Rolling up two celebrations in one month last March, g.spot wrapped it up with There She Goes! The event was made up of a self-defense class and a mini-bazaar of small businesses run by nine empowered Cebuanas. These women are living proof that they can transform “she cant’s” into “she cans” and elevate their girl power to new heights.
One of the impressive entrepreneurs handpicked for the event is talented artist Blanche Alys Sypaco. She achieved self-actualization and finds it more fulfilling when she makes a business out of her hobby.
Get ready to be inspired to start your entrepreneurial journey as Blanche Alys guides you through the steps of jumpstarting your passion into a business.
How and why did you start your business?
I’ve always had this notion that being able to create something that not only makes me happy but makes other people happy too is a privilege that I get to have as a creative person.
But like most people, I had no idea what I was going to do and where I was going to start. I did my research, I tried new things, and I failed. I followed the advice from people that I know and I convinced myself every day that it’s going to be worth it someday.
It took me a while to master my craft. After a few years, I decided to make it official as a small business owner. As soon as I earned enough savings, I started freelancing, establishing my own brand as an illustrator, and creating small, accessible products that make people happy. It is, to this day, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What do you like most about what you do?
One thing I love most about being an artist and a designer is being able to share it with other people. It’s a good way to make an honest living and to make a connection with people in a different way.
How do you overcome the challenges when it comes to running your business?
I get overwhelmed juggling many roles in running a small business like establishing my brand, creating content, handling the clients and the deadlines, and many others.
One thing that kept me going is learning how to manage my time while knowing my limitations. I give myself time to be myself. I make sure to remind myself that I am more than my business and that I need to establish a life outside of my work.
What would you say is your greatest strength as a business owner?
My strength is being able to communicate and establish a connection with people, verbally and visually.
Any advice for anyone who wants to pursue their own business venture?
Before anything, make sure you have a leg to stand on. Have an assurance that even if the income and profit are slow, you still have money to fall back on.
I see a lot of people romanticizing giving up everything to start a business and unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege to have a successful business on their first try. Learn and grow your business at your own pace.
Blanche Alys
What motivates you to create?
Knowing that what I do will make a lot of people feel happy, nostalgic, loved, and heard.
How did you come up with your own style?
Being inconsistent and experimental helped a lot. I tried everything from realistic traditional to realistic digital art. I even did some paper art. I learned and grew from each phase.
I don’t think people can have only one style. That’s the beauty of creativity. There’s no limit to what you can create.
How do you want people to feel about your work?
Emotions are tricky and that’s what’s so good about it. An artwork can make someone feel happy and sad at the same time. It can inspire someone and it can even make someone feel uneasy. I want people to realize that being emotional is not a negative thing. I want people to freely feel what they want to feel about my work.
Does your art help you in other areas of your life?
Yes, art challenges me most of the time. Every day, I learn more and more about myself. I’d like to think that art helped shape the person I am today.
How do you practice and develop your craft?
I watch other people be successful and learn from them. I try new things, I experiment and learn from my own mistakes. I create what I want to create.
For prints and commissions, follow Blanche Alys on Instagram at @blanchealys.