Studio 78: Ignite Your Passion, Amplify Productivity, Achieve Success

It's essential to take a step back and celebrate the women who have influenced or inspired you to achieve greatness. Ask yourself: what is it about them you admire, and what attributes have you absorbed to help you achieve your goals?

In this episode, we decided to list well-known figures that have impacted our lives and who continue to motivate us. Each of them has a special sauce that makes them unique and has allowed them to succeed. They all are self-motivated, continue to learn, and are experts in their field. They remind us of what is possible.

Show Notes: NacheSnow.com/132

Tafy LaPlanche is an Afro-Latina portrait artist based in NYC and Savannah, Georgia. She paints vibrant portraits that embrace the culture of her subjects and who they are.

In this episode, she walks us through her journey and how her experiences developed her artistic style. We also discuss how she began marketing her work, determining her pricing structure, and of course, we had to end with her favorite painting supplies.

Show Notes: NacheSnow.com/131

In this latest episode of Nache' and Lakaye conversations, they discuss their interpretation of labels used for creatives, including hobbyist, artist, hobbypreneur, entrepreneur, and small business owner. The lines between them can sometimes get a bit fuzzy. They also provide the pros and cons of turning a hobby into a business and some tips to keep in mind when you get started, for example, making sure your customer service is on point. Lastly, they chat about the importance of marketing and knowing your why.

Show Notes: NacheSnow.com/130

Nicole Stevenson and her team curate events, education, and community for creatives and passionate small business owners through Dear Handmade Life (DHL). Nicole started with her aunt, who has since moved on, by initially creating a tiny holiday craft show called Patchwork Show. Over the next decade, Patchwork Show evolved into a multi-city biannual festival. In 2011, they launched Craftcation Conference, giving small business owners and creatives support and education through four magical days of craft, business, and wellness workshops at the beach. With the additions of a blog, podcast, online shop, workshops, and a thriving virtual community, the brand became Dear Handmade Life in 2013.

In this episode, Nicole chats about why she decided to build a creative community, and she provides tips on how you can too. We get into the business of Craftcation to include her decision to start delegating more after her son was born and the mental impact of having to cancel a fully planned conference due to the pandemic. Lastly, we discuss productivity tips for organizing large events and how Camp DHL will differ from other virtual spaces for creatives.

Show notes: https://nachesnow.com/129

After leaving a ten-year post working in cancer immunotherapy as a biochemist, Monique Kofsky decided to combine her knowledge of chemical reactions in the human body with the importance of using great ingredients. She entered the fascinating world of soap making and spent the next year developing a gentle formulation made with high quality, fragrance, and harsh chemical-free ingredients that would promote healthy and balanced skin.

In this episode, Monique discusses why sustainability is important to her and how she thoughtfully incorporated it into her ingredients, packaging, and shipping. We also chat about her R&D process, the impact of the pandemic and the social justice movement, and tips for pricing and wholesale. Monique clearly lays out how to strategically start a business from conceptualization to execution.

Show Notes: NacheSnow.com/128

Marcella Kriebel has always been an artist and foodie. She moved to Washington, DC in 2009 for an internship at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. While the Oregon native continues to live in the city to this day, frequent visits to the Pacific Northwest and abroad keep the creativity flowing. Her studio is located on the Arts Walk in the Brookland neighborhood of DC. She is the author of the illustrated cookbooks Mi Comida Latina and Comida Cubana. Both cookbooks feature over a hundred of Marcella's favorite Latin American dishes captured in vibrant watercolor, ready to be explored.

In this episode, Marcella discussed how starting a daily art practice after being laid off from a job she loved led her to create her first cookbook. We discuss her Kickstarter, how she slowly grew her art business, and the importance of in-person shows. She also talks about the impact of the pandemic and the process of switching from in-person to virtual workshops. Lastly, we discuss video tips for courses, finding printers for your products, and what's going on with her store in Brookland.

Show Notes: NacheSnow.com/127

I'm excited to have LaKaye Mbah come on as a recurring guest co-host this season to discuss various topics that impact creative women. You're getting an inside peek at how I chat with my business besties. Yes, you will hear a lot of laughter and jokes! This week we're covering product-based businesses vs. service-based businesses. Though we have dabbled in both, I'm "team product," and Lakaye is "team service." Which team are you on?

We don't get into the weeds of products and service-based business, so I know we left a lot on the table. However, we get into the not-so-good side of each business, how to determine which one is right for you, and share personal stories and dreams. Wherever you are in your journey, we hope this episode helps you decide which one is right for you.

Show Notes: NacheSnow.com/126

Remember Elise Smith from episode 38? She is the owner of Winnie's Bakery, a food writer, recipe developer, and set stylist. With over ten years of working in the food industry—she has had the pleasure of working with major commercial brands. Her work has been featured in numerous Baltimore/DC local and national publications. She now has a new endeavor under her belt, owner of a production company, oECo Studios! This innovative ethical-eco production company creates engaging food and product videos by practicing conscious, intentional, and low/zero-waste production.

In this episode, Elise discusses what has happened in life since being on the podcast almost four years ago. Including her journey of being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a form of cancer. This life-changing diagnosis inspired her to think about how she wanted to continue having an impact, leading her to create oECo Studios. We chat about her marketing plan, managing projects, and all the things that come with starting up a new business. She also provides us with some fantastic eco-friendly companies.

Show notes: NacheSnow.com/125

Justine Swindell is a DC native multidisciplinary artist fusing retro vibes with visual storytelling. She collaborates with businesses, publications, and everyday people to create vibrant branding designs, murals, and illustrations. Through pop-ups events, art shows, and workshops she sells and teaches art along with showcasing how art can be used to inspire and have an impact.

In this episode, we learn how Justine's journey helped define the artist she is today. She chats about the importance of diversifying income and how she decides what types of work to take on. We also discuss why she has chosen to work full-time while running an art business and the importance of not putting pressure on your passion.

NacheSnow.com/124

Nache Snow is ending the year by chatting with Monique Malcolm of Pimp Your Brilliance. We discuss what we thought we were going to accomplish in 2020 and what really happened. We also reflect on what we learned about ourselves during the pandemic and the importance of doing what you want to do and figuring out how you want to show up.

Some of our goals include making and selling our physical and digital planners. We have a robust discussion on what's being done in that space and what we need to do in 2021, like creating video funnels. Monique provides us with her super-secret funnel framework.

We recommend the following action items to prepare for 2021: create a vision board, set up your Good, Better, Best Goals (GBB), audit your expenses, and make a profit stacking sheet.

Show notes: https://nachesnow.com/123