What is it about some creative entrepreneurs that allow them to weather any storm and build a profitable, sustainable and successful business?
From pursuing their passions and tying their work to a greater purpose to solving real problems and continually learning, these are just a few things successful creative entrepreneurs do to overcome challenges and scale their ventures. Let’s dive in…
They follow their passion
Creative entrepreneurs who achieve long-term success are passionate about what they do. Their business doesn’t feel like a slog—more like a mission, something that they live and breathe.
Having a deep-rooted passion for what you’re trying to achieve means you’ll naturally develop persistence, a quality that’s crucial in overcoming inevitable challenges and setbacks. That passion will also fuel your creativity, making it easier to innovate, take risks, and stay ahead of the game.
They tie their work to a bigger purpose
Successful creative entrepreneurs care about more than just profit. They have a purpose-driven mission that keeps them motivated and delivers a positive impact. It could be a societal or environmental purpose or revolve around helping others in the industry.
Take John Sewell, the founder of Cosimo, a UK-based online marketplace for artists. John recognised that emerging artists found it difficult and expensive to get their work noticed—and that original art seemed only accessible to the wealthy. So, he created a platform that connects artists and art appreciators and makes the process of buying and selling art easy, accessible and affordable.
If you align your creative business with a bigger purpose, it becomes more than a business—it becomes a movement.
They solve problems
Instead of chasing trends and short-term gains, successful creative business owners aim to solve pain points and develop solutions that make a meaningful difference, which is vital in creating lasting value.
An example is Stella McCartney’s vegan fashion brand, which appeals to eco-conscious fashion enthusiasts. All of Stella’s designs prioritise animal welfare and aim to reduce environmental impact, ensuring her brand remains relevant and competitive in today’s marketplace. What problems or pain points could your business solve?
They continually learn and improve
To stay competitive and be adaptable in the face of changing trends and evolving technologies, you should be committed to personal and professional development. The most successful entrepreneurs dedicate time to reading business books, attending workshops and learning new things. They work on their business—and themselves—continually.
They have big goals
“If I don’t have a big goal, I feel lost.” That’s what Melanie Perkins, the co-founder of Canva, said in an interview on how she turned what was once a small design platform into one of the world’s most successful digital businesses. She, like many other successful creative entrepreneurs, has mastered the art of goal-setting and is inspired by ‘crazy big goals’.
They have a mentor
Many big-name creative entrepreneurs have secured a mentor (or several) to help them get to where they want to be. Take Mark Zuckerberg, who was mentored by none other than Steve Jobs and Sara Blakely (founder of Spanx), who enlisted the support of Richard Branson.
Finding the right mentor is crucial for success. A mentor offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective—and shares experiences to help you navigate your own business journey. They’ll help you identify opportunities worth taking and challenge you when needed. Importantly, a mentor will hold you accountable, ensuring you’re on track with your goals.
We’ve covered some key things high-achieving entrepreneurs do in their businesses to drive sustainable success. But what about some daily habits to embrace to optimise productivity, foster innovation (and maintain work/life balance)? Don’t miss this article, which covers five daily habits to adopt and five to kick to the kerb.
Before you go, also check out The Creative Entrepreneur, the debut book from our founder, Carolyn Dailey. It features advice and wisdom from ten creative icons on building a successful business.