Podcast Summary

From the Ground Up (Inc. Magazine)

Episode: "Art Meets Ambition: How One Artist Turned Passion Into a Global Business"

Date: November 13, 2025
Host: Ben Baer
Guests: Louis de Guzman (Artist & Entrepreneur), John Frerichs (Chase for Business)

Overview

This episode spotlights the journey of Chicago-based artist and entrepreneur Louis de Guzman as he transforms his creative passion into a thriving global business, and explores the nuances of blending artistry with entrepreneurship. The episode also features John Frerichs from Chase for Business, who offers insights on digital payment innovations for small businesses.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origin and Evolution of Louis de Guzman’s Art

• Artistic Description & Roots ([00:34]–[02:40])

  • Louis describes his art as "geometric attraction," a blend of modern contemporary and pop culture references.

  • Early works were inspired by his mother’s love of arts/crafts and Filipino heritage, using patterns, symmetry, and recognizable logos (e.g., Chicago Bulls).

    Louis: "My work revolves around...rediscovering the things that matter the most to you... capturing those essence and marks of how the painting looks and how the sculptures feel with these shards and these fragments of your imagination." ([00:46])

• Development into Personal Narrative

  • Transitioned from reinterpretation of familiar icons to creating his own universe and stories, guided by personal growth and experiences.

2. Turning Art into a Business

• Recognizing the Market ([04:00]–[07:00])

  • Supported by family, Louis always aspired to be an artist, eventually realizing there was demand for his work.

  • Early sales included t-shirts and prints; the narrative behind the work fostered human connection, providing the true business value.

    Louis: "...it's not about making money. It's about selling your story, the people that connect... I'm selling you my life, and I'm selling connection, especially in the world we live in today." ([05:25])

• Defining Moment of Sustainability

  • Explosive growth began with the release of colored pieces in 2017 and his first collectible sculpture, "Elevate," which sold out immediately online.

    Louis: "Within the first one minute of release online, we sold thousands of them. And I was like, wow, there's an audience here." ([08:00])

3. Brand Partnerships & Navigating Growth

• First Major Partnership ([09:47]–[11:54])

  • Collaborated with Viacom, SpongeBob, and J. Balvin; navigating the complexity of multi-entity deals taught him about contracts, royalties, fair compensation, and business scalability.

    Louis: "That was a big learning curve, too—how to sell the product, who gets what... And for me, too, it's like... it's not about the money. It's about the integrity of the art." ([10:26])

• Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs ([12:19]–[14:07])

  • Emphasizes authenticity, humility, and confidence. Advises to approach partnerships as both a student and a partner, and underscores the importance of building genuine relationships.

    Louis: "Walk into the room like you own it, but then also walk into the room like a student... No one's going to ride for you as hard as you yourself." ([12:19]) Louis: "Being yourself and being a good person could literally take you further into rooms and people speaking about you." ([13:25])

• Protecting IP and Setting Up the Business ([14:45]–[16:18])

  • Trademarking, business banking, and seeking advice from experienced peers were essential.
  • Transitioned from personal accounts to a formal business structure with proper legal and financial safeguards.

4. The Power of Teamwork

• Building a Small but Impactful Team ([16:18]–[17:29])

  • Credits success to a trusted, dedicated team, which allows him to focus on creativity while managing growth and logistics.

    Louis: "I'm very grateful and honored to have such a strong team... I wouldn't be where I am without the team. I always say that." ([16:29])

5. Scaling to a Global Business

• International Expansion ([17:38]–[18:35])

  • Now operates internationally (Hong Kong, Korea, etc.); highlights the universal, borderless impact of art.

  • Asian markets proved enthusiastic, often selling out before shows open.

    Louis: "Art is beyond a language barrier. It's how people feel when they see your work." ([17:57])

6. Monetizing and Connecting Directly

• How Collectors Can Invest ([19:59]–[20:45])

  • Artwork attainable via website, Instagram, direct contact, and gallery shows.

    Louis: "I'm an open person. I don't think I'm ever too big for anyone... I'll always be gracious for people to reach out." ([20:04])

7. Partnerships: Past, Present, and Future ([20:57]–[22:24])

• Past Partnerships:
  • SpongeBob, Viacom, BBC Ice Cream/Nigo/Pharrell, Looney Tunes, New Balance, Bape, Chicago Bulls/Cubs (permanent sculpture at Wrigley Field), Tezuka/Astro Boy, Uniqlo, and more.
• Upcoming:
  • Collaborations with Plastic Plant, Trill Burgers, ongoing Uniqlo projects and work with Netflix (Stranger Things).
• Partnership Advice:

  • Proactivity: Don’t be afraid to reach out—sometimes a direct DM can launch major deals (e.g., Pop Mart).

    Louis: "You just got to sometimes shoot your shot. DM them. Don't be afraid to message people." ([22:49])

8. Q&A with John Frerichs, Chase for Business

Digital Payments—What Matters Most ([24:42]–[29:19])

1. Security: Choose safe, reliable payment platforms.

2. Simplicity: Business owners want less complexity—integrated, user-friendly systems are in demand.

3. Scalability: Platforms should evolve from small-scale to multi-location needs, offering value-added insights.

   John: "If you can nail all three... security, simplicity, and then growth orientation, I think you've got a good partner." ([25:44])

Major Industry Changes ([26:31]–[29:19])

• Shift from cash to digital is nearly complete.
• Omnichannel (in-person, online, mobile) essential for customer preference.
• Embedded payments in banking apps or POS/accounting software drive ease of use.
• Everything is faster—real-time payments and bank settlements are the new standard.

Tackling Complexity

• Platforms now focus on minimizing time spent learning or managing payments (single app, single login).

  John: "We treat that as like a need or a job to be done for that small business owner..." ([28:15])

Security & Fraud Innovations ([29:19]–[32:16])

• Multi-factor authentication (including biometrics) becoming standard.
• Real-time fraud monitoring and customer alerts; verification workflows protect both sides.
• Security will be an ongoing battle: "We are fighting fire with fire." ([32:29])

Leveraging Data for Better Business ([33:07]–[34:56])

• Payment data now drives meaningful customer insights (e.g., sales trends, demographics, peak hours).

• Feature: 'Customer Insights' lets owners refine staffing/marketing with actionable info.

  John: “[They] changed their staffing levels because they were seeing peaks and troughs in terms of when people were coming in and they adjusted their staffing models accordingly.” ([35:11])

The Future: Accessibility and AI ([36:31]–[38:41])

• Payments and data must be accessible whenever and wherever business owners need them.
• Advanced AI and LLMs will increasingly meet entrepreneurs “where they are,” offering smarter support, even at odd hours.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Storytelling & Business:

  "I'm not just trying to sell you products. I'm selling you my life, and I'm selling connection."
  — Louis de Guzman ([05:32])

• On Taking Risks:

  "Sometimes you just got to take the risk."
  — Louis de Guzman ([09:20])

• On Partnerships:

  "No one's going to ride for you as hard as you yourself."
  — Louis de Guzman ([12:30])

• On Teamwork:

  "I wouldn't be where I am without the team."
  — Louis de Guzman ([16:35])

• On Reaching Out:

  "Shoot your shot, knock on the doors. No one's going to ride for you as hard as you do."
  — Louis de Guzman ([24:26])

• On Payment Platform Selection:

  "If you can nail all three... security, simplicity, and then growth orientation, I think you've got a good partner."
  — John Frerichs ([25:44])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Louis’s Artistic Roots: [00:34]–[03:39]
• Transition to Business: [04:00]–[07:00]
• First Major Partnership: [09:47]–[11:54]
• Lessons & Advice: [12:19]–[14:07]
• Protecting IP & Setting Up Business: [14:45]–[16:18]
• Teamwork & Growth: [16:29]–[18:35]
• Sales Channels & Collector Info: [19:59]–[20:45]
• Partnerships (Past & Future): [20:57]–[22:24]
• Initiating Collaborations: [22:47]–[24:26]
• Chase for Business - Digital Payments: [24:42]–[38:41]
• Data & Small Business Insights: [33:07]–[35:11]
• Future of Payments & AI: [36:31]–[38:47]

Conclusion

This episode paints a vivid picture of how personal passion, a strong narrative, and authenticity can build not only an art brand but a viable, international business—with lessons that apply far beyond the creative world. Practical advice is provided for entrepreneurs on partnerships, IP, team-building, and embracing digital innovation—all grounded in real experience and an unfiltered, humble approach.