Embracing Art, Wildlife & Entrepreneurship: The Journey of Sarah McComb-Turbitt
TL;DR
Sarah McComb-Turbitt exemplifies rural entrepreneurship by combining her passions for marine biology, wildlife conservation, and art.
Initially pursuing marine biology, Sarah transitioned to a thriving art career focused on conservation.
Leveraging social media, a subscription service, and collaborations, she built a sustainable business while advocating for endangered species.
Her advice: test ideas, cultivate an online presence, and embrace calculated risks to align passion with purpose.
Introduction
Sarah McComb-Turbitt embodies the spirit of rural entrepreneurship.
With a diverse background that includes marine biology, art and passion for wildlife conservation, she has carved out a unique path that blends her love for animals with artistic expression.
In this Rural Entrepreneur podcast episode we will explore her journey and the insights she gained along the way; a journey that was not without its difficulties. Although she has encountered obstacles (all entrepreneurs do), she has persevered because of her deep commitment to her cause, love of wildlife and art.
Early Beginnings: A Passion for Nature
Born in a small town in Ontario, Sarah's fascination with oceans and animals began at a young age. Growing up just 15 minutes from her current home in Owen Sound, she was curious about animal behavior and their interactions with the environment.
This love for nature guided her educational choices, leading her to pursue marine biology in college. She often wondered why some creatures thrived while others struggled and this question fueled her ambition.
Throughout high school, Sarah excelled in art courses but initially saw art as a hobby rather than viable career. The stereotype of the "starving artist" loomed large in her mind, leading her to prioritize marine biology as a more stable path.
However, her passion for art never truly faded; this remained a constant in her life. Although she pursued marine biology, she often found herself drawn back to her artistic inclinations because of the joy it brought her.
Academic Pursuits and Fieldwork
Sarah's academic journey (which was both rigorous and enlightening) took her to university, where she dedicated five years to studying marine biology.
Her research focused on the long-finned pilot whales; she published a paper alongside renowned marine biologist Dr. Hal Whitehead. This experience was pivotal for her: it solidified her passion for marine life and conservation. She realized that the challenges in this field were significant, but she was undeterred. Although the path was demanding, Sarah remained committed to her goals because she understood the importance of her work.
During her time, in Halifax, she encountered wildlife photographers Wade and Robyn Hughes, who inspired her with their stunning underwater photography. This experience sparked the idea of merging her love for art and animals; planting the seeds for her future endeavors.
Transitioning to Art
Upon completing her graduate studies at UBC, Sarah found herself at a crossroads: job offers in marine biology were on the table. However, the allure of pursuing art full-time drew her in.
In 2020, just before the pandemic, she and her husband made the decision to move back to Ontario—where they purchased a triplex, providing Sarah with the financial breathing room to explore her artistic talents. Although this was a significant change, it opened new doors.
Her husband, a lifelong entrepreneur, supported her dreams wholeheartedly; he encouraged her to take the leap into the world of art. This pivotal moment enabled Sarah to focus on her art business, however, she still stayed connected to her scientific roots. Although it was challenging, she embraced the change because it brought her joy.
Building a Community and a Brand
Sarah's journey into the art world was not without challenges; she faced doubts about her decision.
She found solace in the supportive community of artists she encountered including Andrea Ehrhardt's Artist Academy. Her involvement with the organization Artists for Conservation opened doors to new opportunities and connections. This further fueled her passion for art and conservation, because she realized the importance of advocacy. Although there were obstacles, her determination remained steadfast.
In 2018, Sarah applied to become a member of Artists for Conservation and was accepted as an associate member. This was significant milestone; it affirmed her commitment to blending art with wildlife conservation. By 2022, she had achieved signature member status (showcasing) her growth and dedication to her craft.
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
As Sarah navigated her new path, as a commercial artist, she quickly learned the importance of treating her art as business.
She developed her website to showcase and sell her artwork online. This platform not only facilitated sales, it also helped her build an email list connecting her directly with her audience. Although challenges arose, she remained focused on her goals because she understood the significance of a strong online presence.
One of her most successful campaigns has been her card subscription service. By offering monthly cards featuring her artwork, Sarah created a steady income stream while also providing her subscribers with unique, tangible pieces of art. This innovative approach demonstrated her entrepreneurial mindset. It showed her willingness to adapt her business model to meet the needs of her audience because she understood the importance of connecting with them.
Leveraging Social Media and Online Platforms
Sarah recognized the power of social media—particularly YouTube and Instagram—in promoting her art. By documenting her creative process and sharing insights with her followers, she cultivated a loyal community that eagerly anticipated her latest projects.
Her YouTube channel that features how to time-lapse videos of her paintings has become a valuable marketing tool for business and educational channel for aspiring artists; drawing in new fans and potential customers. However, this success is not without challenges, because maintaining such engagement can be demanding. Although she enjoys the creating content and engaging with followers, fans and customers, balancing her time as an artist, entrepreneur, wife and mother is a struggle. She's a Super Hero!
Despite the pressures of maintaining an online presence, Sarah focused on creating meaningful content, rather than, succumbing to the demands of frequent posting. This strategic approach allowed her to balance her creative endeavors with the practicalities of running a business and prioritizing her time effectively. Although she faced challenges, she recognized that quality mattered more than quantity, because this was essential for engaging her audience.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Collaboration has indeed been a cornerstone of Sarah's success; she has worked with various organizations, including Wildlife Preservation Canada, to raise awareness for endangered species through her art. By donating a percentage of her sales to conservation efforts, she reinforces her commitment to protecting wildlife.
Sarah's recent exhibition, which showcased paintings of endangered Canadian species, was testament to her dedication to conservation. The event drew in researchers and community members and fostered a sense of connection and shared purpose in preserving the natural world.
Finding Balance as a Creative Entrepreneur
As mother and entrepreneur, Sarah has learned to navigate complexities of balancing family life with her artistic ambitions. The support of her family and community has been invaluable; allowing her to pursue her passions while raising children. This balance is crucial for her well-being and creative output. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and maintaining healthy work-life equilibrium.
Advice for Aspiring Artists and Entrepreneurs
For those considering a path in art or entrepreneurship, Sarah emphasizes the importance of starting small and testing waters. She suggests setting up a website, creating an online presence and exploring low-cost trial runs to gauge interest and build a customer base.
By taking calculated risks and remaining adaptable, aspiring artists can find their unique voice (while) establishing a sustainable business. This approach requires patience and persistence, because success doesn't happen overnight. Although challenges may arise, it's crucial to stay focused on long-term goals.
Sarah's journey serves as a powerful reminder that pursuing one's passion can lead to fulfilling and meaningful work. Through her art, she not only expresses her love for wildlife but also contributes to the broader conversation about conservation and sustainability. Her story inspires us to embrace our creativity, connect with our communities and strive for balance in our lives; however, this pursuit is not always easy.
Although challenges arise, we can find inspiration in her commitment to her craft and the impact it has on others. Because of her dedication, the conversation surrounding these important issues is enriched, reminding us of the profound connections we share with the world around us.
About the Rural Entrepreneur Podcast Series
The Rural Entrepreneur Podcast Series delves into the stories of rural entrepreneurs, exploring their struggles, triumphs, and the driving force behind their perseverance. The conversations are profound and insightful. If you're interested in being a sponsor or guest, feel free to contact us or book some time with Chris.
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