How this Former Finance Exec Built a Dreamy Neighborhood Art Studio

Real-Life Relaunch Story

Melina Selimbegovic, Owner, Artsy Beast:

“I spent so many years doing something different, chasing a career in finance, but I don't regret it…

Everything that I've done up to today has prepared me fully for what's next to come with this business.”

Many people dream about quitting their corporate jobs and launching a business that aligns with their passions, but Melina Selimbegovic actually did it. 

After spending over 15 years in financial services, Melina took a covid-era career break that led her to open up Artsy Beast, a light-filled ceramics and art studio in the heart of Chevy Chase, DC. 

Read on for Melina’s story of career reinvention and her advice for launching a business, one small step at a time.

Q: Tell me about your career path. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I came to the U.S. at the age of 11 as a refugee from Bosnia escaping the war and ethnic cleansing of Bosnians that took place in the early 90s. I found a new life in the USA, a new beginning, and like most refugees, I did not have the luxury of even thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up. 

Being busy was key to processing and dealing with everything that we went through. I've always been an artist since I can remember, doodling and drawing like any kid. In high school, oftentimes I found refuge sitting and painting for hours. I recently realized that I had been giving myself art therapy without even knowing it. 

When I decided to apply to college, I thought about it like a typical refugee/immigrant: Should I be a doctor, or a lawyer? I didn't want to be a lawyer. I was a very caring person, and so I thought being a doctor was a good fit for me. When I went to UNC - Chapel Hill, it was with the intention of finishing med school.  But you can't just shove a square in a circle. Instead, I graduated with dual degrees in International Politics and Psychology.

In my last year of college, I earned a travel scholarship and booked a one-way ticket to Spain. I wanted to learn Spanish and study art.  I went to every museum I could. It was like in the movies, when you see one person on a bench sitting in front of a painting for hours – I was that person. 

When I came back from Spain, I got a job at Bank of America. I love helping people and that’s the approach I took in finance as well.  I kept getting promoted, from personal banker, to business banker, to management.

Eventually, I was recruited by a client to be the first employee of what is today a fully chartered North Carolina regulated Trust company for the military.

Q: How did you know it was time for a change?

After building the trust company for seven and a half years, I was recruited again, this time for a wealth management firm. I was working with ultra high net worth individuals, driving my career with my Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) and Certified Fiduciary & Investment Risk Specialist (CFIRS) designations.

The financial industry can be very fraternal, very “who you know,” fast-paced, high stress and unforgiving. As a mom with two young kids, the burden of raising a family and propelling a career was heavy. I went with the route of having mentors, connecting with people to the extent that I could.

I was doing well, however, the pandemic was especially hard. I was working from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then I’d put my kids to sleep and get back on my computer at night. I’d fall asleep around 11 p.m. and back up at 5 a.m. There was no end in sight. 

There was a breaking point, and I quit my job. After the war, that was probably the most traumatic experience for me in my entire life. Work was a huge part of my identity; I had been working and supporting myself since I was 15, always hustling and pushing through the obstacles. I went from going 150 miles per hour… to zero. Full stop! I remember being very depressed about that.

Q: How did you get the idea to start an art studio?

My husband suggested, ‘Why don't you do something you love?’ He had said that many times before, but this time I was in a different state of mind, and I actually heard him. I knew the answer was art. 

My first idea was putting together an art festival in Chevy Chase, DC. I figured, I’m good with project management, I love art, I love people. And then I discovered that there’s already one happening. 

The next idea was teaching art to kids. And since we own restaurants, the idea became that I’d teach kids art classes next to one of our restaurants while the parents have a relaxing dinner. That was the thesis that led to us looking at commercial spaces. The idea snowballed from there and grew from “teach kids” to “establish a ceramics and art studio.”

When I found the space we’re in, I remember thinking I had worked so hard for others, I am going to now work just as hard for myself! It felt exciting and liberating.  

Q: What's been most rewarding about starting your business?

I have built this business in such a way that gives me the perfect balance between work and life. I am absolutely present for my kids. This isn’t to say that anyone does it by themselves. We have a nanny who takes care of my kids on the days that I work late. But most days, I can pick up my kids from school, I can be there for homework and whatever they need. I’m present. 

I also started to volunteer again, which has been such a spiritually and mentally rewarding thing to do. When we had an influx of Afghanistan refugees come through this area, I was able to jump in and adopt a family, alongside a couple of other moms and provide for them, get them situated. It all comes full circle, because somebody did that for me. It felt honorable to give and make a difference in someone's life.

Also, recently, my dad was hospitalized and I was able to jump on an airplane and go to him. Having the freedom to do that was such an “aha” moment for me! No asking permissions, no apologizing for having a family emergency and needing time away from work. I was the decision maker. 

I spent so many years doing something different, chasing a career in finance, but I don't regret it. There are moments in my mind where I'm like, ‘why didn't I go into art sooner?’ But honestly everything that I've done up to today has prepared me fully for what's next to come with this business.
 

Q: What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of starting a brick and mortar business like Artsy Beast, but hasn’t gotten started yet?

Make sure it works financially, because if you're going to put all this effort, time and resources into it, you should know at the end of the day that at least you will be in the black. 

One of the first things I did before I launched was create a simple business plan. I listed all my possible expenses and potential art class income. I underestimated my income and overestimated my expenses. 

When I found the black line where I could pay my expenses, I built the business model around that.  It’s important to mention that I wasn't looking to replace my salary from the finance world. I was going after a lifestyle change. 

I think fear blocks a lot of our potential. But after you make your spreadsheet and you know how much you need to make to be in the black, make a to-do list. Just do a little bit at a time. You don’t have to quit your job. Just spend an hour or two every day on one of those things on your list.

Finally, if you’re serious about doing it, surround yourself with the right people. In the beginning, I went to an event during D.C. Business Week. It was heavy on government contractors and IT, huge businesses that had nothing to do with me. 

But being around those people, there's a certain kind of energy that inspires and emboldens you. So, find an environment and network, and expose yourself to people who are further along and better than you and learn from them. Choose to be curious and become an expert in what you are doing or aiming to do. Then go do it!