Success Story _ Squier Fine Art
Squier Fine Art | Grand Junction, CO
For the past decade, artist and CSU-certified Master Gardener Justin Squier has pursued his creative career with unwavering dedication. Eventually, these two paths converged into a singular, innovative vision: blending the precision of sculpting with the organic beauty of the garden. By creating custom planters, trellises, and hanging systems, he brings fine art composition to functional garden accessories, maintaining high-end craftsmanship and extraordinary aesthetic designs.
While the creative concept was strong, the logistics of entrepreneurship presented a significant challenge. Operating as a "one-man show" with limited workspace, Justin found himself overwhelmed by the complexities of taxes, marketing, and pricing. He had a powerful idea but lacked the roadmap to turn it into a sustainable business.
The Colorado SBDC in Mesa County provided the bridge between Justin's artistic vision and a viable commercial reality. Through their mentorship, he developed a comprehensive business plan that offered a confident, step-by-step strategy for the future. The Colorado SBDC helped him deconstruct the various sectors of running a business, providing the tools necessary to research potential markets and identify his ideal customers.
Beyond the paperwork, the Colorado SBDC offered Justin a deeper understanding of his own operational capacity. He gained clarity on his capabilities and, perhaps more importantly, learned how to set limitations to prevent burnout and ensure long-term stability. He walked away with a firm grasp of cash flow management and a pricing structure built for future growth.
Justin credits the Leading Edge course and the Colorado SBDC’s team of advisors as his most valuable resources. They demystified the administrative side of the business and gave him the structural foundation needed to scale his craft.
Justin's work is available at Meadowlark Gardens and Bookcliff Gardens in Grand Junction. In addition to these retail locations, he offers bespoke commission opportunities for clients looking to elevate their personal spaces with custom, artful garden installations. With a solid business foundation now in place, Justin is ready to bring a new level of artistry to the Grand Junction gardening community.
Visit Squier Fine Art to learn more.
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