U Create Art, The Gap - art is for everyone
Learn about Karen Bessell's Brisbane-based small business, U Create Art and the way she's used Brisbane Business Hub for business development and networking.
Karen Bessell’s positive energy is infectious and evident in every aspect of her Brisbane-based small business. Karen runs U Create Art - a creative studio in The Gap where art is for everyone.
“Supporting people for their health and wellbeing and overcoming social isolation to create together. That’s my jam,” Karen said.
People and community sit at the heart of U Create Art. Karen works with community organisations, including Council.
Moving online
Karen said that, like many businesses, Covid was a steep learning curve. It helped her to see new possibilities and reach new customers.
“When Covid struck and everything was a bit confusing, parents were trying to home school. I went online and gave away 2 or 3 classes a day for free via Facebook Live. There were mistakes in the beginning, but I got through that and opened up to a whole new audience.”
Covid inspired Karen to supplement her studio business with online services. This in turn led her to the Brisbane Business Hub in the CBD.
Learning to create more time for business development
As a small business owner, it's important to dedicate time to business development. Each quarter Karen goes to the Brisbane Business Hub website and signs up for events to attend in the coming months.
“If I go and attend an event, I’m taking time away from my business. It needs to be relevant, on point and add value and I’ve learned a lot of things though the business hub that I’ve been able to use,” Karen said.
“I choose the courses that help me achieve my goals and I’ve signed up for an online mentor and a coach to help me understand the nuts and bolts that you need to know as someone who didn’t grow up in a digital environment.”
Karen said that she appreciates the courses being free, as small businesses can run lean.
Meeting and supporting other businesspeople
Karen likes meeting other businesspeople at hub events. They can offer encouragement, support and ideas.
“You’ll find all kinds of people in the workshops, and they encourage you to reach out to each other through LinkedIn. The more I do, the more connections I make, and the more doors are opened.
“The workshops have helped my business grow. Get yourself out there and attend the workshops you need.”
Growing the business future that you want
Karen’s passion for inclusion, creativity and learning has helped her to shape her business. It has also helped her to develop a resilient business plan.
“There is a saying that the grass isn’t greener on the other side, it’s just different grass. But I think in Brisbane, the grass is greener.
“Brisbane as a city is exciting, dynamic, inclusive. It has all those wonderful things that make it a thriving metropolitan city, but it is also a community, and it is embracing.
“We live in Queensland! Look at the weather! I don’t want to be inside all the time. I want to be outside and enjoying it.”
For more information
You can find free workshops and events to support local businesses at:
- Council’s Suburban Business Hub, 16 Aspinall Street, Nundah
- Brisbane Business Hub, Level 4/260 Queen Street, Brisbane City.