Today we’d like to introduce you to Deann Hebert.
Hi Deann, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up with a love for art and creativity, earning my BFA from Auburn University. Like many artists, I started with a dream but very little certainty about how to turn it into a business. What began as painting in my garage under a $200 Costco tent at local art shows slowly grew through hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn the business side of creativity.
Over the years, I built my company completely bootstrapped, reinvesting profits back into the business and focusing on creating meaningful artwork that connected with people emotionally. My work has been featured in national publications, collected by well-known musicians and celebrities, and has generated over $10 million in sales.
In 2020, during the uncertainty of the pandemic, I opened my gallery in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. Today, the gallery has become an award-winning destination, and our business reaches collectors across the country through in-person experiences, e-commerce, email marketing, and social media.
Along the way, I’ve learned that success isn’t usually the result of one big break. It’s the result of showing up consistently, serving people well, adapting when things don’t go as planned, and staying committed to your vision long after the excitement wears off. My journey has been one of faith, perseverance, creativity, and a belief that ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. In the early years, I was building my business while raising young children, loading artwork into my car, setting up tents at art shows, and hoping I would sell enough to cover expenses. There were seasons when I literally had a baby sleeping in a Pack ’n Play behind my art show tent while I greeted customers and sold paintings. Looking back, those moments capture exactly what entrepreneurship looked like for me: doing whatever it took with whatever I had.
One of the biggest challenges was learning that creating art and running a business are two very different skill sets. I had to teach myself marketing, sales, inventory management, e-commerce, hiring, leadership, and countless other skills that weren’t covered in art school.
The pandemic brought another major challenge. I had just opened my gallery in downtown Franklin when the world shut down. There were moments when I wondered if the business would survive. Instead of giving up, I pivoted, strengthened my online presence, and found new ways to serve collectors.
I’ve also experienced personal loss, including losing my mother, one of my biggest supporters. Those experiences deepened my faith and reinforced my belief that the most meaningful growth often comes through the hardest seasons.
When people see the gallery today, they see the finished product. What they don’t always see are the years of art shows, long drives, rejected opportunities, sleepless nights, and the baby in the Pack ’n Play behind the tent. Those experiences taught me perseverance, gratitude, and the importance of continuing to show up, even when the outcome is uncertain.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a fine artist, entrepreneur, and gallery owner based in Franklin, Tennessee. My work is known for its bold texture, vibrant color, and themes of faith, hope, and encouragement. Using palette knives and layers of acrylic paint, I create pieces that tell stories and evoke emotion, whether through angels, florals, butterflies, churches, animals, or landscapes.
While I am proud of the artwork itself, I am equally proud of the business I have built around it. What began with local art shows and a tent has grown into an award-winning gallery, a thriving e-commerce business, and a brand that has generated more than $10 million in sales. My work has been featured in national publications and collected by people across the country, including musicians, celebrities, and families who simply connected with a piece on a personal level.
What sets me apart is that I have never viewed art as just something to hang on a wall. I believe art has the power to tell stories, mark milestones, honor memories, strengthen faith, and bring comfort during difficult seasons. Many collectors tell me they don’t just buy a painting; they buy the feeling it gives them.
I am also passionate about helping other creatives realize that it is possible to build a successful business without sacrificing authenticity. My career has been a blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, faith, and perseverance, and I hope my journey encourages others to pursue the gifts they’ve been given.
Of all my accomplishments, I am most proud that I built this business from the ground up while raising a family, staying true to my values, and creating work that genuinely impacts people’s lives.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success rarely looks the way you imagine it will. Most of us spend a lot of time waiting until we feel ready, qualified, or confident enough to pursue a dream. My experience has been that confidence usually comes after you take the first step, not before.
When I started, I didn’t have investors, a business plan, or a roadmap. I had a passion for creating, a willingness to work hard, and a belief that small, consistent actions could eventually add up to something meaningful. Looking back, the biggest breakthroughs in my life and business often came after seasons when I was tempted to quit.
I hope my story encourages someone who is in the middle of building something. Whether it’s a business, a creative career, or a life they love, don’t underestimate the power of showing up day after day. The glamorous moments are wonderful, but it’s the unseen work, the ordinary days, and the decision to keep going that create lasting success.
And if you happen to have a baby in a Pack ‘n Play behind your booth while you’re chasing a dream, you’re probably doing just fine.
Pricing:
- * Artwork available at a variety of price points for both new and established collectors.
- Visit www.deanndesigns.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deanndesigns.com
- Instagram: @deannart
- Facebook: Fine Art by DeAnn
