Welcome!
Welcome to another e-commerce brand interview, this time with Laura El of Stellar Villa. We had the pleasure of learning about Laura’s fine art prints business and think you’ll enjoy her story. It is one of resilience, resisting the naysayers, and capitalizing on opportunities when they arise. Enjoy!
Interview with Laura El
Thank you for joining us for this e-commerce business success story! We’d like to start by getting an understanding of your backstory. How did you come to own your business?
My journey into owning my business wasn’t a direct path. Originally from Europe, I moved to New York City and found myself working various jobs that never truly fulfilled me. People around me often suggested that making a living from art was unrealistic and encouraged me to find a “real” job. I took their advice and worked in fields like real estate, law, and even at an animal hospital. But my passion for art never faded. In 2019, I made the decision to return to my craft and commit to it fully. I began sharing my illustrations online, and when the pandemic hit, I used my art to support a local animal shelter by creating custom pet portraits. The initiative went viral, giving me the momentum I needed to launch Stellar Villa, my fine art prints business. Since then, my art has amassed a global audience, and I’ve been able to build a community of over 100,000 followers while seeing my work featured in exhibitions around the world.
Terrific! Now, this article is about profiling successful e-commerce businesses. So – can you share your top 3 keys to running a successful online brand?
One of the most important aspects of building a successful online brand is authenticity and storytelling. I’ve found that sharing my personal journey and the stories behind my artwork has created a deep connection with my audience. People appreciate genuine narratives, and this authenticity has been instrumental in cultivating a loyal following around my brand.
Equally crucial is a commitment to quality. I’m incredibly meticulous when it comes to the craftsmanship of both my artwork and the prints I sell. Every piece undergoes a rigorous process of creation and review to ensure I’m always putting out my very best work. This dedication to quality has helped build trust with my customers and collectors, reinforcing the value and integrity of my work.
Finally, community engagement is at the heart of what I do. I believe in the power of connection and make it a priority to engage with my followers regularly. Whether I’m sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process or responding to messages and comments, I strive to make everyone feel like they’re part of my journey. This engagement has been essential in fostering a strong, supportive community around my art.
Excellent. Now, I’m sure it hasn’t always been that easy. Can you tell a story about one challenge, setback, or mistake that you’ve had to overcome on the road to success? How can others learn from your mistakes?
One significant challenge I faced was the overwhelming response to my work in the early days of my business. The sudden influx of orders was both a blessing and a logistical nightmare. I struggled to keep up with demand, which led to some delays in fulfilling orders. It was a stressful period, but I quickly realized the importance of having systems in place to manage growth. I hired help, streamlined processes, and invested in tools to automate and improve efficiency. The lesson here is to be prepared for success and growth; plan ahead!
Thanks for that. Now – we want to know what’s next! What new initiatives are you rolling out at your business and what results are you hoping to see?
I’m currently expanding Stellar Villa’s line of wall art prints and working on several exciting new projects. This includes creating new artworks and collaborating on book covers with major publishers—some of which will be released in the coming months. Following the success of my first book, The Lurkers, which achieved Amazon #1 bestseller status in the short stories category, I’m thrilled to be releasing more books of my own next year. Additionally, I’m partnering with companies to license my artwork for various products that will be available at many well known retailers. These initiatives allow me to reach new audiences and showcase my art in different mediums, which is incredibly exciting. I’m hoping these collaborations will not only broaden the reach of my work but also open new opportunities for creative expression and connection with my audience.
Sounds exciting! Any final words of advice for our readers?
Stay true to your vision and don’t be afraid to take risks. Building a successful brand takes time, resilience, and a lot of hard work. There will be setbacks, but every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Most importantly, let your passion be your guide, and remember why you started in the first place. When you lead with your heart and stay committed to your craft, success will follow.
Brilliant! We want to thank you for participating in today’s interview. Hopefully our readers agree that there is a lot to be learned from your brand’s story. What links can our readers use to follow along with your journey?
Thank you for having me! You can explore my work and follow my journey through my collection of wall art prints. I also share updates, new art releases, and connect with my community on Instagram. Looking forward to connecting with you all!
