When I heard about the Pittsburgh Business Show’s competition called the Pittsburgh Business Pitch I almost didn’t enter because I wasn’t sure if my idea for a traveling pop up art studio was a viable business concept. I am so glad that I chose to feel the fear but enter the contest anyway! I was elated to be selected as one of six business concepts to represent their ideas at the Pittsburgh Business Show and even more excited when Linda Jo Thornberg announced Gypsy Artistry as the winner!

My experience of being selected as a finalist catapulted my concept into reality as I hurried to create business cards, brochures, and marketing materials in order to make a professional representation of my business concept for the show. I met many interesting and helpful business owners who shared their feedback and ideas on my concept, and graciously listened to my pitch. The positive affirmations, and subsequent votes from the attendees allowed me to confirm that my concept was indeed a great idea, and that it could become a viable business. The prizes won helped me to establish the business, ensuring that it was fully insured, legal and marketed appropriately. The exposure Gypsy Artistry received as being the winner of the Pittsburgh Business Pitch has been invaluable, and in one short year the business has a strong foundation to becoming a financially viable business in 2019. I am so grateful to the Pittsburgh Business Show for this opportunity and I highly encourage anyone who is in the early stages of starting a new business to enter the contest. It is a wonderful concept and was a game changer for me!

Tanya Bashor