Spotlight on Students is a feature that showcases WYWLA students 

and cool experiences they've had and/or recognitions received.

WYWLA Sophomore, Alecia Benjamin shares with us her experience running her art business: "Leciadrewthatt" in this month's Spotlight on Students!

Give us an overview of your business!

The name of my business is Leciadrewthatt. I sell different paintings and outlines for those who want to paint it themselves. 

How did you decide to start your business?

I started my business in January of this year. Not only because I already painted a lot in my free time but because of my mom. She always saw me painting, drawing, buying different art supplies etc. She told me every day I could do something with this, I could make money or show other people what I can do. So, one day I got on Instagram and made an account. I promoted it and also got friends and family to promote it. 

Who has supported you throughout this?

As I said, my mom has been one of my biggest supporters through this. She is the reason my business is where it is today. No matter if it's simply words of encouragement or buying my supplies. Another person who has supported me through this is my aunt Tiffany. She actually has a wall in her room of about 4 paintings I have done for her! She always finds a way to support whether it's liking a post, word of mouth, or placing an order.

Who has inspired you?

Someone who has inspired me is mom. She started her notary business in 2022. I always notice how even when it can get hard or overwhelming, but she still shows up for her clients and her business. 

What major leadership values have you learned through your business? 

One leadership value I have learned through my business is communication. It's always important to communicate with the people supporting my business. There have been times where I had to push back a delivery date because I was swamped with schoolwork. For example, just this week I had to text a client letting her know she would get her painting just a few days later because I have been up late most days doing homework or preparing for exams.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced? 

One of the largest challenges I have faced is time management.  Sometimes it can be hard to juggle having a small business and schoolwork. Painting takes time and patience. It shouldn't be rushed. So does writing essays and lab reports. It can be difficult to put schoolwork first and ensure people are getting their orders in a timely manner.

Walk us through the process, design to a sale.

I spend a lot of time looking for inspiration or just trying out new things. Most of my art supplies come from Amazon.com.   I like to put on a show or a movie and get to work. I start off by drawing an outline of what it is I'm painting before I start. When I finish, I take a couple pictures and videos and post them online. Sometimes customers will direct message (DM) me saying they want one of the paintings I have already done. However, sometimes customers are looking to place a custom order.

Has anything prepared you for things you experience in a consumer type environment? 

Honestly, no. This has been a learning experience but in a positive way. Being a business owner as a teenager definitely has exposed me to new experiences and challenges.

Where can we find your business? 

You can find my business on Instagram @leciadrewthatt

What would you tell someone who wants to start a small business?

Keep pushing and don't compare your success to others!