Savvy Art Inc.
For Karen Mayer, Founder of Savvy Art Inc., the timing of the pandemic couldn't have been worse.
She had just taken bold steps to expand her business—incorporating, renting studio space, and hiring her first employee—when the world changed overnight. What had been a promising business strategy suddenly faced unprecedented market challenges, and debt only began to pile up as the pandemic continued.
By the end of 2022, it was clear she needed to pivot. She developed a new revenue stream called ArtSpa that was gaining traction; however, she needed guidance on how to strategically integrate it. "I signed up for The Forum Mentor Program Presented by The Scotiabank Women Initiative® in July 2023 to help recover my business from the difficult position the pandemic had left it in," she explains. "I needed help fitting my new offering in with my art gallery in a strategic, intentional way."
Through the program, Karen was paired with her Mentor, Beth Fisher, whose impact went far beyond business strategy. "The Forum Mentor Program has given me more confidence as an entrepreneur and a wider perspective on what a successful business is. Beth's given me tools that I use on a regular basis to assess opportunities and grow my bottom line. Her willingness to share all kinds of tips and resources was instrumental in me finding the path forward.”
Looking back, one of the most profound insights she gained was recognizing her own capabilities. "I learned that I possess all the skills required to be successful. Having a Mentor is vital for drawing the answers that reside inside, [which expedites] successful outcomes and a positive mindset."
Karen's experience shows that mentorship doesn't just provide practical guidance, but the confidence and clarity that entrepreneurs need to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. As she concludes, "Asking for help when I truly needed it was the best decision I've made for my business in years."