Sheer Creativity

Sustainability is a complex topic in the realm of creativity, especially in fashion. I didn't understand the depths of meaning the word sustainability has until I spoke with today's guest, Jakia Fuller. Jakia is a multidisciplinary artist and clothing designer based in New Mexico. In this episode, we discuss...the current fashion “sustainability” space (do sustainable brands have flaws? should we buy from fast fashion brands?)developing your eco-friendly values as a creativeand cultivating a sense of adventure in your lifeJakia's IG: https://www.instagram.com/j.arifuller/Jakia's Website: https://jarifuller.com/Check out Jakia's anime podcast: Apple and SpotifyWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

I deleted my personal & creative Instagram accounts in December 2023, leading to a limited social media presence in 2024. Leaving social media has been a journey of realization for me. It also presents challenges as a creative because I have to be more intentional about sharing my creations with the world. In this episode, I share my evolution through social media platforms and some of the revelations I've experienced six months post-social.Grab Amelia Hruby's FREE Leaving Social Media ToolkitWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Hey y'all! I wanted to share a rewind back to an episode you might have missed last season. Did you know that creative counseling is a real practice within the mental health sphere? Last year for Mental Health Awareness month, I had a great conversation with Cindy Cisneros, a Creativity Counselor, where we discussed her experiences in creativity counseling, ways to pave your creative journey, finding balance, and more. Take a listen! If you're interested, you can connect with Cindy through her website.

As social media changes to more "media" than "social" elements, many have chosen to leave social media platforms. But how do you leave when social media is your main avenue for marketing your creative ventures or your small business? In this episode, I chat with writer, teacher, and founder of Softer Sounds Amelia Hruby about her journey building a six-figure business after leaving social media. Through her success, I hope that every creative who feels disillusioned by social media knows that they can leave these apps and still be successful creatives.Amelia's websiteListen to Off the Grid on Spotify or AppleListen to the softer cast on Spotify or AppleGet the FREE Leaving Social Media ToolkitDo you want to quit social media? blog by Alexandra FranzenWhy me and my business don't do social media by Leonie DawsonThe truth about going mega-viral, part one by Emily McDowell on SubstackWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Welcome to Season Two of Sheer Creativity! It's a new year, meaning new interviews! This episode features artist and graphic designer Gabi Zuniga, owner of the multi-disciplinary creative studio known as Studio Gab. Gabi is a freelance graphic designer and a resident artist at the Magnolia Art Xchange in Ocala, Florida. We discuss her creative processes, her penchant for creating art about Black joy, creating in overtly conservative areas, and her upcoming debut art show entitled Hello Again. Gabi's Newsletter: https://thestudiogab.substack.com/Gabi's Website: https://www.thestudiogab.com/Gabi's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thestudiogab/Learn more about AAGD (African American Graphic Designers): https://aagd.co/Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

This episode is for all my creatives out there, but there are gems specifically for Black men. There aren't many spaces curated for the holistic health of Black men, so 757-based creative Brenten Jomar has decided to create these spaces in his city and beyond. Brenten founded the Black Boy Joy Fest, including the Black Men Heal Yoga classes that encourage Black men to release anxiety and embrace stillness. In this episode, you'll learn about Brenten's creative journey, hopes for the future, and advice for the creative looking for balance and stability. Learn more about Black Boy Joy Fest (fundraising & volunteering): https://www.blackboyjoyfest.com/Connect with Brenten on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brentenjomar/Follow Black Boy Joy Fest on IG: https://www.instagram.com/blackboyjoyfest/Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Without great writers, we wouldn't have great TV shows or films. In this episode, I speak with screenwriter Billyne Piquion about her creative writing journey, which progressed from writing stories to watching them unfold on screen. Billyne is a graduate student at Texas Southern University, an accomplished screenwriter with two short films in post production, and a poet with a poetry collection entitled Black Free Me.Learn more about Billyne and read her work: https://www.queenbillyne.com/Read Black Free Me: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Free-Rollercoaster-Queen-Billyne/dp/1737078406Follow Billyne on IG and email info: https://www.instagram.com/queenbillyne/Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

In today's episode, I talk with new podcaster Justin Alexander about the One Way Vision podcast, what excites him about creativity, and more.One Way Vision Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onewayvisionpodcastWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Soooo, if you're a devoted listener of Sheer Creativity, you noticed that the podcast hasn't been dropping consistently on Mondays recently. Honestly, Quarter 2 of 2023 has been filled with notions of leaving social media, questions surrounding my passions, and hopes to find clarity. Is this a journey you can relate to as a creative?Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

After a career in the National Guard, Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman realized she wanted more control over her schedule, which led to the creation of her publishing company, Z House Publishing. In this episode, Nathelie and I discuss the influence of therapy on her new guided journal for Black women, Dear Beautiful, the impact of motherhood on her creativity, self-funded creation hacks, and more.Follow Nathelie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/authornatheliezetrennenorman/Nathelie's website: https://www.authornatheliezetrennenorman.comDear Beautiful on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Beautiful-365-day-introspective-mindfulness/dp/B0C7J55F8S/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?crid=EIKP70EW6TMH&keywords=dear+beautiful+nathalie+zetrenne+norman&qid=1688699597&sprefix=dear+beautiful+nathelie+zetrenne+norman%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1-fkmr3Haitians Who Blog: https://www.haitianswhoblog.com/post/breaking-tradition-understanding-why-haitian-parents-are-challenging-cultural-normsWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Today I'm sharing my newest piece, Freedom, about my natural hair journey. I performed this piece at an open mic recently, and in this episode, I share tidbits of wisdom I gained from stepping out of my comfort zone. Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Everyone has their own fears. Fears for creatives can be unique because sharing our interests and our work with the public can be a vulnerable experience. In this episode, I analyze my own relationship with fear from school age to now, and I share solutions to press forward as a creative in the public sphere.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Choosing a creative path is always a daunting task, but Sandra Uche is grateful to be thriving on the road less traveled. In this conversation, Sandra shares her journey from corporate to creative, leaving behind her education in public health and starting a jewelry business. SUPPORT SANDRAPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandraauche/Jewelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nneala.co/Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

We love seeing Black women traveling! Listen to Alieshia from Alieshia's Adventures talk about starting her travel YouTube channel, her experience relocating to Atlanta, balancing the many aspects of her brand, and more! Watch Alieshia's Adventures on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlieshiasAdventuresListen to the Millennial Thoughts Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millennial-thoughts/id1341002595Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

We're starting off Mental Health Awareness month with a bang! Did y'all know creative counseling was a real practice within the mental health sphere? Listen to this conversation with Creativity Counselor Cindy Cisneros as we chat about her origins in creativity counseling, paving your own creative journey, finding balance, and more!Connect with Cindy: https://www.creativelyllc.com/Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

People on Sheer Creativity's Instagram page asked for another spoken word performance! In this episode, I perform my poem "Image" from my poetry collection Words from a Wanderer. This poem leads into further conversation about comparison, self-worth, and the idea of making time proud of how we spent it. Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Sometimes the cure to our creative struggle is realizing the power of ourselves. This episode is full of affirmations to help you see the greatness of your creative journey and in yourself as a person. Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Today's episode is a heavy yet necessary topic: creativity as activism. When two Black Democratic lawmakers were expelled from the House of Representatives in Tennessee for joining a peaceful anti-gun violence protest, I began to reflect on the ways I have used my creativity as activism. In this episode, I share a poem I wrote during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement (TRIGGER WARNING: death) and I share my thoughts about how to care for your mental health as a creative activist. Read In Remembrance of Black LoveRead Tiana Clark's essay New Ways of Surviving: Writing Through a Global PandemicWatch Justin Pearson's In the Well speechWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Publishing my debut poetry book Words from a Wanderer has been one of my greatest achievements thus far, but being an indie author has its challenges. In this episode, I talk about the "making of" my poetry collection, regretting publishing on Amazon, and dealing with critiques from readers.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Quarter One of 2023 is officially over on Friday, March 31. As creatives, this is the time to reflect over what goals we've achieved thus far and what adjustments we can make to reach our fullest capabilities. In this episode, I get real about my future goals for this podcast and beyond. Hopefully this helps you not feel alone in your journey toward pressing past your fears. Order Laraya's poetry book Words from a Wanderer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/words-wanderer-collection-Laraya-Billups/dp/057899996XWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

This Sheer Creator is acquainted with multiple disciplines. Brittany Renee is a dancer, choreographer, poet, and content creator from Kentucky. In this conversation, Brittany and I talk about her choreography process, blending dance with poetry,  pandemic woes, and her most notable creative projects.Watch Brittany's poem Black Bouquets on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2z5EXoUP7I&t=35sListen to The Black Girl Project on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/agents-of-change-volume-3-the-black-girl-project/1573932388Listen to The Black Girl Project on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2QP6KOv9vJFQA6x0xzh7C8?si=Y2j4Y40cSeSFq9YPzgXkhQ Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

I'm always learning from everyday adventures. Tune in to hear me talk about my frustrating experience skiing for the first time, and what lessons I learned about my creativity. Hopefully, it helps you be patient with your creativity and reignites your passion for your craft.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Lina Simpsonn is a woman of many talents, including photography, creative direction, graphic design, and more! Learn more about her journey into freelancing, her hidden skills, and her advice for individuals seeking a creative career. Follow Lina and book her through her Instagram page @linasimpsonn.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Lacroy "Atlas" Nixon has been writing and performing slam poetry for seven years, and it all began in a high school English class. After years of honing his craft and publishing his poetry collection God and His Humor in 2021, Lacroy founded the Slam Connection in Williamsburg, VA to teach other high school students poetry while focusing on community engagement. Follow Lacroy on Instagram @atlasnixon and keep up with the Slam Connection on Instagram @slamconnection.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Frances Marie is an author dedicated to Black representation in children's books. Her debut book, Spending Time with Mommy, is available now on Amazon! The book follows Skye's fun adventures with her mom while learning lessons about natural hair care, plants, and healthy living. Follow Frances Marie on Instagram @authorfrancesmarie.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Sunbrown is an ATL based poet who enjoys writing about romantic, platonic, and internal love. In this conversation, we dive into how Sunbrown discovered that she was a poet, how her writing process works, and how she embraced her purpose of writing about love and exploring its many definitions. Support Sunbrown's poetry on her Instagram page @lovesunbrown.Order Sunbrown's debut poetry collection, Even Love Loves You: https://www.lovesunbrown.comWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Sydney Blondell is an indie author with almost 6 published books under her belt. She's an advocate for disability representation informed by her own experience with POTS, which she writes about as her character Sloan in her novel The Stars in my Heart. Support Sydney by following her Instagram @sydneyblondellauthor.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Our Sheer Creator on today's episode is Bunmi Abari. Bunmi is a VA based photographer with multiple interests including fashion and film. Tune in to hear about how Bumni's passion for photography started on Tumblr, how his first photoshoot went, and how his feature in Culture Icon with Monie Richardson (see episode two) helped validate him in his craft. Follow Bunmi on Instagram @kid.august and follow his business page @sunofaugust.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Our Sheer Creator on today's episode is Adrianna Hayes. Adrianna is a spoken word poet, podcast co-host of On My Motha, and a mom to Cairo. Make sure you follow Adrianna on her Instagram poetry page @sincerely_adrianesha and follow the On My Motha Podcast on Instagram @onmymothapodcast_. For new and expectant mothers out there, tune into On My Motha on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

Our Sheer Creator on today's episode is Monie Richardson. Monie owns Frugalistic Eyes, a styling company devoted to making you look fly while keeping money in your pocket. Monie is a stylist and creative director with a unique view of fashion. She's recently been published in Prazzle magazine and Culture Icon. You can support Monie by following her on both her social media platforms on Instagram: @moniemadeit and   book your own appointment to be styled @moniestylingWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection

On this intro episode, find out more about the origin of Sheer Creativity and the podcast host Laraya Rochelle. Laraya is a published poet of Words from a Wanderer, available now on Amazon. She also owns Sheer Creativity, a creative agency devoted to supporting creatives and coordinating events.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the Show.SHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection