So many of us are out here forcing it. We're comparing ourselves to others, presenting a certain way on social media that isn't true to reality, and avoiding creativity because we know it won't be perfect on the first shot. In this episode, we're interviewing our great friend, artist, and entrepreneur Windy O'Connor on how to let that shit go so your authenticity can flow. We talk about how to quit forcing it when it comes to art, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and so much more!

Shop Windy O'Connor Instagram

Windy's Personal Instagram

Windy's Website

Contact & Visit Windy's Shop

704-891-1151, [email protected]

Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave., Suite 107, Charlotte, NC 28206

Resources mentioned:

• Listen to our Self-Expression episode: Lee Has Been Hiding Her True Self
• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Some key takeaways from Windy on living authentically:

• Art can be incredibly healing and powerful. You don't have to be the best artist, just allow yourself to create and express yourself freely. Liz puts her art on the fridge, and you should too! Be proud of what you create (even if it's not great!).
• As mothers, we truly are just a person helping our kids navigate their way through childhood and into adulthood. It's our job to love them and support them, but we need to stay out of their way so they can truly shine.
• Don't look at other people's businesses and assume you know what's going on behind the scenes. Entrepreneurship is really hard, but it should also be fun. Continually evaluate and ask yourself "is this really working for me?"

Be Powerful with Liz & Lee, formerly Hilliard Studio Podcast, is focused on helping you find your inner power and for us to share our thoughts on society, culture, and current events. As the team behind Hilliard Studio Method in Charlotte, North Carolina, we love all things wellness and will also share info on how to live your healthiest life mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Liz Hilliard is an author, motivational speaker, personal & group trainer, podcast co-host and owner & creator of Hilliard Studio Method (HSM) – an internationally-renowned, core-centric, Pilates-based workout that uses the latest techniques to get the heart rate pumping and sweat dripping – uses "Be Powerful" as a daily mantra to empower and encourage women of all generations and fitness levels to accept themselves as they are and keep moving.

Lee Kennelly is the second half of the podcast and the Director of Training at Hilliard Studio Method. She is happy to be living life unabashedly with Liz and adores her teenage children who have probably never listened to the podcast! Lee is passionate about movement and teaching and loves being on the sports fields watching her children, making her line of Love Sauce salads, or going out to dinner for date night with Liz. While behind the mic and on the screen aren't necessarily her comfort zone, she loves podcasting with Liz and has enjoyed the opportunity to share her story with the hope of inspiring others to live more joyfully.

Podcast contact info:

• Liz's Instagram
• Lee's Instagram
• Hilliard Studio Method
• HSM Facebook
• Liz & Lee's YouTube