Featured Diva Interview - with Amber Maida!

*Note From DDIB: - It was such a pleasure to interview this artistic "Diva". Hope you will enjoy learning more about Amber and her paintings..

*** INTRODUCING OUR FEATURED DIVA ***

Name: Amber Maida
Shop: ambermaida
Shop url: www.ambermaida.etsy.com

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a visual and performing artist who loves to paint and dance to some rockin David Bowie music!!! My paintings are exhibited and collected internationally and I am an award winning choreographer. I prefer painting at 6am to get my thoughts and dreams out first thing, my visions flow with ease during these sessions. From time to time I have live "Paint to the Music" performances which fuse my love of music, dance and paint!

Give us a description of your business and the items that you offer:

I feature small original fantasy/surreal paintings on canvas wood and paper, archival giclee prints and accept commission requests for larger paintings.



What are your bestsellers? Your specialty? Most popular items?

Original paintings are my best sellers! This month the flowerz series is the most popular, but it changes all the time!

Are your items targeted toward a specific age group?

I have collectors of all ages... from 14 years old up to 70's+!!! One of my favorite sales was made to a young 14 year old girl saved up enough money to purchase one of my original framed paintings and asked to meet me in person! She saved and saved for months, what a sweetie!!!

What inspired you to start your own indie business?

My desire to share my art on a grand scale, Etsy seemed perfect right from the start!

As an independent business woman, what keeps you motivated?

Painting daily, spending time with my wonderful supportive husband, meeting my collectors and that excitement of discovering something special and new within each painting.



What do you consider to be your greatest achievement thus far?

My greatest acheivement is the optimistic, positive, driven mindset that i have, it has helped me reach every goal i've set thus far!

What has been your biggest challenge as a business woman?

Keeping up with life, my home, slowing down... I just want to paint all day! It's a challenge to fit in the normal day-to-day things like cleaning. Luckily my hasband knows how to roll up his sleeves!

What do you believe makes a business successful?

The business owner- without a tremendous amount of energy to share and give back to the world, create new work, promote, etc. no one would see it!

Do you have any specific goals/plans for the future?

Yes! My goal is to attend the NYC Art Expo in 2009! Also to travel to the UK to see my art on exhibit at one of the galleries I exhibit at.

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for women out there who may be considering starting their own business on Etsy?

Yes, just do it- JUMP! If you have the right mind set that you can do anything, YOU WILL!!!!!

Tell us the best way to relax after a busy day of work..

Putting on some great music, i reccomend David Bowie, Sting or Seal, light some gorgeous smelling candles (I love lavender!), make a delicious cup of tea, coffee, wine (Or my new favorite of fall: Hot cocoa with homemade marshmellows!), draw a bath... do a bit of yoga or meditation while the water is filling up, then take a nice relaxing soak while envisioning all of the great dreams and goals happening. If i'm in NYC, it would be walking aimlessly taking it all in, visiting a museum or gallery, a bit of shopping (of course!)then off to Teany- my favorite tea shop in Manhattan for some afternoon tea with my hubby and friends!


While growing up, who was your role model? Who impressed and inspired you most?

I had many, mainly my mother and grandmother- they molded me into the woman i am today- loving, thoughtful, honest and determined!

Give us three words that best describe YOU:

Loving
Excitement
Innovative

Give us one word that best describes your business:

Imagine...

What is your favorite quote, line or saying?

My lively side would say: "I'm an instant Rockstar, just add water and stir" -David Bowie

My determination: "Do today what others won't so that tomorrow you will do what other's can't" -Unknown

My favorite definition: Desire has a great derivation, De Sidere- meaning literally "From the Stars".