Lately, I've been making it a point to connect with other local small business owners, and the topic that usually comes up first in our conversations is the nature of our various origin stories. "Why did you get started? When? How?" are the questions asked. Some of our businesses were born out of necessity, some out of purposeful longing, some out of a drive to solve a problem or meet a need, some were Covid hobbies that blossomed into something more, and some are a combination of all these things. Each story is a wild journey into the crazy, wonderful (and not so wonderful) world of entrepreneurship, with many being solopreneurs - like myself. It's a world that requires the wearing of many hats, a spirit of perseverance, the attitude of a lifelong learner, weird yet flexible hours, and the ability to adapt and grow over time. These are the commonalities in the different threads of conversations I've been a part of at least. Which leads me to the crux of this particular post - sharing my own small business origin story in the hopes that it offers some insight and encouragement to those who find themselves on, or ready to begin, a similar journey.

"Every journey begins with a single step", but in my case, it was a single Instagram post...

I started my "business" in 2015 by posting a single, simple Instagram post offering to create small front door portraits. And I did that for a few clients here and there. This evolved into creating full home portraits which then led to other various types of commissions. But looking back, the piece of original art that officially launched my business, or my dream of creating a sustainable business around my art, was the 11x14 melange of watercolor gouache and ink imagery on paper titled, "Mobile Magic." Initially, I created this piece for myself; it was an idea I had and wanted to bring to life. I had no intentions of selling it. I simply had a picture in my mind of something I wanted to make and went about doing just that. It was a love letter of sorts to my hometown of Mobile, Alabama, which clearly was and is a source of great inspiration for me. After its completion, this piece both revealed and cemented my signature style. It showcased my artistic voice as one expressed through a juxtaposition of related images fitted together to tell a cohesive story through the use of vibrant colors, sketchy ink-drawn details, and a whimsically nostalgic perspective. This is a style I've apparently been cultivating since elementary school (according to the grade school art portfolios in my parents' attic). It's one that has grown and matured with me over time while remaining distinguishably and uniquely my own.        

...yet it was the Lord who directed my steps

(Proverbs 16:9) 

When "Mobile Magic" was complete, I received positive feedback from several people close to me along with their encouragement to make it available to the public for purchase as an art print. And this is the point of possibility, the spark that ignited the birth of my business. Because from this point and to make this happen, a whole bunch of other things had to first take place. I had to dust off the graphic design skills I learned in college as part of my fashion design degree to edit the artwork and prepare it for print. But before I did that, I had to buy a scanner, learn how to use it, and then scan the art so that it could be edited and reproduced for print. I had to source paper, a printer, and packaging solutions. I had to figure out how to take orders, keep track of them, and then deliver art prints to customers. Oh yeah...I also needed a name, logo, and a brand identity for this bouncing baby business. 

This one piece of art set so many different opportunities in motion. Almost 10 years later, and with the Lord's gracious provision, I'm still in business. I'm still on the journey of creative entrepreneurship, which for me, has included (but is most certainly not limited to)...

• A rebrand and new logo design
• Lots and lots of professional & business development | website design courses, free youtube classes, paid studio courses, product sourcing and design research, legal details (licensing, taxes, etc.), implementing POS systems, developing customer service, social media management, entering the wholesale and retail spaces
• Building a new website from the ground up
• Creating product lines and sources of passive income
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients and other small businesses throughout the years
• Saying "yes" to new and sometimes scary things and watching God grow both me and my business as I trust Him in the process.

Then, there's juggling responsibilities at home, my boy's school activities and sports teams, personal and family hobbies, being active in our church, relationships with friends and family, etc. - and STILL working hard at trying to find a beautiful balance within it all. Because my business is not the only part of me that matters. It's a vehicle through which I'm able to generate some income for my family, a gift for which I'm incredibly grateful. It's also an avenue through which I get to send a little beauty out into the world while hopefully bringing glory and honor to God along the way. I still can't believe I get to do this every day! 

From wannabe veterinarian to aspiring fashion designer, and from cheer coach to high school English teacher to working artist, the Lord has truly gone before me and prepared the way for me to walk the path I'm traveling now. Every bit of it has shaped me and molded me into the artist, designer, and entrepreneur I am today. It's also incredible to me that the people I've met in each of these seasons of my life are still influencing, supporting, and encouraging me. I never could have imagined or foreseen the very good things God had (and does have) in store for me and Southern Whit Studio. But I can look back and undoubtedly see His hand guiding me every step of the way.

Long (long) story short: it all began with a whole lotta God and a little bit of "Mobile Magic." 

Thank you for reading part of my story, 

Whitney Hornbuckle  

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Shop the "Mobile Magic" Art Print

* Framing Suggestion *

I had the original work framed at the Hobby Lobby (near Costco) in Mobile, AL. Miss Drew in the framing department is fabulous! She suggested a double mat with pink accents to bring out the azaleas in the work in addition to a classic gold frame, because gold matches everything. I am so pleased at the final product. The frame and mats perfectly complement the artwork. 

This piece also looks wonderful in more modern black or thin aluminum frames. I've seen clients frame it many ways & it looks great every time. This piece is versatile and is able to fit into the aesthetic of every residential or commercial space.