Tess Newall is a decorative artist famed for her murals and whimsical sense of style. In this episode, we explore the journey from maker to founder, a challenging and rewarding adventure. Welcome to Up With The Lark And, a podcast for creative entrepreneurs hosted by me, Calandre Orton. In this episode, we explore someone we feel we know and a concept we think we fully grasp. I wonder if perhaps we need to look afresh at both. Tess Newall is a decorative artist famed for her murals adorning the most wonderful spaces and places. Her work finds life on surfaces in castles and townhouses, hotels and orangeries across the globe. She has worked with an extraordinary list of interior designers, brands and enterprises. It seems the set designer in her continues to shine through. And if that was not enough, she has wallpaper, fabric and furnishings to her name as well. Vision, grit and charm appear to be the cornerstones of her success. Each is important and admirable; together, they are potent. We feel we know her. We have enjoyed seeing her beautiful, whimsical, Brambly Hedge-meets-modern-day-Charleston work of art of a home. We marvel at her delightful trio of children, bedecked in nighties and wellies. We admire, in awe, the commitment and hard work Tess clearly puts in. But there is always so much more to a creative enterprise than meets the eye. I suspect Tess is an iceberg, and I look forward to exploring the depths today.And what will we be ruminating on? The "build the aeroplane as you fly the aeroplane" life that is that of the maker or artist turned entrepreneur. So many talented makers and artists working across fabric, paint, wood, metal, mosaic and ceramics then find themselves running businesses. And with it comes an arduous and rewarding adventure with its own specific set of challenges. Firstly, how do you know that you are suited to the life of a maker or artist? When can you tell that there is enough demand to start a business? What is the key to building a successful brand alongside that business? How can you set the culture as you build a team? And, most importantly, how do you protect, nurture and evolve your creative self? So welcome to Up With The Lark And, Tess Newall.
