Each season of the Paper Talk Podcast holds a special place in our hearts, but Season 7 felt like a turning point. It reminded us that growth doesn’t have to be loud. It can be slow and quiet, a series of steady, intentional steps that shift us in ways we don’t always notice right away. And it reminded us that when we share our goals with others (and when we say them out loud) something begins to shift.

As we close out this season, we want to invite you to pause with us. Pour a cup of tea, take a breath, and ask yourself: What’s your goal this summer?

So many of us wait for big breakthroughs, grand pivots, or clear signs. But the truth is, powerful change often begins with something small: a conversation, a tiny decision, a moment of clarity.

We saw it firsthand in our Mastermind community. Members taught their first workshops, launched shows, shifted their pricing models to better support global audiences, and leaned into the kind of growth that doesn’t always get a headline, but transforms everything behind the scenes.

Those moments matter. And they’re proof that the steps you're taking today are already moving you forward even if their full shape hasn’t yet revealed itself.

One theme ran strong through Season 7: accountability.

When we share our goals out loud, we give them shape. We allow others to witness our commitment and invite support when things get messy. That’s why the Mastermind has become such a cornerstone of our community. It’s a container where creative entrepreneurs can declare what they want to build and know that someone will lovingly check in and cheer them forward.

For Jessie, accountability looked like getting clearer on her messaging and splitting her Instagram into two accounts, one for her art, one for her teaching. It also meant tackling ads and marketing systems she’d once avoided.

For Sara, it was finally making time to overhaul her website, even though it wasn’t urgent or income-generating. The support of the group gave her the nudge to move from someday to now.

This season also reminded us how essential community is, especially for creatives navigating uncertain terrain.

For Sara, seeing Mastermind members experience their first shows and workshops was deeply moving. For Quynh, the quiet bravery of people showing up, sharing openly, and supporting one another through sticky, uncomfortable growth stood out.

We’ve felt it, too. This community has shaped who we are, not just as artists and educators, but as humans who continue to learn from each other’s vulnerability, courage, and questions.

Teaching has a way of making us better learners. Quynh shared how each workshop she leads becomes richer as she refines, adjusts, and responds to feedback. Sara reflected on how much she learns from our Mastermind group even though she’s one of the facilitators.

So what are our summer goals? Quynh plans to refine her workshops and teach four more before the year’s end. She’s excited about experimenting with new materials and deepening the learning experience. Sara’s goal is to overhaul her website so it better reflects who she is today, not who she was ten years ago. Jessie is focused on more intentional marketing, tuning her messaging, exploring ads, and speaking more directly to both her students and collectors.

These aren’t goals rooted in fear or scarcity. They’re grounded in curiosity and care. And they reflect our belief that when we show up for ourselves, we show up more fully for those we serve.

As we plan for Season 8, we’re dreaming about deeper conversations, about pricing, sustainability, creative mindset, and everything in between. We’ll continue to share what’s working in our businesses, what isn’t, and what we’re still figuring out.

And we want to hear from you!

Your voice shapes this podcast. Your questions, your insights, and your growth help guide our path forward. Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast, join our Facebook community discussions, or email us! 

We are also starting a NEW six-month Mastermind experience in September 2025 with new and existing Mastermind members will allow deeper growth and connection. Creative businesses evolve slowly, and we want to make space for that. We’d love to welcome you into the circle. Join the Waitlist now!

The beginning of anything creative is often the most challenging part. In this episode of Paper Talk, we’re sharing a heartfelt look into the first two weeks of our Mastermind. If you’re starting a handmade business, building your creative brand, or craving support from like-minded artists, then this conversation is for you.

One of the biggest struggles our Mastermind members shared was getting started. Choosing a name, launching a website, or posting on Instagram can feel overwhelming when you aim for perfection. Jessie reminds us, “It doesn’t have to be forever. You just need to start.” That shift - from permanence to progress - is a game changer.

 Quynh speaks about her journey to embracing the title “artist.” Saying “I am a paper artist” daily helped her show up with more confidence and creative freedom. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “allowed” to call yourself an artist, this part of the conversation will inspire you to claim that space.

Sara opens up about the encouragement she never received growing up and how being part of this Mastermind has filled that gap. “I crave someone cheering me on,” she said. That authentic, artist-to-artist support can make a huge difference, especially when working from home or navigating your business solo.

Want to make better templates? Start by dissecting real flowers. Can’t find the bloom you need? Use Google Images to study petal shape and proportion. Sara and Jessie share their process using Procreate, scanning petals, and organizing templates digitally and physically. These tips will help streamline your workflow and make it easier to revisit designs in the future.

These first two weeks reminded us of why we created this space to begin with. A six-week program offers valuable momentum, but we imagine a six-month experience starting in September 2025 with new and existing Mastermind members will allow deeper growth and connection. Creative businesses evolve slowly, and we want to make space for that. We’d love to welcome you into the circle. Join the Waitlist now!

We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you. 

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts. 

In the world of creative entrepreneurship, few stories inspire as deeply as that of Carol Pessoa, the Brazilian paper artist and visionary behind Scrapeople. In Episode 172 of Paper Talk Podcast, we dive into Carol's transformative journey from her small hometown in Brazil to the bustling creative scene of Miami. Her path is a testament to the power of following your passion, embracing change, and facing fears head-on.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, Carol's experience will leave you motivated to take bold steps in your own life.

Carol's story begins in the charming town of Itajá, Brazil, where her love for crafting was nurtured by her mother. Initially pursuing a career in physiotherapy, Carol felt a pull toward creativity that she couldn't ignore. What started as making birthday decorations for her nephews soon blossomed into a full-fledged business. With the support of her family, Carol discovered the endless possibilities of paper art.

The pivotal moment came when Carol decided to leave her career in physiotherapy to pursue her passion for paper art full-time. It wasn't an easy decision, but her determination and love for creativity fueled her journey. Today, Carol is not just an artist but also a content creator for Silhouette Brazil, where she produces over seven pieces of content each month.

Moving from Brazil to Miami was both a personal and professional leap for Carol. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and market presented its challenges, and she embraced them with grace and resilience. Carol's mantra, “It’s okay to be scared, but do it scared,” perfectly encapsulates her approach to life.

This mindset allowed her to not only adapt but thrive in her new environment. She learned English, expanded her creative business, and continued to inspire others through her art and teaching. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Carol's story is the role of community. From her supportive family in Brazil to the creative connections she's made in Miami, Carol's journey highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.

Carol Pessoa's journey is a beautiful reminder that creativity knows no boundaries. Whether you're navigating a career change, moving to a new place, or starting a new project, remember: It's okay to be scared. Do it scared anyway.

Here's how to connect with Carol Pessoa: on Instagram: @scrappeople, on her website: Scrapeople

We'd love to hear from you! What’s one thing you’ve done scared that led to unexpected growth? share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you. 

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Every flower has a root—and so does every artist.

In Episode 171 of Paper Talk Podcast, we - Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui - sat down to reflect on the winding paths that led us to paper flowers. From music studios to courtrooms, finance offices to wedding aisles, our stories are as unique as the blooms we now craft. What binds them together is the quiet but powerful realization that creative joy, purpose, and community can truly transform a life.

Here, we share highlights from that conversation, in the hope that our stories will inspire you to reflect on your own journey and perhaps even find or realign with your own "why."

Sara Kim, founder of Handmade by Sara Kim, began as a trained violinist. "My creative outlet from my job as a musician was making crafts," she shared. What started as simple paper cards and flowers sold for a dollar each eventually blossomed into a business that caught the attention of Anthropologie, thanks to a single Instagram tag.

She emphasized the value of small beginnings, community, and leaning into joy. “It wasn’t until I came back to paper flowers that I found my true why: the simple magic of turning paper into something meaningful.”

Jessie Chui, of Crafted to Bloom, had a thriving career in law, but a period of personal grief changed her perspective. The passing of her beloved aunt led her to reassess what truly mattered. “I wanted to express myself, to create beauty and hope.”

Paper flowers became her therapy, starting with bouquets for her wedding. Over time, her practice evolved into intentional, small-batch artistry that allowed her to prioritize her family and mental well-being. “I couldn’t live by deadlines anymore. I needed my business to align with the values of my life.”

Quynh Nguyen, founder of Pink and Posey, came from a finance and event planning background. Her journey began when a friend asked her to create paper flowers for a wedding, using sheet music and school colors. “At the time, I had never made a paper flower in my life.”

That first commission sparked a series of commercial opportunities, and with her husband's encouragement, she leaned into the work full time. “I wanted to build a community because the more people making paper flowers, the more visibility we have—and the more we all thrive.”

Her business acumen and deep love for collaboration have shaped not only her art but also projects like the Paper Talk Podcast, her new book, and the Paper to Profits program.

Through all our stories, one theme echoes loudest: finding your "why" is the key to building a sustainable, fulfilling creative life.

Whether you're starting out, navigating a career shift, or simply craving deeper meaning in your work, we encourage you to reflect on:

And if you don’t know yet? That’s okay. Your why can evolve. As Sara said, “Sometimes your why is simply: I like making beautiful things.” That’s enough to begin.

What inspires you most about our paper flower journeys? We’d love to hear your thoughts - share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.

The journey of a creative entrepreneur is rarely a straight line. More often, it's a winding path full of experimentation, burnout, big dreams, and even bigger doubts. That’s why on this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim open up about what it truly takes to thrive, not just survive, as an artist today.

At the heart of their discussion is their upcoming 6-week Paper to Profits: The Mastermind program, which runs from May 20 to June 24, 2025. Together, they’re inviting creatives to join a community built on trust, strategy, and transformation.

Why Your “Why” Comes First
Jessie kicks off by highlighting a common issue: many creatives stumble into business without pausing to reflect on why they’re doing it. “Most of us just keep going—someone loves what we make, they offer to pay us, and suddenly we’re running a business,” she says. But three years in, we find ourselves questioning everything.

The first chapter of Paper to Profits: The Mastermind dives into this very question: What is your why? Is it to inspire? Educate? Find joy in the making? Your why will shape every business decision you make, from what jobs to take to how you grow your audience.

Sara’s Story: From Trend-Chasing to Heart-Led Work
Sara shares her early business pivots, including chasing trends like wedding accessories, before reconnecting with her true love - paper flowers. “I was doing it just for the money, but it wasn’t me,” she admits. Now, she balances income from paper flowers, digital products, and monetized social media content on her terms.

Pricing as a Lifestyle Decision
Jessie reframes pricing not as a rigid formula, but as a holistic business decision. "It’s not about what someone will pay. It's about how you want to live,” she says. During the The Mastermind, they guide creatives through building sustainable pricing that supports their revenue goals and lifestyle.

Knowing Your Numbers
Quynh and Sara both stress the importance of tracking costs - everything from shipping to sales tax. It’s easy to overlook these when starting out, but they add up quickly. As Sara recounts a wholesale mishap that left her barely breaking even, she underscores how essential it is to calculate true margins. “You don’t realize how quickly the small costs eat into your profits.”

Why You Can’t Ignore Social Media
Sara leads the social media portion of the mastermind, helping participants not only showcase their work but create monetizable content. “You don’t need to go viral to make an impact, but when you do, it’s magic,” she shares. She once had a TikTok video spark thousands of purchases in a single day.

AI Tools and Real-Time Efficiency
Quynh brings transparency to how the Paper Talk team now leverages AI tools like ChatGPT. From editing videos to generating SEO-friendly content, AI can be a time-saving partner if used wisely. She’ll be teaching how to prompt effectively and keep the authentic voice behind the automation.

Tariffs and the Hidden Costs of Creation
Jessie and Quynh explain how fluctuating tariffs impact supply costs - from paper to packaging - and why that matters to your pricing strategy. “We need to factor in more than just product cost. There’s shipping, taxes, even the risk of sudden price hikes,” Quynh notes.

Community, Not Competition
Finally, they emphasize the magic of being in a group where others truly understand your challenges. “We’ve all been there,” Quynh says. “When you hear how others solved a problem, it gives you permission to find your own way too.”

Paper to Profits: The Mastermind is limited to just 24 seats and includes:

This isn’t just about learning. It’s about building your dream creative life. If you're ready to align your work with your purpose, connect with like-minded artists, and finally gain control of your business strategy, sign up for Paper to Profits: The Mastermind.

In this episode, you’ll get an inside look at how our signature course, Paper to Profits: The Mastermind actually works—what it's like to be in the “hot seat,” how we work through challenges, and how clarity (and action) often comes from just one powerful conversation.

Jessie takes the hot seat to discuss a challenge many creatives face: staying inspired and motivated to post on social media. With Instagram’s evolving algorithms and the pressure to create content, Jessie asks: How can we use social media authentically without feeling burnt out?

Quynh and Sara share insights and actionable tips to help Jessie (and you!) approach Instagram with purpose, balance, and creativity. From batching content to building a stronger connection with your audience, this episode offers a roadmap to find joy and meaning in your social media journey.

If you’re ready to elevate your creative business, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and gain practical tools for success, Paper to Profits: The Mastermind is for you. Enrolment just opened and there are only 24 spots available.

In the meantime, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Paper Talk! In Episode 168, we are thrilled to host the incredibly talented Paula Milner, also known as The Crafty Lass. Paula joins Quynh, Jessie, and Sara to discuss her creative journey, the transition from a corporate career to becoming a full-time artist, and her latest book, Simple Paper Flowers. Plus, we have an exciting giveaway where you can win a copy of Paula’s book!

In this episode, you'll hear about:

🎉 Giveaway Time! 🎉

Ready to add some floral flair to your craft space? We're giving away four copies of Paula Milner's beautiful book, Simple Paper Flowers! Whether you're a seasoned paper artist or just starting out, this book is packed with inspiration and easy-to-follow projects. Entering is easy—just visit our Instagram for all the details. Don't miss out on your chance to bloom with creativity! 🌸 #Giveaway #PaperTalkPodcast

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Here’s more on Paula Milner and her new book, Simple Paper Flowers:

Simple Paper Flowers teaches the reader how to make 25 gorgeous, unique and achievable paper flowers. From festive holly to delicate primroses and golden marigolds, these paper flowers are astonishing in how realistic they look and how versatile they are – they can be used in bouquets, buttonholes, garlands and in many other ways. Mainly constructed from floristry wire, crepe paper and card, few materials are required. They are perfect for beginners but will also attract experienced crafters who can put their own imprint on the finished make. The book has been included in the Highly Commended in the Creative Book Awards in the Best New Author category.

Paula Milner aka the Crafty Lass is a crafter and teacher and in her debut book she shares her love of paper flowers. This guide shows you how to turn flat paper – very quickly and simply – into something three-dimensional and joyous. Projects include: Poppy, Peony, Cosmos, Clematis, Japanese Anemone and French Marigold, and many more!

Paula has studied each flower construction to truly understand how they can be recreated in paper form – but without them being so hyper-realistic that they are complex and off-putting. They are simple, but they are not so ‘simple’ that they are just ‘easy’. These projects are meant to feel approachable but also rewarding.

Learn more about Paula on her website and Instagram. 

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If you’re ready to elevate your creative business, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and gain practical tools for success, Paper to Profits: The Mastermind is for you. Enrolment just opened and there are only 24 spots available.

Paper to Profit: The Mastermind isn’t just an online course; it’s a transformative journey for creative entrepreneurs seeking to turn their passion into profit. In our latest episode of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara reflect on the program's growth, sharing insights and personal experiences that have shaped its evolution.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community

Launched in 2020,Paper to Profit: The Mastermind quickly became a beacon for creatives navigating the complexities of running a business. The initial feedback was overwhelmingly positive, but the team knew there was room for growth. By 2021, the program had evolved into a 10-week mastermind, fostering deep connections, collaborative learning, and real-time business strategies.

Fast forward to 2025, and the third edition is here, streamlined into a dynamic 6-week program packed with new content, guest experts, and interactive sessions designed to maximize impact without overwhelming participants. The new format allows for greater flexibility while maintaining the depth of learning and support that Paper to Profit is known for.

Why Community Matters 

One of the most powerful aspects ofPaper to Profit: The Mastermind is the sense of community it fosters. As Jessie aptly puts it, “Knowing that you’re not alone, that others share your challenges and goals, is incredibly empowering.” The mastermind groups are more than educational sessions; they're incubators for lifelong friendships, professional collaborations, and a support network that continues beyond the course.

Join Us on This Journey 

If you’re ready to elevate your creative business, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and gain practical tools for success,Paper to Profit: The Mastermind is for you. Enrolment just opened and there are only 24 spots available.

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Naomy Kim of Made by Naomy! Known for her stunning and intricate felt flowers, Naomy’s creations are celebrated for their lifelike textures, beautiful hand-dyed details, and artistic innovation.

Naomy shares her inspiring journey from crafting gifts for friends to establishing her felt flower business. She opens up about her unique creative process, the challenges of balancing family life and work, and the importance of valuing her art. Whether you’re a felt artist, paper florist, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for your own artistic path.

What inspires you most about Naomy’s story? We’d love to hear your thoughts - share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara welcome a very special guest—Lauren V. Davis of Lauren Davis Creative. As Quynh’s mastermind coach and mentor, Lauren has been instrumental in helping her refine her personal brand and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Lauren shares her journey from running a vinyl record store to becoming a sought-after personal branding consultant and mastermind facilitator.

The Journey from Vinyl to Visibility

Lauren’s entrepreneurial path began at the age of 19 when she co-founded a vinyl record store during the 2008 recession. Navigating the challenges of running a business in tough economic times taught her invaluable lessons about resilience, marketing, and the art of storytelling. She realized early on that people connect with stories more than products, a principle that became the foundation of her personal branding consultancy.

Mastermind Magic: Why Community Matters

One of the standout themes in this episode is the transformative power of mastermind groups. Lauren describes these groups as spaces where entrepreneurs come together to support, challenge, and elevate each other. Unlike traditional networking, masterminds foster deep connections through structured brainstorming, accountability, and shared experiences. Quynh shares how being part of Lauren’s mastermind has helped her gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Lauren Davis is the founder of Lauren Davis Creative, a marketing and branding consultancy that helps speakers and entrepreneurs establish their memorable personal brands resulting in magnetic engagement and life-long clients. Learn more about Lauren by following her on Instagram, on her website, or listen to her on The Real Personal Branding Podcast. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on personal branding and mastermind groups! Have you found strategies that work for you? Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.