For my Subject Matter Expert interview I had the pleasure of speaking with Waverly Jones, one of the owners and founders of Empyrean Arts in downtown Asheville. Waverly has a long and eclectic history in the world of circus arts and I loved having the opportunity to pick her brain on the topic of being a studio owner and the strategies she’s used through hard times and good to ensure the success of Empyrean Arts.
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Hi Tytania,
Great interview. I was surprised to hear about Waverly’s emphasis on building a strong community rather than focusing solely on the business. In today’s world, it is increasingly about the bottom line and less about people and relationships. I’m glad to hear that those relationships helped the studio get through major challenges, such as COVID and Hurricane Helene. Waverly and the Empyrean Arts studio are just one of many examples that show that, despite the overall trend toward businesses, there is value in building trust with your customers and creating something people want to support.
Waverly’s advice about delegating and avoiding burnout also hit home. A lot of times, as founders, we turn into control freaks because this business is our baby. In turn, entrepreneurs try to do everything themselves. Eventually, there comes a breaking point when you have to trust others if you want the business to keep growing. It was a great interview, with a lot of practical advice that applies to almost any business, not just an arts studio.
Respectfully,
Brody Koerner