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Iron Horse Iron Works

Iron Horse Iron Works


      Christine established her business in the spring of 1997. Products offered range from sculpture, one of a kind designs, furniture, garden accessories, gates and garden art. She offers one on one customer design and personalized service.

      Christine’s interest in iron work goes back to her childhood. Growing up she remembers fondly of the metal furniture on the patio in her aunt’s homes. As an adult when she worked as a commercial decorator she came across a 15 ‘ giraffe made of metal and she was in awe. She thought to herself that she would love to do that kind of work someday. Years later when she was unemployed, taking a computer course and exploring career options, the giraffe reappeared in her memory. Shortly afterwards a friend contacted her and mentioned a huge metal giraffe they had seen. Christine took this as a sign to go ahead and start her new career path in art and metal. She asked another friend to teach her how to weld and there has been no looking back.

      She began with about $5,000, most of which went in to the investment of tools such as a welder, hanners, drill and bits. Proper tools are the biggest investment in this business. Her past educational experience consists of drawing courses and mentoring. Christine did not maintain another job to support herself despite being tempted to do so, as she was concerned that her business would suffer. She started without the benefit of a business plan and marketing research and she states that, "I just had a feeling, almost like it came through the air, a message to do it."

      Christine’s top three challenges in the iron work business are discipline, time management and meeting deadlines. She has worked to overcome the challenges by utilizing a daytimer and a blackboard in the kitchen. After moving her studio from her home to another location she was able to accomplish three times as much work as well.

      Many of her artwork pieces are displayed at the gallery entrance to ‘Abbots of Craighurst’, a fine dining restaurant located in Horseshoe Valley, which has proven to be an advantageous advertising medium. Word of mouth and referrals have also worked well. Christine states that to be a successful Aboriginal business owner, an outgoing personality is needed adding that people love to buy art from characters. Other qualities include honesty, creating from the heart with no compromising, flexibility, giving to your customer more than they expect and dependability are all necessary to succeed.

      Christine is most proud of the appreciation of artwork by clients and her greatest joy comes from being self sufficient to provide for her children as a single parent. Crucial to her success is to have a good order base, knowing the market and having good people around to market products.

Last words: "Art is not about what life is like right now, rather it is what life should be because I believe it’s up to the artist, not the politicians and bureaucrats to make change."

Potentials businesses that would compliment her business include: Landscaping Design, Furniture Stores, Wildlife Accessories, Coffee Houses and Restaurants especially those with outdoor patios.

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