Let's Chat Creative Pathways Podcast

This week, I'm joined by Nikki Johnson — founder of Botanicle Drinkable, kitchen alchemist, and creative force behind one of the coolest botanical beverage brands in New England. I may have dragged her on a shaky early-May garden tour (yes, it’s filmed, and no, our heads are not in frame — you're welcome), before we huddled by the firepit and talked about creativity, risk, and building something from the ground up while literally shivering in the Spring sun.

Nikki opens up about what it takes to grow a brand like Botanicle from a spark of an idea into a vibrant, community-rooted business — all while staying grounded in joy, process, and seasonal rhythm.

📍28 minutes in: We finally sit down and get into the good stuff.
🎥 Check out the awkward garden footage and full convo on YouTube!

Let’s Chat: Creative Pathways – A Solo Update with Beth Bailey

In this solo episode, Beth Bailey catches up with you directly to share what’s been brewing behind the scenes. From her residency at the Hamilton Wade Douglas House in Brockton to an exciting lineup of upcoming projects, Beth talks about what’s inspiring her right now and what’s ahead.

She also announces a brand-new 6-part mentorship series for homeschool students launching this fall—now accepting registrations! Whether you're a parent, educator, or creative curious about building a life through art, this episode is a look into how Creative Pathways is growing and evolving.

🎧 Tune in for:

• A peek inside Beth’s current studio residency

• What it means to nurture community through art

• Details on the fall mentorship series (and how to sign up!)

• Behind-the-scenes thoughts on creative growth and direction

🌐 Learn more or get in touch: www.creative-pathways.com
📩 Interested in the mentorship series? Registration now open!

In this episode, Beth sits down with artist and author Justin LaRocca Hansen to explore what it means to make work that’s true to both yourself and your community. Now based on Cape Cod, Justin creates ocean-inspired artwork that deeply connects with the people around him—resonating not only as personal expression but as work that sells because it reflects the identity and spirit of the Cape.We dive into Justin’s winding creative journey, from his formative years spent down the Cape, to attending the Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida, and later building a career in New York City as a successful graphic novelist. During his time in NYC, he published several graphic novels, including the “Secondhand Heroes” trilogy with Dial Books for Young Readers, where he combined his love of storytelling and illustration into accessible, heartfelt books for young audiences.Now living on the Cape with his wife and close by family, Justin reflects on this latest chapter of his creative life—shifting from books to fine art and reconnecting with nature, the ocean, and the slower rhythms that inspire his current work. This conversation is a reminder that success often comes from honoring your story, your place, and your voice—and that the most meaningful work often begins at home.

Find Justin on Instagram @justinlaroccahansen and keep an eye out for fun educational opportunities with him on his website: justinlaroccahansen.com

Keep an eye out for more interview like this and see the projects I'm working on @creativepathwaysproject

Join us for an inspiring episode of Let's Chat Creative Pathways as we sit down with Maryann Gibbons, a writer, visionary, champion of artists, and entrepreneur. In Episode 10, Maryann shares her journey through the creative process, offering insights into how she channels her vision into storytelling and art.

We dive into the story behind Artypants Magazine, her platform for celebrating artistic expression, and explore what it truly means to run a creative business with passion and purpose. Whether you're an artist, writer, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration to fuel your creative journey!

Available now on Spotify and YouTube. Subscribe and join the conversation! 🎨✍️

In Episode 09, I sit down with my bestie, sister-in-law, and creative powerhouse Kaila Gilmore for a deep and joyful conversation about the twists and turns of building a life in the arts. 🎨✨

We talk about Kaila’s path from her early career as a journalist to finding her passion and voice in clay, becoming a successful potter with her work featured in galleries and boutiques across the region.

🏺 She’s also one of the driving forces behind Clay Lounge, the go-to ceramics studio for Boston and Somerville creatives.

We dive into the realities of ceramics studio practice, the importance of community (and studio pets 🐾), and how staying open to possibility led Kaila to where she is today. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone navigating their own creative journey.

Listen for the wind chimes and a train passing by during this beautiful day we recorded — whether you’re listening or watching, you’ll get a sense of the peaceful, creative energy.

If you’re tuning in on Spotify Video or YouTube, you’ll even spot our pet snake who joined us for the conversation! 🐍

Check out Instagram for some of the reference photos we talk about during the episode, and follow the incredible artists, studios, and places we mention:

@kailagilmorepottery

@andem_art_studios

@sharrelnotcheryl

@mudandyarn

@pondside_pottery

@creativepathwaysproject

@bethbaileypottery

@claylounge

@sowaboston

@j.gclay

@mwceramics

@msc_strength

@literallylocalart

@localpotterystudio

@jteixeira59

@bou.mouline

@jackiesedlockpottery

@thelocalhand_shop 

@ingoodcoshop 

@cafenation380

@highland.sg

@northriverartssociety

@sallydeanart

@juliepeckceramics

@waynepottery

Tune in and celebrate the many pathways a creative life can take!

https://kailabraleypottery.com/

https://creative-pathways.com/

In this solo episode, Beth Bailey takes a moment to reintroduce herself and catch listeners up on everything Creative Pathways and beyond. She shares a behind-the-scenes look at how her traveling art program works, gives updates on where you can find and purchase her pottery at various galleries and boutiques, and runs through her current freelance clients and creative projects.

Beth also opens up about the realities of juggling multiple roles as a freelance artist and educator, including her current pinch point: schedule blocking and time management. If you're a fellow freelancer, she'd love to hear from you—how do you organize your weeks, set boundaries, and keep the creative flow going?

Tune in for a candid, connective chat full of insight into the creative hustle.

🖥️ Websites:

www.creative-pathways.com

www.bethbaileypottery.com
📸 Instagrams:

@creativepathwaysproject

@bethbaileypottery

Join me as I chat with Naomi Vu, friend and Creative Director at UPPAbaby, about her journey in design, blending art with purpose, and leading creativity in a top baby gear brand. From MassArt to motherhood-inspired innovation, get inspired!

Follow @creativepathwaysproject on instagram, share, like, & subscribe for more! Visit www.creative-pathways.com to see more about what this whole project is all about.

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend of over a decade, Stacey Buckley, a lifelong creative and Senior Graphic Designer at UPPAbaby. We’re cozied up in her beautifully decorated home—one of her many creative passions—while her adorable pup Camille joins us for some sniffs.

We dive into Stacey’s world, where graphic design is not just her profession but also a way she supports her community, including Creative Pathways. Beyond design, we touch on just a few of her endless passion projects, from beekeeping to restoring a dollhouse for her nieces to full sized home renovations.

This conversation is full of inspiration, creativity, and the joy of making—both professionally and just for the love of it. Tune in for a laid-back, laughter-filled chat with an artist who truly does it all! 🎨🐝🏡

🔗 Follow along & connect:

www.creative-pathways.comnewsletterinsta: @creativepathwaysproject

Welcome back to "Let's Chat Creative Pathways!" In this episode, I chat with the talented Lindsey Boss, a collage artist, Trader Joe’s sign painter, and fellow MassArt alum. Lindsey’s work is characterized by intricate, delicate collages crafted from carefully sourced retro materials she discovers while thrifting.

We explore:

✂️ Her meticulous process of cutting and composing delicate collages.

🛒 Behind creating eye-catching signs for Trader Joe’s.

🎓 Experiences at MassArt early in her creative journey.

🌿 The joy of unearthing vintage treasures and turning them into art.

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more creative conversations and insights into building a dynamic, art-filled life!

🔗 Follow Lindsey Boss:

Website: https://www.lindseyboss.com/Instagram: @lindseyboss

🔗 Stay Connected with Creative Pathways:

Website: www.creative-pathways.com/

Instagram: @creativepathwaysproject

Shout Outs in this ep:

ttps://www.instagram.com/lindsey_boss/

https://www.instagram.com/bettinalesieur/

https://www.instagram.com/massartboston/

https://www.instagram.com/scottwketcham/

https://www.instagram.com/massasoitcc/

https://www.instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject/

https://www.instagram.com/bethbaileypottery

https://www.instagram.com/framecenter/

https://www.instagram.com/framecenterpodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/levitatebrand/

https://www.instagram.com/kailagilmorepottery/

https://www.instagram.com/whitmanpl/

https://www.instagram.com/artypantsmag/

https://www.instagram.com/herantenna/

https://www.instagram.com/farmersmarketkingston/

https://www.instagram.com/cushingcenters/

https://www.instagram.com/theoddcow/

https://www.instagram.com/northriverartssociety/

https://www.instagram.com/wickedwomenmakersmarket/

https://www.instagram.com/tackybrand/

https://www.instagram.com/lindsajean/

https://www.instagram.com/houseofstellium/

https://www.instagram.com/claylounge/

https://www.instagram.com/ingoodcoshop/

https://www.instagram.com/literallylocalart/

https://www.instagram.com/ritual_yogastudio/

https://www.instagram.com/_sparklegoblin/

In this episode, I sit down withOlivia Harvey, a fabric artist whose upcycled work turns t-shirts and sweatshirts into bold New England-inspired statements. From lobsters with attitude to seaside cottages and straight-up “NEW ENGLAND” stitched across the front, Olivia’s work blends nostalgia, creativity, and sustainability.

We chat about her journey in creativity—starting out in writing, moving briefly to LA to explore screenwriting, and ultimately returning to New England, where she built a thriving fabric arts business. From being a customer to student, I’ve seen Olivia’s artistry evolve firsthand—her story is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧Tune in now! Like, comment, and subscribe for more creative conversations.

📌Follow Olivia Harvey:https://www.instagram.com/oh_pleeze/
📌Follow Creative Pathways:https://www.instagram.com/creativepathwaysproject

Shout outs in the ep:

https://www.instagram.com/shareyourclothing/

https://www.instagram.com/lauraharveyart/

https://www.instagram.com/dunkin/

https://www.instagram.com/wickedwomenmakersmarket/

https://www.instagram.com/kailagilmorepottery/

https://www.instagram.com/northriverartssociety/

https://www.instagram.com/clawsoutyarnco/

https://www.instagram.com/framecenter/

https://www.instagram.com/theoddcow/

https://www.instagram.com/tackybrand/

https://www.instagram.com/_sparklegoblin/

https://www.instagram.com/slacktidecoffee/

https://www.instagram.com/ritual_yogastudio/

https://www.instagram.com/michelecarragher/

https://www.instagram.com/historicwinslow/

https://www.instagram.com/plimothpatuxet/ 

https://www.instagram.com/flowernessfarm/

https://www.instagram.com/theroot_scituate/

https://www.instagram.com/lilatattoos/

https://www.instagram.com/fourcornerssupply/