W(o)W: Simone Burke x Mo's Art Supply
Simone in the parking lot of her New Orleans store wearing her Queen of Art Supplies tiara.
Simone Burke is the #hustler behind Mo’s Art Supply, which is the only independent art supply store in each of the three cities where they’re located. You can find Mo’s conveniently located in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Covington, Louisiana. Their mission is to continue to provide local access to professional art materials, to disseminate relevant and useful information, and to foster a sense of community amongst Louisiana artists and arts organizations. Simone’s enthusiastic creativity and curiosity has led her to establishing Mo’s Art Supply where it’s about more than just the supplies.
Simone received her BFA in painting from Newcomb and before opening the stores she worked in various arts related businesses in order to discover what she would do with an art degree in addition to painting (“and starving!”). She views the art supply business as the “front end” of the art making process and as the phase that involves the most interaction with other artists. It also creates the prime opportunity for ongoing creative problem solving. She appreciates all these positive aspects that her #hustle has provided her with.
Simone and her husband having a "date" on their (screened in porch) during the Covid quarantine.
Obstacles are viewed by Simone as an opportunity to creatively brainstorm. She used to handle challenges and obstacles as a “lone wolf” but has since learned the value of outside input and advice. She understands now that the best advice can and ideas can come from those who have different perspectives than her.
She views purpose as having a clear end result in mind and taking the steps necessary to reach that vision. Although, this doesn’t mean the vision and goal won’t shift or evolve. It is the changing and adapting that brings the fun into purpose!
If she isn’t working, you can find Simone enjoying her garden, lounging in her pj’s, in her studio, or spending time in one of the stores. She loves engaging with her customers and views her stores as her “pass” to hang out with the cool crowd (Mo’s is definitely one of the coolest spots in town). She appreciates the opportunity afforded to her as an entrepreneur to be able to decide the focus of her business, the directions she wants it to involve, and how to sustain or grow it. She shares that this is also the hard part and the best thing about being an artist or creative, you’re able to make things for yourself in the exact way you want.
“I believe that all art should first and foremost be made to please the artist. If other people like it, that's a bonus.”
To the female entrepreneurs, Simone advises you go through the process of creating a business plan. This will help you understand the money side so that you can use that great idea to create a successful business. She offers a solid tip: find the Small Business Development Center in your city because it will be a great (free!) resource.
Simone purchased these beautiful brown velvet Christian Louboutin mules from the great city of NOLA. (FYI- they sell the "sole red" for touching up at all the stores!)
To date, Simones proudest accomplishment is her happy and healthy family. Looking to the future she’s aiming for a few really good trips (retweet, post-covid goal!) and more time in the studio!
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