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

Hi Trisha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In the case of launching Artly International, I saw a need within the online art marketplace that I believed our business model could successfully fill. I wanted to establish a digital platform that was truly artist- and collector-centric while paying homage to the traditional gallery model. With an academic background in both business and art, starting this business presented a unique opportunity to combine my interests and skill set. I’m also naturally inclined to work independently and enjoy the freedom associated with being a business owner. Freedom to set my own schedule and the ability to engage with a diverse range of projects hold significant value to me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Artly International is the online art division of J. Peeler Howell Fine Art, based in Fort Worth, Texas. Our mission is to enhance the online art marketplace by presenting collectors with a curated selection of original artwork that reflects timeless significance and genuine artistic expression. We believe that art should be a source of inspiration and connect with viewers on a profound level, offering an experience that lingers long after the initial encounter. We want our platform to provide art appreciators and collectors with a space to discover meaningful artwork from an exceptional group of artists. It’s important for us to forge close relationships between creators and collectors, fostering an environment of personal connections with global accessibility. Starting a business is never easy, particularly considering the competitive landscape within the online art marketplace. I think it’s important to realize the amount of work a start-up business takes to gain significant traction and the necessity for the owners to adopt a long-term mindset. I think perseverance and fortitude are essential qualities for the entrepreneur. The key is to find something you’re genuinely passionate about and relentlessly pursue it. I’m excited about where Artly International has come over the last year, and am eager to present the new artists we are working with. The support of artists and community engagement we have been able to accomplish through also having a physical gallery space is essential to Artly International’s success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
DFW boasts several world-class museums that I would certainly include on my itinerary for a friend’s visit. There are also numerous exceptional art galleries to explore. Having met many of the gallery owners, I can confidently recommend a visit to Bale Creek Allen Gallery, Fort Works Art, and of course, J. Peeler Howell Fine Art. These galleries consistently feature top-tier exhibitions, and their welcoming and engaging atmosphere ensures visitors have a fantastic experience. I’d explore Sundance Square, Clearfork, and Southside, and visit the fabulous restaurants and wine bars. If we were up for outdoor activities, the Trinity Trails and nature preserves are great for a day of hiking and a picnic – as long as the visit was outside of the Summer months! Courtside Kitchen for pickleball is a must – I always have a great time there.

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 want to dedicate my shoutout to all of the talented artists and creatives in DFW who significantly contribute to what makes it such a vibrant arts and culture community.

Website: https://artlyinternational.com/

Instagram: @artlyinternational

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-howell/

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