The Art of Entrepreneurship

The Art of Entrepreneurship

Pamela Lankford, Logistics & Epicenter Director

Leah Seaman was recently named the Business Plan winner of the 2019-20 Marietta College PioBiz. Her business idea — ArtaBella, which is based on selling hand-painted clothing, commissioned artwork and her personal artwork, won $7,000

“While putting my business concept into practice over the summer, I quickly came to the conclusion that being an artist was the career that I wanted to pursue for the next few years, regardless of if I won this prize or not,” she said. “However, as I was preparing for round three and was able to fully create ArtaBella, and I knew that if I could win the funding, I would have the chance to take my company to places I dreamed of it being right out of graduation.”

Seaman is pleased her hard work and some of the early successes she has enjoyed in starting her business were recognized by the judges.

“Now, thanks to this award and the support of my mentors and loved ones, I have the financial cushion that I need to begin jumping right into making art and providing work for all kinds of patrons,” she said. “Winning Pio Biz was the confidence boost and the financial boost that I needed to jump right into my career as an artist upon graduation, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to do so."

She also credits Pamela Lankford, Director of Logistics and Epicenter, for helping her, "Multiple times she took the time to listen to my fears and insecurities and re-affirmed that I could accomplish my dream. The business plan competition was so overwhelming, but her assurance, patience and guidance and teaching of business concepts helped me solidify my business concept."

Seaman’s art can be found at www.facebook.com/ArtaBella and instagram.com/artabella_gallery.