Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Ando.
Erica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in New York City and grew up in suburban Connecticut. I got my BFA from Parsons School of Design (New York) and MFA from Tyler School of Art (Philadelphia). After I got out of school, I worked in various art world jobs — in a commercial gallery, as an assistant for prominent artists in New York. I got tired of working these jobs, though. My own artwork at the time was based on clothing shapes and I took a class, and then another, in fashion design. I ended up working in design. I was an intern at Marc Jacobs, and worked at Armani Exchange, among others.
After a couple of years, I (naively) decided to start my own fashion accessories business. I essentially became a textile designer, although I had no experience in it. My first client was the Museum of Modern Art store, which was a great way to start my business. I had the business for eight years and sold my things all over the world in boutiques and department stores. I started with zero business experience and learned a lot. I learned how to work with contractors and the media. And I also figured out a way to sell that felt good to me. As an introvert, that was a big deal!
I moved to Florida in 2005. I was at a crossroads about what to do with my career. I missed being around art and artists so I joined the Ph.D. program at Florida Atlantic University, and I also started writing about art. I first started writing in New York and then in the last few years wrote about art in South Florida, for national and international art publications. Recently, I was associate curator for public programs at the Norton Museum of Art. I’ve also been an independent curator, grant writer, and editor.
I started my business, The Empowered Artist, in 2019, because I saw so many hardworking, creative, inspiring artists struggle with their careers and businesses. I wanted to contribute to the art community through my unique combination of experiences.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No! It has never been a smooth road, and I don’t expect it ever will be. When I owned my accessories business, you could say I was “successful.” I made money, had my stuff featured in magazines. But I was overworked, exhausted and miserable. I never took a vacation. I learned from it that I have to define what success looks like for me. While my career is a major part of my life, it has to be just a part of my life.
Other struggles: I’ve struggled with self-doubt, not believing in my own value, undercharging for my work, impostor syndrome, listening to others’ opinions of what I should be, not taking responsibility for myself. Should I go on? I think that going through these challenges has allowed me empathize and therefore, help empower the people I work with.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Empowered Artist story. Tell us more about your work.
I’m a career and business coach for artists. I help artists become empowered to thrive creatively and to build unique, successful careers with purpose and authenticity. I work with artists one on one so they can achieve clarity, set goals, and get the knowledge and support they need to build their careers. They get feedback and accountability, along with practical help in marketing, proposals, pitching, time management, project management, and whatever else they need.
What sets my company apart from others is that unlike a lot of other artist careers/business coaches, I trained as an artist. I understand artists’ challenges, including their reluctance to learn business skills because I was like that, too. I reframe business concepts so that artists can find a way to work on their careers and businesses without feeling like they’re selling out. I’m always telling artists: “Be your authentic self!”
I also believe there’s no one path to a successful career. My clients get customized strategies and action steps that are based on their art work, goals, and lifestyles. I think we have to get over the idea that success means a certain path and looks a certain way. We have to define what that means on an individual level.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have been lucky in my life, even when things were not going my way. When one door looked like it was closing, another one opened up. I think that we have to believe that things are going to be okay and that makes us receptive to luck. I’m super lucky that artists have been receptive to my business. I’m booked out for a couple of months, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.empoweredartistcoach.com
- Email: erica@empoweredartistcoach.com
- Instagram: @empoweredartistcoach
Image Credit:
Mary Stucchi Photography
Theo Shusterman
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
