Self-employment

Profitable passion for art

Life is funny with its twists and turns, as an entrepreneur sometimes learns. Many great small businesses are born purely by accident when a person discovers hidden talents. "I never knew I'd be so good at ceramic design or love it so much," entrepreneur Katarina McCombe says.

ROGER PIERCE


[ 2006-07-26 ]

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Sharon Gallinger (left) and Katarina McCombe discovered their passion for the businesss of art.

McCombe and Sharon Gallinger own Amigas Ceramic Design (


Gallinger and McCombe say their company grew out of a personal passion for their art. "We both studied painting while living abroad," Gallinger says. "Once back in Canada, we enrolled in a ceramic painting class and discovered we were pretty good at it."

"We looked around at ceramic art here in Toronto, and just knew that we could supply much better work," McCombe says. "Painting gives each of us a creative release and a challenge. Selling our pieces is just icing on the cake."

McCombe says the hardest part about being an entrepreneur is staying motivated. "It's difficult when you're working alone," she says. "However, Sharon and I overcome that challenge by painting together at least once a week. That keeps us inspired."

Gallinger advises aspiring entrepreneurs to "keep the faith."

"It takes time, discipline and hard work to start a business," she says. "Success doesn't happen overnight, so you've got to keep believing in yourself and your idea."



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