Creatives Making Moves Podcast

Meet Cherri Ledbetter and Devin Joyner, inspiring artists who traveled to Ghana, West Africa with me on the Empowered Creatives Retreat! They both have confidence doing the work they love. Cherri is an interdisciplinary creative who makes beautiful sculptures and paintings, and believes you should never stop experimenting. Devin is a creative director, choreographer and certified yogi. She’s also the founder of Many Colors Beauty Box, and advocates for forward movement in the entertainment and beauty industries. In this episode learn how traveling to Ghana impacted their creative journeys, and helped to have clarity on the projects they want to do next. Sit back and enjoy as they share highlights and lessons learned from their experiences in Ghana!   Episode Highlights: 3:37 - When was the first time that you realized the power of art? 10:08 - What would you say is your creative practice? 14:59 - Why did you travel to Ghana for the retreat? 19:12 - What support did you get from traveling with me on the retreat? 26:50 - How did the retreat impact your creative practice? 34:15 - What advice would you give to someone on the fence about going?   www.cherriledbetterart.com IG: @cherriledbetter FB: Cherri Ledbetter Art   IG: @devdirects FB: Devin Giselle Joyner   Find out more about the retreat! www.kindredcreativesco.org/retreat-details Reach out on Instagram: @victoria_yawa

So by now if you’ve been listening to this 4-episode retreat series, you know that I’m committed to helping you be the bomb artist you already are and create a beautiful life centered around your creative genius.   You probably are excited about the retreat, but still have some lingering questions if this trip is right for you. You might even be talking yourself out of going.   In this episode I’m answering all your Q’s! Today I give you a deep look inside the Empowered Creatives Retreat in Ghana. I’ll talk about what is the Empowered Creatives Retreat. How many days the retreat is, and if there will be free days. Who’s the retreat right for? What exactly you will do on the retreat. And what support you’ll get from me to help you prepare to travel (like what's up with that visa and passport?). I’m giving you the full tea. I’ll also address questions and concerns you might have about the retreat.    Thanks for listening! If you got nothing else from this series, I hope that you realize that you need time to dream. You need time to reflect and to think. You need time to connect with your creativity. You deserve to have creative inspiration, rest, and support.    You deserve to experience the magic of Ghana.   If this retreat is just what you’ve been looking for, and you’re ready to apply for the Empowered Creatives Retreat,  go to kindredcreativesco.org/retreat-details

In this week’s episode I'll show you what the Empowered Creatives framework looks like in real life. And how my support can help you make this process so much easier. You’ll see how my framework will work at the Ghana Art Retreat, and how to apply the framework to your every day lives. This episode is all about how to implement and put the pieces together.   To illustrate how the framework looks in real life let me share a story.   I remember when things first shifted for me in Ghana. I was working with one of my mentors who loved to paint outside his house. He’d watch me paint, make suggestions, and then work on his stuff. He was pretty popular, so others would come and paint alongside him outside. And at the time, I was pretty nervous about painting alongside all these talented artists in Ghana. I had a lot of anxiety about my painting skills even though I had a BFA.    Then one day, while we’re painting outside, I see a rooster. I decide I want to paint him even though I usually only paint people. I just felt so in flow, so I painted for 30 minutes. And at the end, I took a good look at what I created and thought, “Damn, this is a bomb painting!”   I felt so proud and powerful because I had this inside of me.   I want you to feel that too. I want you to have that moment where you realize how amazing you are as an artist, and you truly see the potential of your gifts. This episode will show you how to have that breakthrough moment.   If you want to go deep, I’d love for you to join me at The Empowered Creatives Retreat. I’ve curated the experience to give you all the things you need to have that moment where everything is good and you’re not worried about anything else.   Check out the details at kindredcreativesco.org/retreat-details to apply for the Empowered Creatives Retreat. 

In this week’s episode I share with you my Empowered Creatives Framework. It's the process I use to reflect on my practice, commit to my vision, and leave a legacy. The framework is a 3-Phase Process that helps artists to have clarity on their creative calling, feel connected, and confident to do the work they love.   When I was designing the Empowered Creatives Retreat, I broke down the steps I took when I had my first breakthrough. I sat down and thought about why I had clarity, confidence, and deeper connections as a result of going to Ghana. This framework takes you through my 3-Phase Process that will help you slow down and tap deeper into your creative calling.    I created this framework so that your doubts and hustling will be a thing of the past, so that you can feel empowered to have more joy, inspiration, and freedom. You have something important to share with the world, and this framework will help you have an unshakeable commitment to it.   After you go through my framework, you’ll build a sustainable creative practice that feels authentic. We go deeper on all these practices through the transformational experience at the retreat in Ghana. Sound like something you’d want to experience?    I’d love for you to join us on our next retreat!   Check out the details at kindredcreativesco.org/retreat-details to apply for the Empowered Creatives Retreat.    And if you have any questions, just send me a message on Instagram @victoria_yawa. I’d love to chat more about if this retreat is the right experience for you.

It’s Not Just A Dream Vacation In this special retreat series, we’ll go behind-the-scenes of the Empowered Creatives Retreat experience, insight to why I created this retreat package, why you need to have this experience NOW, and how this retreat will change the game for your art practice.    The goal is for you to get a deep look at the Empowered Creatives Retreat. By the end of this four episode series you will know what happens on the retreat, if the retreat is right for you, and the support you’ll get from me when you’re ready to travel to Ghana. Oh, and I’ll also offer you an opportunity to travel to Ghana with me for the next retreat.   I’ve designed this all-women retreat in Ghana for black creatives and visual artists who want space for self-care, reflection, and artistic exploration. Oh, and finding a squad of other dope artists all while soaking in the beauty, culture, and inspiration of West Africa.    Sound like something you’d be into? Check out the details at www.kindredcreativesco.org/retreat-details   I’d love for you to join us on our next retreat!    And if you have any questions, hit me up on Instagram at @victoria_yawa. I’d love to continue the conversation. Btw…. look out for the next episode because you’re in for a treat. I’m sharing with you my Empowered Creatives Framework. It's the process I use to find clarity, build a dope art squad, and have the confidence to only do the work that I love. This is something you can learn and use over and over again, and will experience on the retreat. See you then.

Meet Lande Yoosuf, a Nigerian-American writer, director and producer who lives in Brooklyn, NY. Lande has over 12 years of production development and casting experience, and has worked with several networks including MTV, NBC, Wetv, and Bravo. She loves telling stories that explore sociology, gender and race themes. Her first critically acclaimed short film, Privilege Unhinged, screened at the Martha’s Vineyards African American Film Festival. Lande is a boss who runs the production company One Scribe Media, and is the co-founder of Black Film Space, where she works to increase access and ownership for filmmakers and content creators of African descent. In this episode, learn how a fire in Lande’s belly to find her voice as a creative pushed her to build a sustainable career as a writer. She shows how a vivid imagination and the right mindset to push through challenges allowed her to build a sustainable career as an artist doing what she loves.   Highlights from this episode: 3:10 - Lande’s first memory as a creative. 4:29 - Why Lande started writing scripts. 11:45 - Why she started Black Film Space. 21:02  - How her Nigerian-American dual identity influenced her storytelling. 26:17 - What Lande does for her self care and restoration. 30:06 - Words of wisdom for someone starting out in the field.   Links for Lande & Black Film Space www.blackfilmspace.com Email: info@blackfilmspace.com IG: @blackfilmspace FB: Black Film Space group page   www.onescribemedia.com Lande@onescribemedia.com   Learn about the Ghana Artist retreat! www.kindredcreativesco.org

Creatives Making Moves Podcast Hosted by Victoria Timpo   Meet Kalinda Williams, a business savvy interior designer who believes in holistic wellness. In 2017, Kalinda began selling restored furniture at a local retail store in Michigan. She quickly became one of the top sellers, and soon after decided to take a leap of faith to establish her brand as Mint Leaves, LLC. Today, Kalinda is the Founder & Creative Director of Mint Leaves where she provides event management, furniture restoration, and interior design & styling services. While creating beautiful spaces and experiences are still her passions and means of self care, Kalinda is expanding the business to include mindset coaching and mentorship.  In this episode learn how Kalinda turned a personal tragedy into a new creative life direction and business. She shows how important it is to tap into your natural gifts and prioritize self care to find the answer to what matters most.   Highlights from this episode: 2: 46 - When was the first time that you realized the power of your creativity? 5:40 - Why did you start Mint Leaves? 12:02 - What has helped you the most in balancing business, being a mom, and your creative practice? 15:26 - What drives your work? 18:37 - How do you define success? 21:23 - What do you do for self care? 26:39 - What’s the best advice that you have been giving?   Connect with Kalinda: www.mintleavesllc.com IG: @mintleavesllc IG: @kalindawilliams FB: mintleavesllc   Lear more about the Ghana Artist Retreat! www.kindredcreativesco.org  

Creatives Making Moves Podcast Hosted by Victoria Timpo   Meet Chicago-based artist Abena Motaboli, whose creativity spans performance, painting, installations, and cultural work. Influenced by her South African and Ghanaian cultures, she uses materials from the earth like dirt, flowers, and tea to comment on displacement and past memories. She believes in using what you have to do whatever you want with your artwork. Abena has worked as an art facilitator with the Chicago Park District, Marwen Arts, the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, and community gardens. In this episode learn how to find what brings you joy, and ways to feel ignited and inspired to do your creative work.    Episode Highlights 3:43 When did you know that this was what you wanted to do with your life? How did you get started?   9:50 Is there significance or a personal connection to the materials you use in your artwork? For example your use of flowers, tea, twigs, plants, etc   12:23 You work in a variety of art practices: mixed media paintings, poetry, and teaching. Is there a common thread for you in your work?   14: 22 How do you balance your wellness and maintaining your art practice?   16: 05 When do you feel the most creative?   25:00 What are your words of wisdom for an artist starting out to discover their purpose?   www.abenaart.com JoyousByAbenaart on etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JoyousByAbenaart?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Instagram: @abenaart @abenaart_writer   Learn more about the retreat! Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet Youveline Joseph, a Haitian mixed media artist who uses cowrie shells, crystals, and glitter in her paintings. In 2018, Youveline made moves to focus on her art more professionally and has not looked back. Get the tea on her creative journey discovering her signature art style, and why it's so important to love what you do. Youveline is testament that it's ok to mess up, experiment, and try new things - because eventually people will find you and your work. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to develop your artistic style and how to continually push yourself outside of your comfort zone.   Episode Highlights: Youveline's first memory of being an artist. 2:53 What drives Youveline to keep going? 26:14 What’s the best advice for an artist starting out and wanting to create a sustainable practice? 30:54   IG: @youvelinescreations FB: youvelinescreations Www.youvelinescreations.com Jyouveline@gmail.com   Learn more about the retreat here! Kindred Creatives Collective

When I first started my journey to achieve a purpose-driven life, it was ANYTHING but simple. It took a whole lot of discomfort too, because I had to learn new approaches that were totally different from my “usual” way of thinking and doing things. Changing habits, mindset, and lifestyle isn’t easy but I think you know by now that it’s the only way to get a life you love where you can make an impact. This episode is all about how to build a purpose-driven life as an artist. In this episode learn the simple and effective 6-step process to have the life that you want.  Highlights from this episode: 4:44 - The 3 things you need to have purpose. 8:50 - How to have unshakeable commitment to have the life you want. 10:10 - The importance of knowing your WHY.  14:26 - How to stay energized on your goals, especially when it gets hard. 15:48 - What trips most entrepreneurs up and keeps them from starting.   Connect on Instagram: @victoria_yawa @kindred_creativesco   Learn more about the retreat here! Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet Nsenga Knight, an interdisciplinary artist based in Egypt whose work includes geometric drawings, text paintings, and photographs. Nsenga’s upbringing as a first-generation Black American Muslim informs her work as she makes critical contributions to conversations on Black America, politics, culture, and Islam in the 21st century. Nsenga has received numerous grants including Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant and exhibited work at the Drawing Center New York, Project Rowhouses, Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art, and PS1 MoMA among others.  Join us as we discuss how she’s navigating the art industry as a black woman creative, her strategy to find art collectors, and how she’s building a sustainable creative business based on her own rules.    3:56 - How Nsenga started her creative path. 12:39 - How Nsenga balances building a business and maintaining her art. 26:37 - What drives Nsenga. 33:22 - Challenges Nsenga faces as a creative entrepreneur, and how she overcomes them?   Nsenga’s links: nsengaknight.com www.artfare.com/nsenga-knight IG: @nsengaknight   Find out about the retreat here: Kindred Creatives Collective

This week, I decided to go rogue to share my 4 tips for traveling to Ghana. This episode is raw and vulnerable, and just me. As I prepare to host my first Ghana Art Retreat in July, I’ve been reflecting about my past experiences in Ghana. I believe there’s nothing better than being immersed in the culture, food, and people of Ghana. It’s magical. But, when I first started taking solo trips to Ghana it definitely was overwhelming. Over time I learned how to make the experience less stressful and more fun. In this episode I share with you what I did to have a better experience.    Listen to this episode to learn all the juicy details about my first few months in Ghana. What’s your favorite traveling tip?  5:37 - The lesson I learned at the Baobab School Anniversary. 9:42 - My experience riding on a tro tro for the first time. 15:25 - What is completely disrespectful in Ghana. 17:42 - This one thing changed my whole experience in Ghana.   Connect on Instagram: @victoria_yawa @kindred_creativesco   Learn more about the retreat or sign up by sending me a message here: Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet painter, entrepreneur and scholar, Tiffany LaTrice. In 2016 she opened TILA Studios, an art studio and community space for black women artists based in Atlanta.  TILA mission is to create space where black women can gather and support each other in order to disrupt the art industry. Tiffany and her team have exhibited over 93 artists, held 11 exhibitions and sold 30% of the artwork. Today her studio also trains women on their professional development, from everything to how to write a strong artist statement to taking professional photos of their work. Join us as we discuss her life as a black woman creative, triumphs and setbacks, and journey growing her brand TILA Studios.   Listen here to learn why Tiffany thinks there is such a low number of black women recognized in the arts, and her vision to change this statistic through TILA. Highlights from this episode: 25:20 - What is TILA Studios, and what resources do you offer? 28:11 - Can you talk about the vision for the Garden Fellows program? 34:10 - What’s the best advice that Tiffany has been giving?   Links for Tiffany: www.tiffanylatrice.com www.tilastudios.com   On Instagram: @tiffany_latrice1 @tila_studios   Learn more about the retreat here:   Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet Amber Snearl, is a visionary who lives a holistic life. She's dedicated to living a life that is rooted in letting your best side shine. Amber started her journey painting on traditional canvas & doing pop up shows designing custom made hand bags for fun. Demand for her designs quickly turned her hobby into a full fledged art business. Today, she's the founder and artist behind Sub|Urban, where she makes custom hand-painted and original designs on vegan and cruelty-free handbags, clothing, and accessories.    Listen here to learn how Amber leveled up her business by hiring.   Checkout highlights from the episode 4: 48 - The first time that Amber realized the power of art. 7:47 - Amber's creative practice. 12:40 - What has helped Amber the most in balancing business and her art. 17:21 - What drives Amber's business? 19:43 - The best advice that she's been giving. 23:27 - How Amber defines success   Links to keep in touch and follow along on Amber’s artistic journey: www.ambersnearl.com IG: @sub.urbandesigns FB: SubUrban by Amber   Find out about the retreat to Ghana here!: Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet Mahogany Rich, an abstract painter with a strong love for murals based in Baltimore. Her bold and unique style represents her individuality that comes alive through her canvas. Mahogany began painting again 2 years ago when she decided to dedicate her life to doing what gave her purpose. Since then, she has pushed herself out of her comfort zone to build a business centered around her art. Her practice has helped her through her darkest moments, and continues to motivate her to be true to self.    Join us as Mahogany shares how she’s building a creative entrepreneurial life, and her imperfect journey for personal growth. 4:10 - When was the first time you realized that you are a creative person?   10:57 - How do you deal with creative blocks?   11:36 - What do you do to keep yourself motivated?   13:27 - What is your favorite accomplishment?   17:13 - What’s the best advice that you have been giving?   Follow Mahogany and her journey on Instagram! @procreationhoggzart   Learn more about the retreat here! Kindred Creatives Collective

“The journey toward healing begins with our own willingness to be vulnerable with ourselves, embrace our mistakes, and remind ourselves that life is a process. “ - Naimah   Meet Naimah Thomas, a Black Femme born and raised in Chicago. She is a licensed professional counselor, art therapist, and artist. Utilizing art to shift narratives around healing, mental health, and creating spaces where exploration and re-imagination are valued. She has worked with a range of people in community, correctional, and nonprofit settings. Naimah received a master’s in art therapy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago.    In this episode Naimah shares about her clinical work and art practice, and she explores the intersections of art and mental health, primarily in BIPOC communities. 4:09 - How Naimah knew she wanted to become a full-time artist. 8:45 - How does she see mental health and making art connected? 10:26 - What inspires Naimah these days? 23:28 - How does Naimah define success? Links for Naimah Thomas: www.naimahthomasart.com IG: @naimah_creates   Learn about the retreat here: Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet Destiney Powell, a self proclaimed visual storyteller who is thriving as a full-time artist and the founder of Poetically Illustrated. Her paintings are a visual representation of the beauty and multifacetedness of black women. Through her work, she hopes to inspire artists to follow their dreams, regardless of what the world says.    Destiney has mastered systems in her business to help balance her job as a mom homeschooling three kids and her work as a creative entrepreneur. She recently changed her business model and noticed immediate shifts in how money flowed in, giving her more freedom to create. She’s now more committed than ever to share with artists strategies she’s learned to make money.   In this episode, learn how Destiney is strategic in her practice to make money while continuing doing what brings her joy. 6:04 - The moment Destiney knew she wanted to become a full-time artist. 12:41 - What inspires her? 14:50 - How Destiney balances being a mom and making art. 19:35 - The challenges she faces as a creative entrepreneur. 20:53 - When Destiney feels the most creative. 24:00 - Words of wisdom for how artists can make money.   Links in this episode: Website: www.poeticallyillustrated.net IG: @poeticallyillustrated FB: @poeticallyillustrated Tiktok: @poeticallyillustrated    Learn more about the retreat!: Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet Simone Agoussoye, a driven DC based artist. She’s best known for her striking paintings of icons in music, pop culture, and history. She blends mixed media materials like broken crushed glass to create contemporary portraits. Simone’s art has been featured in public exhibitions across the DMV area including Artist Evolutions at the National Harbor’s Art Avenue Gallery, Broken Beauty at the ArtReach GW, and Beautiful People at ARC3409 Art Studios and Space. As a savvy online marketer, Simone has grown her brand and is building a profitable art business.  In this episode, learn Simone’s creative journey and how she is growing an artist business doing exactly what she loves.   What you’ll learn from this episode: 4:40 - The first time Simone realized the power of her art. 7:23  - How Simone started on her creative path. 13:16 - What drives Simone’s work.  20:39 - How Simone balances building a business and her art. 26:10 - Challenges that Simone faces as a creative entrepreneur. 31:42 - Simone’s words of wisdom for someone starting off.    www.simoneagoussoye.com IG: @simone_agoussoye Twitter: @simoneagoussoye FB: Simone Agoussoye   Learn more about the retreat here: Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet Tonya Cross, a talented accessory designer and digital marketing coach. She's a creative entrepreneur who runs her group Digital Marketing on a Budget where she coaches Gen-X women in business. Tonya's journey developed organically when she couldn’t find hair accessories that were natural hair friendly and catered to black women. She did what any visionary would do, she started a business making hair accessories. Tonya is testament that your gifts will make room for you.  In this episode, learn Tonya’s forgiveness journey and how it led her to a life of abundance. She also shares tips and tricks for how artists can build authentic brands and market their work for more visibility online.    What You'll Learn from this Episode: 3:09 - How Tonya started her creative business.  4:37 - What inspires Tonya to keep going. 10:16 - How Tonya balances business and her art practice. 26:47 - The best advice that Tonya has been given.    Socials! Follow Tonya on FB & IG: @accentedglory @thevineevents @strategypreneur   Visit her shop and event planning sites: Accented Glory The Vine Events   Learn more about the retreat here: Kindred Creatives Collective

Meet Chelsea Stevenson, a full-time celebrated henna artist and business strategist! She started her business Cardamom & Clove Henna in her living room, and ten years later owns a popular Henna boutique in Baltimore. Chelsea mentors creative business owners in her sister business Hennapreneur, an online course and community. She believes that with the right resources, every artist is capable of designing the reality she desires.  Chelsea has been a featured speaker at top Henna conferences, and published in the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Magazine, and Buzzfeed.  In this episode, learn how Chelsea’s purpose and passion collided for her to become a powerhouse that teaches henna artists to build five figure businesses doing the art they love.   5:10 - The jobs Chelsea had before her henna business took off. 9:32 - How Chelsea started her business as a henna artist. 13:52 - Chelsea's biggest inspiration and what keeps her going.  24:14 - How Chelsea defines success.  28:13 - Chelsea's words of wisdom for someone starting off in the arts and wanting to build a business.    Cardamom & Clove Henna Hennapreneur Facebook: Hennapreneur IG: @hennapreneur.official Kindred Creatives