Paper Talk

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

—----

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. 

_______________________________

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.

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Gina Arzola of Gina’s Paper Mountain to discuss her journey into the world of paper flowers. From discovering the art as a hobby to landing high-profile opportunities with the National Gallery of Art, Gina’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and growth.

Gina opens up about overcoming a life-changing injury that temporarily halted her ability to create and how she regained her confidence through determination and support. She also shares how she turned her passion into teaching, navigated her first television appearance, and tackled the logistics of creating 700 marigold kits for a major workshop.

This episode is packed with encouragement, practical advice, and heartwarming moments that every creative entrepreneur can learn from.

Have you faced a big creative challenge? How did you overcome it? Share your story in the comments or send us a DM—we’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little creative encouragement today.  Be sure to join us on Instagram (@papertalkpodcast) or in our Facebook community group, and share your thoughts - DM us or comment with your favorite life hacks! You can also make a small donation on our website to help us keep producing great content like this!

In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh finds herself in the hot seat! She brings her questions about upgrading audio equipment and perfecting sound quality for her video recordings. With Jessie and Sara by her side, the conversation expands into insightful tips, personal experiences, and must-know tech hacks for creators looking to improve their content quality.

1. Finding the Right Mic Matters 🎙️

Quynh is exploring wireless and shotgun microphones to enhance her video tutorials. Sara shares her experience using RODE mics but highlights the challenges of keeping wireless mics charged. The takeaway? Invest in equipment, but focus equally on creating a quiet, sound-optimized space, even if that means recording in a closet!

2. Audio Quality Sets You Apart
High-quality audio can make or break your video. Quynh emphasizes that clean, professional sound grabs attention and sets you apart from competitors, especially in ASMR or educational content.

3. Instagram Insights: The Algorithm Decoded
Quynh shares insights from the Kajabi conference and breaks down what Instagram prioritizes:

4. Pinterest: A Creator’s Secret Weapon
Sara reveals Pinterest as a powerful tool for driving traffic. Even with minimal effort, it’s her second-highest traffic source. The takeaway? Repurpose your content, optimize your links, and don’t sleep on Pinterest!

5. Life-Changing Tech Hack: Use Handbrake 🖥️
Jessie drops the ultimate tech hack: Handbrake, a free video transcoder that compresses files without reducing quality. For creators juggling large video uploads, this is a game-changer for saving time and streamlining your workflow.

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little creative encouragement today.  Be sure to join us on Instagram (@papertalkpodcast) or in our Facebook community group, and share your thoughts - DM us or comment with your favorite life hacks! You can also make a small donation on our website to help us keep producing great content like this!

In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara discuss a topic that resonates deeply with many creatives: the importance of building a supportive community. Drawing from personal experiences and listener questions, they explore why community isn’t just “nice to have” but vital for growth, connection, and overcoming challenges.

More Than Techniques: Finding Your “People”

Jessie shares a touching story about meeting Susan White, a leader of Meadowlore, an online creative community. Unlike conventional mentorship or coaching groups, Meadowlore fosters a space where members can share struggles, reflect on their journeys, and find encouragement. As Jessie notes, many creatives already know what they need to do, but finding a community provides the emotional connection and self-insight to keep going.

Quynh emphasizes that being part of a community—even one outside your specific craft—pushes you to grow, offering both affirmation and constructive challenges. Whether you’re searching for accountability, inspiration, or just a sense of belonging, a supportive group can help move your creative needle forward.

Overcoming Isolation as Creatives

Sara, a self-described introvert, initially resisted the idea of community but now recognizes its power. “The confidence, encouragement, and inspiration you get—it widens everything,” she explains. Loneliness and self-doubt often plague creatives, but stepping out—whether it’s joining workshops, connecting online, or simply sharing space with others—can be transformative.

A Simple Start: Add One Person

Building a community begins with one connection. Whether it’s reaching out to someone at an event, like Quynh’s experience at Kajabi, or simply sending a message, every small effort matters. These relationships can evolve into lifelong support systems that inspire growth, creativity, and resilience.

Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little creative encouragement today.

Be sure to join us on Instagram (@papertalkpodcast) or in our Facebook community group, and share your thoughts - DM us or comment with your favorite life hacks! You can also make a small donation on our website to help us keep producing great content like this!

In this episode of Paper Talk, Jessie, Quynh, and Sara sit down with Chris Mitchell, a life, career and professional development coach for artists and creatives. Chris has helped numerous creatives, including Jessie herself, to refine their approach to productivity, work-life balance, and artistic growth. Her unique approach to coaching focuses on supporting artists and creative professionals at any stage in their careers. She emphasizes the importance of carving out dedicated time and space to reflect, strategize, and set aligned goals, whether clients are balancing multiple responsibilities or transitioning into new creative ventures. Unlike a mentor who might give direct advice, Chris acts as a guide, prompting her clients to tap into their own strengths and resources. Her coaching philosophy revolves around intention, encouraging creatives to apply the same level of thought and care to their day-to-day structure as they do in their craft.

Jessie shares her journey working with Chris, explaining how Chris’s six-week signature coaching program, “Building Your Creative Practice with Intention” offers creatives the tools to build habits that align their personal values with their professional goals, and ultimately helped her redefine what productivity looked like for her as an artist and a mother. Through structured support and personalized strategies, Jessie managed to implement a consistent start time, which transformed her work routine, making her days more intentional and effective.

If you’re an artist or creative professional struggling with productivity, focus, or balancing your many roles, be sure to listen to this Episode for inspiration and actionable tips! Chris’s insights remind us of the value of intention, the power of routine, and the importance of seeking guidance to unlock our creative potential.

Interested in learning more? You can learn more about Chris Mitchell by exploring her website or following her on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. 

__________________________________________