Giovanna Chaisson shares her approach to pricing, collaboration, and building a business that protects creativity.
Continuing my series on Scaling Your Small Business, I recently sat down with Giovanna Chaisson, founder of Art Experienced, to talk about her journey growing her business, shifting her model, and building confidence in pricing. Giovanna shared insights from her experience that are especially valuable for entrepreneurs looking to scale, focus on what her customers really want, and create a sustainable business.
Art Experienced was founded on the belief that art is more than something you hang on a wall – it’s something you live, share, and remember. Art Experienced brings artistry into life’s most meaningful moments through live event painting, bespoke commissions, and curated collaborations that connect people and artists in unforgettable ways.
Kim:
Giovanna, let’s start with the big picture—how has your business grown over the past year?
Giovanna:
My revenue has 3x each year since 2023. The main reason for that growth has been focusing on high-value live events and offerings instead of smaller, lower-margin products. Those experiences really resonate with my audience and make a bigger impact.
Kim:
Wow, that’s fantastic and a huge jump! What kinds of offerings are you focusing on now that are driving this growth?
Giovanna:
Mostly live events and experiences where people can engage deeply with art. We focus on how we make clients feel when we paint at a live gala or celebration we make people feel special. These are high-touch and create a lot of value for participants, which naturally leads to better pricing and profitability.
Kim:
Speaking of pricing, it sounds like you’ve become more confident there. Can you talk about what changed for you?
Giovanna:
Definitely. I used to offer discounts, but I realized that was undermining my value and being unfair to my clients. If one pays full price, it is not fair to offer another a discount. Now, I focus on “special” offers and intentionally price for the value I provide. This has made a huge difference for profitability and for how I feel about the work I do—it’s empowering to be fully compensated for my expertise.
Kim: I love that. You are so speaking my language. Profitability is such a challenge for some small business owners – as in they can’t even tell you what their profit is or understand it. You’re also planning a shift in your business model—tell me about that.
Giovanna:
I have moved Art Experienced toward more of an agency model. That means bringing other artists into projects and events rather than relying solely on my own art. The goal is to create a platform that elevates and celebrates other artists’ work while diversifying the types of projects we can take on.
Kim:
That sounds exciting! How do you see this agency model supporting your growth goals?
Giovanna:
It opens up new revenue streams and allows me to scale without doing everything myself. It also gives other artists opportunities to collaborate and gain exposure, which aligns perfectly with my mission to celebrate creativity.
Kim:
That’s a smart approach. For other entrepreneurs reading this, what advice would you give for taking risks in business?
Giovanna:
I’d say take risks, but do so in a way that keeps you financially comfortable. Don’t jump in too fast without a safety net—it can create stress and block creativity. Planning and pacing yourself is key to sustaining growth and enjoying the process.
Kim:
Absolutely. Looking back, what would you say has been the biggest factor in your success so far?
Giovanna:
Honestly, clarity around my value and being intentional with my offerings. Focusing on high-impact events, collaborating with other artists, and pricing fairly has all added up to meaningful growth.
Kim:
I love the awareness of your value, what you bring and also being intentional. What message do you have for someone who is looking to take their business to the next level?
Giovanna:
- Focus on high-value offerings rather than low-margin products.
- Be intentional and confident with pricing—avoid default discounts.
- Focus on one thing at a time and do it really well, then you can add other offers to scale sustainably.
- Take calculated risks with a safety net to protect creativity and reduce stress.
- Collaborating with others can open doors for growth and exposure.
Giovanna’s journey reminds us that growth isn’t just about revenue—it’s about creating value, building confidence, and designing a business that allows you to thrive while elevating others. Her story is an inspiration for anyone ready to scale with purpose and intention.
If you’re a business owner who’s ready to 3x your own income and create value, build confidence and design a business that allows you to thrive, let this be your sign. Start putting the pieces in place so your business can thrive while elevating others.
Ready to explore what your next-level business could look like?
Let’s connect — I’d love to help you build your own well-oiled machine!
Your Business Feels Busy But Your Bank Account Doesn’t Show It. If you are tired of working hard for little return, then these 3 Keys will help fix that.
I want you to feel confident about the prices you charge, so that you do not discount or cave just to get a client.
With these 3 Keys you will:
- Get a simple formula to determine the prices needed so that you can be profitable
- Determine what your services are worth so that you are paid your value
- Solve those self-doubt beliefs so that you are confident with your offer
Click here to get your free download of 3 Keys for Effectively Pricing Your Services.
Here is another blog that you may be interested in – Overcoming Growth Challenges for Small Service-Based Business Owners
