“After a career in hair and makeup and studying textile design, I’d always loved working with colour and pattern. I needed to expand – to get onto canvas or fabric in a bigger way.”
Jennifer Carlson of jennifercarlson.co is an Australian painter based in Northern Rivers, NSW. She combines her love of colour and pattern with her passion for art to create large-scale original paintings, custom pieces, and licensed works.
Her background includes textile design and a career in hair and makeup for the entertainment industry, with studies taking her from Sydney to printing workshops throughout India before she transitioned to painting.
At Jennifer Carlson Co, Jen creates large-scale original works and custom pieces, bringing nature’s calm into homes, offices, and commercial spaces. “My approach blends technical skill with intuitive practice. My work is for people who value quality, original art and connection to nature.” She works from her studio several days a week and has built her business to allow creative freedom while supporting a balanced and sustainable lifestyle.
“HerBusiness gives me what I’ve never had: a community building sustainable businesses and accountability. It’s helping solve the ‘overthinking problem’ with actual knowledge and support. ”
For Jennifer, mornings are for meditation and ocean swims. Her business supports the life she wants to live, connects her with people who value quality original art, and generates capacity to support causes and communities that matter to her.
Since recently joining the HerBusiness Network, Jennifer has found support, accountability, and a community of like-minded women. She says, “HerBusiness gives me what I’ve never had: a community building sustainable businesses and accountability. It’s helping solve the ‘overthinking problem’ with actual knowledge and support.”
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Ashleigh Longshore. She’s loud and wonderful.
I love that she lifts people up and brings them along for the ride. She’s built her success while staying true to her voice and generously supports other artists.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
After a career in hair and makeup and studying textile design, I’d always loved working with colour and pattern. I needed to expand – to get onto canvas or fabric in a bigger way.
I wanted to paint beautiful paintings people could fill their spaces with, create joy in their lives.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
Creative freedom and setting my own pace.
I work 3 days as a makeup artist and focus on art the rest of the week. I own my time in ways I never could as an employee.
But I’m still learning to enjoy the business side – that’s the work I’m doing now.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Build the business foundation first – pricing, financials, systems.
- Physical health, mental health and well being are fundamental to your practice.
- Find your own rhythm and honour it. One size or way doesn’t suit all.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
- Join HerBusiness straight away! Don’t guess. Don’t piece it together from free workshops and Instagram advice. Invest in proper guidance from the beginning.
- And be honest about what kind of life you want. Learn where your energy needs to go before burning out.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
The 90 day plan and business expenses.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
I work from my studio 3-4 days a week creating large-scale original paintings and custom pieces that bring nature’s calm into people’s spaces. Income flows from multiple streams: sale of original artworks, custom pieces, and licensing. I can say yes to projects that excite me and let go of the projects that don’t align.
Mornings are for meditation and ocean swims. The business supports the life I want to live, connects me with people who value quality original art, and generates capacity to support causes and community that matter to me. It is sustainable and structured to support a balanced lifestyle.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
HerBusiness gives me what I’ve never had: a community building sustainable businesses and accountability.
It’s helping solve the ‘overthinking problem’ with actual knowledge and support.
I’m also looking forward to being part of a Growth Group.
Learn more about Jennifer and jennifercarlson.co.
