bulk for incredibly low prices. As a result it is hard to get the price that the art piece is worth.
I am at the moment searching for money to purchase more items, I am afraid that my bugdet is quite less than shoe-string. I do have a a blog that you can look at to see some of my own work, http://nunainua.blogspot.com/</A> on the right side you can click on the previous posts to see other items.
I LOVE labradorite! I will be willing to buy it raw!
And I`m glad I`m not the only one up at 4am surfing the net! lol we have one word that might describe that situation "adeee" (which is usually said while shaking your head
My question is: I am trying to put together a business plan that is tailored specifically to apply for grants. I am stuck at the place where it suggests you do reasearch to get an in depth understanding of your market.
My goal is to make sure this business does not fail before it is even begun!
Quyanukpuk!
Rainey
business plan that is tailored specifically to apply for grants.
I am stuck at the place where it suggests you do reasearch to get an in
depth understanding of your market.
My goal is to make sure this business does not fail before it is even begun!Rainey,
it seems to me the dealers of high end native art in Alaska, Canada and
the Lower 48 might be best able to help you quantify the market. You
mentioned that you have already talked to some. Ask them to help
estimate the market size.
Oh, and your goal is one that many of us share. We`re pulling for you.
(pulls out the two pound phone book)
Brilliant!
Rainey
Adeee
The Swaynestertheswaynester2006-8-22 20:5:43