Paige's Pod

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Paige’s Pod, host Paige chats with artist, entrepreneur, and all-around creative force Vallie Pate. Vallie shares her journey from painting beside her grandmother in Louisiana to building a handmade product line that sold in over 50 gift shops nationwide—including showing at the renowned Atlanta Market. With her signature blend of grit and grace, Vallie opens up about the highs of wholesale success, the realities of burnout, and how motherhood transformed her relationship to creativity. After stepping away from art for six years, she’s now in a season of joyful reinvention—exploring art licensing, dreaming up creative retreats, and building a multi-faceted life rooted in purpose and play. Whether you're deep in a creative pivot or ready to chase your next dream, Vallie’s story is a masterclass in saying yes, figuring it out later, and trusting that every season holds value. 🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Her entrepreneurial start selling hand-painted tees in college
• What it's really like to sell at massive trade shows like Atlanta Market
• How she built and scaled a wholesale art business
• Why she stepped away—and how she’s finding her way back with intention
• Her dreams for licensing, retreats, and creative community

To follow and support Vallie, check out her website, and Instagram!

⭐️ If you’re vibing with Paige’s Pod, go ahead and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It’s like giving Paige a virtual high five AND it helps more folks find our corner of the internet!

In this episode of Paige’s Pod, Paige chats with Sharon Gottula, a multidisciplinary artist whose journey from photography to encaustic art offers a powerful lens into the evolving creative process. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to build a sustainable art career while maintaining personal growth and inspiration. Sharon shares how transitioning from film to digital photography sparked a shift in her creative outlet, and how discovering encaustic art technique reignited her passion.

This conversation is a heartening look at the tension between structure and freedom in the creative process, the importance of teaching and mentorship, and the role of personal projects in staying creatively fulfilled. For any artist navigating deadlines, burnout, or the dream of persuing art full-time, this episode is a must-listen and don't forget to use the code PAIGEPOD20 for $20 off of Sharon's amazing course - Photograph Your Artwork Like a Pro. To follow and support Sharon, check out the following links:

⭐️ Website
⭐️ Substack
⭐️ Instagram

On this episode, Paige opens with a personal update about her son Bodhi’s recent playground accident and the resilience that followed. She also shares some highlights from one of her best friend's bachelorette trip to Las Vegas. The main interview features Jocelyn Elizabeth of Jocelyn Elizabeth Studio, who shares how a family health crisis and motherhood sparked her powerful shift from corporate HR to full-time artist.

Jocelyn shares defining moments from her creative journey, including a transformative art residency in France and the unexpected licensing opportunity that followed. She reflects on her shift toward a slower, more intentional business model - trading constant art releases for just a few curated shop openings each year. Her deep commitment to sustainability also shines through, from embracing a self-imposed “no-buy year” to creatively working with the supplies she already owns. 

With dreams of writing a bestselling book and one day painting in an oceanfront studio, Jocelyn shares heartfelt advice for aspiring creatives—reminding us that it’s never too late to pursue what truly lights us up. To follow her journey and support her work, visit her website, dive into her studio journal, and connect with her on Instagram.

In this episode, Paige chats with Giovanna Chaisson, founder of Art Experienced - a creative wellness brand that blends watercolor, art therapy, and community connection. After two decades designing spaces for corporations and institutions across New England, Giovanna reconnected with her love of art during the pandemic. That spark led her to launch Art Experienced, where she now uses watercolor and therapeutic practices to help others find calm, clarity, and creativity. 

Giovanna shares how her work has expanded far beyond the studio, collaborating with corporate teams, luxury designers, and high-end event planners to bring intentional, art-driven experiences to a wider audience. Whether it’s a mindful painting session for executives or a bespoke creative activation at a luxury event, Giovanna is redefining how art can heal and connect us. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about creative entrepreneurship, wellness through art, and building a business rooted in purpose. Interested in having the Art Experienced team at your next event? Connect with Giovanna HERE!

In this inspiring conversation, Paige sits down with Dr. Quahana Hendree - art consultant, theologian, and businesswoman, whose journey weaves through architecture, banking, healthcare marketing, theology and art history. Now the founder of Q. Hendree Art Consulting, she’s on a mission to transform bland corporate spaces with art that aligns with a company’s values.

Dr. Hendree shares how a life-altering injury and her deep faith propelled her to pursue a doctorate in theology and build a business rooted in meaning, beauty, and strategy. From noticing “bad art” in boardrooms to curating pieces with soul, she reveals how art can be a powerful connector, and why setting boundaries and staying aligned with your purpose is key.

Whether you’re an artist, business leader, creative spirit, or in desperate need of inspiring artwork for your space - this episode will leave you motivated to rethink the spaces you live and work in! To follow and support Dr. Quahana Hendree, check out the following links:

Website: qhendreeartconsulting.com
Instagram: instagram.com/q_hendree_art_consulting
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/q-hendree-art-consulting

In this enlightening episode, Paige chats with the incredible Hannah Cole - artist, tax educator, and founder of Sunlight Tax. Hannah explores the intersection of empathy and taxation and shares her experiences with the emotional challenges creative professionals face with taxes and how understanding and compassion can transform financial conversations. Hannah shares her journey from artist to tax expert, offering insights into self-employment taxes, estimated quarterly payments, and the importance of viewing money as a neutral tool. This episode is a must-listen for creative, self-employed individuals seeking a more human-centered approach to their finances. To follow and support Hannah check out her website - sunlighttax.com

To learn more about Hannah's Money Boot Camp, check out:
sunlighttax.com/moneybootcampimpact

To watch The World Of Peter Rabbit & Friends Episode 1 check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMJPFMBcSBI

Join host Paige as she chats with SoCal artist and designer Jaclynne Anne about her inspiring transition from teaching English to thriving in the Comic-Con scene with her literature-inspired illustrations. Jaclynne shares insider tips on applying for conventions, setting up a booth, and balancing a corporate career with creative entrepreneurship. She also reflects on her journey as a Vietnamese American artist, turning a passion project into a sustainable business. Whether you’re an artist looking to break into conventions or a creative entrepreneur seeking balance, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your own artistic path. 🎨✨

To follow and support Jaclynne Anne, check out the following links:
 ⭐️ Website ➡️ jaclynneanne.com
 ⭐️ Substack ➡️ instagram.com/jaclynneanne
 ⭐️ Instagram ➡️ substack.com/@jaclynneanne

In this episode, Paige chats with Sophie from Sophie Lasher Photographery. Sophie shares her evolution as a creative entrepreneur, from her early passion for photography to establishing a successful business specializing in capturing queer couples and individuals.

Key Takeaways from this beautiful conversation with Sophie:-Embrace Change: Sophie’s journey highlights the power of pivoting when something doesn’t feel right.
-Find Your Niche: Aligning work with personal values creates both fulfillment and community support.
-Creativity Evolves: Skills from different experiences—like teaching—can enhance artistic growth.
-Community is Everything: Building genuine relationships has been key to Sophie’s success.

To follow and supporst Sophie, check out the following:
Website - www.sophielasherphotography.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/sophielasherphotography
Substack - https://substack.com/@sophiefarnan

In this episode, Paige sits down with Sam Chappell, a self-taught artist based out of Portland, Maine to explore her inspiring creative journey. Sam shares her transformation from an art history major working in fundraising to becoming a gallery-represented painter, a path that began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through candid conversation, Sam reveals how working a steady corporate job allowed her the freedom to explore painting, ultimately leading to her unique artistic career.

This episode offers an intimate look at Sam's evolution as an artist, challenging traditional notions of art education and proving that passion and dedication can open unexpected doors in the art world. Sam's authenticity, her approach to balancing motherhood and creativity, and her journey of discovering her artistic voice is truly inspiring. To follow and support Sam Chappel, check out her website, Instagram and Pinterest.

Enjoy the episode and don't forget to subscribe to Paige's new Substack journey! Also, don't forget to leave a glowing review wherever you listen to Paige's Pod.

Enjoy the last episode of 2024! As the year winds down, Paige takes a moment to pause and reflect this past year. In this episode, Paige dives into the joys and moments that fueled her spirit, as well as the habits, tasks, or relationships that may have drained her energy. Join Paige as she explores how we can all carry those insights forward into the new year, creating space for more of what lights you up and less of what weighs you down.

Happy holidays and thank you so much for listening to Paige's Pod! Paige is so excited for what's in store for the podcast in 2025. If you like what you hear, leave a review on apple podcasts!