RTDM: Wendy Hickey
Wendy Hickey
Founder/Executive Director
Charlotte, NC
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you live your dream (or are working toward it).
I was born into a military family and traveled all over the US and Asia. I have lived in Charlotte NC now for 7 years. I was a advertising executive for 22 years and always loved the creative side of the business. My hearts dream has been to provide the service I have been working for on major brands and products and apply that same knowledge to promoting local artists in their own community and make art accessible to the masses. I am living my hearts dream through the nonprofit I founded, ArtPop Street Gallery
How do you define success and how do you stay motivated to keep working toward it?
I define success when our artists are successful and our community is inspired.
What’s been your biggest challenge, perceived failure or fear and how did you overcome it?
Financials sustainability for our nonprofit we have not overcome that yet.
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
Don't get married in your 20's.
Share a book, quote and/or idea that's impacted you the most:
From the movie Fried Green Tomatoes - "She was a lady, and ladies always know when to leave"
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
Building ArtPop to where it is today, 368 artists have been promoted in 14 cities and 11 states on over 20 million dollars of donated ad space. To be able to live my hearts dream is pure joy.
What is something surprising about you?
I left home at 16 years of age and never went to college.
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
Monster Zero in the green can and cheesy puffs
Share a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise.
Losing ArtPop cities due to a lack of funding
What's the smartest investment you’ve made for yourself?
When I was in my corporate career, paying off all my bills except my mortgage. I bought a town house in Plaza Midwood that continues to increase in value.
What’s MOST important to you right now?
Creating a sustainable, then legacy program with ArtPop Street Gallery
Who is the Risk Taker Dream Maker(s) that inspires you? Why?
Charlie Elberson. He is incredibly generous, brilliant and kind and helps so many. It was because of Charlie that I was able to leave my former career and go full time with ArtPop for the last 20 mont
Follow Wendy:
ArtPopStreetGallery.com
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
