This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with Susan Hazel Rich. She used her experiences as a former logo and brand designer to create Hazelmade, a collection of illustrated paper and home goods. Each design in her collections is hand drawn and paired with environmentally friendly papers, fabrics and earth-friendly packaging. We know you’ll enjoy hearing Susan’s open and honest conversation about what it took for her to succeed. We’ll have Susan’s website in the show notes so you can see her creative designs and functional pieces of art.

In this episode:
Susan takes us on an enlightening journey through the often overlooked administrative side of art entrepreneurship, including accounting, bookkeeping, and even sales tax. She stresses the importance of acknowledging one's limitations and delegating tasks accordingly. And if you've ever found the legal side of starting a business daunting, Susan discusses the invaluable help she received from business incubator programs like Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

Transitioning from Etsy to Shopify was a decision that came with its own set of challenges for Susan. She candidly shares her experience of rethinking the financial component, emphasizing the need to adapt to the ever-changing market. Moreover, Susan generously reveals her marketing strategies that have contributed to the growth of her business. From personalized handwritten thank you notes to holiday cards, she delves into the simple yet effective ways she has been reaching out to her shop owners. 

Finally, we tackle the ever-pervasive challenge for entrepreneurs – time management. Susan gives us an honest look at how she dealt with this issue and the strategies she implemented to successfully pivot her business. One key takeaway is the significance of listening to feedback and using it as a stepping stone for growth. Susan's belief in the necessity of making arts accessible to a broader audience is truly inspiring. So, if you're an aspiring art entrepreneur, this episode with Susan Hazel Rich is a goldmine of insights waiting to be discovered.

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This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with Susan Hazel Rich. She used her experiences as a former logo and brand designer to create Hazelmade, a collection of illustrated paper and home goods. Each design in her collections is hand drawn and paired with environmentally friendly papers, fabrics and earth-friendly packaging. We know you’ll enjoy hearing Susan’s open and honest conversation about what it took for her to succeed. We’ll have Susan’s website in the show notes so you can see her creative designs and functional pieces of art.

In this episode:
​Striking a balance between her passion and practicality, Susan talks about her innovative approach to inventory management by stocking her studio instead of bulk-ordering. This not only ensures quick shipments but also reflects her commitment to the environment. As the conversation unfolds, she shares insights on maintaining profitability while ensuring fair wages for her team. From forming partnerships with family and women-owned businesses to discussing the financial implications of entrepreneurship, Susan's story is an enlightening guide for those considering a similar path. So, tune in and take a deep dive into Susan's journey of building Hazelmade from the ground up!

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Today we release part 2 of our interview with Bobby Sanabria. He’s a noted drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, conductor, producer, educator, documentary film maker, and bandleader. He’s a 7-time Grammy nominee who has performed with dozens of renowned artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria,  Bob Mintzer, and Randy Brecker.  If you’re at all interested in Latin Percussion over the past 75 years, or what it takes to be a productive arts entrepreneur, you’ll want to join us!

​In this episode:
We weave through Bobby's personal journey from escaping gang culture in New York City to spreading his love for Latin music in college. We then travel through the fascinating connection of Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz. As we stroll through the vibrant stories of the Machito Orchestra and Duke Ellington, Bobby reveals his belief that rhythm is the pulse of music – if you appreciate the rhythm, you embrace the music. As we navigate through the endless possibilities in the musical multiverse, we delve into the modern musicians' world who masterfully blend various musical styles and create unique rhythms, demonstrating the beauty of diversity in music.

Finally, we take a cinematic turn as Bobby illuminates his experience with the film West Side Story, reflecting on the critical role of historical accuracy in movies. We discuss the art of entrepreneurship in the music industry, pondering  how to make the arts more accessible. Drawing inspiration from the legendary jazz musician Buddy Rich, we delve into the passion and dedication required in the pursuit of music. As we wrap up our musical journey, Bobby leaves us with an inspiring note - the importance of perseverance and the power of never giving up. Prepare to be moved by this rhythmically rich and heartwarming conversation with Bobby Sanabria!

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Today we release part 1 of our interview with Bobby Sanabria. He's a noted drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, conductor, producer, educator, documentary film maker, and bandleader. He's a 7-time Grammy nominee who has performed with dozens of renowned artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria,  Bob Mintzer, and Randy Brecker.  If you're at all interested in Latin Percussion over the past 75 years, or what it takes to be a productive arts entrepreneur, you'll want to join us!

In this episode:
From his electrifying encounter with Tito Puente to his dramatic decision to pursue music as a career, Bobby paints a vivid picture of his journey, reminding us all of the power of passion and determination. Bobby retraces his steps to an unforgettable encounter with the iconic Keith Copeland, which transformed his life in unimaginable ways. From understanding the odd meter of Don Ellis's music to taking lessons with Copeland, Bobby's tale reiterates the timeless significance of mentors in shaping our lives. His narrative is a testament to the everlasting beauty of perseverance, a beacon of hope for every artist who dares to dream.

Fasten your seatbelts as we explore Bobby's instrumental role in the creation of the Bronx Music Heritage Center. As the notes of his tale intertwine with those of folklorist Elena Martinez and Nancy Biberman, they create a symphony that echoes the diverse cultures and music that thrive in the Bronx. Hear Bobby talk about his studio experiences and his insights on being a band leader. His story, a synchrony of chasing dreams and defying expectations, is an inspiring melody that leaves us craving more.

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