Creativity School

This week on Creativity School, I'm talking to Esther Maloney, a multidisciplinary artist, educator and mama. She's the creator of award winning films, an author, a visual artist, and the founding director of Illumine Media as well as a founding member of the Creative Sovereignty Lab. Esther also facilitates The Vitality Collective and Making Sessions, two 10-week, online workshops offered for those ready to make powerful shifts in their creative work. Esther's work is rooted in the belief that our creative life is inseparable from our spiritual life, and she shares how to begin the process of developing trust in ourselves, our creative process, and the forces larger than us. We also discuss the inner voice beckoning creative people to listen, and how we can make space to hear it even when it can seem so hard to do this. Esther also speaks on the connection between nature and our creative practice and how our menstrual cycles and our creativity are deeply intertwined.     WORK WITH ME!⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

How can you grow your visibility and impact through authentically being you and embracing all parts of yourself and the work you create? This week on Creativity School, I have an inspiring conversation with Saeng Douangdara, a popular content creator and personal chef who specializes in Lao cuisine. Saeng shares his journey of how he was born in a refugee camp in Southeast Asia after his parents fled Laos, to eventually working as a college counselor, to now creating storytelling videos that advocate, uplift, and center Lao cuisine. With over 700K followers and millions of views on social media, his work has been featured in numerous publications such as Delish, Buzzfeed, and the New York Times. We talk about the resistance Saeng faced as his visibility and platform grew, how to be authentic as you create meaningful work, and how he protects his mental health as he creates and shares online. Saeng also lets us in on what his creative process looks like, and his best tips on how to get started on TikTok.     WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

I believe there is a very strong relationship between creativity and spirituality and I'm excited to share this BONUS episode with you this week! It's a conversation I had with my dear friend Sylvia Beatriz, an intuition coach and psychic medium. This week we chat all about how to know if you're psychic (psst - we all are!), how to start learning this language of sensing, feeling and knowing beyond our 5 physical senses, and how our intuitive abilities can lead us to our most expansive and aligned life.     WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

This week on Creativity School, we're talking about triggers! While triggers are extremely uncomfortable and can leave us feeling deflated and paralyzed, they're ACTUALLY here to pinpoint where you have stuck energy and where you have the capacity to expand into your highest self. Learn how to use the things that trigger you as a way to know exactly where your limiting beliefs are, and bring these subconscious thoughts to the surface so you can expand and grow into your fullest and most authentic, creative being.   WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

I believe there is a very strong relationship between creativity and spirituality and I'm excited to share this BONUS episode with you this week! It's a conversation I had with my dear friend Sylvia Beatriz, an intuition coach and psychic medium, all about how working with spiritual guidance changed our lives. We talk about: -How to begin to start cultivating a relationship with our intuition. -Why it's SO important to learn to integrate critical thinking and intuition for the world today. -The personal cost of ignoring the call to slow down and tune into what we need …and MORE. If you enjoyed this episode please let me know!   WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

Over the last 15 years of my career as a professional photographer, one of the compliments I've loved the most is when someone tells me they just *know* when a photo is mine.  It shows me that my work is recognizable and that I've been able to find my own unique voice as a creative. This week in our Cultivating Creativity Series, I'll be sharing how to develop your own unique voice and style as a creator. Tune in for a deep dive on deconstructing the process of taking all your influences and inspirations, and turning them into something that is uniquely you (and WITHOUT copying others!)   WORK WITH ME! ⚡ 1:1 CREATIVE COACHING

Today's episode is the first in a new series called Cultivating Creativity, where I'll be sharing simple and practical tips on how to craft the way you think and ideate TO BE MORE CREATIVE! At the very foundation of cultivating creativity is a simple truth: know what you like and why. Tune in this week to learn about why it's essential to: Get really clear on what you like. Embrace it wholeheartedly with bravado, and without shame or judgement. Allow this connection to yourself and to your own tastes to flow into your creative work.   WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

This week's episode is all about HOW TO BE MORE CREATIVE! How to tap into it, how to follow the creative process, and how to feed your creative spirit by listening to your intuition. My guest today, Esther Loopstra, is a prolific artist and illustrator, specializing in food and travel, hand-lettering, and surface design. Her work has been used for print ads, editorials, books, stationery products, and textiles and her clients include Target, Frito Lay, Google, Jo Ann Fabrics, Eddie Bauer, and American Greetings. Esther's insatiable curiosity drew her to learn as much as she could about the creative process, eventually leading her to teach people how to discover their innate creativity. She believes everyone is creative and is passionate about helping others find and express the creativity that resides inside of them. In this episode, she shares all about her insights as a creativity expert and teacher.   Mentioned in this episode: How Esther became an illustrator, burned out, and eventually discovered her intuition How creativity has a whole range of pathways and is something innate in all of us Exercises to develop our intuition, trust it, and act on it How to quiet your inner critic Why we need to feed our creative spirit Overcoming the fear of what people are going to think and the fear of sharing our work Giving ourselves the freedom to make mistakes How to find your passion using your intuition Open mode and closed mode - the two modes we need for the creative process The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron   WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

Creativity is NOT math - there isn't one defined, clear answer on what's right or good. Everything is simply an opinion, completely subjective and in the eye of the beholder. I recently had a portfolio review and had the chance to share my latest photo series with top industry people from photo festivals and museums. This week on Creativity School, I share my top takeaways to remember when you have a disappointing response to your work. Here's a gentle reminder: The point of creating what matters to us, isn't so that it matters to everyone! Feeling like our work is ENOUGH is a key part of building confidence in this wildly subjective world of creativity, and I'm here to walk you through how to do it.      WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

Here's Part 2 of my conversation with Jess Keating, a scientist, bestselling author of 23 books, shamanic guide, and holistic money mentor. Jess bridges the gap between science and spirituality, guiding creatives and entrepreneurs to healing their deepest blocks so they share their medicine and message with the world. In the second part of our conversation, we discuss how to build a sustainable creative business through slower deeper moves, rather than the flashy stuff that sells on the internet. Jess shares the most common forms of self sabotage she sees with creatives, and how to build a business that actually feels good and is aligned with your creative spirit and soul in a way feels right for YOU.     WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

This week I'm talking to Jess Keating, a scientist, bestselling author of 23 books, shamanic guide, and holistic money mentor. Jess bridges the gap between science and spirituality, guiding creatives and entrepreneurs to healing their deepest blocks so they share their medicine and message with the world. Jess brings a unique perspective to creativity and the way she intersects the world of science, spirituality and creative expression. She shares how there's a more holistic and natural approach to creative living and money making. We also talk about the connection between nature and our creativity, and how we can look to nature to find the answers we seek because we are all wired to be connected to it. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we dig deeper into building a sustainable creative practice and business by looking to nature for learning how to make slower, deeper moves and blending the natural world with our creative spirit.   WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

There are times in life when you're totally going to suck at something…. and that's okay! But how do you support yourself through the discomfort of being so bad and new at it? And how do you keep going when it's so uncomfortable you want to quit? Tune in this week to hear how to allow yourself to be comfortable with being uncomfortable so you can continue to expand and strengthen your creative muscles.     WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

What happens when the thing you love to make the most completely burns you out? This week on Creativity School, I have a very honest conversation about mental health and burning out with Korean chef and author Seung Hee Lee. Seung Hee is a self proclaimed “disease detective” by day as a full time Epidemiologist, and a classically trained chef and side hustling pop-up chef by night. She's also a traditionally published author of a Korean cookbook, which she worked on and released while working at her day job. We talk about her journey to becoming a chef and author, and how she uses social media to dispel stereotypes about Korean food. Seung Hee also shares how her weekend pop-up events became burdensome and left her feeling depressed and unhappy. She discusses how she began the process of overcoming her burnout and why it's essential to create work that makes you happy instead of making work to please others.   WORK WITH ME!

Happy 2023 friends! What if this new year is all about stepping into the OLD YOU? The most authentic, aligned, and real you, that's hiding under feeling afraid, unworthy, and not being good enough? And what if your creativity is just the thing to help you remember? I believe creativity is powerful pathway to transformation because when we create what really matters to us, we reconnect to ourselves. The more you create, the more you learn about yourself. The more you learn about yourself, the more you heal. The more you heal, the more you remember the old you. And the old you is where the magic lies.     WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

How can you keep following what you authentically enjoy and allow one thing to lead you to the next? Raúl B Fernández is an award winning commercial director and has received recognition for his work for brands such as Chevy, Amazon, and Coca-Cola. But in 2020 when the film industry came to a complete standstill and Raúl found himself out of work, he started making veggie planter boxes for fun. His pandemic hobby unintentionally turned into a business and Victory Garden LA was born. With a booming new business, Raúl quickly hired other out of work film industry types to help “pay our bills, one beautiful planter box at a time”. Listen this week to hear all about his incredible journey of pivoting from unemployment to building a thriving business that has been written up in Sunset Magazine, the LA Times, and has attracted a celebrity following. Raúl shares his tips on how to take action without overthinking, how to increase your personal magnetism to attract what you need, and why it's so important to create for the sake of creating. He also shares what it's like to create while struggling with anxiety and depression, and his tips on how he works through imposter syndrome and feeling not good enough.    WORK WITH ME! ⚡ BOOK 1:1 COACHING

What is energy healing and how can you use this modality to release creative blocks and shift closer to the dream, transformation, and manifestation that you desire? This week on Creativity School, I'm talking to Missy Toy Ozeas, an Energy Healer and Transformation Guide. Missy says she did not ever set out to be an energy healer and for most of her life, hid her unusual gifts of being able to see energy and energetic patterns. She eventually left a career in television to become a Healer, and has been impacting countless lives ever since. We talk all things energy this episode - how our thoughts and beliefs relate to our energy field, how every problem has an energetic root, and how we can begin to clear blocks by getting to the root of the problem at an energetic level. Missy also shares why energetic hygiene is so important especially for creativity, and how when you change your energy you change the world around you. Missy also gives me a profound Energy Healing at the end of this episode, and stay tuned until the end where she shares a beautiful message for YOU! If you want to learn all about how consciously working with energy can shift your creative life, be sure to tune in!  

When asked about the number-one ingredient in creative achievement, more than 140 creativity researchers identified growth mindset as the key to success. So what exactly is growth mindset, and how can it help you live to your fullest creative potential? Tune in this week to learn about how traits like intelligence, creativity and the ability to be successful are things that can be cultivated and developed, and how a fixed mindset is actually holding you back from growing and expanding into your highest and most authentic expression. The Power of Believing You Can Improve - Carol Dwek Ted Talk What to Say When You Talk To Yourself - Shad Helmstetter  

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs How was I able to go from a science degree and a corporate job, to creating a dream career as an internationally acclaimed animal photographer and author? I learned how to listen to my intuition and have used it to guide me every step of the way! My intuition has truly been my superpower for how I've lived such an aligned, creative life and it's a tool that's available to everyone. Intuition is our inner intelligence system, and it's always trying to guide us to our highest good. And when you learn how to listen to your intuition and use this higher guidance, it can lead you down a magical path beyond what you could even imagine. Tune in this week to learn how to develop your intuition (here's a secret - we're ALL intuitive and have these abilities!) and how to get into the flow of creation through taking inspired action.     WORK WITH ME! BOOK AN AKASHIC RECORD READING Now booking November appointments.  

This week on Creativity School I'm talking to Justine Tiu, co-founder of The Woobles, a company that makes learn-to-crochet kits for complete beginners and helps them build confidence and see their own potential to grow not just in crochet, but in life. Justine shares her story of how she went from working as a User Experience Designer at Google to starting up The Woobles. In just 2 years, Justine has taught 100,000 people how to crochet, sells her crochet kits in retail stores, released a new book, and been on Shark Tank! We discuss the ups and downs Justine experienced as she built her company and how she overcame self doubt along the way. Justine also shares how she grew her self confidence through learning crochet, and why she loves helping people remember that it doesn't matter how old you are, how busy you are, or how crafty you are - you can always learn something new and grow your self confidence, one baby step at a time. Join us as we share why having a growth mindset is crucial to learning and why you don't need your work to be 100% perfect before you release it into the world.

Why does sharing our authentic gifts and talents with others oftentimes feel so scary? And what could be possible if we all had the courage to let them out and allow them to shine, even if we feel afraid? This week on Creativity School I'm talking to Sofia Araya, an international spiritual life coach, teacher, and Akashic Records Reader. Sofia shares her story of how she transitioned from a career in interior design to one that has allowed her very unique gifts to develop and shine. We talk about how Sofia kept following her desires and the things she felt called to explore, ultimately creating an entirely new path and career for herself. She also shares about the importance of being self aware of what's holding you back from sharing your gifts and why it's important to work with your triggers instead of avoiding them. Sofia's inspiring journey shows us what can happen if you courageously share your gifts with others, especially as you see triggers as an opportunity to heal and move forward in your life mission! I also share a little bit about what I've been up to, and some new ways of working together so you can heal your triggers and move forward with creating your best life! If you're interested in booking at Akashic Record Reading with me, here's how.   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH SOFIA: Website | Instagram CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

How much expansion could be possible in your life if you allowed yourself to stay open to new opportunities (even if you feel completely unqualified) and just said YES? This week on Creativity School I'm talking to my good friend and creative powerhouse Sonya Sanford. Sonya is a multi-passionate creative and a chef, food stylist, food writer, and screenwriter for television and film - all while being completely self taught. She shares her story of how she got started in her various careers by consistently allowing her curiosity to lead, and saying yes to new opportunities when she had no experience. We talk about how a near death experience made Sonya realize “life is too short to be crying in a parking lot every day doing something you hate” and why it's so important to do what you love. Sonya also shares what she learned from the failure of having her beloved restaurant close down, and how she balances all her creative interests and passions. Sonya's inspiring journey shows the magic of what can happen if you stay open, say YES, and allow life to unfold in the most unpredictable and delicious way!   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH SONYA: Website | Instagram CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

This week on Creativity School, I share with you how taking action on your ideas allows you to get in touch with the Master Creator that's within you, by providing the opportunity to practice the alchemy of taking an idea from pure energy into something that's tangible and real. If you're someone that struggles with taking your ideas from inside of you and turning them into something more, you won't want to miss this week's episode. And if you do the homework I give you this week, I hope you'll come back and share your experience with me! (BTW - I drop a few S-bombs in this episode so if you are listening around children, ear muffs!)   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

How can you find the courage to believe in your work and keep going with it, despite all the obstacles and rejections that come your way? Our guest this week is Crystal Z. Lee, a Taiwanese American bilingual author. Crystal shares her inspiring story of how she went from working in the corporate world to becoming an award winning author despite facing nearly 100 rejections on her journey to being published. Crystal says she always knew deep down since childhood that she wanted to be a writer, but never had the courage to pursue it until later in her life after working in Public Relations for a decade and becoming a mom. Crystal talks all about her journey to finally finding the courage to write, how she handled her negative self talk when she received nearly 100 rejections while pitching her manuscript to publishers, to ultimately becoming an award winning author of books with beloved readers all over the world! Her novel Love and Other Moods has been a finalist in multiple book awards and received a Gold Award, and her children's book A Unicorn Named Rin was listed in the "Top 120 picture books to add to your kids' reading list in 2021" by PopSugar.com. She also shares with us the importance of knowing who you are as a creator, staying true to your vision, and why she walked away from 2 publishers when she knew it wasn't the right fit for her book. If you're someone that struggles with finding the time for your creativity, or want some inspiration on how to keep going when it feels like the world keeps telling you “No!”, this episode is for you.   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CRYSTAL: Website | Instagram CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.  

Today's episode is for everyone that was told you can't make money doing what you love, especially as an artist. (I have a feeling this is the majority of us!) The myth of the starving artist is one of the biggest misconceptions there is about creativity. I was told my entire life that I could never make a living with my creative hobbies. But my guest today, Aimée Hoover, has made a successful career as an extraordinary fine artist for 20 years, painting contemporary portraits of animals. Her paintings are in collections all around the world, seen in galleries and exhibitions, and featured in countless magazine articles. In this episode, Aimée tells us how she accidentally stumbled upon her niche painting portraits of pets 20 years ago, built her business as a side hustle, and how she's been able to sustain a long lasting career creating exactly what she loves to make. She talks about the point in her career when pleasing clients left her lost and burned out, and how she shut down a successful, profitable business to find joy in her work again. Aimée also shares how to build self confidence and resilience in your work, especially in this day of social media when it's so easy to feel like you're not good enough. You'll also find out why I call Aimée a social media and marketing genius!  

There's a part of us that longs for our work to be universally liked by everyone. And when that doesn't happen, it can feel like THE WORST. But the fact of the matter is, your creativity is not meant for everyone. And if someone doesn't like your work, you simply didn't make it for them! We are not here to make work that connects with every single person on the planet. We make work for the people that we are meant to connect with it. Learn why it's essential that we stop trying to be a people pleaser with our creativity, and the importance of trusting that what you make will reach the right people. I also share some lessons to take away from the negative reviews on my book, Puppy Styled.   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.  

This week's episode is a replay from the Beautiful Possibility podcast by writer and creative coach Gillian Jacob Kieser. I talk about how (and why) we hold ourselves back from going for our dreams, how to summon the courage to be creative, my favorite mindset tips and more! If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out Gillian's podcast and her new book, 10,000 Doors: Finding your life's purpose through writing. Learn more about Gillian - Instagram | Website | Book | Podcast     Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.  

How can you find your unique creative magic and create a career that aligns with everything you love to do? Our guest this week is Azhelle Wade, a talented toy inventor. (What a cool job, right?) Azhelle worked in the toy industry for 10 years at companies like Toys R Us and Madame Alexander, eventually becoming a VP at a toy company. She's now the host of the Toy Coach Podcast and the founder of Toy Creators Academy, a program that teaches people with no knowledge of the toy industry how to get their own toy and game ideas to market. Azhelle talks all about how she found her way into the toy industry, what motivated her to quit her corporate job to become the Toy Coach, and the highs and lows of creative entrepreneurship. Azhelle also shares with us her “Puzzle of You” concept - how she found her unique creative career by bringing together different pieces of her life, figured out how they all fit together, and then assembled them into something meaningful not just for herself but for others. As Azhelle says, “You don't have to be an expert at everything. You just have to be an expert on the life that you choose to lead.” Listen this week to hear more inspirational nuggets of wisdom on how to find your own creative magic just by being you!   Learn more about Azhelle - Instagram | Toy Creator's Academy   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

What are the Akashic Records and how can you use them as a tool to reconnect to who you are and manifest your unique creative expression? This week on Creativity School, I'm talking to my teacher Helen Vonderheide, Elite Certified Akashic Records Teacher and Practitioner. Helen gave me my Beginning Practitioner Certification, and I'm thrilled she's here to teach us all about what the Akashic Records are, and how we can use them to illuminate our path, manifest our creative greatness, and receive the outcomes we desire. Helen also gives an Akashic Record reading for all of us, so stay tuned until the end to hear the beautiful message she shares. If you want to learn all about the Akashic Records, keep an open heart and mind as you listen because this episode was made especially for you! ✨   Mentioned in this episode: What are the Akashic Records? What it's like getting information from the Records Why you don't need to be psychic or have special gifts to access the Records How to use the Records for manifesting creativity and the outcomes we want Helen's Akashic Record Reading for all of us!!   Learn more about Helen - Website | Instagram   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

Do you believe that your creative dreams are possible? The very foundation of being able to create and manifest all the things you desire lies in believing that what you want is 100% possible. As Henry Ford says, “Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right!” If you don't believe it's possible, it will NEVER happen. This week on Creativity School, I explore the importance of belief in the creation process, and why it's so important for you to believe that what you want is possible through understanding the role our conscious and subconscious minds play. If you have creative dreams that have yet to be fulfilled, this episode will show you why examining your beliefs around possibility is a must.   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

I'm so excited to have Office Hours on Creativity School this season! Office Hours will feature real conversations I have with you, the listener, where you have the opportunity to get some 1:1 creative coaching so you can breakthrough the beliefs holding you back from living your most authentic and aligned creative life. On today's episode, listener Jeni says she started life feeling creative, but somewhere along the way her creative desires got put away due to self doubt and imposter syndrome. Jeni describes the feeling as her creativity staying safely sleeping while she's a quiet observer on the sidelines, watching others out there create their work. Jeni was looking for coaching on how to get unstuck so she can make the work deep inside of her that is longing to be made.  We talk about what to do when we feel triggered by others that are out there accomplishing their creative goals, how growth and change usually involve doing uncomfortable things, and why it's necessary to stop the cycle of judging and shaming ourselves when we're having feelings. We also discuss how cultivating self compassion is the antidote to overcoming self doubt, and how making small and consistent baby steps is the best way to move toward our creative goals .   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

This week's episode is an inspiring interview with Cathy Zhang, founder of Easy Sunday Club and "the analytical MBA turned artist." Easy Sunday Club is a product based brand that features her whimsical watercolor art. Cathy is an incredibly prolific artist who has figured out multiple income streams to generate revenue with her art. Incredibly, Cathy is completely self taught and has only been painting for 6 years! She didn't even consider herself a creative until she started painting. She holds an MBA in business and was working the corporate life until she quit her job to create the life that she has now as an artist and entrepreneur. We dig into ALL the things on how to turn your creative daydream into reality -  topics like what it took for her to quit her corporate job, how to build a business from the ground up, how to develop confidence in your creative skills, how to balance what you want to make versus what the market wants you to make, why it's so important to define success on your own terms, and SO MUCH MORE. If you're looking for some practical tips on how to turn your creative daydream into reality, this episode is for you. Easy Sunday Club on Instagram Easy Sunday Club on Youtube Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

You may have heard the quote “Everything you've ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.”  On this week's episode of Creativity School, I talk about the 6 pivotal moments in my life when I reached a crossroads and had to make a choice - do I stay stuck where I am, or do I move through my fears and see what unfolds? I share the lessons I learned while confronting some really scary and uncomfortable moments, and how I was able to make these moves every time. I also show you how each time I allowed my biggest fears to lead me, I unknowingly created more more expansion, possibility, and abundance for myself and quite literally CHANGED MY LIFE!   Thank you so much for listening. If this episode resonates with you, please share with a friend and leave a review! If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

One of the biggest hurdles we experience on this path of creativity is a debilitating fear of failure. Failure often paralyzes us from even starting, and can prevent us from picking ourselves back up when we fall down. But this is all based on the limited way we choose to define what failure actually is. This week on Creativity School, I talk about how failure is simply a matter of perspective. It truly doesn't have to mean anything negative about what kind of person you are or what kind of capabilities you have. In fact, if it reveals anything about who you are, it shows far more positive things! Learn how to rise to a higher level of thinking and redefine failure from a totally different and expansive view so you can release the fear of failure once and for all.   Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

I'm so excited to have Office Hours on Creativity School this season! Office Hours will feature real conversations I have with you, the listener, where you have the opportunity to get some 1:1 creative coaching so you can breakthrough the beliefs holding you back from living your most authentic and aligned creative life. This week, I have a conversation with Courtney who is a freelance producer for print work, commercials, reality television, and documentary films. What she really wants to do is explore stepping back from a career in production that she's built over the last decade and focus on writing and producing her own projects. Courtney finds herself finding that a lot of her projects stay in her head and don't get turned into anything more. We talk about the blocks in the way that are preventing her from getting her ideas out onto paper, how her amazing analytical producer mind is hindering her writing process, and how to start quieting the overthinking mind so creativity can flow with more freedom.    Thank you so much for listening. If you're interested in being on an Office Hours episode with me for some 1:1 creative coaching so you can start manifesting your wildest creative dreams, fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

When people don't like our work it's the worst, crushing feeling. How can we overcome the negativity and keep showing up to create the things that matter to us? This week on Part 2, I share how to handle the process of overcoming criticism or feeling like nobody likes or cares about your work. I also share the 3 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS to ask yourself so you can remember how much VALUE and MEANING your work has beyond what other people have to say about it. If you haven't listened to Part 1, be sure to go back and give it a listen! I'm offering 2 1:1 coaching spots for listeners! If you're interested fill out an application here. Thank you so much for listening. Please complete this short survey so I can learn a little more about you and what topics you'd like covered on the show!   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.  

It can feel so soul crushing, shameful, and defeating when you put your heart into creating something, only to have people criticize it, not understand it, or ignore it. What can you do when this happens? This week, I share how I handle the process of feeling like people don't like what I made and what you can do to reframe your thoughts so you can stay on the path of creating work that's important to you, even when you're feeling discouraged.   Thank you so much for listening. Please complete this short survey so I can learn a little more about you and what topics you'd like covered on the show!   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

How can we forever change the course of our life by listening to our inner nudges and following the feeling? Our guest this week has a story that exemplifies everything we discuss on this show, and the magic that unfolds when you listen and take action! This week on Creativity School, I'm talking to Kimothy Joy, a watercolor and pen illustrator passionate about creating artwork that uplifts and empowers women and girls. Kimothy shares how she went from feeling lost, broken, and disconnected from herself to discovering her love of watercolor painting. In a very short amount of time, her work went from simply living on her dining room table, to being seen at Women's Marches all around the world, to then being published in her book That's What She Said: Wise Words from Influential Women. Listen to learn why it's so important to play and do the things that make you curious, how to begin to listen to the little nudges that are telling you what to do, and how to get into your flow to let your creative path unfold. We also talk about THE SECRET to creating your best work from the inside out, and how most people get this all backwards! If you need a dose of magical inspiration this episode is for you!   Thank you so much for listening. Please complete this short survey so I can learn a little more about you and what topics you'd like covered on the show! If you're interested in doing Office Hours with me for a future episode (You can ask me anything about your journey with creativity and get 1:1 creative coaching) fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH KIMOTHY: Website | Instagram | That's What She Said CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

I'm so excited to have Office Hours on Creativity School this season! Office Hours will feature real conversations I have with you, the listener, where you have the opportunity to ask me anything about living your most authentic and aligned creative life. On today's episode, I have a conversation with Wendy, who has a corporate job by day but pursues her newfound love of block art printing and clay on nights and weekends. Wendy sees herself as an ideas person, but not a follow through person. We have a great discussion about following through and the power of consistency, and we also delve into so many juicy topics around perfectionism, radical self acceptance, letting go of the beliefs that aren't serving us, making money with your creative gifts and so much more! If you're interested in being on a future Office Hours episode fill out this form. Learn more about Wendy - Instagram.   Thank you so much for listening. Please complete this short survey so I can learn a little more about you and what topics you'd like covered on the show!   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

How did a professional umpire pivot into becoming a sought after commercial and editorial photographer? Doug Levy's dream was to be a professional umpire, starting from from the tender age of 12. He pursued his dreams throughout his youth and even went to Umpire School. But right before he made it to the Big Leagues, Doug made the incredibly difficult decision to quit and become a professional photographer. Now Doug shoots for clients like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Amazon, Honda, and more! Learn why Doug decided to step away from his life long dream job, and how he created a new vision for himself by pivoting to an entirely different career as a photographer. You'll also learn Doug's advice on the mindset and behaviors you need to pivot successfully into any creative career. Learn more about Doug Levy - Website | Instagram.     Thank you so much for listening. Please complete this short survey so I can learn a little more about you and what topics you'd like covered on the show! If you're interested in doing Office Hours with me for a future episode (You can ask me anything about your journey with creativity) fill out this form.     CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

This week's episode is a replay from The Money Flirt podcast by Stephanie Trujillo. Stephanie helps people step into a more magnetic relationship with money through her amazing podcast and programs. I speak with Steph all about my money story - the process of how I overcame my beliefs that I couldn't become wealthy as a photographer, developed my money consciousness and became a conscious caretaker of money. If you want to uplevel your relationship with money, check out Stephanie's new program Money Moon. She's offering Creativity School listeners 10% off with code GRACE22. Doors are closing Feb 16th 2022 so if you're interested you gotta act soon! Learn more about Money Moon The Money Flirt Instagram | Podcast  

On this episode, I talk about the relationship between how creative you are, and how much you allow yourself to live as the truest, biggest expression of yourself. I believe creativity is the way we imprint the world with our unique self expression and our unique gifts! Your creativity is the literal manifestation of your pure self expression - your knowledge, your experience, your entrepreneurship, your art, your gifts and talents - whatever your expression is! The more you hold back your self expression, the less creative you will be. The more you freely share your self expression, the more you allow your innate creator energy to flow. Listen to learn more about this relationship  and how to get started on living as your fullest, most creative self.    Thank you so much for listening. Please complete this short survey so I can learn a little more about you and what topics you'd like covered on the show! If you're interested in doing Office Hours with me for a future episode (You can ask me anything about your journey with creativity) fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

Welcome back to School, Creators! Listen to this short episode for an update on where I've been, what I've been up to for the last 2 years, and where the show is headed in Season 2. Please complete this short survey so I can learn a little more about you and what topics you'd like covered on the show! If you're interested in doing Office Hours with me for a future episode (You can ask me anything about your journey with creativity) fill out this form.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here.

How do you know when you should keep going in pursuit of your wildest dreams, or throw in the towel and walk away? This is one of my most personal episodes yet, and I share with you the 3 questions I ask myself when I reach obstacles or a crossroads and have to decide which path to choose. I talk about some of the hardest, darkest parts of my 11 year career, things I’ve never talked about publicly before. These are the times I was so sure I had to stop chasing my dreams of being a pet photographer and choose a more stable path. How did I know I had to keep going? I also talk about how to know it’s actually the right time to quit by sharing about the rise and fall of my defunct kimchi business, and why it’s ok - no, essential - TO QUIT when you have to! This is the season finale, folks! See you back here in February 2020. In the meantime, keep in touch with me on Instagram, in the Facebook Group, and keep your brains and spirits filled with goodness by checking out some of my favorite podcasts and books at my website. Until next time my friends, put something great out there!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! Get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here    

How can we forever change the course of our life by listening to our inner nudges and "following the feeling?" Our guest this week has a story that exemplifies everything we discuss on this show, and the magic that unfolds when you listen and take action! This week on Creativity School, I’m talking to Kimothy Joy, a watercolor and pen illustrator passionate about creating artwork that uplifts and empowers women and girls. Kimothy shares how she went from feeling lost, broken, and disconnected from herself to discovering her love of watercolor painting. In a very short amount of time, her work went from simply living on her dining room table, to being seen at Women’s Marches all around the world, to then being published in her book That's What She Said: Wise Words from Influential Women. Listen to learn why it’s so important to play and do the things that make you curious, how to begin to listen to the little nudges that are telling you what to do, and how to get into your flow to let your creative path unfold. We also talk about THE SECRET to creating your best work from the inside out, and how most people get this all backwards! If you need a dose of magical inspiration this episode is for you!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! Get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: The importance of playing and doing what makes you curious The roadmap to finding what your creative calling is How to listen to the nudges and learn to distinguish between your wise inner voice and your critical monkey mind How to get into your flow and allow your creative path to unfold Developing an abundance mindset The formula for creating from the inside out       CONNECT WITH KIMOTHY: Website | Instagram | That’s What She Said   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

What are the Akashic Records and how can you use them as a tool to reconnect to who you are and manifest your unique creative expression? This week on Creativity School, I’m talking to my teacher Helen Vonderheide, Elite Certified Akashic Records Teacher and Practitioner. Helen gave me my Beginning Practitioner Certification, and I’m thrilled she’s here to teach us all about what the Akashic Records are, and how we can use them to illuminate our path, manifest our creative greatness, and receive the outcomes we desire. Helen also gives an Akashic Record reading for all of us, so stay tuned until the end to hear the beautiful message she shares. If you want to learn all about the Akashic Records, keep an open heart and mind as you listen because this episode was made especially for you! ✨   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! Get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: What are the Akashic Records? What it’s like getting information from the Records Why you don’t need to be psychic or have special gifts to access the Records How to use the Records for manifesting creativity and the outcomes we want Helen’s Akashic Record Reading for all of us!!       CONNECT WITH HELEN: Website | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

With so much content out there, how can we create brand messaging that actually stands out in a memorable way and reach the right audience for our creative business? This week on Creativity School, Rachael Kay Albers is here to teach us how to create epic, unforgettable brand messaging and content through humor, connection, and fun! Rachael is a Creative Director and Lead Designer at RKA Ink, and the host of her business sketch comedy show Awkward Marketing. Rachael uses comedy and characters like Brad the Braggy Bro and Carie the Copycat to teach small business owners how NOT to approach their content and marketing. Rachael shares with us the 5 Marketing Archetypes that can make people feel icky and awkward, and how to start identifying the brand values you want to share by first identifying the ones that make you feel blech. She also shares why it’s SO important to create content as a small business owner, why entertaining your audience through your messaging is the holy grail of content, and why we should bring lightness and fun into our message. If you want to learn how to create brand messaging and content that stands out, this episode is for you!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! Get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.     Mentioned in this episode:  How Rachael’s business sketch comedy show Awkward Marketing got started How to bring humor into your brand without trying to be laugh out loud funny How to discover your brand values by by tapping into the things you are NOT about How to find your arch nemesis and turn it into your superpower Why it’s important to create content for your business       CONNECT WITH RACHAEL: Awkward Marketing | Instagram | Website   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

We’re often told to find our zone of genius and hone in on one area of expertise, but what if you have more than one creative calling? Can you still be successful with your creative talents when everyone else is niching down? This week on Creativity School, D’Ana Joi Spencer, multi-passionate creative extraordinare, is here to tell us why we should celebrate having multiple creative talents and fully own all of them. If you’re naturally curious, interested, and talented at a lot of different things, why should you have to choose? D’Ana walks us through how to focus and stay productive when you have multiple creative passions, how to manage all your projects without burning out, and how to pivot through your gifts without judgement or shame. She also shares how to grow your confidence in owning all your amazing talents and gifts. If you're a multi-passionate creative and need tools for how to navigate life while creating all the things that excite you, this episode is for you!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: Why you don’t have to niche down and choose just one topic of expertise to be successful How to know when to stick with a creative project or pivot Why you shouldn’t feel shame or guilt about letting go of a creative passion How to focus on multiple creative passions without burning out Why its important to say no to yourself and not be tempted by shiny object syndrome How to prioritize your creative projects and know which one to put more energy into – Download D’ana’s free Finding Focus Workbook How to start growing your confidence in owning all of your talents and gifts Creativity School #33 - Discover Your Unique Purpose with Human Design     CONNECT WITH D’ANA JOI: Blog | Shop | Membership | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

We know that meditation can help you reduce stress and anxiety, among many other health benefits, but can meditation actually help you become more creative? The answer is YES! And through some simple and effective techniques, it doesn’t require thought shaming and rigid postures to get there. This week on Creativity School, Brad Gantt, meditation teacher and creative director, talks to us about how meditation can help rid our internal clutter, get us into a flow state, and allow us to journey deeply into our well of untapped creativity, accessing parts of ourselves that have always been there. If you' think you can’t meditate because you’re unable to sit still and quiet your mind, or you just don’t have the time, this episode is for you. Listen to find out how meditation can be an easy way to clear out your mental junk, reduce accumulated stress, and unlock your creative potential!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: How a panic attack led Brad to seek meditation How meditation can help us build a resilience to stressful situations The importance of simply being How meditation can help us see things with complete clarity How meditation can help the creative process and make the creative process more enjoyable How meditation is like a treadmill for an out of shape mind and requires consistency to see the best results Why you don’t need to spend a lot of time meditating to see the benefits of it     CONNECT WITH BRAD: Website | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

How can we begin to embrace vulnerability as our greatest strength, rather than a weakness? This week on Creativity School, I’m speaking to BJ Williams about breaking stigmas surrounding mental health and being vulnerable, particularly for black men in America who are 20% more likely to experience mental illness than the general population. BJ is the creator of a video series called Can I Be Vulnerable?, which encourages black men to face and normalize their vulnerability and mental health. BJ talks about how the series got started completely unplanned, when he shared his own raw and vulnerable video talking about his background and going to therapy. As a result, many men began sharing their own stories and Can I Be Vulnerable? was born. Listen to find out why destigmatizing mental health and speaking openly about the things that make us vulnerable is so important, and why it’s essential to learn healthy emotional intelligence. BJ also shares how he deals with negativity online, and how a lack of resources can lead to great creativity and innovation. Listen to feel inspired and embrace your own vulnerability as a superpower!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: What happened after BJ shared a video of himself being extremely raw and vulnerable Dealing with negativity online especially when what you make is so personal and raw Deciphering constructive criticism vs trash talking Breaking generational curses and learning healthy emotional intelligence The importance of embracing vulnerability and emotional intelligence How a lack of resources allows for great creativity BJ’s advice on how to get started on your own creative project     CONNECT WITH BJ: Instagram | CIBV Instagram | CIBV YouTube   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

This week on Creativity School, my guest Monica Lo and I have an open minded discussion about cannabis and it’s incredible power as a wellness tool for maximizing your creativity and promoting physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Monica is a photographer and creative director working to change the public perception of cannabis users. She’s also the creator of Sous Weed®, a blog dedicated to using cannabis as a superfood ingredient as opposed to merely a psychoactive additive. Our conversation is all about normalizing and destigmatizing cannabis, and how to use it for more than recreational purposes. I ask her ALL the questions in this episode, like the difference between indica and sativa, how to use cannabis for productivity and creativity, how cannabis can aid in your physical healing and spiritual growth, and more! Whether you’re canna-curious, ready to come out of the canna-closet, or a bonafide canna-lover, you’ll learn so much in this conversation!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: The history of cannabis in traditional Chinese Medicine and how it dates back 3,000 years How a back injury led Monica down the path of learning about cannabis as a healing and wellness tool How healing herself led Monica onto a whole new career path Using cannabis to cultivate your creativity The difference between indica, sativa and hybrid Edibles vs smoking Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing using cannabis Are certain people more suited for cannabis?     CONNECT WITH MONICA: Website | Sous Weed | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

What if you have a burning desire to make something that you need to see exist in the world, but you don’t have any experience and the thought of creating it terrifies the crap out of you? Do you run away or do you answer the call? My guest Jane Gahng decided to confront all her fears, and make it anyway! Jane is an illustrator and lettering artist, and she shares her story about how she saw a need for an in-person conference celebrating Asian American/ Pacific Islander women and despite her fears, insecurities and lack of experience, decided to create it herself. We talk about the process of making something massive in scale and completely beyond your comfort zone, and why Jane felt it was so important to push beyond her fears and create a community for people to feel represented, included and empowered. Jane also shares the visualization techniques she uses to overcome her self doubt and gets back up when she feels knocked down, and how this experience has grown her belief in herself and what she’s capable of. Listen to feel inspired and push past your own blocks to make what is calling you to be made!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: The importance of pivoting and evolving The process of making something massive in scale and completely beyond your comfort zone How to overcome self doubt through the power of visualization Manifesting what you want by focusing on the feeling you want How to achieve your goals by asking for help How to keep yourself accountable when you’re scared by sharing what you’re doing with others Get your tickets to Unveil Our Story!     CONNECT WITH JANE: Website | Instagram | Unveil Our Story   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here