Sarah Ikerd, Owner of Studio Shangri-La Tell us about yourself and your business. Being a lifelong creative, my business is multimedia, more specifically fine art, music, and publications.

What were your biggest challenges when starting your business?

Lack of funding and support, but that caused me to get even more creative, resourceful, and determined.

How have you handled success and failure over the course of your career?

Everything can contribute to one’s personal alchemy or evolution, so I choose constructive optimism; that’s the lens I look through to improve and appreciate life.

What strategies do you use to stay competitive in a changing market?

Diversifying, trying new mediums and platforms, trying different ways of communicating, thinking, and learning futuristically by attending seminars, for example, and hearing other perspectives.

What motivations drive you to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity?

The joy of creating and being able to engage in activities that make me feel fulfilled, sharing my vision, and expressing myself.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their chosen field?

Believe in yourself. Have faith. Any of us can tap into greatness, and we can genetically contain the history of humanity! There’s a lot to draw from those inner reserves. Make the time to meditate.

How have technological advances affected the way you conduct business or operate your venture?

Yes, very much so, and I’m actively engaged in tech learning and embracing what works.

In what ways has customer feedback or response influenced how you prioritize goals or objectives for your business or venture?

Customer feedback has been extremely useful in providing some surprising insights in certain cases that I would not expect to be as engaging, appealing, or effective as I originally thought. Social media is one example.

What trends do you see emerging in your industry that are likely to shape its future growth and development?

First of all, sustainability and improved environmental practices And then there will continue to be more options than ever to be creative and do work, as well as interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary crossover. I can see both the organic and technological sides of the art world remaining very strong because people need self-expression, creativity, and beauty. The same goes with music. Of course, it’s a powerful cultural force and one of the gifts of life that is so much needed. The world needs philosophy and purpose, not just data. Another answer to this question, I suppose, would be that AI will continue to have an influence, but I see it as just another set of useful tools. Honestly, I see chatGPT, for example, as not being too different from doing a Google search.

What have been the most rewarding and difficult aspects of your chosen career or business path?

It’s very rewarding to explore different facets of your life and to keep learning and teaching in different or evolving roles. It’s difficult when some people don’t understand, don't relate, or are quick to judge. Then again, as a popular quotation goes, people judge anyway, so you might as well do what you want to do, what’s meaningful for you, and follow your highest, most positive, and true callings.

Are there any skills or areas of expertise that you think are essential for success in your field?

I think it's mainly an aptitude for learning and the interest and determination to keep doing so. Skills and expertise of many kinds can be acquired through interest, study, and desire.

How has working remotely or online impacted your business or venture over the past year?

At first it was a hindrance, but then that forced me to expand my options, diversify, and branch out.

What tips would you like to offer to others who are in a similar position to you but looking to take their careers or businesses further?

I would say to keep an open mind about the different kinds of mediums, platforms, and outreach. Keep a positive, constructive attitude, as mine said about doing what you can with what you have. And absolutely remember to enjoy what you’re doing and be thankful you can do it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers that we haven’t already discussed?

I really believe that anyone can learn anything and that we all have infinite potential.

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