Meet Emily Coldiron | Artist & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Coldiron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Being comfortable with failure and making mistakes. The process of making art is never straightforward and there’s always an “ugly” phase that make you want to stop. In the past, I was very critical of myself and it held me back in pretty big ways. I used to be very afraid to try something (especially publicly) out of fear that I wasn’t good enough. Once I realized that I needed to stop trying to be perfect and just put forth my best effort, everything changed. The art that I like the most feels a little “messy” and lived-in – there’s something authentic about working with mistakes instead of trying to fix everything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am primarily an ink and watercolor artist and I specialize in storytelling with playful imagery. I started my business by just sharing pages of my sketchbook on TikTok. My favorite things to draw are storefronts and architectural structures, but at this point in my career I draw a little bit of everything! I love being able to translate people’s stories into illustrations and preserve special moments for others.

I had a lot of imposter syndrome when I first started offering prints and taking commissions, primarily because I didn’t go to school for art and I am mostly self-taught. I had a long road to get to where I am today – I previously worked in the non-profit industry and then I started a business selling products on Amazon and Ebay. The hardest part has been the non-linear pathway to becoming an art business owner. I’m lucky to have a very entrepreneurial partner who has never given up on me and has encouraged me to take risks and experiment with whatever idea comes to mind. With his support, I shared more on social media and started partnering with local businesses. The community that I’ve found through social media has provided opportunities to reach new audiences that I never could’ve imagined previously.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I spent several years living in a tiny studio apartment in DTLA, so I love to take guests to my old stomping grounds. I would start with breakfast at Grand Central Market (I’m a sucker for Wexler’s Deli lox and coffee at G&B). For lunch, there are so many good options – I love the slippery shrimp at Yang Chow in Chinatown or KazuNori handrolls. Dinner would have to be Perch for a beautiful view or a cozy vibe at Colori Kitchen. I love a good place to dance, so for a night out I always take my friends to La Cita (where I met my husband!) or Caña Rum Bar for a rum and coconut! I also love The Granada for salsa dancing with a live band.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner and my mom are my biggest cheerleaders. I’ve always believed that you are the five closest people to you and I’m fortunate enough to have a lot of support in my life. My husband is the one who encouraged me to start sharing art to begin with and he always felt that I was not reaching my full potential in my last job. I truly would not be where I am today without him. I also still show my mom almost all of the artwork I make. She has never said a single unkind or discouraging thing about the path that I’ve chosen.

Website: https://orangegrovehome.com/

Instagram: @orangegrovehome

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycoldiron/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@orangegrovehome

Other: TikTok: @orangegrovehome