Meet Amy, a passionate and resilient musician on a journey to establish a haven for Liverpool’s artists, musicians, photographers, and creators. Having already set up a similar venture in New York, Liverpool’s musical history and welcoming community made it a natural choice for her new hub.
Amy’s proposed business seeks to bridge the gap between local creators, and provide a space for collaboration. She hopes her idea will support the mental health of creatives working in an unpredictable industry. We caught up with Amy to find out more.
Tell us about yourself and your creative business.
My name is Amy Konate and my proposed venture is to provide a creative hub and safe space for local creatives in Merseyside. Everyone will be welcome to enjoy that ‘creative vibe’ and benefit from the exclusive offers and entertainment that will be available.
I am originally from France but came to Liverpool to study International Journalism in 2009. By the time I graduated, I had fallen in love with the city and decided to stay.
Why did you decide to set up a creative hub?
I’ve been singing, writing songs and playing guitar since I was 15 years old. I took a leap of faith and jetted off to New York in 2014. It was being alone in New York that fired up my imagination and gave me the idea. The age-old problem of how to engage and get gigs at different venues, as well as raising my profile, inspired me to consider the possibility of a safe space for creatives when I came back to Liverpool.
Music is my first love, but I also adore art, history, books, poetry, photography etc. I was surprised to see that there was nothing to tie these together in Liverpool. The creative sector is so uncertain and I know that creatives can often struggle with their mental health – something I have faced myself. Togetherness and community is the key to tackle this.
What challenges have you faced & how have you worked around them?
My main challenge was to keep going, because starting and running a creative business is tough. Self-belief is crucial. I’ve always been ambitious, and living in NY has helped me to think about my dreams.
Music in NY was very business-oriented, it was all about the ‘big sell,’ and I had to readjust my thinking when moving back to the UK. This meant focusing on my true love for music and creating. This was the key to stay grounded and growing as an artist.
Tell us about your experience with The Women’s Organisation.
The Women’s Organisation has helped a lot. I believed in my idea and it was great to get an advisor who understood the creative process. No doors were closed and I was able to explore different perspectives and have conversations which opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. The support has helped to give me clarity and shape this idea for myself.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
Never give up. And don’t stay on your own with your idea. Try to find ways to build it and surround yourself with people you can trust. I wouldn’t have had the concept without New York, and I wouldn’t be starting this as a business without Liverpool. Trust that you’re good enough to do it.
How are you feeling about your business idea now?
I’m just super-excited to hopefully be bringing local creatives together in a safe space in Liverpool, where we can be ‘happily creative’ together.
You can contact Amy via email on amykonate89@yahoo.com or instagram @mina_land_.
There you have it. Liverpool’s Creative Hub coming soon to a venue near you! We love Amy’s passion for the mental health of her community and will be updating you on her journey as it unfolds.
Thinking about starting your own venture? View our full range of courses here, and book onto one of our trademark ‘Are You Ready to Start a Business?’ sessions here.
You can also get in touch via hello@thewo.org.uk or call us on 0151 706 8111.