Daily Inspiration: Meet Carissa Hewitt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Hewitt

Hi Carissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2022, I was managing a gallery for artist, Brian Banash, in Durango Colorado when my children grew up and moved to Arizona. Unwilling to be left behind, I proposed to Brian a second shop concept, based in Old Town Scottsdale under my ownership. I’ve made that vision a reality and I’m happy to be a retail outlet for Brian’s art as well as our jointly branded merchandise. Additionally, I am including more artisans to offer a variety of hand crafted goods.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting the business in Arizona from Colorado required logistical hurdles of all kinds. Personally, we had to sell property and relocate. I began the hunt for the perfect lease in Old Town and as I waited, I began building the database of hundreds of pieces of art, as well as build a website, establish a social media presence, design a store interior, source furnishings and manufacturers for products, write a business plan, budget and apply for a loan. It took a solid year and a half and a half dozen rejected lease applications to finally land a physical location. I was just on the edge of considering the financial infeasibility of maintaining my subscriptions and efforts without a physical location, when the doors of opportunity opened and I landed a lease.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I too, like Brian, am a graphic designer. I pursued a bachelor’s degree in design starting the year I turned 40! I love designing and have a talent for it, but I discovered that while working along side my young student peers, that I really enjoyed encouraging their efforts. I decided that my future wasn’t going to be in establishing a my own career, but rather I would use my management, business and design skills to promote an artist that I really believed in. I found that artist when I saw Brian’s designs.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’ve recently really enjoyed going back and listening to some classic audiobooks like, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, “12 Rules for Life” and “Beyond Order”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bluesdesertsoul.com
• Instagram: @bluesdesertsoul
• Facebook: bluesdesertsoul