Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

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!)

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www.nuna-inua.com

Please send me some examples, via e-mail, of the type items you are thinking of distributing. If you are able to drop-ship to my customers ... maybe we can put something together.

TJ

admin@gotruckstop.com

Hi Quyanupak--
It`s nice to hear about your passion for art and to help people. Just a couple thoughts here:
Have you thought about selling on eBay or starting your own ecommerce website?
It could open up a whole new audience to your art and even create demand for your "brick and mortar" business.
There are lots of resources here at StartUp Nation to help!
Let me know what you think.
The Swaynester

Hello, and welcome to StartupNation.

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.


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Steve - Kirk Foods, LLC home of the Gluten Free Cookie Factory - To reach any significant goal, you must leave your comfort zone. - Hyrum W. Smith, Founder, Franklin Quest

EskimoLuck…
Steve is correct, I do most of my business with the use of artists. After reading your posts, I am not quite sure what kind of help you are looking for. I understand you have artists willing to create, you have tourist gift shops which are desperate to display native art. Your artists are interested in buying art supplies from you as you travel to collect already created art… It sounds to me that you are in a wonderful position. You are asking for advise and knowledge, but it sounds like you have been doing this since you were 11. I think you are stronger than you may think! If I can answer any question (as Steve eluded to) I would be happy to supply my advice. What is your direct question? What do you need help with?

Quyanupak for listening….

Sway, I think this word means “Thank you very much” I don’t think it was his signature name.


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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

I was going to see how long till Sway figured it out.  Hey, what are friends for?

Kinda like calling your new Hawaiian pen-pal "Aloha", because that`s how he signs his letters.


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Steve - Kirk Foods, LLC home of the Gluten Free Cookie Factory - To reach any significant goal, you must leave your comfort zone. - Hyrum W. Smith, Founder, Franklin Quest

Great analogy Steve.

Aloha

um...

Vince


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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

Quyanupak for pointing it out, fellers.
EskimoLuck: How do you say, "I shouldn`t respond to posts at 4 a.m. anymore" in your language?

The Swaynester

Watch both Vincent and I be totally wrong and Sway be right.  We`d never hear the end of it.

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Steve - Kirk Foods, LLC home of the Gluten Free Cookie Factory - To reach any significant goal, you must leave your comfort zone. - Hyrum W. Smith, Founder, Franklin Quest

Sway... 4 am? It`s no wonder you have a 4.7 rating and I have slipped from a 4.4 to 4.2 in the past week. I am not posting at 4 am!

Keep up the high rating!


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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words