TGtB Meets...Jessica Lloyd-Smith

We chatted to Director and Art Consultant Jessica Lloyd-Smith about her business Modern ArtBuyer, an online platform which centres around selling, mid-range, contemporary art to the masses.

Where is home and why?

I first moved to Bath in 2008 after living in Central London for 20 years, so it was quite a change! When I set up the online art gallery, Modern ArtBuyer, I soon realised we needed a bigger house to give me a home office that didn't impact on our living space. With that in mind, we moved out to Limpley Stoke and we absolutely love it. My office overlooks the valley - a great source of creative inspiration. I think it's very good for the soul to be surrounded by countryside.

What inspired you to set up your business in Bath?

I find both Bath and Bristol really creative and slightly bohemian so it's an ideal place to run an art business. There are quite a number of physical art galleries in Bath, so I decided to go down the online route to bring a fresh approach to art buying in area. Through the Modern ArtBuyer website, we've sold art to customers in San Francisco, Sweden and Australia - it's exciting to be bringing international business into the local area. 

What are your professional goals?

Quite simply my goal is to build a thriving business that both my customers and I love. I spent years working for large corporate companies, which I enjoyed but didn’t feel really passionately about. These days I look forward to getting to my desk on a Monday morning and long may that continue.

Did anyone try to discourage you from setting up your own business?

No, not really. There were one or two surprised faces when I announced my plans, but most people showered me with encouragement which just spurred me on to get Modern ArtBuyer up and running! One friend quoted the immortal line “Leap and the net will appear” and it's true – if you give it 100% you don’t fall flat on your face and things start happening for you!

What advice would you give anyone looking to do the same?

Do your sums to make sure you have the financial backing to go ahead as it can be a long time before you see any personal return. Also, carry out some research to make sure that there is a gap or a need for your business. Once you have ticked both of those boxes and you have a plan that you feel completely engaged with and passionately about then go for it.

What do you think attracts business people to Bath?

I believe life is all about balance. You need to supplement a busy, successful working week with reviving and restoring time out. Bath provides just that. A thriving business community that genuinely cares about other local businesses with fantastic restaurants, attractions and beautiful countryside on its doorstep.

If you could do it all again, would you do anything differently? 

I don't think so. Of course my life hasn't panned out exactly as I'd expected but the route that I have taken has been exciting and rewarding. Even the really tough times give you the boost you need to keep driving forward. I firmly believe that it’s important to take positives from any mistakes or disappointments, both personally and professionally.

How do you like to spend your time off?

With my husband and my cat in our lovely new home. We love eating out in Bath and meandering around galleries...but the cat has to stay at home. We're currently doing a lot of exploring around the Limpley Stoke and Freshford area finding amazing walks and farm shops. I feel very lucky to be in such great spot.

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there?

Having been in large corporate businesses for such a long time, my contact list is largely made up of financial services and design professionals, which is exciting for me but not particularly interesting for anyone else! Let’s just say, that with all my artist contacts, who knows…there may be some big stars of the future in there.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Two life-changing achievements stand out for me. Firstly setting up my own business, Modern ArtBuyer, two years ago and seeing that grow and develop makes me feel enormously proud. Secondly, tracking down my now-husband having lost touch with him 27 years ago. It was because of him that I moved to Bath, so I have a lot I thank him for.