Kris Hale: Piecing Together Black Art

Kris Hale is the CEO and founder of Dope Pieces Puzzle Company, a Black-owned, woman-led jigsaw puzzle company with a mission to create connections through “art-based puzzles that are visually stimulating, unique, beautiful, and culturally inclusive.” The company showcases the work of talented artists of color who positively represent the Black and Brown Diaspora. Hale spoke with TNJ contributor Taroue Brooks about starting and running her company and her plans for the future.

Why did you decide to create a business focusing on art?

I fell in love with art when I was 18 years old. I saw a piece by Gilbert Young titled He Ain’t Heavy. It was the first time that I was able to connect the image to emotion and I understood that art was more than just pretty pictures, it was so much more. As I got more into art, I found more and more pieces that I connected with. Consequently, I also grew up doing puzzles and as I got older, I had a hard time finding puzzles that had images that were culturally reflective. Connecting my love for art and my love for puzzles, was the ideal business for me. It was the perfect way to share my passions with the world.

Did you study art with a view toward a career in art?

I was an English major. I loved books, art, history—anything that had a story. I went to Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson, Calif. I left three classes short to move to Atlanta for a job and to start a business.

What has been the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship?

Decision fatigue. I love being a business owner, but every aspect of running the company relies on me and sometimes, I get tired of having to make every decision. However, on the flip side… I get to make every single decision! I am THE BOSS.

What keeps you motivated as a business owner?

Hitting the one-million-dollar mark! I saw a statistic that less than 4 percent of women-owned businesses hit the mark, and I want to hit and surpass it. I also just want to see how far I can take this company. Sometimes, I look back and remember when I first started with the idea, and I see how far I have been able to go. I always want to know what is next. How much more can we do? It keeps me excited, even on the rough days. I am still excited that I get to do this!

What is your most significant accomplishment?

Reaching the six-year mark. Many business fail before hitting the five-year mark, and I am in year six! That as big one for me. Also, the partnerships that I have been able to garner with large companies—Fiserv, Chase, CVS, the City of Atlanta—and being featured on Good Morning America! I still feel like a kid from Long Beach, California, and I look up and here I am, running and grown my own company. When I do take the moment to think about it all… it is all very cool.

What are your long-term goals for Dope Pieces Puzzle Company?

I am working to be a global brand. We want to work with diverse artists all over the globe. Our vision statement reads: “We are a global brand creating puzzles that share culture, art, and positive representation of people with diverse backgrounds and opportunities for talented and diverse artists from around the world.”

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?

It is the same advice that I give regularly… Do it. Your gifts, and the things you love will make room for you. If you love doing hair, cooking, designing, whatever… those gifts will make room for you. And if you are scared… do it anyway. Learn as much as can about what you want to do. Become an expert in your industry. I like to say, do it scared but prepared. Learn all you can and then learn more. It will give you confidence.

The post Kris Hale: Piecing Together Black Art appeared first on The Network Journal.