Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Hess.
Nikki, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Creativity and expressing myself through art, has always been a part of who I am. I am very lucky to have parents who have always supported my creativity. Along my career journey, art kind of took a back seat, it was something I did as a hobby or to relax at the end of the day,
I went to school for communications and after graduating with a Master’s degree, I decided it was time to move into the corporate world. I got my first job at an advertising agency as a project manager. This job quickly started to change who I was, I was unhappy. I ended up spending four years in the advertising world until I realized that I was losing a part of myself. I was meant to be creative and I was meant to bring my art into this world.
I started to do calligraphy for fun, and pretty soon I was having friends ask me to create signs for their weddings. The more I practiced the more I thought I could do this for a living. I decided to quit my advertising job and got a bartending job that would allow me more time to work on my business, Lavender and Sea. After a year of that, I was able to go full time into Lavender and Sea! I am so happy to report that my business is thriving and I am proud of myself for taking the leap!
Has it been a smooth road?
Anytime you step outside of your comfort zone it’s not going to be a smooth ride, however it’s always worth it!
There have been lots of struggles. The first few months of me going full time with Lavender And Sea were tough, I was not making the money I needed and I was terrified that I never would. Then there’s the doubts that creep in, you think that maybe you weren’t supposed to do this, or that your artwork isn’t good enough. Imposter Syndrome, it’s something a lot of artists face.
Another tough thing for me was charging what I deserved to be paid. Pricing is always a struggle. There is always this uncomfortable feeling you get, you think “Will someone pay that for my work?” but I had to change my thought patterns. I started to say to myself “Yes, they will pay this because I am offering them a unique, high-quality service/product” The first time you put out a price you are happy with and a customer says yes, you get this huge boost of confidence!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Lavender And Sea is a studio in San Diego, CA specializing in Calligraphy, Watercolor and Illustration. As of right now, my business focuses mainly on weddings. I create custom invitations suites and Day-of pieces for weddings. I love to work with couples to make their unique visions come to life!
Another side of my business is larger forms of artwork, such as murals or large bar/food menus. Recently I have been commissioned to do larger pieces or artwork in people’s homes or for events and I really love it!
I pride myself in offering my clients not only beautiful artwork but excellent customer care. It’s very important to me that my clients feel taken care of and know that I am completely reliable and responsive to them.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I do! We are so lucky to live in Southern California where there is such an appreciation for the arts. I truly believe that the opportunities are endless if you work hard enough for them!
Pricing:
- Custom Invitation Suite Design: Starting at $2,000
- Custom Mural Work: Starts at $1,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavenderandsea.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: LavenderAndSea
Image Credit:
Jamie B Photography, Wise Photography, Amira Gray Photography
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