Meet Marguerite Knowles | Artist and College Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marguerite Knowles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marguerite, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I got really into painting during high school, especially during Christmas and Summer breaks, and I painted everyday during these breaks. I soon realised I had so many finished paintings and not enough space to hang them! I gifted some of them to friends and family, but it still wasn’t taking care of all of the paintings I was creating. So I decided to start an online store where I could sell these paintings. I first began an eBay store, and then realised that Etsy was more suited to handmade items, and so I moved my store over. Since then, I’ve really learned how much work goes into a business (much more than I’ve expected) and I’ve expanded into greeting cards and stickers as well as the acrylic paintings which I began with.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I first began selling my artwork, I thought it would be very easy, just post a picture and sold. But I’ve since learned that it’s not the case at all! There’s so much that goes into an online business but I’ve loved all the challenges and how much I’ve learned. Running a business not only takes time but strategy as well, and I’ve learned that the more time and effort you put in, the more successful your business. It doesn’t just happen, you need to make it happen. I began my business with mainly acrylic paintings, but have since moved into smaller watercolors as well as greeting cards and most recently: stickers! My artwork is colorful and delicate and very representative of my own bright and calm personality. Recently I’ve been trying to expand my business into more than just the acrylic paintings I started with, and have been trying new avenues of marketing and social media like YouTube and Tik Tok. I think the most important thing about creating a successful business is keeping on top of marketing trends like social media, and to always look for and be open to new opportunities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My absolute favorite restaurant in the area is Rise, so that would be my first stop! I would definitely take them to the DMA as well, and for a walk in Klyde Warren Park and lunch at the food trucks afterwards. MiCocina is always the perfect place to eat so I would definitely take them there as well! If it was summer, we would certainly spend a lot of time by the pool, and if they visited during Christmas I’d love to show them the carriage rides at Highland Park Village, as well as the beautiful lights there at night!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my mother who showed me the importance of art!

Website: https://margueriteknowlesart.wixsite.com/home

Instagram: @margueriteknowlesart

Facebook: @margueriteknowlesart

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5MvRmA5hfG-4LxhKNSsBA

Other: Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MargueriteKnowlesArt