What if the life you planned wasn’t the life that fit—and the pivot turned out better than your original dream? We sit down with artist and writer Colleen Hall to trace a fiercely intentional journey from bookish beginnings to bold murals in celebrity homes and royal spaces. Colleen opens up about the moment she realized she needed a “permission slip” to put herself back on the list, how a three-week retreat in rural France quieted the imaginary jury in her head, and why courage often looks like a commitment on your calendar that you refuse to break.

We dig into the practical side of a creative career: building partnerships that lead to unexpected doors, delivering perfection under pressure, and finding play inside constraints. Colleen also shares how injury nudged her back to writing, the power of community in breaking isolation, and a travel philosophy that stitches beauty abroad into rituals at home. Think Venice and Florence followed by a Tuscan villa where days end with writing prompts, sketchbooks, and long dinners that reset your senses.

Parents will find a masterclass in advocacy as Colleen walks through supporting high-achieving kids with very different needs. From early testing and accommodations for learning differences to “brag sheets,” ACT vs. SAT strategy, and the difference between need-based aid and merit scholarships, she maps a clear path through a confusing system. The through line is intention: notice the patterns, design the plan, and keep adjusting.

If you’ve ever felt split between who you were supposed to be and who you’re becoming, this conversation offers both compass and company. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review with the one permission you’re ready to grant yourself next.