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What happens when you trade a corporate career for a paintbrush and an empty storefront? In this heartfelt episode, I'm recording from inside my art studio, surrounded by the floor-to-ceiling mural I painted when opening Brewtifully nearly a year ago.

The transition to full-time artist and studio owner has been a beautiful whirlwind. Morning kids' camps filled with young artists exploring without boundaries. Podcast appearances sharing my journey and techniques, from traditional mediums to augmented reality art using the Artivive app. A collaboration with Goodwill at the Pro Football Hall of Fame fashion show, helping people personalize jean jackets and discover their creative voices. These experiences have reinforced why I created this space – to help others express their individuality through art.

Growing up with a common name I could never find on personalized souvenirs taught me the importance of self-expression. Being reprimanded in school for holding scissors "incorrectly" (the way my mother taught me) showed me how creativity can be stifled by arbitrary rules. These experiences shaped my studio's core philosophy: there's no wrong way to create if it works for you. Mistakes aren't failures – they're essential discoveries on the path to finding your artistic voice.

As I approach my studio's one-year anniversary on September 12th, I'm filled with gratitude, seeing people already booking holiday events months in advance, eager to create meaningful memories in this judgment-free environment. What started as retirement has become a renaissance, a space where creative exploration is celebrated and individuality is cherished. 

Have you been wanting to explore your creative side? 

Whether you're local or listening from afar, I hope this episode inspires you to embrace your unique artistic voice, however it chooses to express itself.

The Foundry - Tantau Studios

Viviva Color Podcast Episode 

Wishes Can Happen

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Taking a leap of faith and diving into full-time creative entrepreneurship marks the beginning of this raw, honest conversation about pursuing your passions. After leaving a steady paycheck behind, I've jumped headfirst into running my art studio full-time and launching my very first children's art camps.

The joy of watching toddlers discover art materials for the first time has been nothing short of magical. These little ones arrive each morning bursting with excitement, ready to sculpt self-portraits in air-dry clay, adding new elements daily from facial features to personal touches reflecting their interests. Though smaller than anticipated, this intimate group has created the perfect environment for genuine creative exploration. The ripple effects extend beyond our studio sessions, with parents reporting hours of continued artistic play at home.

What's truly surprised me is how far people will travel for authentic creative experiences. Students drive from counties away to participate in workshops, families plan special trips centered around visiting the studio, and social media connections bring in new creatives seeking community. This widespread interest has validated my decision in unexpected ways, as has being selected as an animator for Toronto's Winter Wonderland exhibit and being invited to speak about establishing yourself as an artist. These opportunities simply weren't possible when my energy was divided.

The transition hasn't been without challenges - it's simultaneously "scary and exhilarating and demanding and stressful" - but the fulfillment outweighs the fear. If you've been hesitating to pursue your own creative calling, consider this your sign to take that first step. Even dedicating just a few minutes daily to what you love can nurture that passion and potentially transform your life. Life truly is too short to postpone joy. Follow along on social media to see our studio adventures and perhaps find the inspiration for your own creative journey.

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When Christine Lindebak was just five years old, she begged her mother to let her use the sewing machine. That early passion blossomed into a lifelong creative journey that now helps others rediscover the joy of making their own clothes through her pattern design business, Sewing and the City.

Christine's approach to pattern-making stands out for its exceptional attention to detail. Each design undergoes multiple rounds of fittings across different sizes over two to three months—a meticulous process that ensures perfect fit and function. The results speak for themselves in patterns like the Manhattan, with its distinctive puff sleeves and versatile silhouette that works beautifully as both a blouse and dress.

What makes Christine's work particularly valuable is her commitment to making sewing approachable. Beyond creating patterns with clear instructions and clever construction techniques, she offers a Fit Clinic program that helps sewists adjust patterns to their unique bodies. This supportive community space addresses common fitting challenges that often discourage people from sewing for themselves.

Christine's creative vision extends beyond pattern-making to her slow fashion brand, Lindy Lindy (named for her grandfather). Using vintage linens and reclaimed textiles, she creates one-of-a-kind garments that might otherwise end up in landfills. Her upcoming pattern featuring beginner-friendly embroidery designs further demonstrates her dedication to preserving and sharing traditional textile arts.

The resurgence of interest in handcrafts, particularly among younger generations discovering upcycling, represents a meaningful pushback against disposable fashion. Through her patterns, tutorials, and teaching, Christine is helping ensure these skills continue to flourish while empowering people to express their individuality through what they wear. Sign up for her newsletter to receive her free Manhattan pattern and join a community of makers reconnecting with the clothes they wear.

Sewing and the City

Instagram- Sewing and the City

Sign up for Fit Clinic

Sewing slow Fashion Facebook Group

Sewing and the City on YouTube

Lindy, Lindy- Slow Fashion Shop

Liberty of London Cotton Fabrics

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What happens when you finally decide to chase your decades-old dream with just 17 days left at your steady job? The exhilaration, fear, and unexpected joy of embracing imperfection.

Perfection is the enemy of progress. If we wait for flawless conditions before pursuing our passions, we'll remain forever stuck in place. My transition to full-time art hasn't followed a perfect roadmap—I'm admittedly "winging it" with the resources available. This messy middle, where plans meet reality, is where the real magic happens.

Watching my father pass away at 65 without experiencing his passions fundamentally changed my approach to life. I refuse to spend another day doing something that doesn't bring me joy. This mindset has pushed me to work two full-time jobs simultaneously to build a creative space where both I and others can flourish. Your unique artistic style emerges not from perfectly following someone else's formula, but through your personal approach, "mistakes," and specific way of seeing the world.

The community forming in my studio proves how desperately people need spaces where they feel seen and heard. From the gentleman proudly sharing his crochet creations to first-timers hesitantly admitting their creative curiosities, there's profound connection in authentically sharing what we love to do.

The future remains beautifully unclear—I can't predict what opportunities or challenges await. But that uncertainty is precisely what makes this journey worth embracing wholeheartedly. If your heart is pulling you toward something, don't wait for the perfect plan. Start now. The rest will follow. You'll figure it out along the way. After all, we're not promised anything beyond today.

Ready to stop waiting and start creating? What dream has been waiting in your heart that deserves attention today?

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I'm counting down my final month before retiring from my full-time job to pursue art full-time, with exciting collaborations highlighting my lifelong passion for fashion. My childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer has come full circle through partnerships with sustainable fashion brands, designers, and local businesses.

• Working with Christine from Sewing and the City on sustainable pattern designs
• Selected as a fashion influencer for a local clothing resale company
• Creating custom clothing modifications at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Fashion Show
• Offering resources at my studio for customizing sustainable fashion finds
• Planning fall clothing swaps where people can exchange items and revamp them on-site
• Northeast Ohio has abundant thrift and consignment shopping opportunities
• Sustainability in fashion requires creativity but creates unique personalized wardrobe pieces
• Finding designer brands at thrift prices creates accessibility and reduces consumption
• The social environment of creating together inspires new ideas and community connections
• Altering and customizing clothes on-demand has become an unexpected part of my business

Share your sustainable fashion projects with me so I can showcase them, and stay tuned for updates on my shopping adventure tomorrow and upcoming collaborations!

Sewing and the City

Pro Football Hall of Fame Fashion Show

Mega-Thrift's old blog page

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Authenticity is your superpower in a world of cookie-cutter content. This episode dives into how giving ourselves permission to simply be who we are transforms not only our creative work but every relationship and community we build.

Drawing from my experience at the ColoriFlori Art Summit with Este MacLeod, I explore what happens when we adapt instructions rather than feeling constrained by them. It's not just about art supplies – it's about the liberation that comes when we stop trying to do things "perfectly" according to someone else's standard. Those moments when we hear "it's okay to do it your way" often trigger a sigh of relief that reveals how much we've been holding back.

The connections we form when we show up as ourselves are profound. I share how my casual clothing choices in-store videos unexpectedly resonated with viewers who tune in specifically to see what I'm wearing – reminiscent of watching Dolly Parton's shows as a child and guessing what colors she'd wear. These authentic expressions create bridges between people in ways we can never anticipate. Even my embarrassing story about avoiding gouache paint because I didn't know how to pronounce it demonstrates how our vulnerabilities connect us more than our perfections ever could.

As AI increasingly produces flawless but soulless content, your authentic human expression becomes more valuable, not less. Your weird, imperfect creative voice is exactly what the world needs. So paint your plants looking ridiculous, wear what makes you smile, share your unpolished work, and embrace your authentic self – we're all desperate to see it.

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Ever wonder what happens when creative women find genuine community? This special episode takes you inside the transformative Rebloom Live Courageously retreat through conversations with five remarkable artists who discovered much more than new techniques—they found their tribe.
While visiting my mom (excuse the different audio quality!), I couldn't wait to share these meaningful connections with you. Each artist reveals not just where to find their work online, but what made this gathering so profoundly different from other creative conferences they've attended. From Amy Keever's innovative "vision book" concept (not vision boards!) to Brenda Olson's glittery, Pom-pom headband creations, these women embody the playful yet purposeful spirit that defined our week together.
What emerges through these conversations is a powerful theme of safety, authenticity, and mutual support. As Jane Bell Lassiter puts it, the retreat created space "to be authentic and be ourselves," while Carol Krone Philpott describes feeling "lifted by everyone" during her journey toward whatever her "next bloom" might become. Perhaps most touching is Barb Dragony's reminder that resonates with creatives everywhere: "You're not alone in what you're feeling and what you want to do. You are not alone and you just need to show up."
Stay tuned for a more comprehensive episode about the retreat once additional media arrives! In the meantime, check the show notes for all the artists' websites and social media handles—I encourage you to follow their inspiring work and perhaps discover your own creative community that helps you bloom.

Amy Keever https://www.amykeever.com

https://www.facebook.com/amykeevergallery

https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery

Brenda Olson https://www.brendaolsonart.com

https://www.facebook.com/brendaolsonartstudio

https://www.instagram.com/brendaolsonart

Jane Bell Lassiter https://www.janebelldesigns.com

https://www.facebook.com/janebelllassiterArtist

https://www.instagram.com/janebelllassiter

Carol Krone Philpott https://www.facebook.com/CAKiHappyArt

https://www.instagram.com/cakihappyart

Barb Dragony https://www.barbdragony.com

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Ready to dive into the creative world of community art? 

Summer is approaching fast, and with it comes the excitement of my new Kids Art Camps launching this July! These age-specific programs offer young artists from toddlers to teens the opportunity to explore different creative disciplines each day, from fiber arts to painting, all while completing meaningful projects by week's end.

The studio is buzzing with energy as registrations come in, though I'm keeping groups intimate with just 20 students per age bracket to ensure quality instruction and personal attention. These morning sessions will feature guest appearances from local creatives, enhancing the learning experience while building community connections. While navigating the challenges of offering affordable programming as a for-profit business, I'm exploring flexible payment options and potential single-day attendance for families who can't commit to a full week.

May brings other exciting developments to the studio! We're featuring our first-ever photography exhibition with Paul DeGarmo's intimate animal portraits in his "Expressions" collection. Our class schedule is packed with glass painting and popular bonsai workshops (complete with adorable tiny accessories). I'm also tackling an ambitious project – transforming a vintage 1977 cigarette vending machine into an art dispenser, though I could use some technical advice on making it operational without coins!

As I prepare for the Kentucky Rebloom Art Conference and count down my final eight weeks before transitioning to full-time artist life on June 30th, I'm filled with anticipation about future offerings like tufting classes. 

What creative activities are you planning in your community? I'd love to hear your ideas and maybe even help you brainstorm ways to promote your passion. Connect with me to share your creative journey or challenges – sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective to bring your artistic vision to life! 

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Creativity demands fuel, and finding that spark often requires stepping outside our familiar routines. In this energetic and heartfelt episode, Tracy shares her excitement about attending the upcoming Rebloom creative retreat in Milton, Kentucky—the first of several inspirational events she plans to experience this year as she transitions from her full-time job into expanded creative entrepreneurship.

The conversation explores the various ways we can seek inspiration—from local Chamber of Commerce lunch-and-learns to weekend workshops, multi-day retreats, and even international creative excursions. Tracy emphasizes that regardless of format, these experiences share a common purpose: they give us permission to try something new without fear of judgment. This willingness to step beyond our comfort zones becomes the foundation for both personal and professional growth.

With palpable enthusiasm (you can literally "hear her smiling"), Tracy discusses how creative pursuits energize rather than deplete her. She shares exciting plans for summer art camps for children in July and reflects on the broader importance of creative education. In a world where many schools minimize arts programs, fostering creativity becomes even more crucial—not just for future artists but for anyone seeking to develop innovative thinking skills applicable to any career path.

What types of creative retreats spark your inspiration? Are you more drawn to local workshops or destination events? Do you prefer learning alongside friends or meeting new connections? Share your experiences and join the conversation about how intentional inspiration-seeking can transform your creative journey!

Rebloom information 

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Have you ever felt uncomfortable promoting your creative work? That internal resistance to "shouting from the rooftops" is something nearly every artist faces. Today, I'm diving into why self-promotion isn't selfish—it's necessary.

As creatives running small businesses, we wear countless hats. The marketing hat often feels most awkward, but it's essential for connecting your work with the people who need it. I share my own journey of promoting my studio through everything from $5 social media boosts to local billboards, while emphasizing that authenticity trumps perfection every time. Your unique creative voice—the way you draw a line, mix colors, or approach your craft—deserves to be seen and celebrated.

The community you build around your work becomes your most powerful marketing engine. When someone experiences what you offer and tells a friend, that connection sparks a chain reaction that no paid advertisement can match. I've witnessed this firsthand as my studio has grown, with visitors often mentioning they followed me online or heard about my space from someone else. These connections fuel my transition from healthcare professional to full-time studio owner, allowing me to fully invest in my creative community.

Remember that sharing your work isn't about ego—it's about inspiration. Your creative journey might be exactly what someone else needs to see to begin their own. Whether you're creating to sell or simply for personal fulfillment, your authentic voice matters. What creative passion are you ready to share with the world?

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