After years running her own business, Ingela Johansson decided to move abroad with her husband and pursue her true passion, painting. Now Ingela is a renowned artist, exceeding her dreams and exhibiting internationally. Many young adults are discouraged from pursuing art as a career, but Ingela is a living and breathing proof that art is in commercial demand.

Today, we shine the spotlight on her hard work in an interview that we know will inspire your own journey.

Dreams with Logic
Tell us about you and why you do what you do.

You could call me an artist and a carpet designer, or a creative. I think that would be the most correct word to describe me. That means that no matter what you do, you find a creative solution. When I was growing up, I dreamt of becoming an artist, but I also listened to the voices that said that it would be an unsure choice.

This feeling made me chose the path of graphic design and project management. I ran my own agency in Sweden for 10 years. However, I kept on drawing and painting since ever; when I was 16, I sold 20 paintings to an art group, and I still remember it as a big thing.

Daring Leap
What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

I was also born into being an entrepreneur as we had a company in the family which meant that family dinners often ended up in brainstorms over a new product or a campaign. When my husband wanted to go to Singapore, I saw it as my chance to finally try what I had not quite dared to — become a full time artist.

To any young creative, I would say to trust your gut feeling. It is not easy to make it in the creative business, so at the end of the day, you have to be able to trust yourself. Funny enough, I just had this discussion with my daughter trying to tell her not to quit drama, and she is applying to law school — which of course is her choice, and she is passionate about it.

Leap Brings Newness
Is running a business all you dreamed it would be?

After some time in Singapore, I developed a completely new style as an artist and I have had multiple international exhibitions. For the first time last year, I had an exhibition at my “dream” gallery in my hometown in Sweden. Right now, I have an exhibition at The Art Club in Singapore next to artists such as Matisse. It is a themed exhibition with “The Monk and Prada.” These are “pinch me moments,” the moments that make you go on, wake up and create.

I also think that it has been very interesting years so far to be an art entrepreneur in Singapore, as the art scene is evolving quickly. It is not as mature as in Europe, which is both good and bad for artists. I think it is exciting as it leaves room for creativity.

Apart from art, I create a carpet line. It is a completely different canvas to work with, as it is in wool and silk. The last year, I learnt a lot about the positive and negative aspects of production. I have been on the verge of giving up, but now I think that my partner, the production and I speak the same language. To tell your clients that the carpets they have been waiting for a long time have been delayed was difficult. In that process, I also learnt that my clients were willing to be patient.

Lessons as an Entrepreneur
What was your biggest lesson as an entrepreneur?

My biggest lesson is probably to focus well. It is good and bad with being creative. This year, I am working with my art and my carpet line Red Carpets SG. Instead of trying to do everything myself, I am working on making the customized carpet line simple so that I can have many interior designers/architects in different countries working with me. The challenge for the carpets is to keep to your line, and understand your own niche market.

I strongly believe that if you get to know your client well, and can answer to their needs you will become successful.

I think that one of the most difficult things with being an entrepreneur is yourself, as you have to keep a positive outlook even if you don’t hit your goals. You have to have the ability to try even harder.

After a long day, or a business/creative challenge, I like to recharge, I love to spend time in nature or take a walk in the city. Naturally, it is always best to end such a walk with a meet up at a great coffee place with friends.

If you could do it all again – what would you do differently?

If I could do it all again I would trust myself and my ability to 100%, and be fearless from the start. However, this is not an easy task.

Leave us with a quote – one of your own:

“It’s a wonderful gift to get a lot of new ideas, it is equally great to have a box to store them in so you can use them at the right time.”  –Ingela Johansson