Windowsill Chats

Margo is joined by calligraphy artist and educator Shinah Chang. Shinah spent her life following the "proper" path: attending an Ivy League college, graduating from a prestigious law school, and working tirelessly at a top international law firm. However, after countless uninspiring days and sleepless nights under her desk, she decided to reclaim her life. Shinah left her legal career and explored various creative outlets—knitting, woodworking, drawing, and graphic design—until she fell in love with calligraphy.

Over the past nine years, she built Crooked Calligraphy into a million-dollar business, only to intentionally scale it back to create a simpler, more spacious life. Shinah has collaborated with brands like Disney, Anthropologie, and Johnson & Johnson and taught thousands of students how to master calligraphy and launch their own creative ventures.

In this episode, Margo and Shinah discuss:

• Shinah's journey from corporate law to founding Crooked Calligraphy.

• How burnout shaped her decision to leave a high-powered legal career.

• The structured yet expressive nature of calligraphy as an art form.

• Tools she used to challenge societal expectations and reclaim her joy.

• Her innovative teaching philosophy, which prioritizes strategic creativity over technical perfection.

• The pressures of scaling a creative business and why she chose to simplify.

• The importance of mindfulness, self-kindness, and collaboration in personal and professional growth.

• Lessons on balancing practicality with creativity and the power of authentic connections.

Connect with Shinah:

Website: https://www.crookedcalligraphy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crookedcalligraphy

Free "How to Become a Calligraphy Pro" Workshop: https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/register/

Connect with Margo:

Website: www.windowsillchats.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

The Foundry: https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry

Margo is joined by Sarah Helen More, a Seattle-based artist and designer with a vibrant, kaleidoscopic style rooted in her personal history and love for textiles. Originally from Portland, OR, and Houston, TX, Sarah grew up surrounded by her mother’s handmade quilts—a key inspiration in her colorful work today. She studied textile design at the Rhode Island School of Design and has had a varied creative career, including roles as an art history teacher, studio assistant for Takashi Murakami, and more. In 2023, Sarah received her first public art commission with the Port of Seattle, set to debut at SeaTac International Airport in 2025.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

• Taking on big challenges before feeling “ready”

• Sarah’s creative process: from digital sketches to final painting

• Using change as a creative catalyst

• Finding joy and inspiration, even during difficult times

• The role of nature in her creative process

• Overcoming creative blocks and learning new skills for public art

• Influences of the Pattern & Decoration movement and folk art traditions

• Maintaining joy in creativity during tough times

Take your creativity to new heights and turn your passion into a purpose-driven path by joining The Foundry, a monthly membership for creatives. Visit yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry today to lock in the Foundry Member rate!

Connect with Sarah:

www.sarahhelenmore.com

www.sarahmore.com

www.instagram.com/sarahhelenmore

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by friend of the pod, Asheville, NC resident, artist and tax expert Hannah Cole to bring a powerful story of survival, community, and the unwavering support for artists affected by recent devastating floods in Asheville. Together they explore the harrowing events that led to severe flooding, destroying homes, businesses, and cherished creative spaces. They also touch on the importance of financial strategies, particularly for creatives, with insights from Hannah at and how her expertise has been a beacon of hope for many small business owners navigating the treacherous waters of disaster recovery (and those outside of the flood zone).

Margo and Hannah discuss:

• What it was like to experience Hurricane Helene first hand

• Support efforts and challenges post hurricane

• The loss of Hannah’s art studio in Asheville

• Campaigns and efforts to support those in and around Western North Carolina

• The need for increased grant funding in the River Arts District

• Managing tax liabilities and leveraging deductions.

• "1% for Asheville" support grants

• Hannah’s offering, Money Boot Camp for creatives and how she makes financial education non-intimidating.

Connect with Hannah:

https://www.sunlighttax.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sunlighttax/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by designer and illustrator Kay Wolfersperger, based in Savannah, GA. Known for her lively, colorful work infused with humor and positivity, Kay’s designs have appeared in advertising, stationery, branding, children’s books, and surface design. She has extensive experience partnering with brands to craft unique, memorable campaigns. When not at her desk, Kay enjoys strength training, running, traveling, and catching up on films. In this episode, they explore Kay’s journey from a young art enthusiast to a respected creative professional, reflecting on the importance of experiential learning, maintaining physical and mental wellness, and using positive affirmations to navigate both personal and professional challenges.

Margo and Kay discuss:

• Kay's early artistic influences, including her stepmother, an art teacher

• Her transition from graphic design to fibers and screen printing at SCAD

• The challenges and autonomy of running a small business vs. corporate roles

• Creative practices for overcoming creative block in daily routines

• The role of mind-body wellness in enhancing creativity

• Using therapy and affirmations to manage anxiety and build a positive outlook

• Collaboration in creative projects, balancing personal vision with teamwork

• Embracing imperfection with the mantra, "done is better than good"

• Kay's upcoming wholesale collection and the key moments that inspired its development

Connect with Kay:

https://www.kaywolfersperger.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kaywolfersperger/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Lisa Murphy, a guest with an inspiring story of reinvention and resilience. Raised in small-town Iowa, where her family grew their own food, Lisa followed a traditional path—earning a degree in Actuarial Science and securing a lucrative corporate job. But life shifted when she left her career to travel the world, study Eastern philosophy, and teach yoga, even to members of the royal family in Dubai, while supporting her now-ex-husband.

After her divorce at 47, Lisa realized her best years were still ahead. Now, at 57, she’s a healthy aging expert and has been running her own successful business since 2013. Her mission is to help women and business leaders move away from common health fears and adopt proactive habit changes. Through her signature RAV protocol, Lisa empowers professionals to optimize their health, allowing them to live vibrant, active lives while reaching their biggest goals.

Lisa and Margo discuss:

• Lisa’s life in Asheville and the impact of Hurricane Helene

• How the wellness industry can better incorporate mental awareness and balanced nervous systems into mainstream narratives

• The four pillars of healthy aging: food, mood, rest, and movement

• Lisa’s critique of the Standard American Diet

• Strengthening community support systems to better cope with natural disasters

• The power of mindset in the aging process

• Holistic health practices that have worked for Lisa

• Device addiction, digital detoxes, and maintaining a balanced nervous system for well-being

Connect with Lisa:

https://www.lisamurphyllc.com

https://www.instagram.com/lisamurphyllc/

https://www.facebook.com/lisa.murphy.kc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-murphy-health-coach/

https://www.youtube.com/@LisaMurphyLLC

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this episode of Creative Current Events, Abby and Margo tackle the ups and downs of navigating social media as a creator. Margo opens up about her recent Instagram suspension and the ripple effect it’s had on her business, leading to a bigger conversation about algorithm frustrations, lack of transparency, and how social media companies fall short in supporting creators. They also discuss the devastating impact of natural disasters on our global community, focusing on how Florida-based artists are recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and how listeners can help from afar. Abby and Margo then share practical tips for diversifying communication outside of social media, dig into recent tech updates from Apple and Microsoft, and explore how creativity can thrive in even the most challenging conditions—like making art in the dark.

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.youtube.com/@dewintonpaperco

https://tantaustudio.com/windowsillchat219/

https://www.annieatkins.com/

https://www.melissaweisspottery.com/

https://www.sunlighttax.com/

Microsoft’s Notepad gets spellcheck and autocorrect 40 years after launch

Use Zoom’s AI Companion to Take Notes and Summarize Meetings

Why Make Art in the Dark?

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Elise and Halee, the dynamic duo behind the Easy Bake Coven podcast, where spooky meets sass. What began on a Halloween night with a bottle of Kim Crawford wine and board games has evolved into a podcast that explores the weird, creepy, and unexplainable. Elise’s background in journalism and Halee’s experience in social work bring a unique blend of nuance and humor to their conversations about paranormal activity, true crime, and mysterious events. Known for their playful banter and easy rapport, listening to them feels like hanging out with friends as they dive into the world’s greatest mysteries—from cryptids to whodunnits—with a side of comedic relief.

In this episode, Margo, Elise, and Halee discuss:

• The origin story of Easy Bake Coven and what sets them apart

• How family traditions or rituals can influence a child's understanding of spirituality or the supernatural

• Spooky stories about signs from passed loved ones

• Finding balance between humor and sensitivity when discussing heavy topics without undermining victim stories

• Managing burnout and streamlining podcast production as a duo

• The responsibilities and ethics of content creation

• Why children might be more perceptive to spiritual experiences

• Research methods for preparing in-depth historical dives for podcast episodes

• The importance of listener engagement and effective ways to build and maintain it

• How personal histories and passions shape their podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch Watch: YouTube linkBook: Amazon link

• Radio Rental podcast: Radio Rental

• Spooked podcast: Spooked

• The Forager’s Daughter Tarot Deck: The Forager’s Daughter

• The Hot Zone by Richard Preston: The Hot Zone

• Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth: Call the Midwife

Connect with Elise and Halee:

• Website: Easy Bake Coven Podcast

• Instagram: @easybakecovenpodcast

Connect with Margo:

• Website: Windowsill Chats

• Instagram: @windowsillchats

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this revisited episode, Margo reintroduces her thought-provoking conversation with Australian artist and surface pattern designer Kirsten Katz, highlighting the enduring relevance of authenticity in creative work. Kirsten’s journey from ballerina to surface designer showcases how following your passion can lead to a unique artistic style. Since this original conversation, Kirsten’s work continues to evolve, and her insights into creating from a place of intuition and authenticity remain as important as ever.

Kirsten shares how her background in Textile Design has shaped her bold, modern, and botanical-inspired creations, which continue to catch the eye in today’s world of contemporary design.

Margo and Kirsten explore:

• The importance of staying true to yourself and creating art that you love

• How to focus on your style and confidence as an artist

• Experimenting with mediums and techniques to stay inspired

• The role of intuition in honing color combinations

• Why commission work might not always align with your creative vision

• And so much more!

This conversation is packed with timeless advice for creatives navigating their own artistic paths. Tune in for fresh takeaways on how to honor your authentic self as an artist, no matter the trends.

Kirsten’s work can be found on: apparel, home décor, fabric, stationery, giftware, and more.

Connect with Kirsten: Website: kirstenkatz.com.auInstagram: @kirstenkatzartFacebook: kirstenkatzartLinkedIn: Kirsten Katz Design

Connect with Margo:

Website: windowsillchats.com

Instagram: @windowsillchats

Patreon: patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by versatile mixed-media artist and designer, Kayla Ackelson. Kayla holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with a focus on non-traditional photography from Millersville University. After completing her studies, she gained valuable experience as a Gallery Assistant and Art Instructor in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She later worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, first in Visitor Services and then in the Development department. In 2021, Kayla fully committed to her artistic and interior design endeavors, turning them into her full-time career. Her passion for fostering creativity continues through her role as an instructor at ArtFusion in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where she teaches students of all ages. Alongside teaching, Kayla actively exhibits her work in local galleries and maintains a strong online presence to engage a broader audience. She is also a mother, creator, and lover of plants, design, and nature.

Margo and Kayla discuss:

• Her career shift to full-time artistry and interior design

• Claiming your power as an artist and creative

• The role journaling and meditation play in her art and work

• Insights into creating inviting, personal spaces

• The power of vision boards

• The importance of incorporating childhood inspirations and personal mementos into your environment

• How her book extends a decade-long journaling practice

• How meditation influenced her decision to share personal experiences to help others

• Her commitment to a flexible and evolving creative practice

• Her philosophy on art and perfection, and how creating daily supports mental health

• Embracing multiple creative roles

Connect with Kayla:

• Website: www.kaylaackelson.com

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaylaackelson

• Her new book: https://amzn.to/47wktUw

• Kayla’s Workshop: https://www.kaylaackelson.com/store/p85/mixedmediaworkshop.html

Connect with Margo:

• Website: www.windowsillchats.com

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tantaustudio

• Patreon: www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Annie Atkins, a graphic designer and legendary prop maker for film and television. She is known for her work with Wes Anderson on The Grand Budapest Hotel, which won the Academy Award for Best Production Design at the 87th Academy Awards. Since then, she has worked again with Wes Anderson on Isle of Dogs and The French Dispatch as well as on Steven Speilberg's West Side Story and Bridge of Spies. Annie’s first book, Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams, and Prison Escape Maps, was published in 2020 by Phaidon. In her first children's book, Letters From The North Pole, five children from all around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and are amazed when he writes back! Through five letters from Santa that children can pull out and read, the hidden world of the North Pole is revealed, from how reindeer can sleep standing up to what snacks Santa would like left out on Christmas Eve, and how he gets round the world so quickly. This is a nostalgic and festive tale, reminiscent of the classic The Jolly Postman and Annie's iconic work on such films as The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Margo and Annie discuss:

• How Annie’s upbringing in a creative household influenced her decision to pursue graphic design and the pivotal moments that led her into the film industry

• Her impressive portfolio working on films and specific challenges and joys she encountered while working with distinctive styles of directors

• Hand-lettering vs. digital design

• Film prop details and some of the various intricate props she crafted

• Learning through mistakes, how using a 50-star flag instead of a 48-star flag in Bridge of Spies taught her to ensure historical accuracy

• Personal Projects vs. Commissioned Work

• What the job of a graphic designer on a film set typically involves and how it contributes to the overall storytelling in a movie

• Her captivating and interactive new children's book, Letters from the North Pole

Connect with Annie:

www.instagra.com/AnnieAtkins

www.annieatkins.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill