In Her Shoes..
In conversation with Julia Collins, founder of Collins & Green Art.
It's the second instalment of our In Her Shoes series, where we're talking to female founders of small businesses that inspire us. This one is extra special... Julia was one of our very first customers!
The First Customer:
Julia, you were one of our very first customers at Air & Grace! What made you choose us, and how did it feel to support a brand just starting out?
I came across Air and Grace in a pop up that Claire was doing in the King’s Road. I had always wanted to set up my own business and was interested and impressed by her story.
It helped that her shoes were so stylish and comfortable. I had bought from other big brands offering comfort and supposed style but was so much happier buying from a small start-up brand.
Starting Out:
What inspired you to start Collins & Green Art, and what was that defining moment when you knew you wanted to turn your passion into a business?
I was inspired to start Collins and Green when my kids went off to uni in the depths of lockdown. I spent the whole of the first term crying.
After Christmas I felt it was time to pull myself together so Collins and Green was born. I have always loved paintings and over the years have bought enough vintage and modern art to cover all the walls in my house and most of the ceilings too if that worked, so it seemed a good way of keeping myself busy and earning a living. I started with a couple of paintings and it has just grown from there.
A Favourite Moment:
What’s been your proudest moment as a founder, and can you share a challenge that really helped you grow along the way?
My proudest moment was being featured in House and Gardens; I could never have dreamt that would happen. A challenge for me has been technology and social media but once you get going it sort of falls into place.
Customer Connections:
As a customer-turned-founder, how has your experience shopping with small businesses influenced the way you treat your own customers?
I think the personal touch is what makes the difference and trying to go the extra mile for a client.
No one HAS to buy a painting in the way they HAVE to buy shoes. It’s generally quite a big investment and I want my clients to love their painting.
I only sell things I would be happy to live with myself which means it’s quite hard to let go of things but also means everything is beautiful!
Favourite Pieces:
Do you have a favourite piece from your collection that holds a special meaning for you?
I still hanker after a beautiful Swedish painting of blowsy roses placed on a chair in a truly stunning frame. I sold it right at the beginning but regret it every day.
Little Wins:
What’s one of those small but rewarding moments in your journey, a little win that really made you smile?
Every new client is a small win every day. Like lots of dealers and small business owners I always think the latest sale will be the last order I ever get!
A really big win was when some pretty amazing and well established interior designers in London, the US and in Australia all started buying from me.
The Balancing Act
How do you juggle the demands of running a business with everything else in life? Any go-to strategies for keeping things in balance?
I have a very bad work-life balance but I now have a great team, lovely Grace and Eloise, and I am hoping to improve it a bit!
Collins and Green Art is 3 ½ years old and I have worked pretty much every day over that period so I am looking forward to taking a bit more time off.
Looking Ahead:
What exciting plans or goals do you have for Collins & Green Art in the coming year? Anything you're particularly excited about?
Lots of plans this year including an exhibition at the wonderful Rupert Bevan in Notting Hill Gate, a lampshade painting workshop here in the studio with @by.alvaro.picardo
We are hosting some creative networking lunches with @trufflesandruffles.london ;-they are really fun and such a good way of connecting with interesting people.
In November I am very excited to be sponsoring an Anonymous Postcards Auction for a brilliant local charity West London Action for Kids.
And Finally:
Julia, we have to ask... What's your favourite pair of Air & Grace?
My favourite shoes are my Misty sparkly ballet pumps with a little heel.
Instant glamour and total comfort and I wear them with jeans/dresses/everything!
