Everyday Talent Podcast

Balancing a packed schedule with your creative passions can feel impossible! But Onika is living proof that you can thrive in both worlds. Onika is a multifaceted powerhouse who finds time for a demanding job, artistic pursuits, and raising a family.  Her secret?  A  5:00 AM wake-up call, a dedicated morning routine fueled by meditation and movement, and cleverly maximizing any downtime for her creative work.

In this episode, Onika shares how she structures her day, manages endless tasks, finds inspiration (even in the shower!), and maintains that essential 'hustle' mindset.  If you dream of doing more while juggling life's demands,  Onika's infectious enthusiasm and practical tips will leave you feeling empowered to make those hours count! ✨


Watch the interview on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/wOR5nyw44oo

About Onika: 

Onika Powell brings over 20 years of experience in the arts as a Creative with work spanning the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa. An alumnus of York University with a degree in Public Service and Liberal studies, she is the Artistic Director for the community arts organization, VIBE Arts; providing a professional focus on mentorship. In addition, Onika co-founded and maintains the role of Director of the non-profit dance company, D’LYFE and also GoLEFT Creatives, a creative service and consultation company. Part-time Professor at Centennial College, she is also a proud member of the international non-profit organization Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Onika’s years of experience and passion for the arts provide insight within (and outside) the art sector.

Connect with Onika:

Email: [email protected].
Visit VIBE Arts at: www.vibearts.ca 

About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and career coach for creatives. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

This week on the Everyday Talent Podcast, I'm thrilled to have Onika Powell, Artistic Director of VIBE Arts, join me for an inspiring conversation about carving your own creative path and building a fulfilling career in the arts.

Onika shares her incredible journey – from dancer to choreographer to arts leader – and how she navigated the challenges and opportunities that came her way.  We dive into the delicate balance between following your passions and making strategic career choices, and how your lived experience becomes a powerful asset. 

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 Intro 
• 4:33  Onika’s Background 
• 12:20 Defining choices that led to VIBE Arts 
• 15:20 Experience VS Confidence
• 19:00 Managing Time While Wearing Multiple Hats 
• 24:00 Empowering Emerging Artists 
• 30:36 Onika’s Secret Sauce in Supporting Artists 
• 34:38 The Art of Finding a Mentor 

This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/jzX_qhwC4bg

About Onika: 

Onika Powell brings over 20 years of experience in the arts as a Creative with work spanning the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa. An alumnus of York University with a degree in Public Service and Liberal studies, she is the Artistic Director for the community arts organization, VIBE Arts; providing a professional focus on mentorship. In addition, Onika co-founded and maintains the role of Director of the non-profit dance company, D’LYFE and also GoLEFT Creatives, a creative service and consultation company. Part-time Professor at Centennial College, she is also a proud member of the international non-profit organization Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Onika’s years of experience and passion for the arts provide insight within (and outside) the art sector.

Connect with Onika:

Email: [email protected].
Visit VIBE Arts at: www.vibearts.ca 

About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and career coach for creatives. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

Subscribe to my e-news: Gentle Signals 

https://xiebetty.ck.page/enews

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

If you’ve been listening to the last few episodes, you've heard snippets of my digital nomad lifestyle—what you haven't heard is the nitty-gritty of how my bank account makes this possible. It's time to talk about money again. As I reflect on my financial strategies that set me up for success in trying out the digital nomad life, I realize these strategies can apply generally to any medium goal setting and implementation. Whether you’re thinking about how to raise the necessary funds to achieve a creative project, or you’re well on your way to save for a personal goal, this episode is worth adding to your toolbox. 

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 Intro 
• 08:59 Medium Term Goal Approach in Budgeting 
• 11:44 How to set up a Medium Term Goal 
• 14:15 Stretch Goal vs. Safe Goal
• 26:14 Mindset Shift: Make money or Raise money? 
• 40:28 2 Powerful Budget questions
• 42:12 Outro

This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/Bv3sjfC8Zlc

About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and a career coach for creative. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

Whether you're sketching in a sunlit square or scripting your next project under the stars, the freedom of the digital nomad life can seem like the ultimate dream. But do you know what lies beneath the surface? I invite you to join me as I debunk some common misconceptions and share essential insights into the nomadic lifestyle. With a candid look into the life of a digital nomad, I'll reveal the three vital considerations that often go overlooked. Drawing from my own travels and tribulations, you'll get the unvarnished truth about what awaits on the road less traveled. Let's untangle the romanticism from reality and truly comprehend what it takes to sustain creativity and productivity in this fluid way of living.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 Intro 
• 07:38 Reality Check on Digital Nomad Life
• 16:41 Finding Your Home on the Road
• 22:32 Setting Up a Buffer
• 30:11 Digital Nomad Lifestyle Reflections

This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/nsfBlCurXbA

About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and a career coach for creative. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

Can you work less, live more, and still find profound fulfillment in your work? I've found my answer as I travel and work, and I'm excited to share it with you! In today's episode, we're exploring the digital nomad lifestyle here in Taipei. We'll dive into three pivotal things that made this journey possible, take a glance at what my workdays now look like, unpack a few remote work surprises (the good and the bad), and discuss how we can reshape our view of work to be more purposeful and less time-consuming. If you're teetering on the edge, contemplating a leap toward a more intentional and purpose-driven work-life balance, this episode is for you.

You can also gain access to the full tool now for just $15. Ready to plan with intentionality for the new year? A Better Bucket List for Independent Creatives is a fun and comprehensive digital planning tool designed to meet the needs and aspirations of creatives who work to live. 

Bucketlist.xiebetty.com

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 Intro 
• 01:47 Exploring Digital Nomad Life in Asia
• 03:39 Surprises of Remote Work
• 04:39 Three Crucial Pre-Trip Steps
• 11:26 Navigating Professional Boundaries
• 17:28  Weekly Routine Overview
• 25:50 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Rhythm
• 31:46 Affirmation of Career and Purpose
• 37:33 A New Perspective on “Work Less, Live More” 

This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/ld6N1la_0fw

About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and a career coach for creative. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

We are starting 2024 with a very special studio visit conversation with nail artist and solopreneur Milica Dodic. For 17 years, Millie has been perfecting the craft of nail art, which she started as a childhood hobby and gradually evolved into a creative business. 

In this episode, Millie shares the realities of transforming a passion into a viable business while managing her health and setting boundaries. She offers wisdom on overcoming the pressures of the online business world and the importance of diversifying creative outlets. Millie’s story is more than inspirational—it's a practical guide for any creative striving for fulfillment without forfeiting health or happiness. Let her journey spark ideas and strategies that you can apply to your own creative endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 Intro 
• 04:30 Starting Nail art business 
• 11:31 Balancing 9-5 with creative work
• 13:24 Prioritizing creativity over income
• 14:25 Setting up online business and boundaries with clients 
• 16:59 Painting on a big canvas versus painting on nails.
• 20:26 Future plans as solopreneur
• 23:42 Advice to people planning to start their own online business 
• 26:02 The importance of contracts

This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/Ag_x20IaI7g

About Mili

Milica (which rhymes with "pizza") is an artist and film & tv industry professional. While her day job is managing data and legal paperwork, her real passion is her art. She has been practicing nail art for over 17 years, doing nails on photoshoots, TV sets, pop-up shops, etc. In the last few years, she expanded her business into more traditional forms of art through illustrated prints and greeting cards. As a child of the 90s, her art focuses on nostalgia and feelings of joy and comfort as a means of dealing with mental health.

Connect with Mili:

Website: www.rhymeswithpizza.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhymes_with_pizza/ 

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/RhymesWithPizzaShop

About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and a career coach for creative. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

Start Your New Year with Intentional Planning for Your Practice. Get my digital planning tool with video guide for $15 dollars today at 

https://xiebetty.ck.page/products/bucketlist

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

In this last episode of 2023, I share with you a sneak peek of my digital planning tool: A Better Bucket List for Independent Creatives. This preview offers essential insights into crafting a more fulfilling and intentional creative journey. I'll guide you through setting actionable and sustainable goals, evaluating them through the DVF framework, and reclaiming agency over your creative journey. Whether you're a full-time creative or juggling a side hustle, this episode is a must-listen for introspection and growth.

You can also gain access to the full tool now for just $15. Ready to plan with intentionality for the new year? A Better Bucket List for Independent Creatives is a fun and comprehensive digital planning tool designed to meet the needs and aspirations of creatives who work to live. 

Bucketlist.xiebetty.com

Key Takeaways:

• 00:00 Intro to A Better Bucket List for Independent Creatives
• 02:30 Overview of the Tool
• 07:30 Preview of the Audio Guide
• 11:00 Using the Guide Effectively
• 19:30 DVF Framework Explained
• 24:00 Section 1: Flexibility and Boundaries
• 27:30 Setting Goals and Boundaries
• 31:00 Next Steps 

This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/6STYguyjsAg

About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and a career coach for creative. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

On today's minisode, I catch up with the incredible Erica Mattson to dive deep into her day-to-day routine. Erica, a consultant, coach, advisor, artist, and a mother of two, shares how she balances it all. She reveals her newly restructured workweek, including dedicated days for clients and personal time. We talk about how she starts her workday with her kids, finds her creative zone through nature, and the sweet items her kids bring her for her work desk. Join me and Erica as we uncover the ins and outs of her multifaceted lifestyle.

Watch the interview on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/ipUqP3DLfEk

About Erica

Erica Mattson (she/her) has 20+ years of experience helping governments, cultural institutions, non-profits, funders, philanthropists and purpose-driven businesses create transformative change for the people and communities they serve. She’s a parent of two young kids, a practicing artist, and works as a strategic advisor and coach to leaders in the social impact and cultural sectors.

Connect with Erica: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericamattson/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericamattson/

About Betty

Ready to plan with intentionality for the new year? Check out a Better Bucket List for Independent Creatives, a fun and comprehensive digital planning tool designed to meet the needs and aspirations of creatives who work to live. 

bucketlist.xiebetty.com

Betty Xie is a creative and a career coach for creative. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

Follow me on Instagram @bettyxcoach for more resources and my behind-the-scenes story working as a creative and a coach for creatives. 

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

It’s the end of 2023. How are we embracing the ever-changing seasons of our career and our creative selves? If we treat our creative practice like a garden, how are we feeding it and nurturing it from season to season?

 Joining me for some juicy end-of-year reflection today is my client Erica Mattson, a parent, artist, coach, and strategic consultant. Erica shares her experience transitioning from a structured executive role to developing a multifaceted, independent practice that blends artistry with strategic consulting. We talk about the importance of having  "believing mirrors”, people who see our potential and inspire us to grow, and how to embody a holistic, system thinking approach to life and work. 

Erica also shares her experience and takeaways from working with me through my Design Your Lanes intensive. If you’re also a multi-faceted practitioner looking for an aligned shift in your practice, this episode is one you would not want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• 2:01 Guest Introduction
• 3:05 How Erica started her career
• 9:16 Erica's secret to facing change
• 12:23 System thinking 
• 21:15 Experience working with Betty
• 25:32 Key takeaway from the Design Your Lanes Program
• 41:58 Betty's plans for closing the year

This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/ipUqP3DLfEk

About Erica

Erica Mattson (she/her) has 20+ years of experience helping governments, cultural institutions, non-profits, funders, philanthropists and purpose-driven businesses create transformative change for the people and communities they serve. She’s a parent of two young kids, a practicing artist, and works as a strategic advisor and coach to leaders in the social impact and cultural sectors.

Connect with Erica: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericamattson/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericamattson/

About Betty

Ready to plan with intentionality for the new year? Check out a Better Bucket List for Independent Creatives, a fun and comprehensive digital planning tool designed to meet the needs and aspirations of creatives who work to live. 

bucketlist.xiebetty.com

Betty Xie is a creative and a career coach for creative. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

*FREE Resource* Discover your creative career archetype today: https://www.xiebetty.com/quiz

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.

If we are not intentional, taking the plunge into self-employment can feel like free falling without a parachute. But what if there was a way to harness the free spirit of the creative without losing sight of the reality of self-employment?

In this episode, I'll share five key truths about self-employment: from setting boundaries, managing time, defining specific niche, to cultivating your creative joy, I’ll share my personal experiences as both a creative and a coach for creatives.  Get ready to challenge societal perceptions and reinforce your flexible schedule. 

Plus, I introduce a NEW digital planner designed specifically for self-employed creatives: A Better bucket list for Independent Creatives. 

And here's the best part. For a limited time, you can get this for free following a few simple steps. Tune in or read the instructions below to Learn how you can get your hands on the tool for FREE before December 4, 2023 11:59 EST. 

Key Takeaways:

• [03:11] Overview of the Episode 
• [08:03] Truth #1: Time flexibility
• [19:19] Truth #2: How to Attract Ideal Projects and Clients 
• [27:51] Truth #3: Creative Fulfillment 
• [38:52] Truth #4: Saying No is one of the greatest signs of growth. 
• [44:30] Truth #5: My general comfort with the unknown has increased significantly
• [45:15] Better Bucket List Tool

Hot off the Press! A Better Bucket List for Independent Creatives: 

https://xiebetty.ck.page/products/bucketlist

Get it for $15 USD OR for a limited time, get it for FREE following these few steps: 

1. Take a screenshot of you listening to this episode on whichever platform you listen to, mobile or desktop. 
2. Join my e-news! Provide your email address so that I can either verify you’re on the e-news already, or add you to it. 
3. Do one or the two things, either a) if you use Apple podcast, you can leave a 5-star rating there with a comment (you have to leave a comment so that we know you did it). Or b) if you don’t use Apple podcast, you can post on IG or Linkedin and tag me with a link to the podcast and recommend the Everyday Talent Podcast to your following. If you would like, you can do both of course. But doing either a) or b) would fulfill these steps.
4. Send me a DM on IG or Linkedin or email me at [email protected] with screenshots proof that you’ve completed the steps above. Upon receiving your message, I will provide you with a promo code to redeem the digital tool for free. 

This free offer is only available until 11:59 PM EST on December 4, 2023. Take these actions and redeem NOW. 

This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/DQ79lnW7ORc

About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and a career coach for creative. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Book a free consultant call today here: https://app.practice.do/me/betty-xie/book/fundraising-discovery-call

Follow me on Instagram @bettyxcoach for more resources and my behind-the-scenes story working as a creative and a coach for creatives. 

The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.