What happens when the identity you’ve spent years building no longer feels aligned? In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the evolution of my work, the grief of letting go of an identity, and the unexpected freedom that comes from allowing yourself to become someone new.

This is a continuation of two earlier podcast conversations Follow the Energy and The Life, Death, and Rebirth of Chef Carla and together they’ve become an exploration of creative identity, visibility, and what it means to step into who you are today, even if you don’t know the next step.

For more than a decade, many people have known me as Chef Carla. That identity opened opportunities and shaped my career in food media. But over the past year, I’ve realized food was never the whole story. What has always lit me up is helping people bring their ideas to life.

Now, I help clients launch books and products, build content ecosystems, find their voice on Substack, and connect the dots between all the ways they show up in the world. I’m not just helping people create content. I am supporting people to create, share and build the creative visibility that allows them and their work to be seen.

I share the story of losing my dream opportunity. That unexpected loss forced me to rethink not only my business, but also who I believed I was. Sometimes growth doesn’t come from getting what we want, it comes from learning who we are when those plans fall apart. Yes, I love Pema and regularly read, The Wisdom of No Escape.

I talk about how creating Creative Visibility Summer with Valerie Oula has become an anchor during my own identity shift. How I am saying yes to opportunities and share about creating in-person events like Substack Creative Club and how it’s helping me build a business that feels deeply aligned with who I am now.

If you’re navigating a career transition, redefining your creative identity, or thinking of releasing a title, business, or version of yourself that no longer aligns, I hope this episode reminds you that reinvention is part of the creative process. You are always being supported and we are holding the vision for you and your next evolution.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get transcript here on Substack.

Leave a comment on Substack or connect with me on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras

xo Carla

PS: Upgrade to Founding Member on Substack to book your Mini-Content Audit: Get unstuck, and take aligned action. I can’t wait to hear about what you are creating! Note: Check your inbox for the code. Need more support work with me here.

Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the energy practices for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business.

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