Colour Me Happy! - By Brandi Hofer Studios

It was our absolute pleasure to interview Dimitra Milan Dunn Artist and Visionary from Milan Institute, who sold $1,000 000 worth of art and products by the time she was 15. It wasn't all it was cracked up to be and she opens up about her journey on the cast.  I could not believe the old soul I connected to in this young woman, wise beyond her years, age is just a number after all! We have the most amazing chat, and hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/sdkvGruD5PU Be sure to check out Dimitra and her journey on her site: https://www.dimitramilan.com/pages/her-story Legend has it, Dimitra created her first painting when she was just 5 years old. Her parents, prolific artists John and Elli Milan were struggling to create an abstract painting for their Art Dealer. After trying everything they could, they almost gave up. Dimitra begged them to play with their paint and they decided to let her. What was the worst that could happen? After an hour of unsupervised exploration, they came back to see that she had created a masterpiece with absolutely zero guidance. But it was a one hit wonder. She couldn’t recreate it… At the age of 11, Dimitra started taking classes at her parents’ art school. It started off as a hobby, but with each month that passed, Dimitra started to paint more and more, and with that, her skills increased exponentially. When she was 13, she took a portfolio class and her true voice as an artist started to shine through. She was beginning to re-discover that child-like creativity that she had lost since she was 5. Her first gallery showing at 14 was monumental for launching her career as a professional artist. The newspapers caught wind of this new prodigy painter and the rest is history. By the age of 15 she was represented by a publisher, and sold over $1,000,000 worth of art and products by the time she was 16. Despite having a couple successful years with her publisher, she began to feel too controlled and limited with them. She wanted to forge her own path. Since then, Dimitra has been self-represented with the majority of her paintings selling online and through select galleries throughout the United States. Her extraordinary paintings can be found in private collections across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. Now, Dimitra spends the majority of her time continuing to develop her unique style and push the boundaries of art. Through her pursuit of bringing more beauty into this world, she invites her viewers to step into a new realm of possibilities. She is also a co-owner of Milan Art Institute, and an instructor to students all over the world with online courses. Her paintings can be described as abstract realism, with romantic elements portraying a dreamy atmosphere where anything is possible. Her artwork is layered with symbolism, often provoking deep emotions. Dimitra expresses love, hope, authenticity, and beauty through her brushstrokes. She often finds inspiration from her dreams she has at night. Like Van Gogh once said, “I paint my dreams, and I dream my paintings,” she also lives by this. Giving back to charitable causes continues to be an important part of Dimitra’s work. Her paintings are regularly donated to non-profit organizations that advocate against human trafficking and “Comfy Cozies 4 Chemo” which provides assistance to families and children with cancer. Dimitra currently lives in Georgia with her husband Jacob Dunn and travels regularly to Greece and other international destinations to experience the world and gain new inspirations.

How are you all winding down for the holidays?  I think we can all get lost in the hustle and bustle of: all the wrapping, the decor, and the gifting. Or if you run a small business like myself all the sales and what we feel obligated to do. This season I harnessed my power of no. After last year of capitalizing on the holiday action in my business I was left feeling well… Grinch like. When I should have been enjoying my family and laying into winter hibernation by my fire with a tea in hand, instead I was painting late into the evening hours. I was burnt out, my magic gave gave and gave, have you ever had this happen? I wasn't nurturing my gift. It was a difficult choice to give up my main source of income, but I felt I had no choice but to stop. I trust that the space I made will be filled with adventures that I am meant to take. It is a really beautiful thing to know that you can do anything, but you can't do everything. I am enjoying making small gifts for friends and family and making thank you gifts for the special people in my life. This season I have been taking the world in around me. Do you believe in magic? Well, my kids sure do! It feels like lies and trickery but in the best way. And in no way do I want to trade this time for anything! I have been fully in charge of tour elf Zeddy and his 3 minion monkeys and I asked my partner to do it one night and all he did was tape the Elf to the T.V. Like where was the narrative and the mystery? COME ON REALLY?! So... needless to say, he was fired. One particularly trying day we both forgot to take Zeddy on an adventure, only to wake up to some crying eyes...Gus thought he ruined Zeddy's magic by taking him to show and tell the day before, that absolutely broke my heart! Tune in to hear the rest of this story and how I pulled this shit off! So fun! What has been annoying about the elf though is Teddy wakes up at 5 am now screaming "poop chocolate chips in the dark"! I'm like noooooo, there are no chocolate chip poops waiting for you, go back to bed you tyrant!  And all those adventures I spoke of well… pssst... well, I actually know what some of these are (and they are BIG) but I can't say YET! I was scary when there was not a steady flow of orders, but I have adjusted and poured the extra time into my family (which as everyone knows with small children they demand all of you and more). I have worked steadily on my book (stay tuned to preorder, my gals over at Red Bicycle will be working on the jacket soon) and am enjoying sharing stories and empowering others in their journeys. More to come in the new year friends! Take care of yourselves. From the bottom of my heart I appreciate you all, and wouldn't be able to do this without all the positive support and love! All the Love, Brandi Learn more about the show and sponsorship opportunities: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

Finding support and receiving support is of vital importance to any small or independent business. I started to notice a particular business in our community was going above and beyond! I had to find out more. Karuna joins me from a local branch in our community Synergy Credit Union (this episode is in no way sponsored). I reached out to Karuna in order to stress the importance for any business large or small to support and uplift one another in any way they can. I am a huge advocate for collaboration above competition and we have an awesome conversation about it in this cast! Catch this episode live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ksKmHjWBIxg Follow us @brandihoferstudios and @colourmehappycommunity Learn more about the show and sponsorship opportunities: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

In this beautiful conversation with Illustrator Meagan McKenzie we reflect on moments over the past couple of years and how Megan founder her silver lining. I recall the moments of panic and fear shaking the world around me. If there was a positive that came from this awful time it would be: As a whole we were forced to pause, step back, reevaluate our lives. The harsh reality of what luxuries we all took for granted: Our connection, our connection to our family, our connection to our friends, our connection to our community. We were all running on empty, with few fumes to ignite. Mindlessly going through the motions. How much more whole I have felt since I was forced to look at life from another lens.  How precious it has been that my family and I were fortunate enough to be safe and to be together, and how it saddens me that others were afforded that same luxury. How we evolve, and become stronger as a family, as a community, as a society, we are living history at this very time. And how the ever obvious facts that were forcefully shoved into our faces that we have to now accept: Time is our most precious commodity and moments are fickle and fleeting. Find Meagan @MegMckenziestudio on insta and her site http://meaganmckenzie.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PaEhcttIZF8 Be a Guest or become a member of our Community: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

In this episode we chat with the talented Melissa Townsend. You know those small threads that are tied to multiple strings and endless possibilities, you can feel them somehow pulling at you on the back of your spine? It is hard to explain sometimes, the waves of these impactful moments. But they are all woven together intricately in a beautiful web, some are broken and repaired or abandoned and lost, but some stick with us and alter our lives forever.  In this beautiful conversation with Melissa Townsend we chat about how our lives have crossed and have a casual talk about creative life and Motherhood.  You can find Melissa and her stunning artwork: @melissatownsendart on Insta and melissatownsendart.com View this episode LIVE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LambNLPXGO4 Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

Things you don't know about your neighbour... like they are being published by Penguin Random House?! You're going to be so inspired by this episode with Tasha Hilderman! You can with a little bravery and hard work balance a family, own a business and still accomplish your dreams! We learned so many neat things about Tasha's journey and how they made their local business stand out!  You can find Tasha at @tashahildermanbooks on Instagram Be sure to subscribe to our new YouTube Channel where you will find all our Podcasts and more!  Thanks for being here!! All the love! Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

Hey Friends! Thank you for being here with us for season 2, we sure do appreciate it! We are going to blow your socks off with this new season, you're going to love it!  In this episode we chat with local Jill Kelly from Red Bicycle Communications. Jill takes us through her journey and how she found a gap in our local market and made her start up thrive. She now has an all female team of 7 and is totally rocking it. Her core value to her business is collaboration and supporting local above competition, which I am all for!  Find out how she was featured in the Globe & Mail and more in this episode! You can find out more about Jill and her business @redbicyclecom on Insta and https://www.redbicycle.com You can now catch our episodes live on Youtube and experience the feed right from our studio! https://youtu.be/WB65bUlG0QA Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

Yes, you heard correctly "everything SUCKS some of the time" - Mark Manson A GREAT start to the launch of Season 2 for Colour me Happy! In this episode you get to hear me fuck up in a live sesh on insta! We answered questions about our new course Getting Creative with Kids and so much more. We chatted about how it all began, why we decided to build the course and how it's been going. Of course we got deep, we got emotional because I can't help it I guess! We just love so much and want to spread it all around!  15% off the course CODE: TINY ARTIST OFFER ENDS SUNDAY! https://www.brandihofer.ca/gettingcreativecourse Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

Love is a gateway into embracing the here and now. Living in the present moment will lead to being the best person you can be! Loving yourself Loving the people in your life Loving your day Giving love Receiving love Life it too short, and we are constantly reminded of that fact. Join me in loving all of what life has to offer! Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

I AM SOOO PISSED OFF! I was recommended to talk to a female entrepreneur who represented artists and presented them to galleries. I was excited, I was hoping I had found a woman who would believe in me and lift me up. It has been a beautiful few years where I am finally finding women in a male dominated industry Hizza! Was I ever effing wrong? I met with this industry professional, who didn’t take the time to get to know anything about my art practice prior to our meeting, which should have been a red flag right there. What I took away from our conversation: -From what I can see your stuff is cute (pardon fucking me?) -So you are starting the conversation saying you are a mother? (yes, because I am, is there something wrong with that?) -It's not like you are going to show in the MoMa or anything. Any gallery is going to look at you and all you're doing with your brand and say no. (oh so I can just be a painter, that’s it? WTF News for you, I already have gallery representation, they love me, I love them. Go fuck yourself.)” -Your work can’t be purchased by serious collectors. -Your collectors will be other stay at home moms -Maybe you can sell diapers from your instagram -I think you should take the word artist off your website -Maybe you could get a wine sponsor (oh okay so I can promote day drinking, cool, I am 10 years sober, ya lets get some moms drunk at home with their babies, seems acceptable, like they aren’t going through enough already.) -If you are going to pursue an art career it will be an uphill battle (fucking bring it on) I’ve done harder shit than this!) -You need to decide what you want to be a brand or an artist (thanks for the advice I can be both, that is allowed) -I mean you live in the prairies (and? I live in the most supportive amazing community with others who believe in me and support my journey. I just witnessed my small city raise 500,000 dollars in 12 hours. We are special and proud of where we live.) At this point most of you know I am a mother and an artist and so many other things. I know it is unclear to some, but this is what I am, and I am not afraid to follow my course. Not many may have done this, and not many will do this in the same way. But I can tell you clearly that I am an artist. I do know that there are giant groups of mother’s paving their way through the art world. I've met them, they are stunning and empower one another, it is a beautiful thing. The art world is severely female represented on all fronts (on top of the fact that only 16% of business owners in Canada are female, this isn’t happening just in the art world). Showing myself creating with my kids in my studio is a great statement. No we are not crafting, well sometimes we do, but to be honest I am complete garbage at crafts, this morning our gingerbread house was an epic failure. But it was fun, that is a part of my life and it’s okay that I share that side of myself. I already know what the show is called “Motherhood through the ages” AND YOU KNOW WHAT MAYBE IT WILL SHOW AT THE MoMA. Maybe it won't but that doesn’t make it worthy or not. I am stronger because of them. Want to know why, because motherhood has been the greatest challenge of all. I can push  3 mini fucking watermelons out of my vagina I can pretty much do anything I set my mind to. Art world, I am here and I am never leaving. I will find my people who believe in me, they will support me, and I them and if there isn’t room for us now we will make it. So nice to meeting you lady, I hope I never speak with you again, thanks for lighting a grand fucking bonfire under my ass! Oh, and go fuck yourself. I know I am not the only one who has gone through something like this, I want to hear your story, I want to talk about your story. Please reach out, let's get the conversation going, let's make change together.

This week we teamed up on Insta with Janelle Sherwick from Prairie Style to create the perfect Gallery Wall in her home! Janelle dove into her new business posting all about DIY projects and SHE WENT CRAZY VIRAL!!! Her reels and Tik Tok went viral with over 6 million views!! She is a talented DIY Specialist and one of the most authentic people I have ever had the chance to meet! We also talk about the importance of creativity and doing what you are passionate about at any every age! You can find Janelle at @prarie.style on insta Watch this Episode Live on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UciWzX-6QdQ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

SOLO Rogue Episode!  A segment from my upcoming book releasing sometime hopefully (still working on it): “Be more, make more, do more, have more, more, more, more, the basic instinct of our human nature, to acquire more. This is deeply ingrained in our biology, basic survival skills and instincts in order to survive things like: starvation and freezing to death. Gather more food to store for the winter, find the cave, build the hutch, have more wood to build a fire.At this point most of us have far surpassed acquiring and fulfilling our basic needs. And yet, the pressure to be more cripples our souls  little by little, devouring tiny bits of our self esteem, fuels our anxieties like high pressure steam until we feel like the only thing left to do is implode from the inside out. It’s all we hear and ALL we consume of every minute of every day: be perfect, be smarter,  be more successful, be the perfect partner, practice makes perfect, be the perfect parent, have the perfect home, live the perfect life, have perfect skin, be the perfect size.You don’t need to be more, you are enough. You will be enough and defined by the people you touch and impact, not the amount of  followers or likes you have. You will be enough because of the way you love and laugh and cry and live. You are enough.” Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ycHen9pJyek Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

You most likely have already heard of her Erika B Hess from I like Your Work Podcast but we will try and give her the intro she deserves anyway! In this episode Erika and I casually chat candidly about our lives as female creatives taking on the world while basking in the realities of parenthood. Stay tuned for our upcoming collab and CALL FOR ART: https://www.brandihofer.ca/callforart Erika b Hess is a painter recognized for her use and interest in colour. Her work has been exhibited nationally including Prince Street Gallery in NYC, Last Projects in Los Angles, CA, and Boston Center for the Arts in Boston, MA. In 2017, she had two solo exhibitions, “The Line Between the Past and the Present,” at Musa Collective, Allston MA and “Viewing Light,” at Newton Free Library, Newton, MA. Her work has been featured in various publications including, Poets and Artists, Fresh Paint, Charles River Journal and Post Industrial Complex, a book released by the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. Find her here: https://www.erikabhess.com/ @ilikeyourworkpodcast and @erikabhess Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

We realize that those are two very good books rolled into one podcast title (if you don't know): You're a Badass by Jen Sincero and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson. These are both fantastic reads for inspiring a little pep in your step! In this episode Brandi chat's about the importance of time - and what you allow yourself to pour your energy into. She brings up some major ups and downs from this year so far.  And speaks candidly about the idea of being present and the reality of the end of the road how do you want to remember your life.  We are about to launch our Season 2 of Colour me Happy! Get ready folks! We appreciate your ongoing support!  We are proud to announce our NEW Getting Creative with Kids Course!! Now live on our site! LEARN MORE HERE: https://www.brandihofer.ca/gettingcreativecourse This Course Bundle is for you if: You are struggling to balance your home life, your work life and time with your littles. You want to connect on another organic level with your kids but you don't know how. You are searching for a more meaningful and successful relationship with your children or child. You are needing a little lift and a burst of inspiration! 💥 You are invited to come and learn some of our best tips and tricks that we've developed over 15 years of creating and 6 years of painting with kids! We will bring the best and brightest outlook and hope you will have a great time and that your kids will too! A little taste tester for what’s in store for you… In your workbook that is included in this bundle we chat about: setting up expectations, finding activities and projects and we take you through some of our favourites. In the workbook we leave room for all your activities that you discover you love with your tiny artists. We also chat about making the time and finding the fun. We leave room for alternative ways to be creative, reflection on what your child’s interests are, the ultimate routine, giving and receiving love, and so much more!! You also get a coupon to order your choice of any colour or size of our VERY POPULAR Tiny Artist T! YAY! In the video course we have split into 4, they are short and sweet, perfect for any busy parent and you can view them at your own pace. This course will transform the way that you approach your every day with your littles and empower you to wake up excited about what is in store!  15% off all week code: TINYARTIST All the love! xo Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BrandiHoferArt)

In this episode we sat down with Erika Higgins of Stewed Rhubarb Handmade! Erika was in the throws of Motherhood and used her creativity and skills to turn her passion into a full time gig. Erika is CEO of her own company, and president of the HQ she runs out of her garage!!  This is one episode you won't want to miss!! Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

We have a long authentic chat with founder and CEO of Create Magazine Ekaterina Popova. Join us for this raw and fun conversation where we chat about everything from successes, failures, community, black bean cookies and Harry Potter! Ekaterina Popova or Kat for short is an artist who believes that our entire life is a canvas and we have the power to create anything we desire. Her mission is to empower artists and give them the tools to take responsibility for their own career and find validation and success from within. She is the CEO of Create Magazine, Artist, leader of the Art Queens, Mentor Coach, Author and so many other beautiful things!  HERE IS THE COOKIE RECIPE YOU ALL ASKED FOR!! XO Brandi’s Cookies (otherwise known as POOP COOKIES) If you are like me you will in a rush flop all these things into a giant mixing bowl without measuring and hope for the best, if you aren’t like me and love to measure here are the approximate kind of things I throw in (there is a lot wiggle room with these) have fun! BONUS these are gluten free and full of protein and other good things, that ultimately make you poop… WET 1 can of black beans with juice 2 eggs 1 cup of brown sugar (or any sugar substitute) 1 tsp salt 6 dried dates (if you have them if not fuck it, but they make them chewy and more delicious) 1/3 cup nut butter (any kind) ¼ cup of butter ¼ cup plain yogurt (again not against the law if you don’t have it) ¼ cup hemp hearts (for digestion and other good stuff) ¼ cup chia Blend with that blender stick thing (if you don’t have one you need to get one) until the cows come home!!! DRY (don’t blend) ½ cup almond flour ½ cup coconut shredded ¼ cup sunflower seeds ¼ cup pumpkin seeds You can add or take away any other kind of nut my favorite thing is to add cashews because they are amazing in these! 1 cup oats 1 cup of dark chocolate chips I hope that’s everything! Give or take any of these ingredients, get creative! I make about 60 of these on a big cookie sheet placing them very close together because they don’t move. We keep them in the freezer for some reason they are the BEST that way! I have 4 boys in the house and these are gone in 48 hours! The most amazing part is that I eat these instead of reaching for junk and they keep this busy Mama’s energy high because they are packed full of protein and other good stuff! Enjoy! Xoxo Ekaterina Popova was born in Vladimir, Russia. After moving to the United States, she fell in love with painting and received a BFA from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Her work has been exhibited nationally, including The Painting Center in New York, The Trenton City Museum, Delaware Contemporary, The Boxheart Gallery, A.I.R. Gallery, and more. Popova has been featured in multiple blogs and publications, including Aesthetica, The Jealous Curator, DPI Magazine, Friend of The Artist, Iceview, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Ekaterina attended several residencies, including at Centre Pompadour in Abbeville, France, NES Residency in Iceland, the Skopelos Foundation for the Arts in Greece. Kat lives in Delaware with her longtime partner Sean and Pomeranian Kolibri. She works out of her rustic factory studio at 1241 Carpenter Street Studios in Philadelphia not Brooklyn ;) Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

Just in time for Mother's Day! We can't wait for you to hear this beautiful podcast episode as with chat with Maternity Nurse Tami. We cover all things magical about childbirth and some other stuff that no one ever talks about! Tami has the lovely privilege of witnessing the very moment that a child enters the universe. We talk about everything from those life altering moments to the ups and downs of parenthood. If this conversation doesn't make you want to treat your Mom this Mother's Day, we don't know what will!  Thank you much for your constant support, we truly appreciate you being here with us on this journey! Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

SOLO Rogue Episode - Our most HEARTFELT  pod episode is out! We know that it will 100% inspire you! Our only hope is that it reminds you that time is our most precious commodity and that you milk every moment of this beautiful life!  This new pod release also comes along with a freebie guide and workbook, whoop whoop! All you have to do is subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.brandihofer.ca Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

All Your Questions Answered and More! It was such a pleasure to host our first EVER Artist Mom Date! Artist and Mother Elyse Jokinen had so many questions for us, we asked her to pop on the podcast! We spoke about everything from time management, art practice and child birth! It was so fun and we hope everyone enjoys this chat as much as we did! Elyse’ Jokinen is a collage artist based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She began creating analog collage almost two decades ago. Recently, she’s been experimenting with paint to make mixed media pieces and having a blast. Over the past decade, Elyse’ has lived in seven cities across five states. She loves to travel, shoot photography and play on her Yoga mat. Right now she's enjoying getting settled in Minneapolis and raising her two boys (4&2) alongside her husband. She recently started gathering images, ideas and stories around collage art and shares them over @wildercollage on instagram. Show her some major LOVE! You can find her and her work at www.elysejokinen.com or @elysejokinen! Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast

Are you getting enough sleep?! Our first MOM DATE! On this fine episode we chat with Lindsey from the Sleep Ranch (Mom of 3 girlies) on the importance of getting some ZZZZ's! She goes over some of the negative side effects of not having enough rest. Let's get some sleep together!! Lindsey will also be popping on our Instagram LIVE to give some quick tips: Wednesday, February 10, for a LIVE lunch Date, video will be available in our IGTV afterward.  Feel free to join our free Colour Me Happy Community and meet other members or be featured: https://www.facebook.com/groups/774313479902890/ Listen or be on the show: https://www.brandihofer.ca/colourmehappypodcast