Heather Ackermann: ARTspiration

Heather Ackermann is not one to let a good idea escape into the ether. The notion to begin ARTspiration, for example, uttered into her mind while driving through East Cooper traffic with her family – and she was swift to latch onto it. Today, her walk-in art studio is bustling with talented adults and children. “I started this business because local places to create art were closing,” explained Heather, who also works full-time at a school in Mount Pleasant.

She noted that ladies who are interested in beginning a business from scratch should research the market and talk to other owners of similar places in order to “get a feel for the process and understand whether it’s right for you or not.”

“There are definitely roadblocks,” she admitted. “And my family had to take a back seat for a while while everything fell into place.”

Heather doesn’t take the help she receives from her staff lightly. Relationships in general are one of her secrets to success; she even called Earth Art Pottery in West Ashley and purchased its inventory from the owner. The previous manager and friend, Beth Dallas, of the now-closed studio, is ARTspiration’s studio advisor. She also credits her manager, Sarah Tiani, as being “the backbone of the business.”

“And my husband,” she confessed. “Without his support, I would’ve never made it.”

By Denise K. James