When it comes to our homes, we all have a To Do list. Painting walls, putting up wallpaper and laying carpet or wood floors – we can get those things done. But if you’re looking at your walls and thinking they’re missing something special or the hall table needs an uplift, you need Artfully Sorted.
Charissa Risley, founder of Artfully Sorted is a leading art consultant. Her skill is in sourcing unique, spectacular and timeless works of art that adds that final touch in your home and garden.
We were delighted to have the opportunity to chat with Charissa as part of our In Conversation With series where we dug down a little deeper into her passion for art, what drives her ambition and just where did it all start.
From financial investment to investing in art
During her career in finance advising clients and businesses on financial investments. Charissa quickly built up an enviable skill set, but in 2012 she decided to leave the exciting hustle and bustle of London. It was time to focus on her family, who were growing up fast.
But it wasn’t long before Charissa was looking for something else to fill her life; her next big thing or, as she puts it: “Charissa Chapter Two!”
In 2017, Charissa’s mind was falling over itself with ideas and with her family’s love of art, it wasn’t long before she was setting up art exhibitions in her mum’s home (thanks mum!). She hired picture easels, moved her mum’s furniture around to create space and sent out invites – the exhibitions became a hit!
At this point, her art-loving mum noticed something special in Charissa’s exhibitions, which was the sprinkle of a magical ‘green light’ that started Charissa’s art journey. Within months, she’d enrolled on an art course and learnt to sell art in the modern world. But it wasn’t exactly what she’d been expecting. Charissa knew she wanted to sell art in a different and unique way. Her dream was to work closely with her clients in sourcing art pieces for homes and gardens.
“Chapter Two”
Now it was time for Charissa to put all those hard-earned skills in the corporate financial world to good use. Artfully Sorted was born and Chapter Two had begun. Charissa recognised that there were plenty of people out there who loved to go to art exhibitions and were capable of successfully buying art with confidence. But many people want to introduce artistic pieces into their homes but have no idea where to start, what to buy or how to do it. Indeed, going to an art exhibition is one thing; knowing what to buy is another matter entirely. That’s where Charissa can help you.
Artfully Sorted, under Charissa’s drive and passion, has grown into more than just sourcing art. Today she offers an art consultancy service, helping people gift art to others and (one of her favourites!) wall makeovers. Key to all her services is Charissa’s attention to detail. She loves collaborating closely with all her clients, recognising that everyone is different, with different preferences, and working in different ways!
What makes Artfully Sorted different?
With the range of services offered, we wanted to know what makes Artfully Sorted different to other art consultancies. Much of it is down to Charissa’s art knowledge and people skills. She explains:
“It’s the tailoring of what you’re effectively selling to a client, to match their needs and demands.”
Charissa has immense pride in finding the right piece, or pieces, of art that is tailored to each client. She builds strong relationships with her clients, becoming the ‘go-to’ person for those who might not have much experience in buying art, or who just find the process a bit out of their comfort zone.
Listening to Charissa, you can literally feel that passion and drive. Her love of art but also her motivation to go to great lengths to make sure her clients are happy is extremely important, too. To hear more about Charissa’s journey and Artfully Sorted, get a coffee, put your feet up and tune in to the full In Conversation With Charrisa Risley.
