Meet the member: Katrina Aleksa, Predella House

Enterprise Nation member Katrina Aleksa discusses the story behind her online art gallery business Predella House which sells celebrity curated art and photography for the culturally curious. Aleksa is one of 12 entrepreneurs selected for the Enterprising Barnsley Click ecommerce accelerator which is being delivered by Enterprise Nation.

What was your motivation to start your own business?

I have always wanted to have an art gallery, but didn't really know the best way to achieve this. I realise I have to adapt to 21st century marketing methods to be successful and progress in this online space.

My aim is to introduce my gallery to first time buyers; those who do not have background experience in the art market or a history of art. The objective is to provide them with the capacity to purchase art without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by the process of buying from a gallery. I believe that providing such a luxury online shopping experience creates a unique opportunity to attract customers via social media.

Whilst you were starting up how did you balance home life with work?

To be honest, I'm so passionately focused on my work I'm completely unaware if it's Monday, Sunday or a Bank Holiday! I expect that comes across as unbalanced. However, I'm totally engaged with the art world, whether that's meeting artists or visiting art fairs or events all over the world.

What's your top tip for effective sales and marketing?

Always remember art is always about people and never about sales.

Which tools could you not live without in your business?

Two. The internet and my smartphone. Both of these enable me to keep up to date with global art news and events and also browse and research trends and ideas. The internet in general is wonderful for the speed in which it brings current and relevant information.

What's been your biggest business success to date?

Creating the infrastructure for Predella House, my new website which will greatly benefit all the artists I feature.

What are your ambitions for the next five years?

My ambition is to inspire as many people as possible through beautiful works of art. I'd like to support as many young artists as I can, promoting their work and creating a platform for them. I'd also love to be successful as a global online art and design destination and ultimately for these two worlds to combine.

How does being a member of Enterprise Nation help your business grow?

Through Enterprise Nation I've attended seminars, workshops and meet ups and this has been an incredibly valuable and worthy experience. As well as benefiting from the high calibre of speakers and presentations, I've also had the opportunity to network successfully. I've made strong friendships through Enterprise Nation and not only has that been a wonderful support, but it's been an educational journey in sharing problems and finding solutions with people who have common interests and passions. Enterprise Nation has been instrumental in being able to grow my business through the high quality advice and support I have been given.

Find out more on the Predella House website and follow the company on Twitter and Facebook.

If you'd like to join Katrina and become an Enterprise Nation member to access exclusive benefits, sign up now. We may even profile you and your business!