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Today’s episode may seem off topic- what does reading have to do with creativity? I promise I’ll explain how they are interwoven for me...BUT also, you can substitute reading with other creative tasks you’ve been trying to get into your busy day. Think sketching, journaling, exploring your faith, writing your book, learning a new skill...being a continual learner and filling yourself with inspiration are both huge parts of the creative process, but I know as a mom and business owner (and podcaster and all those things) that finding the time isn’t as easy as we’d like.

What does social activism and creativity have in common? It turns out, that there is quite a lot! Creators have the power to inspire change and shape lives, and when the world around your tries to dim the light we have within, we can turn to other creatives for support and encouragement. While many creatives find themselves isolated or alone in their struggle, my guest, Emelda DeCoteau is drawing near to her tribe for strength. Emelda is a poet, writer, blogger, and activist who is using her beautiful words to draw women together in a powerful way. To her, activism and creativity are one in the same. In today’s show, she is going to show us how her writing process depends so much upon the creative community she has built and spiritual strength she draws from her words.

As a creative, you've been told a lie. You've been told you're "flighty" or "hard to reign in". That you CAN'T make plans or strategies because you're too right-brained. That you can dream up pretty things and make pretty things, but you have to leave the figuring-it-out part to other people. That you can't run a business well.

Here's what I know: THAT'S NOT TRUE.

There is nothing like watching a creative business owner work in their element. I love hearing stories of growth and transformation, especially when it comes to honing in on a business that they truly love. No two paths are alike, just as no two artists are alike. My guest today, Kristin Wilson, understands that better than anyone I know! Kristin has let creativity lead the way as she has built and changed her business throughout the years. From her roots in Early Education and creative classroom projects to stunning events she has planned, Kristin brings detail and attention to every aspect of her craft. Now, Kristin is in her element more than ever before as the owner of the Society for Creative Founders, as well as the founder of Grace and Serendipity.  

It’s difficult to be in front of the camera, but the person behind it can make all the difference. Boudoir photography is having a moment as a beautiful expression of femininity. Whether it is to celebrate a wedding, reclaim your body after becoming a mother, or to stand tall and beautiful in the face of recovery, a boudoir photo shoot allows women to see themselves as they really are, uniquely beautiful. One of the frontrunners in the boudoir photography business is Jen Rozenbaum, whose fine art background and compassionate heart have produced a style of boudoir photography that is one part art and one part social movement.

Today we are going to tackle a pain point that I hear from SO MANY creatives that I work with: Finding Your Creative Brand Focus. If you feel like you are spinning your wheels, feeling completely overwhelmed, exhausted from trying to do ALL. THE. THINGS., trying to please everyone….or feeling completely invisible in a sea of other people who do similar work to yours...this is for you. If you can’t describe what you do and your style of work to someone in a quick sentence, this is for you. And if your audience wouldn’t be able to recognize your work if they saw it on a store shelf, this is for you.

No one in the world can create what you can. No one shares your voice, your passion, and your gifts. If you just so happen to want to turn your creative ideas into a business, then it’s likely you’ll start to fight fears and doubts. Putting yourself out there as a creative business owner is scary and sometimes overwhelming, but it is all worth it to see the lives of many touched by the work you create. Nobody knows that feeling better than Kathleen Shannon, one of the most influential thought leaders for creative business owners and bosses. I am delighted to have Kathleen on the show today because she speaks into our inner desire to create beautiful things while also finding the right clients and customers to serve. Kathleen is a creative brand master, and she has a beautiful story to tell you today.

Have you ever seen an incredible design or work of art and wondered...how did the designer even come up with that idea? Have you ever been struggling with a creative project and wondered if you were the only one...or if this particular task was tough for everyone? Have you ever wanted to peek over the shoulder of another maker and see exactly what their work flow is...or tap into their inspiration...or even just been curious to know what its like to be in another creative’s brain?

This show was created for YOU.