What happens when “making do” turns into making magic? This week, Annie and Lauren sit down with DIY designer and content creator Alyssa Vilardi of The Things We Built to talk about transforming everyday spaces (and everyday chaos) into something beautiful, functional, and full of heart. From painting nurseries in military housing to running a thriving content business, Alyssa shares how she built a brand rooted in authenticity, family, and the courage to take imperfect action. The trio dives into all things DIY, design, motherhood, and the art of creating joy right where you are, mess and all.

Alyssa Vilardi is a DIY designer, content creator, mom of three, and military spouse behind The Things We Built. She’s known for her approachable projects, honest storytelling, and knack for turning rental spaces into reflections of real life and creativity. Through her work, Alyssa proves that creativity and authenticity can make any house feel like home.

Connect with Alyssa:

• @the_things_we_built
• Facebook
• Website

Creative Finds:

• 2” Palm Pro Artist Brush – use code BANTER10 for 10% off.
• The Disco Day Desert House 
• Zibra’s Holiday Shop

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a simple DIY project sparked a full-time creative business
• Letting go of perfection to make room for joy (and chicken tenders)
• The juggle between motherhood, mental health, and creative drive
• Designing spaces that feel like you – EVEN in a rental
• Why authenticity is the most sustainable business strategy

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

What does it really mean to find your style, and your voice, as an artist? This week, Annie and Lauren sit down with muralist, lettering artist, and creative entrepreneur Cyn (“Cynno”) to talk about the messy middle of building a creative identity. All of the doubts, pivots, and dopamine hits that come with evolving your art and your business.

From her early days painting chalkboards to designing murals for Starbucks, Virgin Voyages, and local Miami landmarks, Cyn shares how she found confidence in color, clarity in process, and joy in community–all while staying true to her roots (and her flamingos).

Cinthia Santos is the muralist, lettering artist, and creative powerhouse behind Chalk and Brush Design Co. – the Miami studio turning blank walls into sunshine. Since 2013, she’s brought color, confidence, and community to brands and neighborhoods alike, proving that art really does change everything.

Connect with Cinthia:

• Website
• @cynno 
• @chalkandbrush

Resources mentioned:

• 2-inch Palm Pro Artist Brush – use code BANTER10 for 10% off.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to evolve your style without losing your essence
• The mental tug-of-war between client vision and creative freedom
• Why professionalism and process are the secret sauce to landing big clients
• Building community with other women artists (and why competition is out, collaboration is in)
• Oh, and yes – painting on a cruise ship.

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

You know that part of a project where it looks like total chaos and you start questioning all your life choices? Yeah… that part. We’re going there.

In this episode, muralist & lettering artist Olga Muzician and furniture flipper-turned-content creator Lauren Hull join hosts Annie and Lauren to talk about the not-so-glamorous side of creative beginnings; the flops, the freak-outs, and the surprisingly sweet moments that come from sticking it out. If you’ve ever cried mid-project, painted over something five times, or stared at your work thinking “what am I even doing?” - this one’s for you.

Olga Muzician – Muralist and lettering artist behind Olga Muzician Studio, known for bold color, natural elements, and large-scale work that brings walls and spaces to life. Follow: Instagram, TikTok

Lauren Hull – Creator of Furniture Flipping Teacher, where she turns everyday pieces into teaching moments and helps others build confidence (and income) through creative flipping and DIY design. Follow: Facebook, YouTube, TikTok,  Instagram

Zibra’s New “Bundle & Save” Sets: 
Zibra just launched three curated brush bundles designed for real-world creators, whether you’re refinishing furniture, cutting trim, or painting large-scale walls. 

• Detail Bundle - Precision for edges and fine work
• Walls & Trim Bundle - Coverage and control for big projects
• Furniture Flipping Bundle - Every refinisher’s essential toolkit

Explore them at enjoyzibra.com and use code BANTER10 for 10% off.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The ugly phase every artist goes through (and why it’s actually essential)
• Why tears, frustration, and fear are part of the creative process - and how to push through them
• The small wins and big breakthroughs that happen when you don’t quit
• Advice they wish they had when they were just getting started

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

Life moves in seasons, and sometimes that means stepping away from the studio. In this episode, Brie and Lauren sit down with award-winning refinisher Courtney Weisel of Steel Birch Studios to talk about what it really looks like to pause, pivot, and then pick the brush back up again.

Courtney Weisel is the artist behind Steel Birch Studios, known for reimagining vintage furniture into sculptural, scroll-stopping works of art. She’s a Golden Brush Award winner whose bold textures, clean lines, and fearless experimentation have inspired creatives across the refinishing community. 

Connect with Courtney:

• Steel Birch Studios on IG

Brushes mentioned:

• Artist Brush Set - Small
• Palm Artist - 1” Flat Paintbrush

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Courtney navigated big life changes like moving, motherhood, and shifting priorities, while still holding onto her creative identity
• Why investing in quality tools (like her favorite Zibra brushes; the small artist kit and palm artist) makes the process smoother and more joyful
• Simple ways to restart after a creative break, from reflecting on past work to embracing small steps forward

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

The Zibra podcast is back - refreshed, reimagined, and ready to celebrate every kind of creative. In this first episode of Brush & Banter, Brie, Annie, and Lauren pull back the curtain on the rebrand, introduce themselves, and share why this podcast is for anyone who picks up a paint brush and brings a vision to life. 

Meet your new co-hosts!

Annie Bolding (Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs) and Lauren Cooper (Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio) join Brie Hansen (President of Zibra) to bring fresh perspectives, creative energy, and real talk about life as working artists.

Resources mentioned:

• Rooted Muralist Conference
• Medium Artist Brush Set
• Square Brush
• Palm Flex Pro

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Zibra is rebranding the podcast to Brush & Banter and expanding the conversation beyond furniture refinishing
• The stories behind Annie and Lauren’s creative journeys, from tech layoffs to mural magic and bold business pivots
• What listeners can expect this season: inspiring artist interviews, practical business tips, and the new recurring segments Golden Moment and Don’t Cry Over Spilled Paint

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

Sarah Bezanson of Sarah Bezanson Interiors shares her expert advise on things to consider when choosing a color.

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

Main: Nine members of the refinishing community share their favorite Christmas decorations and the rooms they have them in.  Merry Christmas!

Autumn Heseman - Prayed Over Pieces
https://www.instagram.com/prayedoverpieces/

Christine Castray - Driftwood Home Furniture
https://www.instagram.com/driftwoodhomefurniture/

Jennifer Marr - Jenni Ray at Home
https://www.instagram.com/jennyraeathome/

Lauren Svacina - Portland Row Living
https://www.instagram.com/portlandrowliving/

Lianne Carey - Carey Us Home
https://www.instagram.com/careyushome/?hl=en

MaryAnn McDermott - Weathered in White
https://www.instagram.com/weathered_in_white/?hl=en

Patty Brummel - Midlife Revival
https://www.instagram.com/mid_life_revival/?hl=en

Susan Stefano - Little Lou Designs
https://www.instagram.com/littleloudesigns/?hl=en


Zibra:
Website: Zibra
https://www.enjoyzibra.com/

Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast
https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

Main: Zeb and Jami of Jami Ray Vintage share how they became successful upcycling thrift shoppers and how you can too!

Zeb and Jami - Jami Ray Vintage
https://www.instagram.com/jamirayvintage/


Zibra:
Website: Zibra
https://www.enjoyzibra.com/

Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast
https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

Main: Furniture refinishing success, Jennifer of Saved by Design, goes into detail on how she shops for furniture pieces to refinish.

Jennifer - Saved by Design
https://www.instagram.com/savedbydesign.tn/


Tip: Using Colors to Prime
Lindsay - The Rural Legend
https://www.instagram.com/therurallegend/


Studio: What's Happening in Your Studio?
Heather - The Cozy Sunroom
https://www.instagram.com/thecozysunroom/

Jessi - Cypress House Design
https://www.instagram.com/cypresshousedesign/

Kara - Lemons to Lemonade Furniture
https://www.instagram.com/lemons_to_lemonade_furniture/


Zibra:
Website: Zibra
https://www.enjoyzibra.com/

Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast
https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog

Lianne of Carey Us Home chats about mixing old and new decor and furniture to create a timeless home.


Main: Lianne of Carey Us Home chats about mixing old and new decor and furniture to create a timeless home.

Lianne - Carey Us Home
https://www.instagram.com/careyushome/


Tip: Using Colors to Prime
Lindsay - The Rural Legend
https://www.instagram.com/therurallegend/


Studio: What's Happening in Your Studio?
Tara - Vintage Chic
https://www.instagram.com/vintagechiciniowa/

Kandi - Orchid's True Blue
https://www.instagram.com/orchidstrueblue/

Alyssa - The Things We Built
https://www.instagram.com/the_things_we_built/


Zibra:
Website: Zibra
https://www.enjoyzibra.com/

Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast
https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project.

Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio.

Connect with Zibra:

• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Blog