Q1 2020

8 MEA MARKETS / Q1 2020 , most stable African countries, but it also has tourism as a central pillar of its economy. As a developing country, Mauritius is refining itself year on year in order to welcome more and more visitors, despite already enjoying tourists in excess of 1.4 million every year. This beautiful little island is a premier tourist destination, playing host to more than one hundred hotels and high-end beach resorts, offering upwards of 13,000 rooms. Whilst it may have to compete with similar destinations such as the Seychelles and the Maldives, neither have an art scene quite like that which Eloise has helped develop through Artysta. Eloise has clearly done her homework when it comes to discovering what needs Artysta can help address. As the interview continued, it became more and more apparent that knowledge of this sector was as valuable, if not even more so, as experience. Eloise brings both to the table, ensuring that Artysta continues to deliver through her own extensive experience as a fine art photographer, and as a businesswoman. She took us through what she had discovered in 2019, and how she had moulded Artysta into a business that addresses those findings. “According to the “Artsy Online Art Collectors Report 2019” some of the most significant motivators for buying art online that collectors cited were speed and convenience; competitive pricing; access to inventory and information; and the ability to avoid the intimidation of the art world. With Artysta, we combine the convenience of buying local and international art online with the benefit of viewing some of these original artworks in participating hotels and at times, even meeting the artists. The survey also determined that the number of artworks that collectors spending less than $5,000 annually on art reported buying an average of two works per year, while collectors spending $250,000 or more reported buying an average of seventeen artworks per year. This correlates clearly with Artysta’s vision of providing luxury art in luxury brand hotels. Among these online buyers, 21% reported spending 75% or more of their annual art budget online, and another 15% reported spending 50–74% of their budget online. Artysta is perfectly poised to cater to these art buyers with our online web gallery and authentication and valuation system. Furthermore, we offer packages for corporate clients in Mauritius in order for them to benefit from tax rebates which in turn generates further support for local artists. This is something we will explore internationally.” Exceptional doesn’t even begin to describe the business that Eloise has crafted in the form of Artysta. Consistently researching, adapting, implementing, and evolving, Artysta is a rare breed of successful business, delivering on everything it promises for its clients, both art buyers and artists. Undoubtedly the firm’s unique selling point is the sales of art and other luxury brands to four and five-star hotels directly online, affording immediate access to the authentication and valuation platform of those products. Yet, Eloise goes even further in making sure that every single sale exceeds the expectations of the client. She explains to us one of the unique aspects of Artysta’s wall galleries. “Our wall galleries are mobile - they can be installed in almost any available space in the hotel and moved if need be. They are also custom made, depending on what the luxury brand requires and the available space the hotel has to offer. We offer live meet-and-greet sessions with the artists, as well as other events like product launches and auctions. Hotels guests now get an interactive, personal art gallery experience in the comfort of the hotel. Our website provides the buyer with an online wallet which stores the valuation and authentication certificates of their art pieces purchased - everything is electronic and available immediately at the touch of a button. Interacting with our company adds value and support to everyone involved. We support and protect everyone involved in our business chain: the artist, the buyer, the hotel and the luxury brand seller.” As well as excelling as a business, Eloise knows it is just as important to ensure that everything is working internally also. Artysta was created from an appreciation for art and a desire to empower artists; two founding principles that continue to drive the business forward today. Artysta’s company culture is one of inclusivity, personal growth, and community support. Artists supporting artists, together. As an artist herself, Eloise understands better than most the importance of community support, as she explained to us how Artysta supports its community. “We appreciate art and empower artists by always considering their feelings, wishes and rights and recognizing their abilities and contributions. We regularly meet up with our artists to collaborate on new promotional ideas. We ensure we have a team with diverse skills. We focus on collaboration and find that our best ideas come when we work in unexpected combinations; technicals and creatives, thinkers and feelers. We listen to, learn from and provide value to our community of hotels, artists and buyers so that we can foster cultural exploration.” However, as fantastic a job as Eloise has done in crafting Artysta into an artistic force of nature, it would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the staff behind the scenes. Eloise, as only a humble and understanding leader can, understands this and celebrates the success of those around her in ways that enhance the company culture of inclusivity and empowerment. “Our staff are committed to collaborating with the local community and promoting the culture of the country within which they are based. We look for people who live in the community and love the customs and traditions of their country. We also look to outsource many of our tasks and work with local artisans who are creative and hands-on in the business. This creates self-employment and development within the communities. Our staff are dedicated to providing luxurious, thoughtful experiences to our clients. We look to work with people who are innovative in their thinking and as passionate about art and technology as we are.” For all of her success thus far, both as an exceptional photographer and as an outstanding businesswoman, Eloise still has her sights set on growing her success even greater. Currently only working with hotels in Mauritius, the dream for Artysta stretches worldwide. The African island’s many hotels include some of the world’s leading international hotel groups; a fact which Eloise is all too aware of. As we close out our time talking with Eloise, she imparts to us the future of Artysta, and where she hopes it will go from here, on to bigger and better things. “There are many international hotel groups with at least one hotel in Mauritius, and these are the hotels we would love to attract. We will also be meeting with a hotel group in Amsterdam shortly, and then we’re aiming to move into the European Market. We are also constantly searching out artists to join our luxury program, with a focus on emerging artists. Finally, we are investigating the possibility of exhibiting at the Dubai World Expo 2020. Future phases of our online authentication platform include moving towards blockchain technology and embracing cryptocurrency payments.” What began as one woman’s dream to be a photographer now inspires travellers from all around the world. Eloise started her journey almost nine years ago to become an exceptional fine art photographer, which she has achieved with creative mastery. Now, she uplifts and empowers others to do the same, shedding light on talent and artistic skill in some of Mauritius’ most sought- after hotels. Where Artysta goes from here will be exciting to see, and it is a safe bet that Eloise will be inspiring many more people along the way.