Founded by Jennifer Angers-Daerendinger in 2013, ROAM Gallery is a pop-up and virtual space for emerging artists from across the globe.
Where did the idea for your business originate?
I was living in Vancouver at the time and had just held a charity art show. There are so many incredible up and coming artists, but oftentimes they don’t have the means or connections to hold their own public show. This is where ROAM comes in; I wanted to support these artists and give them a space to share their work. There was really this entirely niche market where no one had ever gone before. I didn’t know how it would work logistically, but over time, things fell into place. It’s called ROAM because it’s a pop-up gallery that exists both physically and virtually – art can and should be anywhere and everywhere!
What motivates you each day?
Creativity and art – I’m always seeking new and emerging artists and discovering a new talent is a huge driving force for me and my business. It’s exciting! I find beauty in the everyday mundane stuff – my artistic eye is constantly wandering, finding inspiration. It never really stops; after all, life is art.
What was your driving force to become an entrepreneur?
I wanted to be my own boss, to have that creative freedom in both my life and career. I knew I had an amazing idea, so the logical next step was to just go for it and make it happen. This desire to give artists a platform in a way that hadn’t been done before really pushed me out of my comfort zone and I’ll never look back.
How do you market yourself and your brand? What’s been most successful?
I have a background working with brands like Chanel and Holt Renfrew, so marketing my brand is definitely a strong suit of mine. I wanted to create a very warm and welcoming culture with ROAM Gallery – it’s niche and it’s luxurious, but I also want everyone who walks in the door to feel welcome, like they’re at home here. It’s worked really well for me, and I’ve built so many wonderful professional relationships. But that doesn’t mean we can’t crack jokes and drink wine together, too. That’s the beauty of ROAM Gallery – we like to have fun.
How would you define success?
Being happy in the day to day and truly enjoying the work you do. If you have to slog through your work day and can’t have a laugh, you’re doing something wrong!
Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roamgallery/
Website: https://www.roamgallery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roamgallery
