Behind the Creative Curtain

In this hosts-only episode, Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe pull back the curtain on their own creative journeys and business realities. No guest this time—just two creatives getting real about the messy, complicated, and often hilarious side of running creative businesses.

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe as we sit down with Eliana Mendez, creative director and photographer behind Human-Centric Media, for an authentic conversation about creativity, community, and the irreplaceable power of human connection in an increasingly digital world.

What starts as a discussion about camera gear and photography quickly evolves into a powerful exploration of what it means to create with soul. Eliana opens up about their journey from journalism school to building a values-driven media company, sharing how they've learned to embrace authenticity over perfection and flow over force. Renee brings her perspective on trusting the creative process, while Damion explores how innovation often requires standing alone before others catch up—like Prince releasing music on the internet in the 90s when everyone thought it was crazy.

Key Topics Explored:

* Why human connection outweighs technical equipment every time

* The misconception that creativity requires "finding inspiration" (spoiler: stop trying so hard)

* How AI is actually making authentic human creativity more valuable, not less

* The importance of trusting creatives when you hire them—and getting out of their way

* Building a business around values and authentic expression as a Puerto Rican transgender creative

* Why vulnerability and authenticity create lasting connections over vanity metrics

* The art of being a "vessel for expression" rather than forcing creative outcomes

* How the internet has made it impossible to put authentic expression "back in the bag"

Going Behind the Curtain: This episode pulls back the creative curtain to reveal the deeper philosophies that drive authentic creative work. We dive into Eliana's spiritual approach to creativity—their belief that we're naturally attracted to what serves us and that removing blocks creates better flow than forcing outcomes. The conversation unveils the real challenges creatives face when clients hire them but then micromanage the process, and why organizational creative paralysis happens when founders can't let go of their "baby." We explore Eliana's bold stance on living authentically as a transgender Puerto Rican creative in Portland, their intentional choice to work only with values-aligned clients, and their morning routine of waking up at 8:30, stretching, coffee with their dog Lola, and neighborhood flower-sniffing before starting work at 10:30. Most revealing is their framework for understanding AI as simply "an average of everything else"—making the case that the more companies flood the zone with mediocre generated content, the more valuable authentic human creativity becomes.

Whether you're a creative professional struggling with authenticity, someone navigating the AI landscape, or anyone seeking to build meaningful work that reflects their true values, this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual permission to stop trying so hard and start flowing with who you really are.

Connect with Eliana:

* Website: humancentricmedia.com

* LinkedIn: Eliana (Ellie) Mendez

* Instagram: @humancentricmedia

* Pinterest: @humancentricmedia

* Ultramarine Photo: ultramarinephoto.com

* Newsletter: The Southeast Portland Dispatch (bi-weekly)

Perfect for: Photographers and visual creators, entrepreneurs building values-driven businesses, anyone curious about authentic expression in business, creatives concerned about AI, and those seeking community and connection through their work.

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe as we sit down with Eliana Mendez, creative director and photographer behind Human-Centric Media, for an authentic conversation about creativity, community, and the irreplaceable power of human connection in an increasingly digital world.

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe as they sit down with Angela Ellison, intuitive business coach and animal communicator, for an inspiring conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and the courage to keep pivoting until you find your true calling.

What starts as a discussion about Angela’s transition from teaching quickly evolves into a masterclass on listening to your intuition in business. Angela opens up about her winding journey from middle school educator to entrepreneur, sharing how she’s navigated multiple business iterations—from product photography to systems strategy—before discovering her gift for supporting sensitive entrepreneurs. Renee brings her perspective on the challenges of niching down as a creative, while Damion explores how following childhood interests and curiosities can guide career decisions.

Key Topics Explored:

* Navigating “the messy middle” of entrepreneurship and creative careers

* How to recognize when it’s time to pivot (and trusting those subtle nudges)

* Building sustainable businesses that honor your natural energy rhythms

* The marketing burnout that signals it’s time for change

* Discovering unexpected gifts through life’s challenges (hello, animal communication!)

* Why tuning into yourself matters more than following business formulas

* Creating courses and offerings that reflect your whole self

* The power of support systems in sustaining creative work

Behind the Scenes: This episode truly pulls back the creative curtain to reveal the authentic moments that shape a creative’s journey. We witness Angela’s real-time reflection on her business evolution, Damion’s admission that his dream involves making chairs in Norway while running a radio station, and the touching story of how losing her cat Chewy revealed Angela’s unexpected gift as an animal communicator.

The conversation gets delightfully sidetracked by the great “niche” vs “neesh” pronunciation debate, and we get to hear Angela read a genuine testimonial from a recent course participant—complete with her excitement about finally creating something that truly resonates. Perhaps most revealing is Renee’s realization about manifesting her ice cream brand project after simply mentioning the dream in episode one, showing how putting creative intentions into the world can create unexpected opportunities.

Whether you’re a creative professional feeling stuck in your current iteration or a sensitive entrepreneur looking for a gentler approach to business building, this episode offers practical insights on honoring your whole self while creating sustainable income.

Connect with Angela:

* Website: https://www.angelaellison.com

* Substack

* Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/angelaecreative/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-ellison-creative

* Explore the Mini-Course for Sustainable Business Growth

Perfect for: Sensitive entrepreneurs, creatives navigating career transitions, anyone who’s ever felt like they’re standing outside looking in at work they admire, and those seeking a more holistic approach to business building.

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe as they sit down with Angela Ellison, intuitive business coach and animal communicator, for an inspiring conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and the courage to keep pivoting until you find your true calling.

What starts as a discussion about Angela's transition from teaching quickly evolves into a masterclass on listening to your intuition in business. Angela opens up about her winding journey from middle school educator to entrepreneur, sharing how she's navigated multiple business iterations—from product photography to systems strategy—before discovering her gift for supporting sensitive entrepreneurs. Renee brings her perspective on the challenges of niching down as a creative, while Damion explores how following childhood interests and curiosities can guide career decisions.

Key Topics Explored:

* Navigating "the messy middle" of entrepreneurship and creative careers

* How to recognize when it's time to pivot (and trusting those subtle nudges)

* Building sustainable businesses that honor your natural energy rhythms

* The marketing burnout that signals it's time for change

* Discovering unexpected gifts through life's challenges (hello, animal communication!)

* Why tuning into yourself matters more than following business formulas

* Creating courses and offerings that reflect your whole self

* The power of support systems in sustaining creative work

Behind the Scenes: This episode truly pulls back the creative curtain to reveal the authentic moments that shape a creative's journey. We witness Angela's real-time reflection on her business evolution, Damion's admission that his dream involves making chairs in Norway while running a radio station, and the touching story of how losing her cat Chewy revealed Angela's unexpected gift as an animal communicator. The conversation gets delightfully sidetracked by the great "niche" vs "neesh" pronunciation debate, and we get to hear Angela read a genuine testimonial from a recent course participant—complete with her excitement about finally creating something that truly resonates. Perhaps most revealing is Renee's realization about manifesting her ice cream brand project after simply mentioning the dream in episode one, showing how putting creative intentions into the world can create unexpected opportunities.

Whether you're a creative professional feeling stuck in your current iteration or a sensitive entrepreneur looking for a gentler approach to business building, this episode offers practical insights on honoring your whole self while creating sustainable income.

Connect with Angela:

* Website: https://www.angelaellison.com

* Substack: https://thesensitivesolopreneur.substack.com

* Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/angelaecreative/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-ellison-creative

* Explore the Mini-Course for Sustainable Business Growth

Perfect for: Sensitive entrepreneurs, creatives navigating career transitions, anyone who's ever felt like they're standing outside looking in at work they admire, and those seeking a more holistic approach to business building.

Description:

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe for an insightful conversation about one of the biggest challenges creatives face: maintaining an authentic voice while building a consistent brand across multiple platforms and spaces.

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the art of alignment—not just visual consistency, but staying true to yourself whether you’re speaking at an event, posting on social media, or writing copy for your website. Renee shares how she learned that clear, authentic messaging is what actually drives business success, while Damion opens up about his unique approach to content creation that honors his personal preferences (spoiler: he’s figured out how to build a brand without showing his face on camera).

Key Topics

* Why authentic self-expression trumps “proper” corporate speak every time

* How to adapt your brand voice for different platforms without losing yourself

* The evolution of social media and why so much content feels monotonous

* Creative strategies for standing out in oversaturated markets

* The importance of creating for yourself first, then finding your audience

* Why perfectionism kills more creative projects than failure ever could

The Creative Challenge: Renee puts Damion on the spot to commit to releasing one piece of content before their next recording—a perfect example of how accountability can push us past our creative blocks.

Whether you’re struggling with the dreaded elevator pitch, trying to figure out your brand colors, or just need a push to finally release that project you’ve been perfecting forever, this episode offers practical advice wrapped in an honest conversation about the realities of creative entrepreneurship.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs building personal brands, creatives struggling with consistency, and anyone who’s ever held back from sharing their work because it wasn’t “perfect” yet.

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe for an insightful conversation about one of the biggest challenges creatives face: maintaining an authentic voice while building a consistent brand across multiple platforms and spaces.

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the art of alignment—not just visual consistency, but staying true to yourself whether you're speaking at an event, posting on social media, or writing copy for your website. Renee shares how she learned that clear, authentic messaging is what actually drives business success, while Damion opens up about his unique approach to content creation that honors his personal preferences (spoiler: he's figured out how to build a brand without showing his face on camera).

Key Topics Explored:

* Why authentic self-expression trumps "proper" corporate speak every time

* How to adapt your brand voice for different platforms without losing yourself

* The evolution of social media and why so much content feels monotonous

* Creative strategies for standing out in oversaturated markets

* The importance of creating for yourself first, then finding your audience

* Why perfectionism kills more creative projects than failure ever could

The Creative Challenge: Renee puts Damion on the spot to commit to releasing one piece of content before their next recording—a perfect example of how accountability can push us past our creative blocks.

Whether you're struggling with the dreaded elevator pitch, trying to figure out your brand colors, or just need a push to finally release that project you've been perfecting forever, this episode offers practical advice wrapped in an honest conversation about the realities of creative entrepreneurship.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs building personal brands, creatives struggling with consistency, and anyone who's ever held back from sharing their work because it wasn't "perfect" yet.

Description:

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe as they sit down with Andrew Gibbs, VP of Operations at Soldier Fit, for a candid conversation about creativity, inspiration, and pushing through those inevitable creative blocks we all face.

Andrew opens up about feeling like a “suffocated creative” while working in the fitness industry, sharing his unique approach to content creation and how he finds inspiration in the everyday moments of his workouts. Renee, CEO of Renee Lynn Creative, brings her perspective on how stepping away from projects and connecting with nature helps her push through blocks, while Damion explores his process of diving deep into foundations—from typography to jungle music—as a way to break through creative barriers.

Takeaways

* The anatomy of creative ruts (yes, we use the constipation analogy)

* How movement and mental breaks can unlock creativity

* The difference between consuming content for development vs. pleasure

* Why intention matters more than following trends

* Finding creativity within seemingly mundane work

* The importance of curiosity and asking questions over seeking quick answers

* How authentic self-expression attracts the right audience

Behind the Scenes:

The conversation takes fascinating detours through podcast culture, hustle mentality, the value of silence, and why sometimes the best inspiration comes from simply being curious about the world around you—revealing the unscripted moments that happen when creatives truly connect.

Whether you’re a traditional creative professional or someone discovering creativity within your day job, this episode offers practical insights on staying inspired, pushing through blocks, and embracing the creative potential that exists in every role.

Perfect for: Anyone who’s ever felt stuck creatively, professionals exploring their artistic side, and those interested in the intersection of creativity and business.

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe as they sit down with Andrew Gibbs, VP of Operations at Soldier Fit, for a candid conversation about creativity, inspiration, and pushing through those inevitable creative blocks we all face.

What starts as a discussion about creative ruts quickly evolves into something much deeper. Andrew opens up about feeling like a "suffocated creative" while working in the fitness industry, sharing his unique approach to content creation and how he finds inspiration in the everyday moments of his workouts. Renee, CEO of Renee Lynn Creative, brings her perspective on how stepping away from projects and connecting with nature helps her push through blocks, while Damion explores his process of diving deep into foundations—from typography to jungle music—as a way to break through creative barriers.

Key Topics Explored:

* The anatomy of creative ruts (yes, we use the constipation analogy)

* How movement and mental breaks can unlock creativity

* The difference between consuming content for development vs. pleasure

* Why intention matters more than following trends

* Finding creativity within seemingly mundane work

* The importance of curiosity and asking questions over seeking quick answers

* How authentic self-expression attracts the right audience

Behind the Scenes: The conversation takes fascinating detours through podcast culture, hustle mentality, the value of silence, and why sometimes the best inspiration comes from simply being curious about the world around you—revealing the unscripted moments that happen when creatives truly connect.

Whether you're a traditional creative professional or someone discovering creativity within your day job, this episode offers practical insights on staying inspired, pushing through blocks, and embracing the creative potential that exists in every role.

Perfect for: Anyone who's ever felt stuck creatively, professionals exploring their artistic side, and those interested in the intersection of creativity and business.

Behind the Creative Curtain - Meet Your Hosts

Join hosts Renee Garcia and Damion Rowe as they pull back the curtain on their own creative journeys in this introductory episode. Get to know the people behind the podcast as they share their stories, struggles, and passions.

Key Topics:

* The reality of creative freelancing and client relationships

* How AI is changing the design landscape

* The importance of claiming your expertise and setting boundaries

* Why small businesses deserve our support

* Building sustainable creative careers without selling out

Meet Renee: The CEO behind Renee Lynn Creative, a design studio specializing in branding and illustration for purpose-driven founders. In this episode Renee shares why she started the podcast; to spotlight undervalued creatives and help them own their expertise. From her passion for sustainability and conservation to her dream of working with ice cream brands, discover what drives this multi-faceted creative entrepreneur.

Meet Damion: An audio engineer who started out dreaming of being the next Pharrell Williams, Damion has evolved from music production to post-production work, podcast editing, and DJing. He opens up about the challenges of freelancing, undervaluing his skills, and his current mission to build his own personal brand through a radio station project. Plus, hear about his idea of DJing at all the national parks!

Whether you're a seasoned creative professional or just starting your artistic journey, this candid conversation offers insights into the real world of creative work—from the struggles with perfectionism to the joy of finding your creative community.

Perfect for: Freelancers, designers, audio engineers, small business owners, and anyone curious about the creative process behind the brands and content they love.