How a Crazy Idea Became a Success
by Cindy Blumkin, Owner
Paige Perkins and I had hosted private fundraisers for friends who were suffering and dying of cancer. We succeeded in raising money that assisted our friends in the last months of their lives. We were so satisfied and humbled by our efforts, I began dreaming of a way to do this on a daily basis.
A gallery with an offbeat twist
I have always appreciated the hand-crafted nature of artisans works and the amazing creativity that artists bring to the world. I began to imagine a gallery that was warm and inviting that featured local, regional and aspiring artists and an eclectic assortment of mediums ranging from recycled art to more traditional styles, including jewelry, metal art, textiles, hand-crafted lamps and sculptures made from all recycled materials. I imagined a kind of gallery/gift store with an "off beat twist."
Paige Perkins and I had hosted private fundraisers for friends who were suffering and dying of cancer. We succeeded in raising money that assisted our friends in the last months of their lives. We were so satisfied and humbled by our efforts, I began dreaming of a way to do this on a daily basis.
A gallery with an offbeat twist
I have always appreciated the hand-crafted nature of artisans works and the amazing creativity that artists bring to the world. I began to imagine a gallery that was warm and inviting that featured local, regional and aspiring artists and an eclectic assortment of mediums ranging from recycled art to more traditional styles, including jewelry, metal art, textiles, hand-crafted lamps and sculptures made from all recycled materials. I imagined a kind of gallery/gift store with an "off beat twist."
An unusual business model
The idea was to foster a very inviting art setting that would help artists promote their work and at the same time benefit community charities—this was the heart of our business model. I knew having an all-volunteer staff, including myself, was the only way to generate the profits. The business model would not support salaries so Paige and I became the first volunteers. I spent six months meeting different artists and finally opened our doors in August 2007 in downtown Encinitas. The store surpassed our wildest dreams--the response to the variety and selection of art and gift items has been amazing, and people truly apre - | 
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ciate the philanthropic nature and community spirit of the store. We have sent our art all of the world. This past year in 2008 we donated approximately $4,900 to each of our four partnering charities, the Community Resource Center, the Store front Shelter, A.R.T.S. and Guitars in the Classroom. Keep in mind the artists receive 60% and with the remaining 40% we pay rent and other expenses, but because there are no salaries, every month we generate profits that are then donated at the end of the year—it’s an unusual business model.
Most of all we dedicate Art N Soul to the outrageous and extraordinary imaginative artists who make the store possible and who took a great leap of faith when we started.
Most of all we dedicate Art N Soul to the outrageous and extraordinary imaginative artists who make the store possible and who took a great leap of faith when we started.
