Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Oja.
Hi Sarah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hi, thanks for having me. I am from northern Minnesota and love the great outdoors. I’ve always enjoyed nature photography, after a handful of people commenting that I should try selling some photos I started considering it. The idea of starting a business and sharing the tiny bits of beauty that can be captured in nature became appealing but what really pulled at me was the idea of donating 60% of the profit to different charities. I decided to start an online boutique selling my work and hoped to have others join who have a heart for philanthropy. SERENDIPITY| artboutique started June of 2021 and a dear friend Kristin joined with her beautiful work right from the start. The idea is to promote each artist, each will choose the percentage they would like to give to a charity of their choosing and in this promoting and perhaps introducing people to different charities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I started this I had told my husband and family that I would be happy if I sold 2 items for the 1st year. We are going on 6 months since SERENDIPITY| artboutique started and I am so blessed to be able to say we have been able to give $200 to charities. $100 to Middle Ground in Haiti and now $100 to METAvivor. It has been challenging trying to keep up with bookkeeping, website, producing and keeping tabs on inventory while trying to keep up with everyday life and being a wife & mom homeschooling 3 kids. Somehow we have gotten into the swing of things though!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our business sells photo art as well as small gifts like button earrings, coasters, trivets, and puzzles. A portion of the profit goes to a charity of the artists choosing. We make a goal to reach, right now it’s $100, and once that is reached we switch the choice of charity to a new one.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
If at the end of the day you can say you loved your neighbor.
Contact Info:
- Email: serendipityartboutique.online@gmail.com
- Website: serendipityartboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serendipityartboutique/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/home.php#!/Serendipity-Art-Boutique
Image Credits
Sarah Renee Oja
Ambrose
Jean
