Randy Hoshaw found a way to create art and make a living at the same time.

Hoshaw has owned Hoshaw Fine Violins, 218 Main St., for the last three years. Before that, he worked out of his house and out of a major music store in Des Moines.

“It’s something I wanted to do for years,” Hoshaw said of owning his own shop. “I decided to finally do it.”

Hoshaw, who grew up in Stratford, about 30 miles from Ames, chose to open up shop in Ames because he felt it offered a loyal environment.

“Ames has always been supportive of string programs,” he said.

So far, the wide variety of people has been Hoshaw’s favorite part of owning a business in the historical Main Street Cultural District.

“Especially in the summertime traffic, you see Ames has a really diverse community,” he said. “You never know who’s going to walk in the door.”

Hoshaw said he has a variety of clients, many of whom he already had when he opened his studio.

“I have kids just starting out, and then I have a couple of clients in their 90s. It ranges from brand new players to old-time fiddlers,” he said.

He also serves teachers and concertmasters around the area.

Restoration is the main focus of Hoshaw Fine Violins, but Hoshaw also sells instruments — including new, antique and rare instruments.

The instruments come from all over the United States and Europe, including Prague, Austria and Budapest. Many of the antique instruments Hoshaw collects and sells come from estates, auctions and various other contacts.

Additionally, he sells bows and offers bow rehairing and restoration.

Hoshaw actually had no interest in violins until high school.

“I started learning to play, and then I got more interested in woodworking and varnishing,” he said. “I always liked to do art, and this kind of went hand in hand.”

Music and art have had a huge impact on Hoshaw’s life, and he said the high schools across the country that are cutting funds in those programs are making a “big mistake.”

He does his part to maintain the arts programs by supporting events and working with schools, giving them discounts and free repairs.

Hoshaw did not attend college, but said he has learned how to run a business through trial and error.

“You learn as you go,” he said. “You just have to be honest with people and treat people right. You have to give them a good deal and stand behind your work.”

Hoshaw Fine Violins grew significantly in it’s first year, and he said loyal customers helped to spread the word about the new shop.

“Last year, when the economy went bad, things kind of slowed down,” he said. “When people don’t have as much money to spend, they focus on repairing and restoring things they already have, so the restoration and repair picks up when retail is down.”

He added that business has picked up in the last few months.

Hoshaw said that his favorite part of owning his own studio is that he doesn’t think of it as a job.

On the side, Hoshaw sells his own original paintings.

“That’s another branch of the business. It’s not really promoted,” he said, but he does sell quite a bit of his art.

His shop also offers handmade items that his business partner produces. These items include scarves, handbags and instrument carrying bags.

“I don’t stand here looking at the clock every few minutes waiting for quitting time,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed what I do.”