Interview with Alice Abiya of Abiya’s Art

We recently had an opportunity to sit down with Alice Abiya, an artist based in Pittsburgh, PA. Through Abiya’s Art, she creates a variety of beautiful masterpieces inspired by her African heritage. She told us about her art and experiences as a small business owner.



Can you tell us about your business and what you do?

My business Abiyas’Art focuses on western and African cultural styles. We express these styles through the artistic composition of each item and through the way we name them as well. 
The uniqueness of these items, the names, and the materials are what make Abiya’s Art one of a kind in the market place. I make paintings, t-shirts, greeting cards, beautiful jewelry and more!
How did you get into this business?
When I was little, I had a chance to be around folks at home in Cameroon who were using their hands and crafting was one of the major occupations. Art in general was a main inspiration for anyone who was falling in love with creativity and expression of his or her own mind. I wanted to create something beautiful.

I found that this gives character to a group of people to cultivate their own roots as cultural art. A saying comes to mind, “There is no culture without art and there is no art without culture.”

When I moved to the U.S., I took a couple art classes, specifically for painting, even when my concentration was more in business. I also developed other skills to be able to do what I do today.

So by having these elements together, this was my motivational point to start with something unique for the first time, in my life here in US, my own business.



What is the most enjoyable thing about this business?

Most enjoyable thing in this business is that from out of nowhere, I can come out with something beautiful, unique and artistic to present to the market place. And in addition, I enjoy seeing folks appreciating my works, which gives me a pleasant desire to do this business.
What are some of your greatest challenges?
Well one of my greatest challenges in this business I believe is to make the public know about our product. The marketing point still and need to be developed so that we could create as maximum as possible a lot traffic in our website, and to generate more sale…!
If you could provide any advice to fellow business owners, what would it be?
Never give up on your dream no matter what! Sometimes, failure brings with it a seed of a valuable advantage. I once heard, “fail and fail better!” So for my fellow business owners out there, do not give up! Ever!

How people can find you online?
You can visit my website at www.AbiyasArt.com. In addition, you can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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