Catherine Levene

CEO and Co-Founder

ArtSpace

Who inspires you?

Anyone who creates. Artists, writers, filmmakers, fashion designers, engineers, entrepreneurs.

Why have you decided to become an entrepreneur?

I have always loved the process of creating and had the entrepreneurial spirit. But I wouldn’t be an entrepreneur just for the sake of it. We had a great idea, in an area of personal passion. The art market hadn’t yet been transformed by internet distribution so it was a wide open space with a huge market opportunity. And I had a business partner that perfectly complimented my own skill. I guess the stars were aligned.

Where do you see your company in the next five years?

As the clear leader in the exploding online marketplace for fine art with a growing, thriving and profitable business.

How is your company different from other online art companies?

We are the only website where you can put your credit card in and a buy work from world renowned artists of this caliber from across the globe.

What was a defining moment in your career?

A defining moment is difficult to pinpoint. I’ve had lots of great learning experiences and I still am learning every day.

How did you finance your business when it was at the early stage? (Self-funded, crowd-funded, Angel Investor, VC)

We got seed funding from a number of really supportive individual and institutional investors.

What is your favorite color?

For clothing, black. Otherwise, red.

How do you define success?

Being happy in my career and personal life at the same time.

What do you for fun?

Travel and spend time with friends, family and my dog. Go to art exhibits, movies, and the theatre. Play tennis. I also love spending time on the water as well.

What is your favorite mobile app?

Right now, Spotify.

What do you do to help focus?

It’s hard to stay focused if you’re not eating right or exercising, so I start there. Then I set very clear goals for what I want to accomplish in a specific day or period of time and try my hardest to stick with it.

Cool Kid or Nerd in High school?

I suppose I was a cool kid.

What is your favorite style trend this fall?

I love that leather is back. Also, I am into bohemian chic, which I feel is always in style.

Catherine’s interview was conducted by WIM intern, Jadine Joseph