Welcome to another edition of our Member Spotlight Series on the Madison Mompreneur blog! This series will help you get to know the members of Madison Mompreneur as we ask them questions about their personal and professional life as moms who own businesses in the Madison, Alabama area.

We are continuing this series with the spotlight on Heather White, Owner of Heather Leigh Art!

Introduce yourself!

I’m Heather White, and I own Heather Leigh Art.

How does your business help people?

I create art for homes or offices or to give as gifts.

How long have you lived in Madison County?

I have lived in Madison County for 23 years.

What inspired you to start your business?

I had a urge to create beauty out of blank canvases. I love decorating and finding the perfect sentimental pieces to be displayed.

What sets your business apart from others in the industry?

I’m willing to work with you (and even brainstorm ideas if you wish) to create a special painting or series of paintings.

What do you consider to be your biggest success so far?

I’d say taking the leap to invest in my art whether it be a new class or better materials has been well worth it.

How does your business contribute to the local community?

From time to time I like to donate a piece of art for local causes.

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5-10 years?

I’m finally launching my website, so I’m hoping to expand my customer reach.

Who are your typical customers, and how do they find you?

My typical customers appreciate original art over mass produced art and love giving sentimental paintings as gifts.

What do you enjoy most about running your business?

Painting and creating!

How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and changes?

I’ll notice color trends, but I try not to focus on it and just paint things I love in my style. There are always trends in social media which is a bigger challenge I’m still trying to understand.

What advice would you give to someone interested in starting a business in your industry?

Just start and give yourself time to fail and learn, but keep going!! Slow and steady wins the race!

Any product/service you would like to highlight at this time?

I love all my art pieces, but I especially love doing custom pet portraits! 

Do you involve your kids in your business? If yes, how so?

They sometimes watch me and give me “pointers” or opinions.

What do you find is the most difficult part of balancing motherhood and business life?

Finding uninterrupted time is hard, but it’s good to step away from a painting and come back with fresh eyes…so, maybe it’s a good thing to need to stop.

What business in the Madison area is your favorite?

Right now PiperMache because she helped me build my website and is phenomenal to work with.

Who is your business bestie?

Right now, I’m partnering with Amy from The Keen Hart. We are planning to do a candle & notecard bundle soon.

Anything else you want us to highlight?

I’m a featured artist at Harrison Brothers Hardware.

Where can people find you?

On my website at heatherleighart.com.

If Heather’s experience as mom and business owner resonates with you, we want to hear from you in the comments! And if you are a mom and business owner in Madison, Alabama email us at madisonmompreneur@gmail.com. to be featured in a future Member Highlight post!