Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Dohman.
Hi Natalie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I have always been an artist and a creative person. Throughout my life, the expression has been incredibly important to me and one of the ways I’ve actually survived some of the trauma that I’ve experienced.
I didn’t realize it at the time but my artistry was connected to the joy that I both hoped to experience and also share.
I never intended to be a business owner per se but I’ve always had an entrepreneur mindset. I’ve also been able to think on my toes and be and get creative.
I was always artistic since I could talk and enjoyed drawing and painting but it was never a skill that was fostered.
I hold a degree in Human Services but never felt that the degree truly solely embodied who I am and my life path. I went back to school for Graphic Design and while in school, I began being hired by people for web design and photography and from there the business grew.
In April of 2022, I officially opened my doors to a brick mortar where we offer foundational art classes, web design graphic design, and photography.
I have also been gracious enough to be able to share my love of dance through performance art which has been lovingly accepted.
All of the major aspects of my life are tied to creative expression in one way or another.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about life is a smooth road. The past 3 years in and of themselves with the pandemic have been rocky.
Financial backing and trying to navigate the current economy has been incredibly rough but also dealing with the intense thoughts of self-doubt no matter how successful you are also presented challenges.
As an entrepreneur, you really don’t have anyone but yourself to fall back on.
Who’s going to take out the trash, and who’s going to clean up the mess after everyone leaves? Even with employees or contractors you’re not just dealing with the task but also people’s emotional states so one of the huge obstacles is making sure that you take care of yourself and putting up healthy boundaries because you can’t be functional nor productive if there are areas that are causing stress and tension.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a small business owner and artist. I own an art gallery that specializes in graphic design/web design and photography and foundational art classes.
The gallery space features an area where the community can shop my artwork and the artwork of local artists.
I am a fine artist that works with mediums such as acrylic, oil and watercolor but I also do large scale murals and even pencil portraits.
Ultimately I’m a creator. Whatever materials the vision calls for, I will use.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship can come in all forms.
One of my mentors that has actually been a lifelong mentor to me is actually an electrical engineer and they have guided me in everything from self-discipline to time management. I’ve known this person since High School.
I don’t believe mentorship comes solely in the area that you’re practicing in but it does help.
For me, what I’m doing is not very common- running a gallery that also offers digital marketing aspects but finding people in those niches can help a lot also.
Another detail for me is that mentorship is rooted in spirituality so I spend a decent amount of time meditating and praying for guidance.
There’s a theory out there that we have all of the answers inside of us so I do try to listen to the inner voice that is trying to softly guide me.
I also have realized that we need to spend time with those that are either experts in the field or that have a high calling in the area and have values that align with your purpose and goals. So if you want to be the best baker, for instance, you need to immerse yourself with the best bakers in the world either by physically being around them or by TV shows, etc.
Who you allow in your circle does really have the capacity to change your life.
If you are the hardest-working person in the room, expect to be doing all of the work. But also this positioning can also influence everyone in the room so networking and mentorship are those areas where you can go from being the mentor to being the mentee depending on and be ready for that!
Also, be open to criticism. A lot of people can’t stand criticism or take the ebbs and flows and ups and downs. They want thinfs to be “just so” and there are no “just sos” in the world.
Change and success isn’t an easy road or path so prepare yourself to be let down or for failure or to hear things that aren’t necessarily kind.
A good mentor will prepare you for how to handle these challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.ndesignarthaus.
com and www.nataliedohman.com - Twitter: @Itsnatalie
- Youtube: nDesign Art Haus
- Facebook: Natalie Dohman/nDesignarthaus
Image Credits
nDesign Art Haus
