In Conversation with Arushi Kapoor of ARTSop

Describe your business in a few words?

Fine art consulting and art gallery. The link between fine art, artists, and the sharp collector. (Check our ARTSop for more!)

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I always had and continue to have a vision of how I want things to be run. After interning for Sotheby’s and some well known art establishments, I wanted to apply the skills I learnt with enough freedom to experiment and grow.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I started dabbling in entrepreneurship while studying at Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I think my uncle really drilled the Idea of ‘hustling’ and running my own business into me in my foundational years.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Life never goes as planned. I didn’t start my business with a business plan in hand. I took it one day at a time and acquired clients through word of mouth. The marketing strategy was established after almost a year.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

Mistakes are always made. I made my fair share. I had some great mentors that always helped me crawl out of these holes. Challenges in business come daily. It’s not always an upward curve. The secret is to keep at it.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

I think I was most excited when I sold my first artwork that was over the million dollar mark. But my favorite memory is of selling the first ever painting.

How has your business or industry been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

I think the fine art market was not hit. It continues to remain one of the stronger assets one can invest into in these volatile times.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

There is a ton. I will always remain in the umbrella of fine art. There are different projects we are dabbling with in technology or to enhance the process of purchasing and providing tools to make the lives of artists easier.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

Not to succumb to your clients wishes. Sometimes it is better to walk away from a deal.

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

I spent a lot of time honing my skills and learning, mostly reading, about what my predecessors in the entrepreneurship world did.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Friends are important. They keep your work life sane. You can't make it in the world alone.

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I am an absolute nerd and proud of it. Think Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory.

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

A person providing a service that the world wants.