Description

Book Synopsis

Ditch your day job or set up your side project with this ultimate guide to starting and running your own creative business. From two successful entrepreneurs who share everything they wish they they'd known at the beginning.

‘Together, these two have created a flourishing business’ - Vogue


The Art of Starting guides you from the first step right through to the everyday running of a successful creative business. Whether your passion is in craft, photography, food, fashion or design, this book is full of indispensable advice.

Iona Mathieson and Romy St Clair are two entrepreneurs who learnt the hard way. Their practical advice helps you to use what you already know and develop future proof skills in a fulfilling job that works for you.

In The Art of Starting you will:
– Discover your strengths, foster community and create meaningful client relationships
– Learn how to value yourself, your product and negotiate fees
– Find out what school didn’t teach; from tax and accounting to social media management and developing community

Iona and Romy started their floristry business SAGE Flowers with no formal training and less than £1,000. In a few short years, they grew a floristry empire, have been lauded as London's go-to florists, and have an enviable client list including Mercedes, Nike, Glossier and Fenty. In The Art of Starting they share tips and secrets from experts and entrepreneurs so that your creative business will succeed too.



Trade Review
Together, these two have created a flourishing business. * Vogue *
This guide will advise you on how to start your own creative business or simply take up a new side hustle * i-D *
The Art of Starting is such a powerful statement. The first step really is as simple as that. What Iona and Romy have provided is a much needed and important resource to building and running a creative business that honors integrity, people and passion. * Diet Paratha *
An honest and demystifying manual full of insider wisdom for modern day entrepreneurs – brilliant! * Hazel Gardiner *
Love what the girls are doing. . . It's amazing what they've built together, boss moves * Seapa *
Iona and Romy are the true trailblaizers in the creative world. The Art of Starting is a must-read, this is the book you needed yesterday. Refreshing, educational, and beautifully curated. A real reflection of what SAGE has become. * Jaya Nila Aziz, Aesthetician & Founder of Sifali *
Unlike many business owners — change doesn’t scare them. * Evening Standard *
They know a thing or two about launching a successful business and it’s all detailed in their very first book . . . think of it as a start-up handbook. * The Face *
This guide will advise you on how to start your own creative business or simply take up a new side hustle * i-D *

The Art of Starting: How to Build Your Creative

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    £15.29

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    RRP £16.99 – you save £1.70 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 20 Jun 2026.

    A Hardback by Iona Mathieson, Romy St Clair

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Art of Starting: How to Build Your Creative by Iona Mathieson

      Publisher: Pan Macmillan
      Publication Date: 27/04/2023
      ISBN13: 9781529077575, 978-1529077575
      ISBN10: 1529077575

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Ditch your day job or set up your side project with this ultimate guide to starting and running your own creative business. From two successful entrepreneurs who share everything they wish they they'd known at the beginning.

      ‘Together, these two have created a flourishing business’ - Vogue


      The Art of Starting guides you from the first step right through to the everyday running of a successful creative business. Whether your passion is in craft, photography, food, fashion or design, this book is full of indispensable advice.

      Iona Mathieson and Romy St Clair are two entrepreneurs who learnt the hard way. Their practical advice helps you to use what you already know and develop future proof skills in a fulfilling job that works for you.

      In The Art of Starting you will:
      – Discover your strengths, foster community and create meaningful client relationships
      – Learn how to value yourself, your product and negotiate fees
      – Find out what school didn’t teach; from tax and accounting to social media management and developing community

      Iona and Romy started their floristry business SAGE Flowers with no formal training and less than £1,000. In a few short years, they grew a floristry empire, have been lauded as London's go-to florists, and have an enviable client list including Mercedes, Nike, Glossier and Fenty. In The Art of Starting they share tips and secrets from experts and entrepreneurs so that your creative business will succeed too.



      Trade Review
      Together, these two have created a flourishing business. * Vogue *
      This guide will advise you on how to start your own creative business or simply take up a new side hustle * i-D *
      The Art of Starting is such a powerful statement. The first step really is as simple as that. What Iona and Romy have provided is a much needed and important resource to building and running a creative business that honors integrity, people and passion. * Diet Paratha *
      An honest and demystifying manual full of insider wisdom for modern day entrepreneurs – brilliant! * Hazel Gardiner *
      Love what the girls are doing. . . It's amazing what they've built together, boss moves * Seapa *
      Iona and Romy are the true trailblaizers in the creative world. The Art of Starting is a must-read, this is the book you needed yesterday. Refreshing, educational, and beautifully curated. A real reflection of what SAGE has become. * Jaya Nila Aziz, Aesthetician & Founder of Sifali *
      Unlike many business owners — change doesn’t scare them. * Evening Standard *
      They know a thing or two about launching a successful business and it’s all detailed in their very first book . . . think of it as a start-up handbook. * The Face *
      This guide will advise you on how to start your own creative business or simply take up a new side hustle * i-D *

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