Growing an online business as an artist with Wayde AKA Alejandro Lauren

Speaker A: Welcome to the Unstoppable E Commerce podcast. Your place to learn how to run a profitable six figure e commerce business that gives you the financial freedom to live the life of your dreams. I'm, um, your host, Karen Parkinson, an E commerce marketing mentor, Facebook ad specialist, speaker and mum based in Hobart, Tasmania with over 11 years experience in the industry, experience coaching hundreds of e commerce business owners through my signature program, EcoMigniter, and up to the minute insights from my Facebook ad agency, Unstoppable E Commerce. I'm here to educate and empower you to create your own unstoppable e commerce business. Click subscribe so you don't miss an episode and let's jump in. Before we begin today, I'd like to acknowledge the Palawa people of Lutruwida as the first people and custodians here through all of time. The warm, loving feeling of home is felt here and it's a testament to the nurturing and care you've provided this country for thousands of years. I pay respect to the elders and acknowledge them as the wisdom holders and the teachers of the Palawa community. Welcome back to the Unstoppable E Commerce podcast. Today I am super excited to introduce you to Wade, also known as Alejandro Loren. Wade is a proud queen, queer aboriginal artist and qualified art, uh, therapist dedicated to empowering others through creativity. Alejandra Lauren is the alter ego of Wade Clark. Now, Wade's work is deeply influenced by his experience as a gay person of color in Australia and he uses his art to spotlight social issues, challenge perceptions and celebrate cultural identity. Wade's been through my most recent round of the EcoMigniter program and he's going to share with us what it's been like taking his art from a hobby to a full time gig. It's also gonna share the growth that's happened in his business since doing Igniter and how he's gone from doing around $1,400 a week to three to $5,000 a week in just a few months. So please join me as I welcome Wade. Thank you, Wade. So, huh, much for joining me today.

Speaker B: My pleasure. Happy to be here.

Speaker A: Been super excited for our chat. Now tell us, uh, when did you first start Alejandro Loren, and what inspired you?

Speaker B: Yes. Okay. So Alejandra Loren, I was always kind of intrigued by Alejandro. Alejandro is my alter ego and so I've always wanted to name something after them and so I've created Alejandra Loren as my artist name and I've just always been creating art. But I would really say it picked up and um, I got it into momentum of selling works back in 2018 and that was seven years now. Yeah, there'll be like a start on like Etsy, you know. My gosh, feels like pagan days when Etsy used to be. It used to be good. I don't even think it was good then, but like back in the early 2000s, Etsy was great. I thought it was a really great platform for me to start off selling like original, like handmade drawings on just prints as well.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And it kind of like really snowballed really well on Etsy and then moved it over to its own platform.

Speaker A: So you're on Shopify now. Did you start with Shopify after Etsy or there's something between.

Speaker B: I started with like Etsy, then I moved to like Wix and then I moved to Squarespace. Um, just because like WIX wasn't where. Where I wanted it to be. And I think what really like stopped me from going to Shopify was the price.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Like, I was like, I don't want to pay 39 USD for, for a website, you know, like. But when I looked at it and compared to like building a really good E commerce platform, I was like, I'm stupid not to use Shopify. It takes a lot of that admin out for me and it gives me more time to create. So I think that's when I did make the jump to Shopify. I really noticed the change in sales and it pushing towards like, uh, the other online stores like Google, Instagram, Facebook.

Speaker A: Yeah, all that fun. Definitely more of a professional platform. Like WIX is great. It's got its purpose, you know, for people that are, you know, maybe want to pop something up for their school soccer team or you know, something like that that doesn't really need to look that amazing, doesn't need to function. But Shopify is definitely built for E commerce, so it's a bit more robust.

Speaker B: One thing I really did like about Wix was the creativity side of it. How you can make the website look and how it interacts with users and consumers. But when coming to shopping, I want the artwork to be the main display. So I think that's what like Shopify is really good at. It's really good about putting your products in front of people and making sure they notice that you can still have really pretty stores on Shopify. But I feel what really works is like really basic, simple stuff that people can find.

Speaker A: Yeah. Making it easy to navigate and finding your artwork. I think as an artist, one platform that is Amazing at the moment for service based, not so much for E commerce, but I think one day it'll catch up is Showit. And Showit is having heard of this one, it's built off the WordPress platform, but it's basically drag and drop in the sense that you literally build it as if you're using Photoshop. Like you put the elements where you want them and you can literally have layers and build it up however you like and then that's what the website looks like. So it's incredible as far as like you can create all sorts of interactive animation or, you know, beautifully styled sites, but they don't have as robust e commerce engine behind it as Shopify does.

Speaker B: Yeah, okay.

Speaker A: One day. One day, baby, one day.

Speaker B: But I think like with the Shopify and it's just got so many good integrated systems now and applications and it just works so.

Speaker A: That's right.

Speaker B: If you're thinking about it, go for it.

Speaker A: So you are a proud first nations queer artist. You can talk about that a bit on your socials and on your website. And one of the things I read in your bio, your about page was that you use art, uh, to spotlight social issues, challenge perceptions and celebrate cultural identity. Talk to me more about that.

Speaker B: Yes. So I find I've always found myself not to be a very vulnerable person. Um, and the way for me to be vulnerable and talk about the things that matter to me and matter to my community and being black and queer. I wanted to showcase those kinds of feelings. So I. One of my really main artwork pieces is my pride flag. It was something that I did for Equality Australia in reference to the voice referendum to vote. Yes. Um, standing in solidarity. Not only have, um, our, uh, indigenous people of Australia had to march for their own rights for hundreds of thousands of years to be acknowledged as people. Also, what really ties into that, me being queer. I also had to. We've also had to do that and march for our rights. But also what really made me tie that piece together again was I had to vote yes for something again that I shouldn't. That should just be already passed.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Something that we should already be included in. And I just really wanted to make that piece about my journey as a black person and my other journeys as a black queer people out there of the lgbtqa. Other things could be about falling in love, losing people, the things that we go through in our everyday life or that we would go through eventually in the future if we haven't gotten them already. I feel that sort of connects us as humans. It's that human experience, and I really feel that's a common ground for us to be nicer towards one another. I feel sometimes we forget that people are people. We're all people. We all go through things. We all bleed. And I feel we need to just be a little bit nicer towards some people. And even there's people out there that absolutely rotten inside and out. But I just tell them, like, have the day you deserve now. So, like, it's just. It's a nice way of saying have. Have a day, but have the day you deserv.

Speaker A: But, um, so do you feel like stepping into that alter ego for your artwork? You can be a lot louder with those issues than.

Speaker B: Yeah, I feel so. But, like, I feel now, Wade and Alejandra are quite a hybrid personality now. Like, Alejandro's really made me really step outside of my comfort zone. And it's. When it comes to these social pressures or things or I need to speak up. I'm just like, okay, this is what it is.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Um, even, like, to the point of standing up for myself, I do that now. I'll be always willing and ready to stand up for other people and not myself. I'll just, like, kind of be like, you know what? I don't need to pay that any attention. Don't need to pay that any mind. But when there's, like, when it affects other people, that's when I'm like, great. Uh, I need to start talking about the messages.

Speaker A: Like, so it's like, you needed Alejandro to get that confidence, and now you've kind of got that. You're kind of merging into both, but because a lot of people are very fearful to bring in their, I guess, personal views and opinions into their business. So I love that, as an artist, your business is you, and that you can really take a strong stance on these things. And I enjoy following you and, um, seeing all your thoughts on things, like, in your stories and things like that.

Speaker B: There's been, like, tons of artists, like Luca Banksy, like, he talk. He's like, a street artist who does a lot of social media and social pressures around the world and really showcases them. And I feel, as an artist or any kind of, if you have a platform, use it for the good. Like, use it to bring people together to, like, spew love in the world and not hate and fear. Make it rejoiceful. And I would just love to see, uh, the world get along one day, you know, but who knows if that will happen?

Speaker A: You're doing your bit, though.

Speaker B: You know, I'M doing my bit to put it out there and let people know that I'm a safe space. Um, I'm someone that they can come talk to if they need to talk to me. Or like, any one of my fans will probably be the same thing. Like anyone that appreciates my art, uh, will probably be the same kind of person. Well, I would like to hope so.

Speaker A: Well, you attract your tribe, don't you, with your.

Speaker B: Exactly.

Speaker A: And everyone else can deselect themselves from your audience.

Speaker B: And I've always, I've always been that person who has expected that depth of vulnerability from my friends. Um, um. So I'm like, why not show up and do it for the people who are supporting me as well?

Speaker A: Yeah, that's amazing because not everyone has that in their, you know, like, inner circle. So the fact that we can connect online. You mentioned before about, like, doing Etsy at the start, but that was 2018. So fast forward seven years, it's just become so much more accessible now for people to.

Speaker B: Yes.

Speaker A: Not just, you know, create a great website with something like Shopify, but also just have a platform like using social media to, you know, they can be anyone from anywhere and they can put themselves out there and share their thoughts and inspire those who, you know on that same wavelength with them to then create, like a community, whether you know them or not, whether they live near you or not. So I think that's like such an amazing thing that we have now. Obviously it comes with its challenges as well, but it does allow people who might be feeling a bit alone, wherever they are, to be able to connect with you on the other side of the world or wherever, and find someone that can relate to them.

Speaker B: That's 100% right. That's why I do it. Like, I want people to feel related to my work, feel seen, feel heard.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And that's something really important. You could be right next to me or you could be across, uh, the other side of the world.

Speaker A: So it's just pretty incredible. So when you started your Etsy, uh, were you still working another job or.

Speaker B: Yeah, I was working. Oh, my gosh. What was I doing back in 2018? I'd like to try and change my roles. If I get bored and tired, I'm just like, I'm moving on. Yep, it's time to go.

Speaker A: I can relax.

Speaker B: And I think it was because I was just always searching for something that filled my cup. And people, uh, of companies that I've worked at really filled my cup for those. I don't think I really enjoyed the roles that much, I think it was the people that I was around. But back in 2008, yeah, I was working. I believe I was like a finance officer or something.

Speaker A: Yeah. Uh, okay.

Speaker B: And then all working in rostering or something like that. And then how long did it take

Speaker A: you to then go like, I'm going all in on this and doing it full time.

Speaker B: Okay. So I got to the opportunity to work part time and like, I was making income and I'm like, great, let's drop down to four days a week and sacrifice.

Speaker A: Yeah, okay.

Speaker B: Then I would. I would always come home and work on Alejandro Loren and do things, do posts and do social media. Then I would find myself getting really tired and I'll be doing markets on the weekend, like local ones and then, um, the big ones as well. Actually, no, because Covid kind of came in. I wasn't doing big markets until Covid eased. So I was just doing local markets back in 2018. And then Covid hit and I just really put a stop with markets. I was working and just doing. Focusing on online sales, and that was it. And then when Covid eased, I went to part time. I could afford it. And then I could kindly see me putting in those extra hours in the day into my business. I saw it increase in value of like getting paid more from it. I'm like, well, it's working. Then I dropped down to three days a week. And so I was like working only three days a week and working on Alejandro. Uh, my cup was so full and I just like, just doing things that I loved, working on commissions, getting in front of people. And then by the time in, I think I've been a full time artist now for the last two and a half years.

Speaker A: So amazing.

Speaker B: I think by the time I hit that, that period, I was like, I had a fair bit of savings that I could go in and just be like, great. I said to my husband, I'm like, great, I will go like four, five months worth of savings here that I can use to work on this full time. I'm going to quit my job. And he's like, what? And I'm like, I want to quit my job. I've got five months of the savings. If it doesn't work in five months, it's not like I'm unemployable. Like, I can. I've got skills. Like, I've got great skills in.

Speaker A: You backed yourself. You backed yourself with savings, which is far more than I ever did.

Speaker B: Yeah. So it just was like, I. Because I stress otherwise If I'll be stressing, and I don't want that kind of.

Speaker A: It's not good for the creativity problem.

Speaker B: My problem. Otherwise, they'll be very depressing paintings. They'll be very, like, chaotic energy, which they already are chaotic energy, but in a good way. But yeah. And I just said, let's do it. And I haven't looked back. Like, I just. I thought. I'm like. And I'm, um, one of those people. I'm like, oh, I wish I did that sooner or. And, like, I can't cry with spilled milk. But there's just a lot of times where I look back and I'm like, I wish Wade had the confidence to just be like, let's go back myself a little bit.

Speaker A: You had everything you needed when you did do it, you know, including the

Speaker B: cost to do it. I had everything that I required to get things done.

Speaker A: So you talked about people filling your cup when you were working in, like, an office job. So now that you work by yourself and you, you know, artist at home, how do you fill that side of your cup?

Speaker B: Oh, uh, well, I've got my dogs. Like, my. My. My babies, my dogs and my bird, and my husband. My husband works from home, like, three days of out of the week.

Speaker A: Okay, so you're not completely isolated.

Speaker B: Not completely isolated, but, like, what really fills my cup is the interactions with people on social media as well. Getting to share my work and talk about the stories. Like, I'm really igniting my passion onto canvas or onto paper and, like, letting my creativity flow. Also, like, when I do markets or, like, shows, it's, uh, like, not only seeing people's expressions on their face when they see my work, but it's just being able to talk about my work and being really proud of my work and being able to stand in front of it and talk about it and share it with everyone. Uh, that's what really, like, fills my cup now. Even, like, I get, like, messages, like, from people, like, emails saying that, like, this artwork really spoke to me. Like, uh, I lost my mom. And, like, it just really resembles her and the colors that she likes, and the story is, like, so her. And I'm like, that's amazing. Like, wow. Like, I've done my job in someone's life to feel seen, to feel heard.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And the things that they've gone through, and it just makes me feel just so much better. And m. That. That really, like, overflows my cup when I get those kinds of messages.

Speaker A: That's awesome. I love that. Okay, so on this journey that you've been on. And it has been a journey and last two and a half years, obviously full time. So stalking. You know, I know that you've done some pretty amazing, uh, commissions and some collaborations working with like, westf, Cotton on and all these amazing brands. How did those come about?

Speaker B: Very organically, actually. So they. I think I've. I really try and push a good social media message and really try and push it out. So I think they found me through socials or word of mouth.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Awesome. I do tend to do, like, a lot of the big markets around Sydney and in Melbourne and Canberra, and I do, like, people take my cards and so. But a lot of, like, the commissions that I've worked with with Westfield and Quad Non have literally come from Office Talk. They've been like, we need someone and it's just been thrown out in the discussion room. They've obviously pulled out their other artists and they're like, yep, we want to work with this guy.

Speaker A: That's amazing.

Speaker B: That's like, into the initial meeting and they're like, yeah, we've made the right choice.

Speaker A: Yeah. Ah, so awesome. Um, I love that because social media for artists, I find, is a really hard one because quite often, you know, you get into it because you love doing what it is that you do, whether that be, you know, sculpture or drawing or painting or whatever it might be. And then all of a sudden you've got to be this marketing person as well and you've got to learn all the other things. So I know a lot of friends that are artists that really struggle with the social media side. And I'm always trying to stress the importance of just, like, having that place that people can, you know, discover you and stay front of mind. So when they are having those, you know, big discussions, they're like, oh, that's right, yeah, that Alejandro Loren that we met at the market, you know. Yeah, look, here's his Instagram. And you know, you've got such a strong presence in that you're always showing up there and people can really get to know you. And the fact that you are consistently showing up means that you are front of mind when people are having those. So I think that's really great that you've found a way to kind of tie that in. And I guess because of your personality and how you are, you know, really going for all this social justice, it helps so much. You know, you've got that really strong social presence and then your art that ties in with all of it. So, um, you've done really well to get that off because I know at the beginning when maybe there's not that many followers and not many much engagement, that bit can be really hard.

Speaker B: Like, it is. But I don't think, uh, he can't take it personally. Like, it's like some. There's some posts that I post and I only get like maybe 10 likes, you know, And I'm like, doesn't matter. Like, still, people saw it. I don't like everything I see, but someone still saw it and they could still love it, but they might not have liked it, you know, But I think it's like showing up is the most important thing. And I really started to notice when I. I used to just show my work. Like, I used to just show my work. Didn't show me. I didn't show who I was. It was just no personality behind it.

Speaker A: Hide behind the work. Yeah.

Speaker B: And I'm like. And I think that's because, uh, the bit of the vulnerability aspect and the vulnerability side, I just wanted to be like, no, this is what my art's about. It's not about me. But I feel as a consumer myself, when I buy things, I really like buying from people.

Speaker A: That, yeah, people buy from people.

Speaker B: Like, I buy from the people.

Speaker A: So what helped you get over that? Because I'm sure there's some other artists listening going, yeah, that's me. I'm putting my artwork up. I don't want to get on the camera. What do you have to say for them?

Speaker B: I just. What I was worried about was I was worried that I might lose following. They might not like me. They might think I'm ugly. Like all the above. Like, it's just crazy.

Speaker A: Which you're not. But, uh, no, this is audio only, so I'm going to fill in the gaps. She's gorgeous.

Speaker B: So I think we're just, like, taking the chance and just like, you know what? If I lose followers, I lose followers. I don't need them. Like, I don't need those ones if they are going to just judge me on appearance or judge me on something or the way I talk or the way I look. They're not my tribe.

Speaker A: Yeah, exactly.

Speaker B: You know, they're not. They're not for me. And I think as soon as I just started showing my personality and I've

Speaker A: always been able to connect you on such a deeper level than just like, oh, yeah, it's cool that that's a cool painting. It's like, oh, you know, they're getting to know you and then they're going to be more interested in the story behind that painting and all of that that comes with it. So, yes, like, I know so many artists that are amazingly talented that are so scared to put themselves out there,

Speaker B: and I think it's very, very important to do it, because if you're proud of your work, you should. You should show the person who created that and let other people be proud of that as well. The amount of times that I get when I'm at shows, they're like, oh, you're the artist. And I'm like, yep. Love being here. Love being in front of my work. And they're like, oh, you're so brave. And there's so many people that don't do this, and they get other people to come to it for them or have people around them. And like, no, this is my work. I need to stand in front of it and be proud of it and showcase that I did this with my two hands.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: You know, so. But I don't know what it was. Yeah, just. I think it was just a debilitating, uh, thought of, like, maybe people might not like me. And I've always. I don't know why I was worried about that, because I've always worried, like,

Speaker A: such a common thing.

Speaker B: You know, people on the street, if they don't like me, I'm like, I'm not bothered by that. But I don't know. I think because if it's social media, it's always there.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And, like, when you meet people in the street or meet people out, it's a passing moment. But I'm, um, like, why not? What have I got to lose other than followers? And I'll gain. I'll probably gain. You gain more followers anyways by sharing more of yourself. So you'll lose the bad ones. You say you're picking your weeds. You really pick your weeds. And you keep your flowers when you start showing yourself online.

Speaker A: Eric Kramer, queen of confidence. Love, uh, her stuff. And I remember her saying something along the lines of, how is that serving you? Like, if you're out there and your work's great, but you just don't want to put yourself out there. Like, how is that serving you? And really, you know, what you can gain from putting yourself out there is far more important than, I guess, that what might happen, you know, by putting yourself out there as well. So I love that you conquered that

Speaker B: and into time, into, like, back into, like, being found on social media, getting to work with, like, cotton on and, like, uh, Westfields and New South Wales Health and New South Wales Government, they all found me from working online, which is really good. Or, um, being online, or from some of the workers who have. Who own some of my art. And they've reached out and said, like, hey, is this something that you do even if you don't do it?

Speaker A: Try?

Speaker B: Like, you lose every single shot that you don't shoot at. Uh, right. So if you don't try, you're always going to miss the shot. So if there's something that you think you can choose, I say do it, try it. Because if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out.

Speaker A: What's the worst that can happen? Yeah.

Speaker B: Yeah. But I have said I'm going to this year. Really apply for some eois that, like, for, uh. I'm looking for. The word starts with P, I think.

Speaker A: Are we talking, like, corporate car? Like, big murals and stuff? Like.

Speaker B: Yeah, like, big murals. Like, get my stuff on buildings. Like, okay, yeah, apply for those kinds of eoris and write up a big proposal. That's the key word I was looking for. Write up proposals. And I've been always like, I don't want to do. Do that. I'm not the artist that goes looking for that kind of work now. But, uh, why not? Like, I'm just like. I'm like. And I've been telling. I've been. I've got it written on my computer, like, you miss every single shot you don't take. And that's my reminder this year. It's my mantra this year. If you do not take a shot, you're going to miss it.

Speaker A: Yeah. People always say, like, how do you win so many awards? But, like, what I'm saying, like, put on your website, like, the awards that you've won and stuff. They're like, how do I win awards? I'm like, enter, enter. Literally, you know, the people that we normally. The people that don't are the people

Speaker B: that enter into yourself.

Speaker A: Yeah. Um, I put yourself in that arena.

Speaker B: Yeah. I haven't entered anything, but I did luckily enough become a finalist in Creative of the Year for Lake, uh, McQuarrie, which is my area.

Speaker A: Awesome.

Speaker B: And, like, I was with people that have performed for the Queen, that have, like, wrote in books about royalty and, like, in history and stuff. And I was just as, like. I was like. I thought. I was like, oh, cool. Like, I wonder, like, who I'm gonna be up against. And I was like, holy hell, the competition is real. Yeah. But I was just. But I was the only artist and I was just as like, fantastic, creative artists in painting wise.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: But there was so many other artists out there that were singing and reading, like, who wrote books and wrote history. And I just was like, wow, incredible. So, yeah, nominate yourself. Get friends to nominate for you. Just say, hey, never be afraid to

Speaker A: put yourself forward for these post.

Speaker B: Say, hey, does anyone nominate me for this?

Speaker A: And I love that you're actually saying, you know, this is what I'm going to do this year. And I think that's so powerful that everyone really should be like, okay, these are my goals for this year. And I've seen people do it and they've been like, huge. And they'll put them out there and someone goes, oh, I know someone that can make that one happen.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker A: Like, you probably have this whole community of people that can support you, but if we don't know what it is that you want to do, you know, how is that going to happen? So, yeah, definitely big fan of, like putting it out there 100%.

Speaker B: And write right down. Write down. Like, I'm a really big believer in writing it down and ticking it off.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Because that's just me, though. It makes. That's what makes me feel. That fills my cup too. If I can start ticking off things and I'm like, go. Done.

Speaker A: Yes. I'm like, everything's on the computer. But then when I'm like, right. And I like, like a physical notebook and physical. To do lists and putting pen to paper. There's something about it.

Speaker B: Yes. Very millennial like that. I got my license for a reason, so I still use it.

Speaker A: Mine was, like, delayed. I think they just gave it to me out of pity. Right at, um. Um, my handwriting is shocking. And you'll see why I type everything else.

Speaker B: Mine is so shocking. I think everyone's handwriting will be shocking because of such a piece of technology.

Speaker A: So used to just typing, like. Yeah, everything. Okay, some quick ones for you. What is your favorite thing about running your business?

Speaker B: Ooh, creating. It has to be creating. It's my favorite. Like, I get to create and design and the fun think of concepts and that. That's the fun part. Getting it. Getting it done.

Speaker A: Okay. On the other scale, what's the least favorite thing about your business?

Speaker B: Probably bookkeeping. Oh. Like, I know that can be outsourced, but, like, I'm just stone outsourcing it. But it's also like going through the emails. The amount of emails that I get through each day.

Speaker A: Like admin.

Speaker B: Because I do.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And I don't want to pay for any other emails. I only got like weighted other hand jewelry so I don't have to pay for anymore. But like, I do subscribe to like Fantastic framing and all the things that I use daily deals and stuff. So I'm like, delete, delete, delete, delete, delete, delete. But I don't have to unsubscribe because sometimes these are, these are the. This is the thing that I get. My problem is with. There's some really good deals like Vista. I give my cards, my business cards from Vistaprint. Sometimes I have a 70% site. I need to know when that 70% sales on so I can order more business cards. Because if I'm going to save like 70%, they get.

Speaker A: Order them, they get you. I'm not going to give you any advice on inbox management. I'm looking at mine and I currently have 1862 unread in one of my six inboxes.

Speaker B: Uh, very, very similar.

Speaker A: So no advice here? No. For that. Okay, uh, what's the next big goal you'd like to tick off? What's the thing that's written down at the moment?

Speaker B: Oh, look, see, I've always wanted to work with Gorman. Like, I love Gorman, but since like, I think Lisa used to. At least a Gorman used to own it, she sold it to Factory X and I believe they own like Dangerfield and stuff. I was like, really hoping that it was still an Australian brand and designer.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: So I'm not. Not too sure if I want to still pursue that, but I would really love to get some more clothing up. Like, obviously I'll do my own clothing, but, um. But yeah, like a really big mural, you know, like, I would love. I think that'll be really, really fun.

Speaker A: Yeah. Cool. Okay. So anyone listening that has any contacts with some good clothing companies or. Um, I think I've written down a couple for you. Um, or big murals that. So councils out there that are looking for schools. I saw Deb McNaughton did a huge one at a school the other day that looked amazing.

Speaker B: Oh, wait, I do. I do also totally slipped my mind. But I do want to open my own store.

Speaker A: I was like thinking maybe you're not wanting to tell people,

Speaker B: oh, my God, I want to open my own shop. I want to open my own little gallery and support community, get community and to do workshops after school programs like teach little kids about culture.

Speaker A: Because you're an art therapist too.

Speaker B: I'm an art therapist too, so I'll do. I want my own space to do that as well. So I would really like to have my own space where uh, people can display works, exhibit, have a workshop even coming and have their own little space in studio. If I have a big enough space too.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: And then I'll be studio and I could be working together so uh, like with other people and bouncing ideas off one another and helping them potentially become full time artists as well.

Speaker A: I love that. And I just thought maybe it was under wraps because you weren't bringing it up.

Speaker B: I'm like the clothing thing totally not under wraps. I just, I just like kind of like into my mind it is like something that I have been stressing about. I'm like, okay, cool. Rent. Getting all that out there. Insurances.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: All that fun stuff.

Speaker A: But I think that. And then it's going to come to fruition very soon.

Speaker B: It really will. Finding the ideal space.

Speaker A: Just like this is going to happen. This is going to be amazing. And so which area you're in? Newcastle.

Speaker B: I'm in Lake Macquarie Castle.

Speaker A: So anyone in that area who's an artist that might be thinking, hey, this sounds amazing. I'd rent one of those spaces. Get into.

Speaker B: I've been looking at. I've been looking at Cardiff. Cardiff. I can only allocate to studio spaces.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: With myself. So there'll be three of us.

Speaker A: Yep.

Speaker B: But I would think I would ideally like to go in to Newcastle.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Like into the city. The only thing with that parking is horrible.

Speaker A: Yeah. Okay.

Speaker B: So. But I feel. Yeah. I just, I'm not too sure if people from Newcastle would come over to Cardiff or if I know Lake Macquarie people would go into Newcastle because we, we all go into Newcastle because that's where the things are. Yep. So.

Speaker A: Okay, well if you're listening, if you're in this area, uh, feedback, hit me up.

Speaker B: Give me some of your details. Give me what you want because then that might help me.

Speaker A: Yeah. For sure. Okay. What advice would you give to another artist just starting out?

Speaker B: Oh, okay. Yeah. I kind of always look back on this and what would young Wade and young Alejandro love to hear? I would be like think find who you want to own your stuff. Like who is going to own your work because that's who you can really tailor everything to. You know, in your own mind. You've got a little thing in your mind. Like my person is very left, very social, very all about equal rights. Mostly women as well. Because women tend to be more daring, more colorful.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Like to put more things on the wall other than pictures of cars or.

Speaker A: Yeah.

Speaker B: Photo of a beach. You know, and so They're a bit more daring and colorful. So really try and tailor who your customer is but also do everything that's in your mind. Try it if you want to want to try something new or if we want to go from like drawing to pottery, try it. You got to try and fill your cup and you might be skilled in both. It's what people do as a creative just create, have fun, don't be hard on yourself and just got to give

Speaker A: ourselves a break sometimes. Hey.

Speaker B: Yeah. Then that's what I've always just been like. And if someone doesn't want it, it's still good anyways, like you made it. It's perfect.

Speaker A: Awesome. Now we actually met because you came through EcoMigniter program.

Speaker B: Yes.

Speaker A: Now we are starting up again. This is my 12 week live eCommerce mentoring training program starting on the 5th of May which is coming up very soon. So can you tell us about your experience in the income igniter program?

Speaker B: I really loved that it was like self paced. We had our weekly cause on going over it. I would really recommend if you are going to do it, go ahead and keep up to date with it. I think it's really good if you keep up to date and not fall behind. But it is self paced and you can rerecord any other videos. You got access to the Facebook groups to ask questions. So I really find that is really, really good. You're really hands on as well Karen, which I really really love. There's a passion to Karen's work and I think Karen just wants to see people succeed. So I think that's another thing I really enjoyed from the ECOM group and I really enjoyed just how easy it was like it was even though we were separate. Separate from all of us were separate like in our own little lounge rooms or our own little spaces. I felt so together.

Speaker A: Yeah, it was a really great group actually.

Speaker B: And it's one of my favorite is

Speaker A: seeing all these friendships form and only yesterday George finally launched her huh website on Sunday and then looking at the comments it was like all the other students from your round like saying congratulations and love that people tend to stay connected to those that they go through the program with. And that's one of my favorite things. A lot of them will collaborate or like wholesale other people's products and there's been these friendships formed that some of them five years on are still like catching up for calls. Yeah, I love that side of it and quite often need that when we're so isolated.

Speaker B: But I would recommend like if you Are holding off on doing the ecab cloth. Do it. Please do it. Because I met m you at finders keepers. You came around, right?

Speaker A: Uh, yeah.

Speaker B: And you did the little taster masterclass, and I was just like, okay, this girl gets it. And like, you're. You're one of my people as well. I'm like, she understands me. She understands who I am. Because, like, you're the kind of customer who I would sell to as well. So I'm like, why not?

Speaker A: Yeah. Looking around my office. When you say you like colorful and stuff on the office.

Speaker B: Yes, exactly. So I'm just always like, why not work with someone who is really tailored to my brand anyways?

Speaker A: So I think bright, colorful brands I'm all about.

Speaker B: And anytime I talk to you. But after anytime I talk to you, I'm always like, I can reach the sun. I think. I think it's fantastic. I'm so glad our paths crossed. So I would always recommend.

Speaker A: My favorite thing was watching your confidence grow and putting your prices up.

Speaker B: Yeah. That's another thing that I really struggle with is pricing works. Actually, take the emails back. Hood pricing works in as my least hated thing because, like, my most hated thing, because I don't like it. I really don't like it. It's so hard. It's so.

Speaker A: Yeah. And it's a confidence thing. When you're an artist, pricing your work is really. It was great to see you own the quality of your work and actually put those up. And Facebook ads. You got your Facebook ads up and started.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker A: Which was awesome.

Speaker B: Yeah. It's really increased my sales. Like, I. Can I talk numbers? Is it okay to go for it on this? Okay, great. So before doing the ecom Club, I was probably making like an addition, like probably 14 to 1800 a week online with you. Teach me what I need to know about magnetic messaging and doing ads and all that fun stuff that we love doing. Which it is fun for me now because I didn't know it before doing this course. I just was like, great, let's try it. And got banned from m Facebook ads. So. But now with your help, we got. We got that all fixed and we got Facebook ads up and running, and I'm budgeting $100 a day on ads, and I'm probably pulling in anywhere between now three to $5,000 a week online, which is really, really nice. Like, it's. And it's a mix. It's a mix of everything. It's a mix of my clothing, It's a mix of prints. It's a mix of my phone cases and sometimes an occasional painting gets bought too. So, uh, it's really, really nice to just have that cash injection. And also those ads are, uh, in front of people that use, like, Facebook and Instagram. And so it just brings a bit more of a following. And what I tend to see is people that do say those ads tend to tag other people in those ads. Like, hey, look at this.

Speaker A: Yes.

Speaker B: And I'm like, share it. Share with everyone.

Speaker A: I would never run ads specifically to get likes, but that. It's always like a nice. I can't think of the word.

Speaker B: I feel appreciated a little bit.

Speaker A: Yeah, like, we're running the ads for conversions, but you're getting those likes and things anyway from those ads, which is always really nice and it's a really good term for that, but I can't think what it is. So now those that have been listening going, hey, he sounds amazing and my kind of guy. And I want to see what this art, uh, actually looks like. Where can they find you?

Speaker B: Oh, yeah, we can. We can. Yeah, we can find me at, uh, Alejandro Underscore. Loren Underscore. Because somehow it's taken. It's probably me creating an account and forgetting the password.

Speaker A: So that's Instagram.

Speaker B: Instagram, yeah.

Speaker A: Yep.

Speaker B: Website. Alejandra Loren.com. easy.

Speaker A: I'll link those up in the show notes as well. So if you're listening to this, click on through. Give him a like and a follow, and, uh, check out all the amazing artwork. And like you said, it's not just your art now. You've got obviously your originals, your prints, but you've got it on phone cases, you've got it on clothing, all. And hopefully coming soon to a studio near you. Yes, your own art store. Uh, slash studio slash art therapy workshop, workshops. It's going to be incredible. And I can't see it happen. Oh, I'm going to have to fly out just to come to the launch.

Speaker B: Yeah, stay at our house. We'll host you.

Speaker A: Love it.

Speaker B: We'll have a margarita.

Speaker A: Thank you so much for joining me, Wade. It's been such a pleasure getting to know you through the program, but I really wanted people to be able to hear from you, you know, just how far you've come, but also your incredible story over the last seven years and now two and a half full time. And, and I loved what you said about all the goal setting and the, you know, putting yourself out there and shooting that shot. So thank you so much. I'm sure you've inspired lots of people listening today.

Speaker B: I surely hope so. And if you have any questions or if you think I've missed anything, anyone, please reach out on Instagram. I'm always on there replying and talking to people. So always, always, always. I love like I'm not too big fan of like matter and using meta, but I do love how connected it makes people.

Speaker A: So yeah, amazing. Thank you so much.

Speaker B: Thank you.

Speaker A: If you're looking to increase your website conversions but you're not sure where to start, register for a free mini website order, head to unstoppableecom.com or visit the link in the show Notes.