Excerpts from "Why Small Business Matters" Published on Friday, 03 November 2023 11:13 Written by Dan
Why did you start your business?
I started my business because opportunity aligned with my passions for art and design. Fresh from graduating with my Bachelors in Fine Arts from the Cooper Union School of Art, I had no debt. In the fall after interning at an amazing graphic design company, Milton Glaser Studio, I was inspired to launch Studio 162. I visualized a business that word marry my passion for graphic design and fine arts. At the start of business, that vision took shape in the form of books. I custom designed and handbound books that told personal stories about my client’s childhood, courtship or a special trip. The books were so well received, that those clients kept referring me to new clients. This allowed me to grow my business to the scale it is today. That was 20 years ago. Today, I reflect on the freedom it has allowed me to explore my passions and find purpose in work.
- What is your best-selling product/service?
In twenty years of business, my best-selling service has evolved from designing books to painting murals. I now paint about 3-4 murals a year. The most recent large-scale mural was for GE’s new makerspace in their new factory CoCreate in Stamford. The mural is of a robot, named FirstBuild breaking into Stamford spray-painting his mark on the city. I’ve also found great success is designing websites, most recently for Playtex and Stayfree. My passion lies in working with nonprofit organizations who use the power of art and design to elevate their fundraising efforts and missions.
- How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
I started my business in Downtown Stamford in a home studio. I’ve leaned on various local businesses to print, produce and supply my passions over thee years. Recently, I’ve collaborated work with Stamford’s Speed Printing and Graphic, Custom Sign Solutions, photographer Don Hamerman, event designer Sebastian of Sebass Events and videographer Byron of Alli Inka Creative Media.
- Have you "reimagined" your small business?
My business evolves to mirror my creative interests. I look for support from the community to evaluate the viability of pursuing these interests. I have always imagined Studio 162 to be a hub for my creativity. I’d like to ultimately share that idea publicly at scale, opening my studio for collaborative mural projects, art exhibitions, workshops and a store front.