This department spotlights a relatively recent addition to the workforce, focusing on the person’s educational or working background, daily responsibilities, challenges, passions, frustrations and outlook for his or her future in the field.

Name: Kelli Eizenga
Age: 31
Company: Interior Artistry
Title: Business owner and interior artist
Location: (773) 398-2775
www.interiorartistry.us
College Path: Art degree from North Central College

How you ended up here: After graduating from North Central College with an art degree, I landed a job with a faux finishing company in Chicago. I stuck it out for a year, learning painting techniques and gaining confidence with client consultations. Being an artist working for an artist is tough. Soon, I felt I had no other option than to go out on my own.

How long you’ve been at it: Seven years.

Who you answer to, if anyone: I am my toughest critic.

Hours you expect to be at work: I paint from 9-5 weekdays. I go out for evening and weekend client consultations, create samples on off hours and don’t forget to add in the commute (which varies daily depending on where the client lives). Then there is the paperwork — don’t get me started on that!

Job reputation: My entire business is based on referrals. I have many repeat clients, most of whom have become my marketing department. It is really gratifying to see my name spread around the city and suburbs in this way. It’s the perfect affirmation of a job well done.

Any horror stories of a customer’s bad taste? I like to think my good taste trumps anyone’s bad taste.

What your friends assume you do all day: Drink coffee and chat with stay-at-home moms.

I have trouble dealing with... toilets. The least glamorous part of my job is painting behind toilets. Use your imagination.

Is it true most men have no idea of what looks good together? Good taste knows no gender.

What do you think a good paint job can do to the price of real estate? I have seen first-hand the advantages of a quality painting project. I worked with a friend repainting her “vintage” house. When we were finished with our purely superficial makeover, it reappraised for a substantial amount more.

Best perk: Allowing myself a flexible schedule is the best reason to be self-employed. There is always time in my day for a Target run!

What might you change if given the chance: Someday I will have a fabulous studio. Right now, I work out of my uninsulated, uninspiring back porch.

Why you have a smile when you come to work: Every day is something unexpected. Some days I have quiet solitude, and other days there are curious kids watching me work hour after hour.

Where you can go from here: Most people have suggestions for me to “grow” my business. Most people say it’s time for me to hire people. Most people don’t understand that I don’t want to be a manager — I am an artist. When you keep it simple, you can go anywhere.

If you had one piece of advice for making painting easier for us novices, what would it be?:
Don’t bother… hire someone!

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