Karen Bessell’s positive energy is infectious and evident in every aspect of her business, U Create Art, a creative studio based in The Gap where art is for everyone.
“Supporting people for their health and wellbeing and overcoming social isolation to create together. That’s my jam,” Karen said.
With people and community at the heart of U Create Art, Karen has worked with a wide range of community organisations including Hands on Art, Communify, C&K childcare and kindergarten, Hear and Say and youth probation services, as well as working at Council events and venues and offering specialist classes for children and adults.
Moving online
Karen said that, like many businesses, Covid provided the steep learning curve that has helped her to see new possibilities and reach new customers.
“When Covid struck and everything was a bit confusing, parents were trying to home school. I went online and gave away 2 or 3 classes a day for free via Facebook Live. There were mistakes in the beginning, but I got through that and opened up to a whole new audience.”
These early experiments inspired Karen to supplement her studio business with online services, which led her to the Brisbane Business Hub in the CBD.
Prioritising learning to create more time for business development
Karen said that in running a small business it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands without dedicating time to see how you could do things better or upskill to achieve your goals. So, each quarter Karen goes to the Brisbane Business Hub website and signs up for events to attend in the coming months.
“If I go and attend an event, I’m taking time away from my business. It needs to be relevant, on point and add value and I’ve learned a lot of things though the business hub that I’ve been able to use,” Karen said.
“I choose the courses that help me achieve my goals and I’ve signed up for an online mentor and a coach to help me understand the nuts and bolts that you need to know as someone who didn’t grow up in a digital environment.”
Karen also said that the fact that the courses are free is an enormous support to small businesses, which can run lean.
Meeting and supporting other businesspeople
A bonus of the Brisbane Business Hub workshops and classes is the opportunity to meet with other local businesspeople who can offer encouragement, support and ideas.
“You’ll find all kinds of people in the workshops, and they encourage you to reach out to each other through LinkedIn. The more I do, the more connections I make, and the more doors are opened.
“The workshops have helped my business grow. Get yourself out there and attend the workshops you need.”
Growing the business future that you want
Karen’s passion for inclusion, creativity and learning has helped her to shape a business that is more rewarding for her and accessible for her customers. It has also helped her to develop a resilient business plan for a future where she can enjoy her city and her community.
“There is a saying that the grass isn’t greener on the other side, it’s just different grass. But I think in Brisbane, the grass is greener.
“Brisbane as a city is exciting, dynamic, inclusive. It has all those wonderful things that make it a thriving metropolitan city, but it is also a community, and it is embracing.
“We live in Queensland! Look at the weather! I don’t want to be inside all the time. I want to be outside and enjoying it.”
For more information
You can find free workshops and events to support local businesses at Council’s Suburban Business Hub, 16 Aspinall Street, Nundah and the Brisbane Business Hub, Level 4/260 Queen Street, Brisbane City.
Read more stories from businesses in Brisbane on our Business in Brisbane blog.