This couple took a huge risk by leaving their corporate jobs to turn their artistic side hustle into a thriving business.

• In 2016, Omar and Summer Obaid left their corporate jobs to launch an e-commerce art business called Abstract House.
• An artist named Omar creates original works and prints for sale from a west London warehouse, while Summer handles trade clients and marketing.
• The company is projected to generate approximately £2 million ($2.5 million) in revenue this year, according to the pair.

Omar Obaid has enjoyed painting and drawing since he was a child.

At the weekend, he would unwind from work by painting abstract art on canvas and displaying his pieces in their west London home, where he lives with his wife, Summer. Friends would often compliment his work and ask where he got his inspiration.

He initially started selling them as a side thing, but later encouraged by summer, he promoted his work via social media.

In two years, Omar and Summer, who had been working in advertising for The New York Times and Odeon, respectively, decided to quit their corporate jobs to focus on their side hustle as an e-commerce art business. They founded Abstract House in 2016 and made £125,000 in revenue in their first year.

Summer longed to work in the art world and have her own art gallery. She felt like it was a dream come true when she met Omar and his paintings.

In her previous role, Summer was responsible for managing clients and building relationships. Now, she oversees trade customers. Meanwhile, Omar, who holds a degree in computer science, focuses on creating art and managing the website.

The company is projected to generate approximately £2 million ($2.52 million) in revenue eight years after its launch. The business employs 10 staff members, including the couple. In 2020, they relocated to a west London showroom, office, and production space to produce artworks, store inventory, and pack orders for delivery.

The firm offers a printing and framing service for artists, as well as individual frames created by Omar.

Affordable art

On the Abstract House website, Omar's original, framed pieces of 150 cm by 90 cm sell for up to £2,250, while small, limited edition framed prints are priced at around £250. Trade commissions start at £4,000.

Summer stated that the mission of their art business has always been to provide high-quality, original and affordable art. They produce their own originals and prints in-house, and keep prices reasonable by not having to pay gallery fees or commissions.

The cost of goods is increasing for Abstract House, a British manufacturer, due to the sharp rise in raw material, energy, and shipping prices over the past three years, which shows no signs of slowing down.

Despite consistent growth, the business has faced challenges, including the copying of work, which artists find difficult. However, Abstract House has resolved this issue by requesting that those selling copycat art remove it from sale.

The pair aims to expand their business by attracting more trade clients, which make up around 40% of their customers, and expanding overseas. Omar has created six large artworks for the Caesars Forum, a conference center near Caesars Palace hotel in Las Vegas.

The Abstract House will provide more than 300 pieces of art for the communal areas of the 68-story South Quay Plaza, an upscale residential building under development in London's Canary Wharf.

"We wanted to establish a physical presence to demonstrate our legitimacy and allow customers to see our work," Omar said.

What is the comparison of their turnover now versus their previous lives in corporate jobs? Summer stated, "We are healthier and have more flexibility in our schedules. I can pick up our children from school and be at the gates, which is crucial."

"When I share my story, people often tell me that it takes a big leap of faith," Omar said. "I believe that if we do something authentic and passionate, with a bit of luck, it will succeed."