Today we’d like to introduce you to Zell Schaal.
Hi Zell, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my art business with a simple desire, to bring people closer to nature. When we feel connected to nature everything makes more sense. We feel better and more aligned with ourselves and the natural rhythm of the planet. During my travels in 2010 I encountered a butterfly house in Key West, Florida. It was a magical experience sitting on a bench inside the house for hours as I sat in wonder looking at all the butterflies flying around me. I was wearing colorful clothes so they were landing on me too, I was in pure bliss. From that experience I learned that I could acquire these butterflies after they die naturally on preservation farms like the one I visited and others in the rain forest that protects their land from deforestation. Butterflies only live a few weeks so every day butterflies naturally die on the farms and fall to the ground like a leaf. They are then collected and sold at that time. A desire was born within me that day to acquire these butterflies and make art with it that connects people closer to nature. We all have our own stories too about how inspiring butterflies are to us or have come into our lives in crucial moments when we needed it the most. Through experimentation I started creating nature scenes with my mom that incorporated dried flowers and real butterflies. This was 15 years ago and we haven’t stopped creating ever since. Our art has evolved to include many styles. We create different scenes outlining the beautiful, but also the dark sides of butterflies including the death, rebirth, and the metamorphosis process. We are also able to use the butterfly wings, and especially the damaged wings, in our pendant jewelry which is also a favorite with our customers. Our art, creativity, and skills just keep getting better. However, it’s not always rainbows. There’s definitely bumps along the way as you need to learn how to market, how to level up your skill sets, and wear all the hats that a small business owner wears to make it all run. The most rewarding part still comes back to the initial desire of bringing people closer to nature. Through our art the customer is uplifted and reminded about the beauty and cycles of nature that brings inspiration and motivation for them to trust the metamorphosis process going on in their own lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s far from a smooth road and still feels that way. Creating the art is the fun part, but figuring out all the other business aspects is challenging and still continues to be. I’m 15 years in and still struggle to get accepted into fine art shows, establish gallery representation and consistently know how to reach my audience online. Especially with online, it is ever evolving and staying on top of it all can feel like a lot. But, when I do hear from customers how much they love and are inspired by the art it definitely encourages me to keep going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m proud to offer a quality, one-of-a-kind product at an affordable price. When we sell at fine arts festivals and I see other art priced for thousands or tens of thousands of dollars then it becomes unreachable for the masses. I’ve tried to find the right balance that can make our art accessible and appreciated by all no matter the price. We offer a 100% guarantee and love custom orders that allows our clients to become even more connected and involved in the process. Even after 15 years we continue to improve our skill sets and our artwork keeps getting better and better. My mom has stood by my side since the beginning. The art business has kept us connected, kept me connected to my community, and grounded me through the creative process of it all.
I’m proud that I’ve built a business that helps others but has sustained me over the years as well. I was able to buy a house when I needed to expand, a van that suits my needs to travel to art shows in, and more real estate as a retirement plan. All from strategically using profits from my art business to set myself up for success and stability. It’s hard but it’s been worth it and I’m proud to say that my art business has provided all of that to me!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I have two young kids now and it’s been very rewarding to teach them how to make the art and stay connected to nature. I have opened youth bank accounts for my 2 and 4 year old who are already helping me with marketing, delivering packages, prep work, and boosting me up when I need it. It’s been so rewarding to not only connect with my mom and community through the art, but now involving my kids in it as well. As I show them entrepreneurship I hope they can learn and use these valuable skills throughout the rest of their life.
As our artwork continues to improve in quality we are looking for more gallery representation which is its own learning curve. Being an entrepreneur always keeps you on your toes!
Pricing:
- We offer art at every price range!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asananaturalarts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asana_natural_arts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsanaNaturalArts
