Creatives In The Wild

What does it mean to build a business that truly reflects who you are?   Chereen Leong Schwarz of Smeeny Made Wild joins me to chat about how she integrates her core values into her maker business, including:   How to integrate your values into every aspect of your business The role of intentionality in creative entrepreneurship Giving yourself permission to do things your way The importance of community and connection in staying inspired Why creativity and business don't have to exist in isolation   Join Chereen and Justine for Creative Camp Colorado this August 7-10!   Creative business retreat meets all-women's river trip in Colorado for entrepreneurs craving clarity, connection, and community adventure.   This 4-day, 3-night journey combines riverside camping, honest campfire convos, a touch of business strategy, and creative breakthroughs.   As values-led creatives, we're craving community more than ever and nothing compares to connecting through shared experiences with other people who get it. We'll talk business, creativity, and you'll get to participate in workshops all about finding alignment and purpose in your creative life and business on this magical week.   Sign up here now: https://www.justawildthought.com/creativecampco 

Darren Josey is an outdoorsman, bird watcher, spouse, father of two, and the founder of First Seed Sown.   First Seed Sown is a sales and marketing agency serving fellow BIPOC-owned businesses, brands looking to improve their DEI initiatives, and municipalities with environmental justice communities who want to make the outdoors more equitable for everyone in their city.   Connect with DJ or join his "Marketing on a $0 Budget" class: https://www.firstseedsown.com/workshops   This is a longer episode than usual, but it's FULL of helpful perspectives for freelancers. Here are some timestamps so you can find parts to listen back to a second time!:     (03:00) - What First Seed Sown is and why DJ founded this company (04:31) - How finding your purpose and mission takes time (05:30) - Getting his start at Vibram and the opportunities DJ created for himself (06:30) - How Vibram maximized the start of social media, a hole in the marketplace, and a book launch to dominate the market (07:30) - The issues leading to Vibram's downturn (09:00) - How to apply Vibram's growth to the current market (09:30) - Why starting your product-based brand as narrow as possible is key to success (10:25) - The importance of listening to your market and pivoting when your users ask you to change (13:24) - How working in retail shaped DJ's entire career and how it applies to you and the industry (15:25) - How products move from a brand to a sales rep to the retail store and why it matters (16:15) - The sales knowledge you can only learn from retail (16:30) - What you need to know about wholesale vs direct to consumer business if you're a small brand (18:23) - Why understanding the retail ecosystem is essential for creatives and service providers (20:55) - How the product, sales, and marketing teams influence each other (24:40) - The relationship between price and value of a product (25:58) - What the sales team determines at a brand (26:16) - When the product, sales, and marketing departments are at their best (27:00) - The role of the CEO in leading a brand (28:50) - The in-house complexities all freelancers should know about when waiting for your next contract (31:17) - The person you're working with at a brand is overworked and under-resourced (33:10) - Why AI isn't going to solve our overwork issues (33:55) - Why working for himself has been key to DJ meeting his own potential (36:32) - What two strategies you need to implement to successfully pitch your next client in the outdoor industry (40:19) - The factor most freelancers forget to think about when it comes to pitching to brands (42:24) - Your future clients want to hear from you and not just to be sold your services (44:40) - Who will actually read your pitches at a brand and who won't (45:16) - Why meeting people in person is still essential to building relationships with potential clients (47:57) - The outdoors industry is still a handshakes and shoe leather business (50:00) - Building in-person relationships is a muscle we all need to strengthen post-pandemic (51:15) - The privilege of leveraging big contracts as an opportunity to create and sell additional work (52:20) - The responsibility we have to our fellow creatives by creating more transparency and not undervaluing our work (55:45) - Why DJ structures his pricing the way he does and how it ties into his mission (56:20) - The importance of having different rates for different kinds of work and different results (58:08) - DJ's move from Vibram to Topo Athletic and what he learned from handshakes and beer trades (59:08) - Why "building a hometown brand" is your next marketing strategy (1:01:17) - DJ's role at Polartec and the impact of mixing with the biggest brands in the outdoors industry (1:02:13) - Your favorite brands use the same fabric but position it differently and you can too (1:03:52) - The power of creating environmental justice communities and the impact of shifting from brand to cities partners (1:06:46) - The powerful vision behind First Seed Sown and the impact of a wholistic approach in Malden, Massachusetts (1:08:26) - What a wholistic approach can create for environmental justice communities (1:09:27) - Sharing outdoor industry jobs with the next generation of leaders (1:11:02) - DJ's commitment to supporting BIPOC-owned companies as the root of founding First Seed Sown (1:12:10) - Why supporting diverse communities is essential to growing the outdoors industry (1:13:40) - How DJ's approach of paying it forward is a foundational tool to cultivating business relationships (1:15:52) - DJ's work as a core advisor of REI's Path Ahead Ventures and how programs like this create equity in business (1:17:04) - Why having brands made by diverse founders is a smart business move and how to navigate the attacks on DEI programs (1:18:26) - How DJ supporting up and coming BIPOC brands with the wholistic ecosystem (1:19:07) - Why timing matters as a business owner, especially when you're thinking about bringing on support (1:19:48) - Future things to be on the lookout for to benefit from DJ's extensive expertise (1:21:24) - How to strengthen the industry by introducing brands to DJ's work, hiring more diverse voices on your projects, and supporting outdoor ethnic affinity groups (1:23:29) - How DJ stays optimistic and focused by doing mission-aligned work that supports businesses increase their profit and prioritize people   Connect with Justine: https://www.justawildthought.com   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

What if the goal you set ends up being something you don't want, after all?   Chereen Leong Schwarz of Smeeny Made Wild joins me to share her winding path of entrepreneurship, including:   How dreams evolve and why alignment is a process, not a destination The challenge of letting go of past versions of yourself Making big career shifts and embracing uncertainty Recognizing when it's time to realign your business with your values The power of community and support in creative entrepreneurship Mentioned: Ruth Chang: How to make hard choices | TED Talk Join Chereen and Justine in British Columbia this August 17-22!   This 6-day adventure with fellow creatives will help you reconnect with yourself and your big business dreams, and leave reenergized and inspired with the map to build it!   Part girls trip, part outdoorsy adventure, and part creative biz mastermind, we'll escape to the sea and sky of British Columbia for an unforgettable experience tailored specifically for adventurous creatives, small business owners, and makers.   As values-led creatives, we're craving community more than ever and nothing compares to connecting through shared experiences with other people who get it. We'll talk business, creativity, and you'll get to participate in workshops all about finding alignment and purpose in your creative life and business on this magical week.   Sign up here now: https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/canada/canada-with-chereen-leong-schwarz-aug-2025  

Fear is inevitable, but you can work with it in your business, not against it.   Chereen Leong Schwarz of Smeeny Made Wild joins me to talk about fear and discomfort as a business owner, including:   Differentiating between fear and discomfort How outdoor adventures can help us build resilience in business Reframing fear as a muscle that can be strengthened Making bold choices in your creative career How to approach change and uncertainty with confidence   Join Chereen and Justine in British Columbia this August 17-22!   This 6-day adventure with fellow creatives will help you reconnect with yourself and your big business dreams, and leave reenergized and inspired with the map to build it!   Part girls trip, part outdoorsy adventure, and part creative biz mastermind, we'll escape to the sea and sky of British Columbia for an unforgettable experience tailored specifically for adventurous creatives, small business owners, and makers.   As values-led creatives, we're craving community more than ever and nothing compares to connecting through shared experiences with other people who get it. We'll talk business, creativity, and you'll get to participate in workshops all about finding alignment and purpose in your creative life and business on this magical week.   Sign up here now: https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/canada/canada-with-chereen-leong-schwarz-aug-2025  

You're invited— I'm teaming up with Chereen to build an incredible community retreat this August 2025 in Squamish, BC!   Chereen Leong Schwarz (she/her) is the founder and chief-everything-officer behind Smeeny Made Wild. Chereen taught herself to knit with a pair of thrifted knitting needles and YouTube videos, and what started as a hobby quickly became a passion.   Today, Smeeny Made Wild is more than a brand; it's a community of adventurous creatives, artists, and small business owners who are rewilding life and business by slowing down and reconnecting with nature, creativity, and what truly matters.   We talk about: How Chereen shifted from being a chef to a self-taught knitter and business owner The growth and impact of Smeeny Made Wild The challenges of building a maker based business Honoring our core values within our businesses Supporting sustainability and ethical business practices A 2025 retreat rooted in our love of community and intentional gathering   Connect with Chereen: smeenymadewild.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smeenymadewild Discord: https://smeenymadewild.myflodesk.com/e3k82ll1h3 Instagram: https://instagram.com/smeenymadewild   Join Chereen and Justine in British Columbia this August 17-22!   This 6-day adventure with fellow creatives will help you reconnect with yourself and your big business dreams, and leave reenergized and inspired with the map to build it!   Part girls trip, part outdoorsy adventure, and part creative biz mastermind, we'll escape to the sea and sky of British Columbia for an unforgettable experience tailored specifically for adventurous creatives, small business owners, and makers.   As values-led creatives, we're craving community more than ever and nothing compares to connecting through shared experiences with other people who get it. We'll talk business, creativity, and you'll get to participate in workshops all about finding alignment and purpose in your creative life and business on this magical week.   Sign up here now: https://trovatrip.com/trip/north-america/canada/canada-with-chereen-leong-schwarz-aug-2025

Are you experiencing a slow season in your freelance work?   It can be scary, but remember, whether you're new or established in business, it's normal to face highs and lows in demand for work.   Business is cyclical— especially in the outdoor industry.   And you CAN create new business opportunities for yourself— that's a skill we can all learn.   Let's talk about the best uses of your time during slow seasons of work, including:   Rest intentionally. Get outside. Deepen your creative skillset. Work ON (not in) your business. Audit your business. Reconnect with your network.   Listen to get inspired to use a slower time to your advantage, and send this episode to a freelancer friend who's going through something similar.   Connect with Justine: https://www.justawildthought.com   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Creatives often feel tension between honoring what a brand wants and respecting the authentic story of a person or community. How can you do both?   Sabrina Claros is a photographer, videographer, and creative director based in LA, creating stories at the intersection of adventure, environmentalism, and outdoor equity. Her work aims to create change and inspire more people to connect with the outdoors and feel called to protect our natural resources, while reducing barriers to who has access in outdoor spaces.   Sabrina has worked with brands such as Teva, Tough Cutie, Bedrock Sandals, and many others. Her media work is largely informed by a background in social work, and continues to be grounded in grassroots community work.   We chat about: Sabrina's move from social work to outdoor industry media How essential community is to staying resilient when facing challenges The challenges of outsiders sharing the stories of underrepresented communities Balancing authentic storytelling with a brand's needs Cold pitching and specificity The need for a creative network to amplify diverse voices Keeping the creative process fulfilling even when it's for work   Connect with Sabrina: www.sabrinaclaros.com www.instagram.com/sabrinaclarosphotography   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

2025 did not start out the way I wanted it to.   Many of my clients are also getting that "What's the point?" feeling with the state of the world.   Here's the twist: Actually answering the question of "What's the point?" thoughtfully is giving me hope.   We can control how we're showing up for our community. We have agency around the impact that we're able to make. We can invest in our values to shape a brighter future.   Here are four small but mighty actions I'm taking this month: Getting more intentional about social media usage Narrowing my focus to certain causes Finding involvement in my local community Dealing with decision fatigue in a way that helps the greater good   I don't want to be a numb spectator. I want to be an active participant in the areas where I can make a positive impact.   We need your voice. We need your work. We need you. There is a point. What's yours?   Connect with Justine: Resource mentioned: On Digital Advocacy: Saving the Planet while Preserving Our Humanity by Katie Boué Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

What can freelancers learn from those founding product-based businesses?   Katie Doherty is the co-founder of Founded Outdoors, a company dedicated to providing resources, programming, and community for emerging outdoor brands.   She is passionate about driving inclusive change through entrepreneurship and combines her experience in the tech start-up world and her love of the outdoors by supporting founders from idea to launch.   With her co-founder Enhao Li, she has created a thriving community of outdoor industry founders and has supported more than 65 founders through their accelerator programs like Embark, a program developed in collaboration with REI Co-op's Path Ahead Ventures.   We chat about: how crucial community is to business building embracing an iterative process to create the best possible product for your ideal customer aligning your professional mission with your personal values how Katie and Enhao came to create the Founded Outdoors community   Connect with Founded Outdoors: foundedoutdoors.com instagram.com/foundedoutdoors   If you want 2025 to be your era of freelance flow, I'd love to invite you to my new group coaching community.   Because you can have a full business AND be a human first.   This program is for the freelancer who... is working their butt off, but not spending time doing what they love most. has a steady stream of clients, but not dream ones. makes ends meet, but wants more financial security. has some systems in place, but keeps overriding their boundaries. knows their values, but gets stuck trying to align them with a business model.   I deeply believe that you can be an effective business owner who also sets boundaries and makes space for fun.   For 6 months, we'll meet twice a month for 90 minute group calls and use a private Slack channel on an ongoing basis for round-the-clock community interaction.   You'll also get access to all past Just A Wild Thought workshop recordings and priority for future 1:1 coaching availability.   If you're a successful creative who knows there's something more, I invite you to explore the program soon. We start in February, and the community is capped at 8 people.   Info here: https://www.justawildthought.com/findyourfreelanceflow   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Sometime around years 2 or 3 of freelancing, you can find yourself facing new challenges, often resulting from all the things you did well when you first launched your business. You hustled, you said YES to everything and everyone, and you made sh*t happen. But now, you probably have plenty of work and clients, but you're not doing the work or living the life you expected to. Learn the first steps I recommend for getting unstuck when you: Find yourself working too much Keep saying yes to the wrong clients Don't feel safe in your business Run into friction in your systems Have trouble honoring your core values at work Then, if you're ready to implement change in your business so you can have more ownership over your time and energy... ✨ The Find Your Flow community coaching program is now open! Realign your business around what matters most to you. This is a 6 month community coaching experience for the creative who's spending so much time working in their business that they don't make space to work on their business. Join a team of established business owners who will support you through building sustainable practices into your work and life. We start in January, and the community is capped at 8 people. Check it out at https://www.justawildthought.com/findyourfreelanceflow.    Connect with Justine: Resource mentioned: Client Matrix tool - https://justawildthought.podia.com/ideal-client-matrix  Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Emma Mary Murray (she/her) works as an environmental artist and teacher. She creates slow-crafted heirloom art pieces that honor the landscapes they depict. Her favorite materials include embroidery thread, up-cycled fabrics, and paints.  Emma also teaches art workshops for kids and grown-ups, and teaches all subjects part-time at a place-based school on Mount Desert Island in Maine. We chat about: Emma's transition from an art hobby to creative business Weaving together her passions of art and teaching Managing multiple income streams and avenues of work The beauty of creating a tactile, tangible, beautiful product Minimizing social media use in business Figuring out the building blocks of her year's schedule Using art to support advocacy efforts Resource mentioned: Off The Grid Podcast,  www.offthegrid.fun Connect with Emma: Website: www.emmamarymurray.com IG: instagram.com/emmamarymurray Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

When we consider ourselves business owners instead of simply freelancers, we typically make more empowered choices in our work. I'm sharing three shifts that I've noticed have helped my clients find more agency in the way they run their small creative businesses: Understanding what you're hired to do: leading vs. executing Making time to work on your business, not just in it Knowing what to say no to Plus, I share some "homework" you can take to start implementing each shift right now. ✨ Introducing: The Find Your Flow community coaching program! This 6 month program is a space for 8 individuals looking for both coaching and community to develop the mindsets and skill sets required to really own being a business owner. This is for you if you feel like you're constantly reacting to the industry and don't have enough time to optimize, envision, or be proactive in your future of your business. We start January 2025.  Interested? Join the waitlist here.    Connect with Justine: Waitlist for Find Your Flow: https://upbeat-thinker-5836.kit.com/230ce3d8ff Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Julie Ellison (she/her) is an agriculture, travel & outdoor lifestyle photographer and filmmaker based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Julie has 15 years of storytelling experience, helping commercial and editorial clients engage their communities with photo and video content that has meaning and impact.  With guiding principles of sustainability and regenerative practices, her favorite stories reveal the intimate connection between humans and nature. We chat about: Julie's early work, from college to her role as editor of Climbing Magazine Transitioning to freelance and commercial work The changing landscape of journalism and content creation Making room for both passion and practicality Diversifying income streams across different creative arts Julie's tips for freelancers to pitch editors Connect with Julie: Website: www.julieellison.com IG: instagram.com/_julie_ellison YouTube: youtube.com/_julie_ellison  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ellison-367b705a Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Think of your least favorite client right now. What would it take to make you excited to work with them? Or maybe nothing could? Let's talk about: How to train a client to be a better fit for the ways you like to work. How to approach the potential to expand services with a client. How to professionally fire a client if you're truly ready to part ways. Train, expand, or fire: Let's talk about how to audit your client roster. Then, actually DO IT with the Client Matrix Tool! With this tool, you'll grade your current client roster against the factors that are most important to you so you can make key decisions about whether you should fire a client, train your client, or expand working with a client. Get the Client Matrix Tool here: https://justawildthought.podia.com/ideal-client-matrix   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Chris Pew (he/him) is a co-founder and the CEO of snowsports apparel company TREW Gear.  In addition to the CEO responsibilities of a small business, Chris is also in charge of designing, developing, and sourcing their apparel and accessories. TREW Gear is known for their backcountry oriented skiing and snowboarding bibs, and to my knowledge is one of the only companies that has plus size models available to their female identifying customers. We chat about: The advantages of lacking corporate experience when starting a business Outdoor industry challenges companies like TREW face Developing mutually beneficial relationships with freelancers and creatives TREW's focus on "human-centered innovation" in apparel Inclusive sizing in outdoor apparel The cyclical nature of the outdoor industry budgeting Strategies for freelancers to better understand brand needs and pitch effectively Performance marketing vs. brand marketing and how freelancers can collaborate   LAST CALL to join the Money Clarity program's Q4 cohort! This is the only money course you'll ever need as a freelancer. Address your money mindset and financial practices head-on, while getting accountability and resources to help you reach your financial goals. We have live coaching calls every month plus lifetime access to the six sections of the course. We even have a certified accountant join in one module to give you the ins and outs of the financial system! Learn about the Money Clarity Program at https://www.justawildthought.com/money.   Connect with TREW: Website: https://trewgear.com  Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Freelancers ask me all the time: How do I land new clients? We could chat about that all day, but one thing is true for all freelancers: We need to understand the Client Acquisition Cycle. On this episode, I share about: How trust is a top factor in whether or not you'll get hired How long it can really take to go from talking to working together Putting yourself in a potential client's shoes A few resources to check out, plus my upcoming Freelance Client Accelerator group program The Freelancer Client Accelerator begins on October 2nd! Over four weeks, we'll build out your strategy and systems for outreach so that you can find more steadiness and confidence in finding new work. What you'll take away from the program: A perfect positioning statement to distinguish yourself as a go-to freelancer An understanding of exactly what's needed for somebody to trust you enough to hire you A personal outreach strategy to implement consistently without dreading it An outline on how to run effective pitch phone calls with potential clients Curious? Check out all the info at justawildthought.com/accelerator. Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Dez Magelssen is the founder of Alpine Ridge Accounting, where she helps women-led, service-based business owners get a grip on their finances so they can stress less and enjoy more of what they love. Dez has over a decade of accounting experience and is based in Bozeman, MT, though you can work with her remotely. Dez is also a collaborator on the Money Clarity Course for freelancers! We teamed up to offer a module in the course specifically around freelance business money management, including legal entities, tax filing, bookkeeping, and more. In this episode, we chat about: Why and how freelancers should separate business and personal finances Whether to form an LLC or another entity Why to file quarterly taxes Whether there's a difference between expenses and deductions Figuring out what are qualified expenses when it comes to gear and apparel How to pay yourself through your business Saving enough for taxes and how much to anticipate and more!   Enrollment is open for the Money Clarity program's Q4 cohort! Most of us never had anybody teach us how to balance books or create a pricing model, and "unpacking money beliefs” probably wasn't on the agenda either. But just like you learned to be safe in the backcountry, take epic photos, or develop your craft, you can learn how to set up a practical and profitable financial foundation. Address your money mindset and financial practices head-on, while getting accountability and resources to help you reach your financial goals. We have live coaching calls every month plus lifetime access to the six sections of the course. We even have a certified accountant join in one module to give you the ins and outs of the financial system. I believe this is the only money course you'll ever need as a freelancer. We start October 1st and go through the rest of 2024, so you can kick off 2025 with the clarity and confidence you need to reach your financial goals while freelancing. Learn about the Money Clarity Program at https://www.justawildthought.com/money.   Connect with Dez: Website: https://www.alpineridgeaccounting.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dezmagelssen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dez-magelssen-cfe-cpa-0b00a157 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561921606142 Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Alex Showerman (she/her) is a professional mountain biker, advocate, producer, event organizer and brand consultant. In June of 2022, Alex was named one of the top 20 most influential people in the outdoor industry by Outside Business Journal. In spring 2024, Alex released her first film, "Coming Home," that touches on the struggle to find your place in action sports or the world as an underrepresented athlete and the joy of finding your community. "Coming Home" was featured at Mountain Film Film Fest, won Best Storytelling at iF3 Mountain Bike Film Fest, and took home Most Inspiring Film at the No Man's Land Film Fest. In this episode, we chat about: Celebrating the addition of women's riders to Red Bull Rampage 2024 Attaining brand support as an athlete Making a business case for creative projects and impactful storytelling Building a supportive community and mentorship network Overcoming personal and professional challenges, including a major injury The critical role of funding in creating films, events, and other creative projects and more!   The Freelancer Client Accelerator is back this October! This group program is a four-week dive into everything pitching.  In weekly 1.5 hour group coaching calls, get help with perfecting your positioning statement and how to communicate your value to your ideal clients. You'll have the structure and accountability to build your personalized outreach strategy so that all of your pitching efforts actually pay off, including email templates, tracking, spreadsheets, accountability buddies, referral partners, and different resources. Learn about the Accelerator at justawildthought.com/accelerator.   Connect with Alex: Website: https://www.alexshowerman.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/alexshowerman Freehub article Alex mentioned by Nicole Formosa   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Cole Heilborn (he/him) is the Creative Director of film production studio Port Side Productions. His "company of one plus contractors" helps brands in the outdoor and active lifestyle world tell stories that cut through the clutter on the internet and help marketers achieve their goals.  Cole is also the host of the Backcountry Marketing Podcast (on which I was a guest on this money episode and this freelancing episode).   In this episode, we chat about: Cole's journey from video production hobbyist to full-time business owner Pricing philosophy, value-based pricing challenges in video production industry Choosing team members for video projects based on skills and compatibility Expressing your creative value beyond just deliverables Finding clients who already value your work, rather than convincing them The vulnerability behind both creating and selling creative work and pushing through discomfort Avoiding distractions— even learning can be a distraction from creating Prioritizing client relationships and high quality work to succeed in freelancing   and more!   Enrollment is open for the Money Clarity program's Q4 cohort! Most of us never had anybody teach us how to balance books or create a pricing model, and "unpacking money beliefs” probably wasn't on the agenda either. But just like you learned to ski, take epic photos, or develop your craft, you can learn how to set up a practical and profitable financial foundation. Address your money mindset and financial practices head-on, while getting accountability and resources to help you reach your financial goals. We have live coaching calls every month plus lifetime access to the six sections of the course. We even have a certified accountant join in one module to give you the ins and outs of the financial system. I believe this is the only money course you'll ever need as a freelancer. We start October 1st and go through the rest of 2024, so you can kick off 2025 with the clarity and confidence you need to reach your financial goals while freelancing. Learn about the group program here.     Connect with Cole: Website: https://www.portsidepro.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/19087744/admin/feed/posts/   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Not all clients are created equal. When I was a new freelancer, I didn't know any better when it came to selecting work that was a great partnership and would often settle for a paycheck or what "potential" I thought working with a client could give me. In one particularly difficult case, my client would call me every day to check in even though I had other client work to do and you know- I had a life! So, let's talk about how to navigate client selection so you end up with a roster of clients you're genuinely excited about. Listen to hear about filtering potential clients through discovery processes, establishing clear expectations with new clients, and professionally declining or managing poor-fit clients.   Struggling with tough clients right now? Check out the "Managing Tough Clients" Workshop recording! Ever had a client who pushes your boundaries? Maybe they ask for discounts, try to change your scope, or never respond? This workshop dives into how to both prevent and handle client relationship issues. Learn how to take leadership in your client partnerships.     Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Amy Sabreen (she/her) is a director, producer, writer and 3-time Emmy Award winner. She's directed and produced top-rated unscripted television shows as well as award-winning documentary and branded content on 14,000-foot peaks, in the remote Alaskan tundra, below the ocean's surface, and in 17 countries. Career highlights include producing NBC's Primetime Paralympic coverage in Beijing, producing features for NBC Olympics, X Games and a wide array of sports, adventure and socially conscious programming. This year, Amy began a new adventure, transitioning from freelance to a full time position as Director, Creative Production for Alterra Mountain Company.   In this episode, Justine and Amy chat about: How Amy turned her first professional opportunity into many more The importance of building trust and maintaining relationships with clients Asking great questions is better than pretending you know more than you do Being nervous means that you care and want to do a great job Choosing your criteria for what work to say yes or no to The tricky line of being a high performer and trying to avoid overworking Working as a woman in a male-dominated industry and the pressure that comes with it Freelancers need to follow up with potential clients; people are busy and emails slip through the cracks How Amy figures out whether a freelancer is a great fit for a project Amy's dad's three questions to ask yourself when you're debating taking a job    and more!   Connect with Amy Website: https://sabreenmedia.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amysabreen   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Tori Duhaime (she/they) is a a photographer and movement artist based in Richmond, Virginia. She works in the outdoor industry space as a photographer, marketing professional, program coordinator, and social media specialist. Their workflow and creative approach is heavily informed by her former career in dance as well as the abundant community gained over the course of years and places. In addition to capturing others' experiences in motion, Tori is a serial hobbyest from skiing to mountain and gravel cycling, climbing, rafting, hiking, and beyond. She is the co-creator of the Outdoor Adventure Photo Coalition in Richmond.   In this episode, Justine and Tori chat about: Tori's journey from professional dancing to photography and movement art, and how her dance background informs her creative work The work of finding a new creative community after a cross-country move The rich sense of community in Richmond, VA, especially in cycling Building an inclusive community through mutual aid and reciprocity Dismantling scarcity mindset in freelancing: we can collaborate instead of compete How photography is an opportunity for representation and Tori's creative ways of using her art for inclusion Building a group for photographers to collaborate on a deeper level, rather than just taking the perfect shot The issues around complaining about people moving to west coast outdoor hubs The incredible benefits of east coast outdoor hubs, including Richmond How marketing departments need to examine their personal and professional channels for representation    and more!   Connect with Tori Website: https://www.toriduhaime.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toriduhaime  The Outdoor Adventure Photo Coalition: https://www.instagram.com/outdooradventurephotocoalition/   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

In my first few years as a coach and in all 7 years of my freelance work, I avoided money talk. But as time went on, I realized how crucial it is to examine both our relationships with money and how we manage it in order to have a sustainable business and a purposeful life in a capitalist world. I got there in part thanks to Rachel Rodgers, a business coach and CEO of Hello7, who helps women and marginalized communities empower themselves financially. Her book "We Should All Be Millionaires" changed everything for me. And since I now love diving into money with my clients, this week we're diving into three money tendencies I see often in my clients and how they can hold us back.  I'll share a tip on how to work through each tendency and how the Money Clarity Course for Freelancers has resources to guide you to a more empowered financial mindset and management practices. Listen to hear about: Money Avoidance: "I don't know anything about money." "It's not polite." "Money is evil." "I can't even think about the state of my finances." The massive cost in avoiding looking at your money and how it takes away from your agency and ability to make informed decisions A tip to learn to become more comfortable with the discomfort around money Money Overwhelm: "I feel so confused on what I need to do with my money." "I can't tell if this financial advice is valid or right for me." "I have analysis paralysis after going down the Google rabbit hole." How some freelancers are open and willing to talk about and think about money, but get in the weeds with the more tactical, hands-on side of it. A tip to collect data to figure out your current money status and where you're headed. Money Complacency: "I'm getting by okay, but know I could make better money moves." "I'm not sure if my positioning matches my pricing and wonder what raising my prices would do." "I wish I could prioritize money management but no one is holding me accountable." Your price is costing you: The small choices you make around money affect you in the long run, which can hurt if you're not making informed choices. How to take action and start making empowered money moves in the future.   The Money Clarity Course for Freelancers Q3 cohort begins July 1, 2024! If you resonate with any or multiple of the tendencies I talk about here, you might love the Money Clarity Course this summer. It gives you an opportunity to be brave in addressing your money mindset and practices head-on, while providing accountability and resources to help you reach your financial goals. I spent years putting together this course and believe it's the only money course you'll ever need as a freelancer. We have live coaching calls every month plus lifetime access to the six sections of the course. We even have a certified accountant join in one module to give you the ins and outs of the financial system. This entire course is built to help you do the work. I have both the tools and coaching to help you get there. Let's do this. Explore the Money Clarity Course   Resources Mentioned: Rachel Rodgers Hello Seven justawildthought.com/money   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Freelancers: Join us for a 2-hour Intensive on June 27th all about authentic selling to turn a prospective client into a paying client! We'll cover how to lead potential client conversations, skill sets and tools available to you in those discussions, and a play by play, ready-to-use template created for you so you have an outline for every client conversation you're going to have moving forward. This is a tried and true process that I have developed in co creation with my clients and I'm so excited to share it with you on June 27th. RSVP here. Colleen Goldhorn (she/her) is a freelance graphic designer and photographer who lives and breathes all things outdoor adventure. She has over a decade of experience working with clients on design, photography, and branding projects, and founded her business with the mission of strategically connecting outdoor brands to their target audience. Through her business, Colleen Goldhorn Creative Co., she draws her inspiration from time spent outdoors, and specializes in working with clients who share her love of backpacking, road tripping, and adventure travel.   In this episode, Justine and Colleen chat about: How a long hike on the Appalachian Trail eventually inspired Colleen to try freelancing The steps Colleen took to move from corporate to full-time freelancing during the pandemic The mindset needed to shift from freelancer to business owner and taking yourself seriously Allowing herself space to work on personal creative projects in addition to work and making time for rest If you're working 9 to 5 as a freelancer, why not take a full time employer job? How Colleen implements a 3-day workweek and the benefits from it Being flexible with the ebb and flow of work in order to balance workload and rest The professionalism that reflects in being very organized, and how Colleen stays organized with client work How Colleen structured her own project management system Being a one-stop shop for clients' creative needs and creating a comprehensive creative strategy Adding strategic steps and measurable metrics in client communications to maximize impact in work together The importance of strategically relating to intended audiences through visuals and copy    and more!   Sign up for the authentic selling Intensive on June 27th.   Connect with Colleen Website: www.colleengoldhorn.com Instagram: instagram.com/colleengoldhorn_creativeco  Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Latasha Greene (she/her) is the owner and head artist of Jitterbug Art Studio. She's originally from Baltimore and currently lives in Denver, CO as a full time outdoor artist. Latasha creates bright and engaging imagery that celebrates diversity in the outdoors, illustrates the healing powers of nature, and showcases the importance of conservation. Her past clients include Otterbox, Brown Girls Climb, Merrell, Range Magazine, Craghoppers, SNEWS, Access Fund, The North Face and more.   In this episode, Justine and Latasha chat about: Why Latasha decided to move across the country to dive deeper into art and get out of her comfort zone How she put herself in the right places for opportunities in the outdoor industry to come to her The opportunities that came with connecting with other female artists and entrepreneurs Latasha's first big project: a hotel mural that spurred future work Why Latasha doesn't believe in imposter syndrome Resisting gatekeeping, comparison and competition as a business owner Benefits and challenges of building a Patreon membership Diversifying creative work to avoid being boxed into a single form or style Collaborating with brands for social justice causes Breathing life into creative work when she feels burnt out or uninspired Structuring the creative process to be more efficient and less reliant on inspiration The importance of true rest and breaks    and more!   Connect with Latasha Patreon: www.patreon.com/jitterbug_art Instagram: instagram.com/jitterbug_art Youtube: heyjitterbug_ on youtube Website: www.jitterbugart.com Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

I've worked with freelancers for over 6 years and was a freelancer myself for most of my 20s. On new solo episodes of Creatives in the Wild, I'm sharing wisdom and research I've gained from those experiences, so you can learn tools and strategies to use in your business right away! Today, we're diving into the two main elements freelancers need in order to go from side hustle to full time (or to simply find more ease in their business). Listen to hear about: Being good at your craft, especially in a world of increasing AI The importance of selling and sharing your own perspective and point of view Having your own approach and style to make it easier for clients to work with you Prioritizing personal work as a way to strengthen your skillsets and find more work Protecting yourself against burnout by creating blank space for your inner creative Being good at business: client management, services, and pricing Nobody is born being a great entrepreneur, it's a learned skill Selling a service that offers a purpose and gives an end result to clients Money mindset and how it can shift a hobby into a functioning business Choosing pricing models that suit your personal financial needs Creating safety when deciding to go from side hustle to full time Being comfortable with the discomfort of finding clients Using empathy and listening in order to get jobs Why collecting no's is a good practice How craft and business skills feed into each other How your adventurous spirit can help you run your business Use this episode as a personal pep talk if you're feeling discouraged in freelancing this year!   Resources mentioned: Workshop recordings: https://www.justawildthought.podia.com Tools and templates for freelancers: https://justawildthought.com/tools Gear Library of free tools: https://justawildthought.com/free-resources   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Kaylee Litle (she/her) is the founder of Kindling Design, a graphic design studio specializing in branding, web, and brand experiences for outdoor-minded companies. Through thoughtful design and creative problem solving, Kaylee's Signature Bonfire Brand Process offers clients an in-depth, guided experience through creating a meaningful visual identity that stands out.   In this episode, Justine and Kaylee chat about: How building relationships and setting consistent expectations are keys to business. Questions to help determine whether a potential client is a good fit for you. How taking charge in the client relationship serves both parties. The importance of having an established process for client work. Question asking as a skill to determine your own needs and those of your clients How Kaylee differentiates being a "creative" vs. a "designer" Understanding yourself, your "why", and your work's "why" A creative way to brainstorm potential new services to offer How transparency is more valuable than money You are your biggest hurdle: Tips for newer freelancers       and more!   Connect with Kaylee Website: https://www.kindlingdesignco.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindlingdesign   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Micheli Oliver (she/they) is a filmmaker, photographer and storyteller based in Denver, Colorado. Her work centers her family, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and femme voices to facilitate connection and help folx build strong relationships with the land. Micheli works to create safe spaces for honest and joyful storytelling across different creative media and just premiered her debut film "Provide."     In this episode, Justine and Micheli chat about:   - Growing up in Colorado with a passion for hunting, fishing, and camping - How being stranded in the middle of Idaho with a new camera led her to photography as a potential career path - Challenging the way that media portrays time outdoors; there's no one way to be outside - Uniting diverse groups through their love and appreciation of the land - Personal values and ethics in creativity, selling, and the outdoor industry - Embracing truth and joy in storytelling - Projects and people that inspire her like: Jojo The Toad Musical, Max Romey and Alexandra Houchin   - The joy and learnings of working with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina - The challenges of balancing commercial projects with personal projects       and more!   Connect with Micheli Website: https://www.michelioliver.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micheliphoto   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought    Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Dawn Rae Knoth (she/her) is a Color Designer + Trend Strategist who has been consulting with brands in the outdoor industry for over 21 years. She works with clients to implement meaningful, functional creative visions that elevate a brand's purpose, positioning, and consumer engagement.  Dawn Rae loves how her work combines multiple things that excite and fascinate her: art, pattern recognition, math, human behavior, emotional landscapes, curiosity, and science. In her monthly newsletter, Creative Intelligence, she shares insights on color and trend strategy, design, palette creation, and merchandising.  Outside of work, you will find her bikepacking with her family, trying to get to genius level on the Spelling Bee, and listening to podcasts that unpack the human experience.   In this episode, Justine and Dawn Rae chat about:   - Color strategy and branding in the outdoor industry, which blends science and art - Embracing your unique personality and perspective as a freelancer, even if you're not the absolute best at every single service you offer - Working with brands and reaching their goals even with logistical and budget constraints - How past work set Dawn Rae up with a big knowledge and experience base to start her own business - Leveraging long-term industry relationships and the importance of a wide-view industry perspective - Working with clients on a long-term basis: season to season or year after year - The emotion, stories, and strategy behind color - Building trust with clients through clear processes - Maintaining a personal artistic voice through a creative newsletter       and more!  

Jessica Kennedy (she/her) is a website designer and SEO specialist who builds, manages, and optimizes WordPress and Squarespace websites for small business owners. She loves working with outdoor-loving folks who are starting a business or looking to improve their online presence. When not working, Jessica is usually dog-walking, camping, or laughing at something absurd on TikTok.   In this episode, Justine and Jessica chat about:   - Always knowing that she'd work for herself someday, but still trying to make a "desk job" work - The journey to her current business, including taking a desk job at Yosemite National Park - How freelancing makes it easier for Jessica to live and work aligned with her values - Balancing creativity with client desires and taking leadership while serving clients - Dismantling people-pleasing tendencies - The importance of freelancers to create a sense of safety for their clients - The value of word of mouth marketing, time with peers, and coaching - How Jessica makes intentional decisions in her business and beyond, noticing intuition and truly listening to what she does and doesn't want to do - Using structure to add data and science to her intuition in business         and more!  

Iz La Motte (she/her) is an adventure photographer and filmmaker who splits her time between Utah's Wasatch Range and her off-grid cabin in the woods of Vermont.  Iz has developed her craft into one that focuses on the human story and its relation to the world. Her passion lies in working with individuals and brands to tell their own impactful stories in a way that feels true to them. Her work has been seen in marketing campaigns across the ski industry, in print publications such as Freeskier and Backcountry Magazine, and in the film festival circuit at Mountainfilm and Banff Film Festival.     In this episode, Justine and Iz chat about:   - Iz's career dream at 12 years old (that turned into reality) - building a career in film, from "Fuel" to "Advice For Girls"  - being able to choose whose opinions matter most in your work - using risk-taking and feedback for growth and development - the importance of money talks, both with clients and with peers in your industry - how pricing secrecy can hinder a whole industry - balancing paid work with doing your craft for fun, including having days just for personal enjoyment - the pressures of seasonality in photography and filmmaking - there's no one way to have a creative career, and you can make it fun - living in the woods and making it work without wifi or cell service       and more!  

Andrea Kelly (she/her) is the Founder/CEO/Advisor of Make Plus Equal, an advisory agency that helps outdoor apparel brands serve diverse body types. Voted by Outside Business Journal as one of 2022's Twenty Most Influential people in the Outdoor Industry, Andrea has been championing Size Inclusion for over 10 years. Her efforts and expertise not only doubled the revenue for the Inclusive Sizes program at her former employer, but have also positioned her to serve on various industry panels, keynotes, podcasts, and magazine articles.  By sharing 23+ years of outdoor apparel experience, Andrea educates brands so they can feel confident about driving their business forward, build more inclusive collections, and grow their revenue and market-share by earning the trust of loyal customers who have long awaited this change in the industry.     In this episode, Justine and Andrea chat about:   - having 23 years of experience in the outdoor apparel industry and finding a passion for inclusive sizing - shifting from corporate work to consulting - being driven by a desire to change an industry from the inside out - making the outdoors available to everyone, regardless of size, by providing equal choices for all - a recent shift in the marketing and imagery of plus-size athletes that is moving the needle for inclusivity - educating brands on how to communicate with plus-size consumers and mitigate barriers to inclusive product development - the importance of taking risks and embracing twists and turns over a career, and how that can build confidence - Andrea's experience with Justine's Freelancer Boot Camp - navigating negative self thoughts when you're self-employed - finding purpose through entrepreneurship, despite challenges   - taking intentional left turns in a career in order to build skills and credibility       and more!   Connect with Andrea: Website: https://www.makeplusequal.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeplusequal (use #makeplusequal)   Article: https://www.outsideonline.com/business-journal/issues/the-20-most-influential-people-in-the-outdoor-industry/   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Katie Cooney (she/her) is an adventure photographer and outdoor illustrator based in Driggs, Idaho. You'll most likely have seen her work for brands like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Kari Traa, OnX Backcountry, Mammut and many more.  In 2022, Katie opened a small shop in Driggs, Fireweed Shop & Studios, with a focus on handmade and small-batch goods. Alongside her own, Fireweed features the work of over 75 outdoor-minded creatives and makers.  Katie loves the ways that her different work outlets feed one another, always keeping her on her toes creatively. You're most likely to find Katie wildflower hunting, mountain biking, or backpacking during the summer, and backcountry skiing in the winter. She lives and plays in the mountains with her partner and their two rescue mutts.     In this episode, Justine and Katie chat about:   - How Katie balances photography, illustration, and running a shop - The pressure Katie felt to choose between two passions (and realizing she didn't have to) - How tapping into multiple skills can give clients a comprehensive creative service - Nurturing a relationship with creativity by experimenting and not being too rigid - How to mentally separate your personal vision and a client's preferences - Detaching self-worth from feedback - Creating boundaries with clients around revisions and communications - The journey to open a brick-and-mortar shop - Investing energy into relationships with other creatives and women in small business - Embracing multiple selves as a creative and human             and more!   Connect with Katie: Website: https://www.ktcooney.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ktcooney   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Katie Lozancich ("Katie Lo") (she/her) is a storyteller and fine artist through Katie Lo. Creative.   Storytelling has been a passion of Katie's ever since she got her first National Geographic subscription as a kid (which she bought with her allowance money). Those glossy pages and rich photographs were the catalysts for her career as an award-winning freelance storyteller and artist, creating content and stories for countless brands and magazines.   Katie tends to wear many creative hats—director, producer, photographer, and writer are just a few to name—and her work blurs the lines between documentary and fine art. She is one of three creatives at the helm of NEXUS, an all-women's ski film that was directed, produced, and largely filmed by an all-women's team, and she is already busy working on another film. When's she not working, you can find Katie home in western Massachusetts riding her bike.     In this episode, Justine and Katie chat about:   - Growing up with a dream of becoming a fine artist, with pushback from adults - Finding a supportive community in Jackson, WY and noticing that making a living as an artist was possible, then working with Justine to turn ideas into action - Freelancing with a broad skill set and multiple passions when it seems tricky to combine them - Turning on "taps" of different aspects of your creativity - Owning all aspects of your identity and passions, rather than feeling limited by traditional definitions and structures - How comparison can lead to self-doubt and pressure to conform - Diversifying freelance skills to allow for more play and exploration - Joining the team at Nexus to create a groundbreaking, all-women's ski film - Creating a film: overcoming impostor syndrome, turning an idea into reality, the team's complementary skills, navigating the pitching process, and getting athlete buy-in - Filmmaking and finding funding without a formal background as a production company   - Working on a new film with Alex Showerman about women's freeride mountain biking in Vermont   - Building a career around passions to find fulfilling work that resonates with others - Being okay with uncertainty as it can lead to rewarding opportunities: learn from trial and error     and more!   Connect with Katie: Website: https://www.katielozancich.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_katielo/    Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Kika MacFarlane (she/her) and Tala Schlossberg (she/her) are Co-Founders & Creative Directors of the design studio Two Toes Creative.   Two Toes works with brands & people who have ideas that feel too big to visualize, stories that they can't keep in, and campaigns that need creativity to fuel them. They specialize in making complex information digestible and relatable, and working with animation to turn campaigns into human experiences.    In this episode, Justine, Kika, and Tala chat about: - How Tala and Kika formed their creative partnership after years of working separately in various industries - Landing dream roles at the New York Times and Patagonia after college, and still feeling the urge to do their own thing - Knowing when it's time to go out on your own and start a creative business - How Tala and Kika have different strengths that are complementary to their partnership - How Kika and Tala honor their value of creativity in all aspects of their lives - Taking constant steps before you're even sure of where you're going to land - Approaching projects with play, curiosity, and gamification - Using constraints and boundaries to access creativity - How play is the intersection of all the work at Two Toes - Noticing when a value is missing at work - Two Toes' creative retreats -Trusting your self and your abilities even in the face of self-doubt - There are a lot of people who can do a craft, but nobody has your special kind of magic and more!   Connect with Two Toes: Website: https://twotoescreative.com  Instagram: https://instagram.com/twotoesco    Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Emily Holland (she/her) is a podcast strategist, consultant, and coach based in Boulder, Colorado. She has produced, edited, and hosted her own podcasts, The Stokecast and the Nature Untold Podcast, and now helps individual creators and brands create and grow their podcasts.   When she's not being a podcast nerd, she loves spending time outdoors, whether it be skiing, running, climbing, or hiking.   In this episode, Justine and Emily chat about:  - How Emily got into podcast work during and after working in corporate - When to say yes and when to say no to work opportunities - The importance of a network and how to build one - Finding success through referrals and keeping clients close - Pitching as a core skill for freelancers that can be learned over time - Boundary setting as a freelancer, and the challenges of doing so - Implementing systems and processes into your business - Taking consistent action to reach long-term goals even with down months - Deciding not to work with a client who wants to work with you and giving them feedback around it - Being great at certain skill sets but not wanting to offer them as your services - Advocate for what you're great at and what you want to do to set you up for a better relationship with a client -  Instinct vs. fear and building confidence over time   - Everything is going to be okay! and more!   Connect with Emily: Website: https://emilyholland.co/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylholland/    Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Dani Reyes-Acosta is an award-winning advocate, filmmaker, athlete, and strategist who inspires individual action and collective communion through stories of reciprocity.   Dani is Mestiza (Mexican) and Filipina proudly reclaiming the complexities of her heritage as a storyteller, food cultivator, and legacy Coloradan. Her latest project, OUTLIER, explores the role identity, community, and belonging play in our survival as a species. In this episode, Justine and Dani chat about: - Cultivating connection through purpose-led and values-led media - Dani's background: from finding it hard to serve without connections to her work on the OUTLIER episodic documentary - The filmmaking process and challenges: having a vision, creating a pitch deck, building a team, getting buy-in when nothing is guaranteed - Being mid-project then deciding to step back and take time off - Creating engaging community events: "Snow Days" for people making the outdoors more equitable in communities with wealth disparities - Utilizing mindset tools to push yourself further - Navigating the creative process like you navigate the backcountry - Feeling safe and secure as a prerequisite to creativity, and finding financial stability as a creative through different methods of income - Harmonizing passion projects vs. paying projects and more!   Connect with Dani: Website: https://danireyesacosta.com/ OUTLIER: https://outlierfilmseries.com Dani's IG: https://instagram.com/notlostjustdiscovering OUTLIER's IG: https://instagram.com/outlierfilmseries Afuera Productions' IG: https://instagram.com/AfueraProductions   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

BONUS: We're spotlighting a new film that's encouraging young girls to show up as their true selves and not let anything stand in their way. Advice for Girls is an all-woman ski production both in front of and behind the camera, from athletes to cinematography, photography, design, and post-production.  Between cast and crew, more than 30 women were involved in the production of Advice for Girls. The film seeks to challenge the status quo of the industry: paying athletes and crew for their hard work, and giving women more recognition. In this episode, Justine chats with 6 of the 7 crew members of the project: director Sara Beam Robbins, cinematographer Iz La Motte, producer and athlete Addy Jacobsend, producer and athlete Sierra Schlag, photographer Katie Cooney, and social media manager and athlete AJ Cutler. (Photographer Bianca Germain was on a shoot.) Justine and the crew talk about: - creating a film with vulnerability, open communication, and teamwork - gender equality in the ski industry and being paid for creative work - crowdfunding a ski film - challenges of filming in winter conditions - the team's personal advice for girls   Learn About "Advice For Girls": Website: https://adviceforgirlsfilm.com   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Shandi Kano is a commercial and freelance producer by trade and endurance runner, snowboarder and splitboarder by passion, living in Salt Lake City.   Shandi started freelancing 10 years ago following an impactful career at ESPN and powerful life change and has since worked with some of the biggest brands in the outdoors industry and beyond. In this episode, Justine and Shandi chat about:  - Allowing life changes to embrace new identities  - How dealing struggle and failure is essential to freelancing - Choosing what to prioritize in life and business  - Why trust and NOT ego is essential to landing your next client  - Freelancing is a team sport; build community  - Rates, pricing, and understanding your worth as a freelancer - Being of service as a freelancer and a leader - Mentorship in the outdoors industry and giving back and more!   Connect with Shandi: Website: https://www.shandikk.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/shandikk   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

How do you combine your talents with purpose-driven work? When do all the small steps lead to a business you're proud of?   Margo Stoney (she/her) is the Owner and Creative Director of High Mountain Creative. She lives in Montana and is dedicated to using graphic design to save the planet. She collaborates with nonprofits to develop visual storytelling pieces that raise awareness, increase impact and make supporting important causes more accessible to everyone.   In her free time, Margo likes to snowboard, hike and explore new places while looking at birds and sketching in her notebook along the way. In this episode, Justine and Margo chat about:  - Margo's start into freelancing by exploring different avenues at the intersection of design and nature - having a "second shift" job that allowed Margo to both spend the day snowboarding and have employment with benefits in the evening - how employer jobs can set you up for the skills you need to start working for yourself - learning and experimenting through taking two steps forward and one step back - piecing together work as you transition toward your owning your own business - how one of your best first clients can be your past employer - prioritizing mental and physical health over hustle  - the need for good chemistry and overlapping values in a client relationship - the value of solid contracts and processes - how design can help fight climate change and support conservation efforts - niching down to nonprofit clients - how positioning affects pricing and feeling confident in what you're charging - learning lessons from messing up and more!   Connect with Margo: Website: https://www.highmountaincreative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mstoney IG: https://www.instagram.com/highmountaincreative   Connect with Justine: Website: https://www.justawildthought.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Emily Tidwell (she/her) is a freelance adventure photographer whose event and campaign photography can be seen in partnership with brands like Red Bull, Patagonia, and Palisades Tahoe.   Emily got her start shooting in the park for ski publications and eventually built a name for herself in the biking and outdoors industry as well.   In this episode, Justine and Emily chat about: How she got her start as a freelance ski photographer and what it took to build her name in the skiing industry What it means to have the courage to show up as yourself Reclaiming the parts of you you've abandoned to "make it" Living off the highs and lows of freelancing and why it's a recipe for burnout Learning to take feedback to grow Success as she defines it now And more generally, how to avoid burnout as a freelancer and more!   Connect with Emily: IG: instagram.com/emily_tidwell_photo Threads: @emily_tidwell_photo   Connect with Justine: Website: justawildthought.com IG: instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Lisa Slagle (she/her) is the Founder and Agency Owner at Wheelie, LLC and a creative director and writer by trade. As Lisa puts it, "making things with people adds deep meaning to my life." In 2009, she started by handing out soggy business cards on chairlifts. Now, she's creative directed for over 350 brands, produced millions of dollars of creative work, and managed over 50 full-time employees and hundreds of contractors. (And yes, it was really hard, and she worked her butt off.) Lisa lives in Crested Butte, CO, where she snowboards and mountain bikes, which help her think of bigger and deeper questions to use with clients on consulting and projects.   In this episode, Justine and Lisa chat about: -starting an agency at 22, then hiring people because she had too much work -the dance between the craft and the client relationship: building a radical amount of trust -how to communicate a vision to a client -being in the business of selling imagination -the personal vs. professional agenda of a pitch -three types of creatives, and who to hire as a freelancer -dealing with rejection And more!   Connect with Lisa: Website: wheeliecreative.com and LisaSlagle.com Substack: lisaslagle.substack.com IG: instagram.com/lisa_by_design   Connect with Justine: Website: justawildthought.com IG: instagram.com/justawildthought   Was this episode helpful? Screenshot this and tell a friend to go to justawildthought.com/podcast! Please rate and review Creatives in the Wild on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Wildly impactful conversations with creatives, freelancers and entrepreneurs in the outdoor industry. The outdoor industry has its own culture and value system that can be tough to navigate. And if that wasn't hard enough, freelancing is notoriously ambiguous and secretive. This podcast looks to change all that! Creatives In The Wild is all about providing you the tools, perspectives, and stories to help you feel connected and excited to grow your freelance business in the outdoors industry. Guests share the experiences, wisdom and best practices that have helped their businesses succeed so you can too. I'm your host, Justine Mulliez! As a certified coach who works with outdoor industry entrepreneurs, there have been countless times when I've chatted with folks about work and thought, "Wow, I wish other people could hear this." So, let's geek out on entrepreneurship together. Creatives In The Wild dives into the nuances of freelance and creative work in the outdoor industry, giving you a variety of perspectives and the shared knowledge you need to start building a sustainable business around what you love to do.   More at: www.justawildthought.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/justawildthought