Brocha Teichman is a contemporary realist painter, and a talented business woman and teacher.

Brocha is completely immersed and committed to her art, on both the level of creating and teaching. Her passion and energy are contagious; here's how her journey began.

Briefly describe your business:

I run an educational art studio in Lawrence, New York, where I train nearly two hundred student to appreciate and understand composition, drawing and perspective, light and shadow, and how to paint using a limited palette of red, blue and yellow. Additionally, I sell my artwork.

What inspired you to create your business?

My mantra has been, do what you love and the money will follow. I love to paint, I always have.

From your first “A Ha!” moment, how long did it take until you were up and running?

I launched very quickly. When you’re in bad shape financially, it motivates you to move a lot faster than you can ever imagine.

Where did you start?

I sought out a mentor, found a place, closed my eyes and jumped.

How did you fund this venture?

Savings. I launched on a shoestring budget but had to tap in to my personal savings which I’ll admit- was a bit terrifying.

Were there any areas where you discovered tricks to cut costs? If so, where and how?

I made an extremely tight budget and stuck to it. Especially recently with the recession, I’m constantly renegotiating my expenses and reevaluating where I can cut costs.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you deal with it?

Opening my own studio was a lot of fun and felt so right, but getting started was hard. My biggest challenge was getting people to be as passionate about art as I was.

Where do you go for business advice?

Zelda Weiss of Zelda’s Artworld. She’s an incredible role model to me- she’s taught me everything, and is my number one go to person. Sometimes I’ll ask my Accountant for advice too.

What advice can you offer others interested in setting up their own practice?

Do what you love. Pray hard. The money will follow.

How do you maintain a work-life balance, juggling the roles of a Jewish business women and mother?

Not easily. Sometimes I wish I’d be a better juggler. You do your best and make the most of your time and if you feel that certain projects are not incredibly valuable, don’t jump in.

Have you a Hashgacha Pratis (Divine Intervention) moment or story you can share?

My first year, when I opened my own place, things were really tight. I thought to myself, “How am I going to make it?”. The next thing I knew, I got a call from a local school that they needed a new art teacher. It was just enough to supplement my income. G-d always gives you what you need. Have Bitachon (trust), He pulls through for you. Always.