MINIMAL FOLK

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your business?

My name is Rebecca, I am an artist and the founder of Minimal Folk, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I create minimalistic style textured artworks. My work blends together my love of ancient architecture with minimalistic design. Using raw building materials like cement or mortar, I create works of art that express depth in texture, minimal form and carry the resemblance of stone.

What inspired you to start your own business?

Like many other creatives, lockdown was a time to create and discover new things. At the end of 2020 my husband and I moved house taking on a large renovation project. A year of living in a building site surrounded by building materials in lockdown got me experimenting. I started to make textured artworks from waste building materials to hang in our own home. After seeing the love for my artwork from people following my renovation instagram account, I decided to take a leap of faith, quit one of my jobs, pick a business name, create a website and start making textured artworks to sell.

Can you tell us about a typical day in your business?

There isn’t really a typical day in my business, every day is different but I like to wake at 7am, do a short workout and walk the dog to clear my head. If I have orders to make, I like to start them as early on in the day as I can. After lunch I usually work on making content for my social media account, and then finish up with some admin.

What do you love about what you do?

Where we end up in life can be a total surprise and that is exactly how I feel about starting Minimal Folk. I feel so blessed that I get to do something I love. Starting Minimal Folk has given me permission to tap back into my art and design skills, while merging it with my love for interior design, architecture and minimalist design.

What do you find most challenging?

It’s hard to pick one! There are a few.. my perfectionism being a massive one and not being able to shut off. Running the business myself, there is a lot to juggle and I need to discipline myself to take breaks (especially from social media).

Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?

In 5 years I would like to have my artworks placed in some of the finest homes in the world. To build a large international client base including luxury interior design studios, hotels, restaurants and property developments. I would like to become the go to contemporary/textured artist on the Island.. shooting for the stars! 😂

Lastly I would like all the raw materials I use to come from reclaimed waste, to become more sustainable and join the circular economy business model.

What do you wish you had known when you started your business?

As my business is only just over 6 months old, I don’t think there is anything yet. I am facing challenges all the time that I have to navigate but what I am glad I didn’t do was wait until I had all the answers before starting because I would still trying to figure it all out and before taking any action.

What do you enjoy outside your business?

Outside of Minimal Folk, I teach yoga a few times a week which I love (plus it is the best warm up to prepare me for a day of making). I am also a singer/songwriter and have just released my debut single under the name ‘AVA CALII’ in April this year. I plan to release more music this year and experiment how I can blend both creative journeys together.

Our theme this year for Womenfolk is Balance - how do you bring balance to your life? Any advice for other creative business owners?

I remember seeing the phrase Grit and Grace’ somewhere and I think its a perfect summary of what we need, to be successful as a creative. We need the balance of Grit and Grace. Grit to work hard when we don’t feel like it. Grace for ourselves when it doesn’t look like anything is happening, when we aren’t meeting the expectations we have placed on ourselves or when we are just overworking ourselves and need to take time out and rest.