In this episode, Amy Sylvis sits down with Cathy Zhang to discuss her inspiring journey from a secure W2 at Nike to life as an artist and entrepreneur. Cathy opens up about the strategic steps she took to build credibility in a new space and how she turned a passion project into a sustainable career.
Together, they explore the value of multiple income streams, finding a supportive community, and the evolving concept of abundance through their 20s, 30s & 40s. Cathy also shares the ethos that grew her successful YouTube channel, Easy Sunday Club, and her insights on thriving in the creator economy.
Whether you're contemplating a major career change or interested in entrepreneurial insights, this episode offers valuable advice on embracing change, taking calculated risks, and creating a life of abundance with flexibility and creative freedom.
Cathy Zhang is an artist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Easy Sunday Club, a brand featuring modern paintings, art prints, and baby/children's goods inspired by her expressive painting style. Her artistic journey began at age five but was set aside as she pursued traditional success, earning a psychology degree and an MBA, working in a corporate role at Nike. However, after feeling unfulfilled, a move to Portland reignited her passion for art. Participating in the #The100DayProject reconnected Cathy with painting, and watercolor became her medium of choice for its organic, unpredictable nature. In 2019, Cathy and her family relocated to Los Angeles, where she continued growing her business and embraced the vibrant creative community. Alongside her husband, Cathy also co-founded a YouTube channel to help artists navigate the business side of creative entrepreneurship, offering practical strategies and tutorials to support others in building sustainable art careers.
https://www.easysundayclub.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/easysundayclub
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysylvis
https://www.sylviscapital.com
https://www.sylviscapital.com/webinar
01:54 Why Cathy left her corporate job at Nike
03:56 Defining abundance in your 20s, 30s & 40s
07:16 Telling her husband she's quitting Nike
11:28 The delicate dance of dealing with external judgment
13:44 Finding community as an entrepreneur
17:52 Abundance is knowing when it’s enough
21:49 Biggest adjustment from W2 to entrepreneur
24:07 How Cathy's YouTube took off by giving back
29:20 Transitioning to entrepreneurship: All in or take it slow?