What is your name and occupation?
Ellen E. Thompson, Founder of Ellen E. Thompson Art
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year.
What is your Instagram handle?
@ellen.e.thompson
What is your LinkedIn URL?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenethompson/
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
No, I was born in upstate New York. I came to Boston in 2015 for what I thought was my dream job. While it ultimately wasn’t the right fit long-term, it taught me the importance of pursuing my creative side — which inspired me to open my own business selling art and design services.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
I’ve had a winding but extremely fulfilling career path!
I began my post-college journey in 2011 in the Netherlands, working in intercultural communication while earning my Master’s degree at the University of Tilburg. After graduating, I transitioned into international higher education in the U.S.
In 2015, I joined Berklee College of Music in operations and was surrounded daily by incredibly passionate artists. While their musical talent didn’t rub off on me, their creativity inspired me to explore my own artistic voice. I began watercolor painting regularly in 2017 and soon realized I wanted creativity to play a central role in my career.
After attending design classes at the Boston Architectural College, I discovered my perfect balance: a field that merged project management precision with artistic expression. I was thrilled to land a dual project management/graphic design role at Shawmut Construction & Design in early 2020 — but was laid off weeks later due to COVID downsizing.
Rather than let that setback stop me, I launched Ellen E. Thompson Art, selling my watercolor pieces and offering freelance graphic design services. It’s been an incredible journey — every career step leading perfectly to this creative chapter.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
Empathetic, flexible, a great communicator — and someone who truly nails their vision while being extremely thorough.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To put yourself face-first in your business — literally!
Before I launched my brand, I thought being an entrepreneur meant having everything perfectly figured out. But I’ve learned that people connect with people, not perfection. By sharing my story, showing my face, and embracing authenticity, I’ve built real trust and connection with my audience.
What is your favorite book?
Illusions by Richard Bach.
What is your secret weapon?
I use Monday.com to track my time for everything work-related. It helps me:
a) See my accomplishments, even on low-energy days.
b) Analyze where I spend my time to improve productivity.
c) Track billable hours accurately for freelance clients.
What is your most recent WIN? How are you slaying in your career or business?
Through the Boston Business Women Facebook group, I connected with Jennifer MacNeil of MacNeil Marketing Solutions — a phenomenal marketing consultant who quickly became both a mentor and a client! After our first consultation, she offered me a freelance role at her agency, where I’ve continued to learn and grow under her guidance.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
“Do the weirdest thing that makes you happy.”
This mindset has shaped everything — from embracing my creative niche to starting my own business. Standing out doesn’t mean you don’t fit in; it means you’re brave enough to follow your own path.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I absolutely love watercolor painting and graphic design — so much that I do them even in my downtime! I’m also obsessed with houseplants and have been known to make early morning runs to Home Depot when a friend tips me off about a plant sale.
What is something that not many people know about you?
My lifelong dream is to be on Jeopardy! I’ve made it to the audition round twice — once in high school and again in 2016. My dream categories? Houseplant Identification or Dog Breed Identification! 🌿