Featuring Lisa Chow, Artist & Illustrator
We found today’s small business feature at Heart to Market and fell in absolute love with her prints and other products. Lisa Chow is a mama, an artist, illustrator, designer and story maker living in Houston, Texas.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Houston area?
I am a proud native Houstonian! Originally from the Alief area, I lived in Austin during my college years and then found my way back to Houston.
You are a mama, too! How old are your kid(s)?
I have two amazing girls ages 2.5 and 5.5. The halfs are very important. 😉
What did you do before becoming a business owner?
I worked in Information Technology for a large oil and gas company.
When did you begin Lisa Chow Art and what was the inspiration behind starting this business?
I have been drawing and creating my entire life but I consider my first art market back in 2008 to be the official start of my art business. At the time, I was growing more and more unhappy with my day job in IT and started my art business as an outlet for all my pent up creative energy.
What products and services do you offer?
I create painting and illustrations and sell my own line of prints and designs. I often collaborate with businesses to design products. And I am actively pursuing more editorial projects, product designs and children’s illustration work.
Where can we purchase and find your art?
You can find my work online at www.lisachowart.com and I participate in a handful of markets throughout the year. You can also find my work at Space Montrose and Hello-Lucky.
Did you always know you were going to be an artist? Were you artistic as a child and how did you grow your talent?
I have always loved drawing and creating. I was that kid who drew on the walls and stickered every surface! But I didn’t know and didn’t think art could be a viable career so I got my business degree from The University of Texas at Austin. My degree definitely helps in running my own business but all the art is self taught!
How do you balance being a business owner and mama?
I have long given up on the idea of balance. Some days I spend my entire day building forts and finger painting. Some days I can squeeze in a few hours of work. Some weekends are entirely devoted to family. And some weekends my husband parents solo while I run markets. It’s life!
Do you experience the dreaded mom-guilt? If so, how do you deal?
Honestly, I do not feel mom-guilt. I acknowledge that I am doing my very best at parenting. It is my creative work that often suffers and that can be frustrating. But at the end of the day, I give my kids the best I can give and I feel good about that.
Best advice for someone wanting to take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship or wanting to open their own business?
Do your homework. Reach out to fellow business owners and learn from them. Network. Have a plan. Have a backup plan. Be prepared to fail many times over before you succeed.
Who inspires you most in business and who inspires you most in motherhood?
Eva Chen. She has a fantastic career, is present in motherhood, has amazing side projects and is human. She’s so relatable.
When things get hard, what’s one thing you tell yourself to keep going when running this business?
Owning your own business is a journey full of highs and lows. I’ve been through many lows but the universe always provides in the end. When I’m feeling low, I remember this too shall pass and journey through.
Future plans for your business?
I would love to design for larger brands; especially in the children’s home and apparel markets! And I have dreams of writing and illustrating children’s books.
Any special deals or events our Katy Moms can look out for?
I am currently wrapping up 2019 but I plan to offer workshops in the new year! Be on the lookout for leather and sketching workshops. I’d love to see you!
For more info on Lisa, her business, and where to catch her across Houston, visit her website and follow along with her on social media!
Website & Social Media: www.lisachowart.com / @lisachowart