Off Script, On Brand

Welcome back to Off Script, On Brand. In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Rebel, an artist, storyteller, and advocate,  to talk about creativity as a pathway to healing, identity, and self-discovery.Jessi is a proud Wiradjuri person, living and creating on Wadawurrung Country. Their life has been shaped by a connection to Country and Sea Country, and both are strong influences on the works they create. Jessi has a background as a youth/social worker and also draws a lot of inspiration from interpersonal relationships and the intersection of all things. Jessi works collaboratively in community, engaging in murals and workshops with youth and students and loves bringing other’s stories to life through art. Jessi has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Therapy and believes creativity and art has the power to heal the world, both within us and around us. In this episode, we chat about:Jessie’s personal and creative journey growing up Biripai Country How painting became a tool for processing their experiences working with at-risk youthThe influence of their Aunty Lisa Evans and the lesson behind not being given a piece of their art The moments she realised their work was growing into something bigger than they expectedTheir recent season shedding shame and confusion, and feeling more expansive and aligned in their art practiceThe impact of embracing their non-binary identity on their creative expressionTheir artist residency in Tasmania Reflections on why they stays in a full-time job and allows their creativity to exist without pressureThis episode is for you if:You’re exploring your identity and want to express it more fullyYou’re using (or want to use) creativity as a tool for healing or processingYou’re wondering if your “side creative passion” could become something biggerYou’re learning to trust your intuition and stop forcing your creativity Links & Resources: Jessi's websiteJessi's instagramYarrangany Exhibition:  FRI 08 MAY—SAT 11 JULCurated by Jessi Rebel, this exhibition brings together First Nations artists from diverse countries, cultures, and nations, exploring identity as something relational and evolving. REGISTERWork With LeslieThe Visibility Shift waitlist is open! The Visibility Shift is a live 6 week course where we’ll tackle mindset, strategy, and practical steps to make sure your work and story get seen by the right people.Spots are limited—join the waitlist to be the first to be the first to get all the juicy details and jump in. https://lesliecarvittophotography.myflodesk.com/visibility-shift-waitlist

Welcome back to Off Script, On Brand. In this episode, I sit down with Harriet Birrell -  author, creative, and the founder of Natural Harry -  to talk about releasing expectations, reconnecting with creativity, and redefining what’s actually sustainable in a season when life is very full. From building a brand rooted in sustainability, whole foods, and conscious living, to stepping away from social media entirely, Harriet shares the evolution of her work and herself.We dive into the internal pressure of figuring out your “next thing,” and how her decision to take a full step back from social media became a turning point. Without the noise, the expectations, or the need to post and perform, Harriet found herself returning to her first love — creating with her hands, working with textiles, and reconnecting with what lights her up. This conversation also explores the tension between creative ambition and surrender in motherhood. With two young children, Harriet shares how she’s shifted away from bigger projects and instead embraces smaller creative moments whenever she can.In this episode, we explore:The story behind Natural Harry and how Harriet’s values around sustainability and conscious living were shapedThe journey of creating her cookbooks, including the self-publishing process and navigating self-doubt and imposter syndromeThe pressure of constantly creating and consuming online, and what led her to take a full break from social mediaWhat that “big pause” revealed when she stepped away from the noiseLetting go of the need to define your “next thing” and releasing attachment to outcomesMotherhood, creativity, and the tension between ambition and surrenderEmbracing smaller, intentional projects in seasons where time and capacity are limitedThis episode is for you if:You’re a mother learning to balance creative ambition with surrender You’re feeling pressure to create your next creative project (but coming up blank)You’re craving space, slowness, or a reset from being constantly onlineYou want to create in a way that feels sustainable, grounded, and true to youResources & LinksWebsite: https://naturalharry.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natural_harry/Work With LeslieFeeling invisible while everyone else seems to be getting noticed? Time to change that.The Visibility Shift waitlist is open! The Visibility Shift is a live 6 week course where we’ll tackle mindset, strategy, and practical steps to make sure your work and story get seen by the right people.Spots are limited—join the waitlist to be the first to be the first to get all the juicy details and jump in.https://lesliecarvittophotography.myflodesk.com/visibility-shift-waitlist

What if the community you’ve been looking for doesn’t exist, so you build it yourself?Welcome to another episode of Off Script, On Brand, where I sit down with Temwani Mazaba, the founder of Melbourne’s Literary Lounge — a vibrant social space for readers, thinkers, and creatives.Temwani shares the story of building a community she couldn’t find herself, and how she’s crafting a space where curiosity, vulnerability, and meaningful conversation thrive. From poetry nights and social events to a bimonthly book club, she’s creating experiences that resist superficial small talk, and build deeper, emotional connections. We dive into how she balances leadership and hosting these events with self-care and nervous system regulation, filling her cup so she can show up fully without burning out. And her game-changing mindset around rest as fuel.This conversation is full of insights for ambitious creatives, community builders, or anyone craving deeper, authentic connections in a world that can feel noisy, disconnected, and surface-level. In this episode, we explore:How the Literary Lounge came to be, born from recognising the gaps in Melbourne’s creative communityThe power of authenticity, storytelling, and intentionality in cultivating safe, inclusive spacesBalancing service to others with healthy boundaries and self-care practicesMindset shifts about rest: why “rest is resistance” and how downtime fuels creativity Strategies for hosting events that foster curiosity, deep conversations, and authentic connectionRedefining belonging, embracing diversity, and encouraging others to step into leadership and vulnerabilityThis episode is for you if:You’re a creative who wants to build connection-driven experiencesYou’re navigating leadership and community-building without burning outYou’re rethinking rest, productivity, and how to fuel your own creative fireYou’re looking to create spaces that encourage curiosity, vulnerability, and deeper human interactionResources & LinksInstagram Tik TokSubstack: Temwani WritesWork With LeslieI offer personal brand photography for creatives and founders who want images that actually reflect who they are and the energy behind their work. Learn more about personal brand photography and my packages here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photographyInstagram

What happens when you ditch the rulebook, back yourself, and create a creative career entirely on your own terms? Welcome to another episode of Off Script, On Brand, where I sit down with Cait Meyers — surf and fashion photographer, entrepreneur, and the visionary behind the Laugh Lines project.Cait wears a lot of creative hats, and we dive into the many projects she’s juggling and what it actually looks like to build a career that doesn’t fit into one neat box.Cait shares her journey from studying photography at Uni, to working with brands like Roxy and Billabong, and eventually getting a job photographing surf contests and athletes with the WSL.  We talk about the pressure and adrenaline of photographing surf competitions, and her focus on capturing imperfect, authentic moments that make elite athletes feel relatable and human.We dive into career milestones, but more than that, we explore mindset, thinking outside the box, and trusting yourself when your path isn’t linear. Cait shares her desire to make a meaningful impact, especially for women and girls, and her determination and passion serve as a powerful reminder that living your wildest dreams and purpose is possible when you move from alignment and self-belief.In this episode, we explore:How her career in surf and fashion photography unfolded right after she graduated UniWhy thinking outside the box has been one of the biggest drivers behind her successful careerThe role self-belief and mindset played in helping her back herself throughout her careerHer philosophy of imperfect action — creating in real time rather than waiting for everything to be perfectThe moment she realised she wanted to make a bigger impact and be known for more than just photographyHer advice for photographers who want to stand out and get noticed in a crowded industryWhy building community, sharing knowledge, and growing the “girl gang” is so important to herThe story behind her new project Laugh Lines and how it came to lifeThis episode is for you if:You’re a creative who refuses to stay in just one laneYou want to build a career that’s outside the boxYou’re learning to trust your ideas and take imperfect actionYou want to stand out in a crowded industry instead of blending inFollow Cait: www.caitmiers.comwww.laughlines.com.au@caitmiersphotography@laughlinesprojectFollow Leslie: www.lesliecarvitto.com@lesliecarvitto.photographyIf you're building a brand and want magnetic photos actually reflect who you are and the energy behind what you do, I shoot personal brand photography for founders, creatives, and women doing things their own way! Learn more here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photography

In this episode of Off Script, On Brand, I chat with Tracey Spencer: mother, author, and fiery business activator and mentor. Tracey and I dive into what it really means to trust your creative process, especially when it’s messy, inconvenient, and doesn’t come with a guaranteed outcome. We talk about following the froth, starting before you feel ready, and having the courage to be seen in the messy middle of your creations. We also unpack authenticity beyond aesthetics — what it really means to let people into your process — and why passion will trump perfectionism every single time.In this episode, we explore:• Trusting the creative niggles that keep tapping you on the shoulder• How AI is affecting our ability to connect to spirit and our higher self• The tension between the fully manifested vision and just getting started• Her new creative venture - Trace TVThis episode is for you if:• You feel called toward something new but are afraid to start • You’re letting perfectionism run the show • You want permission to start before you feel ready• You’re learning to trust your own creative rhythmAbout Tracey: Tracey Spencer is an award-winning life + business coach, Aries firecracker, creative loose cannon and keynote speaker. Known and loved for her fiery one-liners, spiritual straight-talk and hilarious business analogies, Trace writes, talks and teaches about owning your authentic power, unleashing your unique creative voice and going big with your soul work. Since 2015 she has led and coached hundreds of women out of fear and into their creative and authentic power through one-to-one mentoring, mastermind group coaching, online programs, her book Rock Your Light and live speaking events across Australia. She is currently turning the dial UP on her own creative magic with the production of her upcoming show, Trace TV.Website:  https://www.traceyspencer.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracey__spencer/Follow Leslie:www.lesliecarvitto.com @lesliecarvitto.photographyIf you're building a brand and want magnetic photos actually reflect who you are and the energy behind what you do, I shoot personal brand photography for founders, creatives, and women doing things their own way! Learn more here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photography

What happens when you build the dream life, and you’re too exhausted to enjoy any of it?  Welcome to the second episode of Off Script, On Brand, where I interview Imo Roberts, co-founder of custom timber furniture business Al & Imo. Imo shares the story of starting a business with her husband, Al, in their mid-20s — what sparked the idea, how their move to the Surf Coast expanded what was possible, and what it really looked like to pour everything they had into building it. But this episode isn’t just about entrepreneurship. It’s about what happens when life happens at all once, and grows bigger than your capacity to hold it all. Covid. A booming business. Motherhood. Two children under two. A dream home build. And in the midst of all of it. Exhaustion and burnout. In this honest chat, we talk about the quiet pressures that build when you’re stretched beyond your limits, and what it takes to find your way back to yourself and your joy. In this episode, we explore: • Starting a business young and building it alongside your partner• The identity shifts that come with becoming a mother• Burnout and the stories we tell ourselves when we’re in it• Reconnecting to yourself after a season of depletion• The creative projects that are lighting her up This episode is for you if:• You’re balancing motherhood and ambition and feeling stretched thin• You’re building something beautiful but secretly exhausted• You’ve hit burnout and don’t know your next step• You’re craving permission to slow down and rebuild sustainablyAbout Imo: Imogen Roberts is a designer, maker and creator based in Australia. Alongside her husband Al, she co-founded AL + IMO, a custom timber furniture studio recognised for its thoughtful, sustainable design and ethos of good design for good people. With a background in fashion and a lifelong love of making, Imogen brings a creative, detail-driven approach to everything she does, from designing furniture and renovating homes to styling spaces and telling stories online. She is passionate about considered design, injecting creativity into everyday life and encouraging others to create with their hands. As a mum of two, Imogen naturally weaves family life into her work, sharing practical DIY projects, home inspiration and everyday moments that feel both aspirational and achievable.Website:  www.alandimo.com.auInstagram: @al_and_imoFollow Leslie on Instagram: @lesliecarvitto.photographyIf you're building a brand and want magnetic photos actually reflect who you are and the energy behind what you do, I shoot personal brand photography for founders, creatives, and women doing things their own way! Learn more here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photographyIf this episode resonated, I'd be stoked if you shared it with someone who needs it, or leave a review to support the show. 🤍

What happens when everything you built no longer fits, and you choose to let it go?Today, we’re kicking off the very first episode of Off Script, On Brand with Julia Conti. This is the first time Julia has shared this chapter of her life publicly, and I’m deeply honoured she trusted me (and this space) with her story.In this raw and honest conversation, we explore identity, grief, and transformation — and what it truly feels like to release the life you once knew.Last year, Julia made one decision that sparked a ripple effect of change. In just a few short months, her business, marriage, location, and community all shifted, asking her to begin again from the ground up.We talk candidly about the quiet, often unseen moments of reinvention, when there’s no clear identity to cling to, no title to introduce yourself with, and no roadmap for what comes next.In this episode, we explore:Letting go of identities that once defined youStaying true to yourself even when it means disappointing othersPutting entrepreneurial pursuits on pause and going back to corporate during a big season of change and instabilityRebuilding from a grounded, embodied placeTrusting yourself when everything familiar falls awayThis episode is for you if:You’re in a season of transition, grief, or reinventionYou feel called to change, but are terrified of what you might loseYou’re learning who you are beyond your work, roles, or labelsYou’re craving honest conversations about starting overAbout Julia:Julia Conti is a coach, writer and community builder. She has spent nearly ten years coaching hundreds of women in small businesses, building an online community and running camping retreats through the Northern Territory of Australia. Currently taking a creative sabbatical, she has closed her co-working studio and coaching business to return to her librarian roots. While she rebuilds a new phase of her life, she is writing her story. Her new Substack is where you’ll find slices of her life, musings and creative offerings.Substack:https://julesconti.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__jules.conti/Follow Leslie:www.lesliecarvitto.comhttps://www.instagram.com/lesliecarvitto.photography/Follow Leslie: www.lesliecarvitto.com@lesliecarvitto.photographyIf you're building a brand and want magnetic photos actually reflect who you are and the energy behind what you do, I shoot personal brand photography for founders, creatives, and women doing things their own way! Learn more here: https://www.lesliecarvitto.com/personal-brand-photographySponsored by BtnHomeBec offers trusted, experienced house and pet sitting that lets you step away — whether for work, travel, or life — knowing your pets are settled and your home is genuinely cared for. Come and say hi on Instagram to see how she works and if she’s the right fit for you: @btnohome.

This is your first taste of what’s coming: honest conversations, unapologetic truths, and a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of women building magnetic, authentic brands.