The Creative Chronicles

Want to boost your holiday market sales this season? Duh, who doesn’t! Join me as I dive into five essential sales strategies that small business artists can easily implement to turn curious shoppers into loyal customers. From simple actions like getting people to stand up, to sharing the unique process behind your art, and meeting customers where they are, these tips have a proven track record of boosting booth sales. We’ll also cover the power of seeing and recognizing each person, ditching judgments, and leveraging QR codes to connect visitors directly to your online world. Tune in to discover how you can make your holiday market booth a magnet for sales! Side note...this is also applicable to retail shops and boutiques. LINKS: Follow Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Shop Ceramic Cactus - https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

I’ve been thinking a lot about my identity as an artist lately and where I want to go next in my life and career and how that has left me feeling restless. I shared briefly on Instagram stories how I was struggling and the 3 key things I did to reconnect and reset. So many of your resonated with that message and wanted to hear more so I recorded this quick episode expanding on what I learned and discovered with the hopes that it can help you too. Enjoy! I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: I would absolutely loved to hear what you took away from this episode (or any others). It would mean the world to me if you could take 2 minutes to leave a quick review on the podcast. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! TAKEAWAYS: Trust your gut and listen to your intuition Ask others to describe you to gain valuable insights Take a break from social media and focus on being present Practice self-acceptance and self-love LINKS: Follow Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Shop Ceramic Cactus - https://brushstrokespottery.com and use code PODCAST for 10% off! NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Molly Sanyour is a ceramic artist and entrepreneur who turned her love for pottery and getting her hands dirty into a vibrant community studio which opening soon in Atlanta. She is so real and full of life. And In this episode, she shares the highs and lows of building her business, her excitement of teaching others, and the unexpected viral sensation of her famous 'butt mug,' yes you head me correct, which even caught the attention of singer Lizzo." BUT it’s not just about pottery—Molly opens up about why gratitude and dreaming big are essential to her journey. Whether you're an aspiring artist, seasoned creator or  someone looking for inspiration to chase your own dreams, this episode is packed with insights and stories to encourage you.  Takeaways: Following your dreams and taking risks can lead to exciting opportunities and personal fulfillment. Teaching others about your craft can be a way to expand your impact and share your passion on a broader scale. Gratitude and reflecting on how far you've come can fuel motivation and inspire you to dream even bigger. Being true to your unique artistic vision and staying authentic to yourself is key in building a successful and fulfilling creative business.  Use social media as a way to document your creative process to look back on and share with others. Stay true to yourself and your artistic vision, and remember that your unique energy sets you apart. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Molly's Move to Atlanta 05:17 Societal Norms and Pursuing a Career in Art 06:35 The Importance of Creative Thinking and Artistic Expression 09:31 Transitioning from Teaching to Opening a Community Pottery Studio 18:46 The Story Behind the Famous 'Butt Mug' and Lizzo's Involvement 25:15 Staying Up to Date on Trends and Protecting Intellectual Property 27:09 The Importance of Gratitude and Dreaming Big 36:48 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Artist 40:38 The Importance of Being Present on Social Media 47:14 Embracing the Uncertainty and Evolution of Your Art Journey  LINKS  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EuyNtZJ9Tec Follow Molly on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mollysanyourceramics Shop Online  - https://www.mollysanyourceramics.com Follow Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Shop Ceramic Cactus - https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Keywords: ceramic artist, community pottery studio, following dreams, teaching ceramics, butt mug, mass production, copyrighting designs, gratitude, dreaming big, art, ceramics, style, inspiration, originality, winter wonderland trees, shipping, imposter syndrome, social media, pottery studio, pottery show

Dive into the colorful world of Samantha Jezek, is a modern artist who explores figures, faces, and abstracts in bright, colorful hues. Samantha shares her artistic journey, from discovering her love for painting in college to creating the impactful 'Not Alone' series, which addresses themes of trials, addiction and recovery. Learn about her collaborations with companies to produce unique trinket trays, coasters, and apparel, and her plans to expand into textiles and home goods. Samantha also discusses the importance of finding a niche, staying true to one's creativity, and balancing motherhood with an art career. Get inspired by her story of resilience, evolution, and community in the ever-changing art world. TAKEAWAYS: After going through a period of addiction and recovery, Samantha found healing and inspiration through art. She created a series called 'Not Alone' to represent trials, sorrow, grief, and addiction, and to let others know they are not alone. Embrace the evolution of your art over time and appreciate the changes. Balancing motherhood and an art career can be challenging but rewarding. Find a supportive community of artists to connect and collaborate with. LINKS: Watch on YouTube Follow Samantha Jezek on Instagram Shop Online  - https://samanthajezekart.com Follow Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram - Shop Ceramic Cactus - https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

I am so pumped to bring you this conversation. I had the chance to chat with Steven Borzachillo of Brochet, the comedic yarn phenomenon that is taking over social media with his wooly weaponry duels. Combining his background in sketch comedy writing and his new passion for crochet, Steven is inspiring so many people to pick up some yarn and try their hand at fiber arts.  Steven discusses the positive impact of his crochet videos, including making people laugh and inspiring others to pick up crochet hooks. He also talks about breaking gender stereotypes in the fiber arts world and the importance of connecting with others through humor. He also shares his creative process the importance of staying present on social media and embracing imperfections.  I have been a fan of Brochet’s videos since they launched and laugh constantly every time I see them. Now getting a glimpse into Steven’s creative mind, it’s no wonder why his new leap into the fiber arts world has been a huge success setting him up for some exciting new adventures. This conversation is one for everyone, no matter your age, gender or your craftiness skill. It’s upbeat and inspirational and pure joy. Great reminder - no matter the art form, we’re all artists. TAKEAWAYS: Putting oneself out there as an artist and overcoming fear is essential for growth and success. Building a supportive community is important for artists and makers. Art should be prioritized over commerce, and genuine engagement with the audience is crucial. Making people laugh through crochet is a wonderful and positive consequence of Brochet's videos. Crochet can inspire people to connect with others and break gender stereotypes in the fiber arts world. LINKS  Watch on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/D68jQfLJz7s Follow Brochet on Instagram Follow on TikTok Shop Brochet Online  - https://www.etsy.com/shop/therealbrochet/?etsrc=sdt Follow Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Shop Ceramic Cactus - https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Kitty Keller is a fine artist who began her career over 38 years ago with painted t-shirts and today, serves clients worldwide with exceptionally curated, hand-crafted glass, ceramic, and cloisonné ornaments.  Each ornament is meticulously hand painted and finished in 24 karat gold accents by skilled artisans. Making them true collectible pieces of art. She has designed works of art for the National Parks, Universities, countless organizations and sells in boutiques and stores all around the world. In this episode she emphasizes the importance of being fearless, not being daunted by detractors, and always seeking the next thing. Her years of wisdom and insight on design, mindset and manufacturing is priceless. Plus it was a true blessing to find out that she actually knew my Mom years ago as they began their art journeys in tandem paths. It was absolutely an honor to chat with her.  TAKEAWAYS Be fearless and don't be daunted by detractors. Understand your customer base and create products that they want. Utilize technology to reach a wider audience. Always be willing to adapt and change. Never be afraid to ask for opportunities. CHAPTERS 03:19 Creativity is in all of Us 05:48 The Art of Confidence and Fearlessness in Business 11:25 The Cloisonne Process 17:17 How Kitty Stays Inspired 20:15 Scaling as a Hand Crafted Business 22:52 Technology's Growth and the Benefits for Artists 28:40 Navigating Imposter Syndrome 31:09 What has Kitty Excited in Business Now? RESOURCES: Watch on YouTube:  https://bit.ly/3zk5EaL Kitty Keller on Instagram Shop Online https://kittykeller.com Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Book - https://amzn.to/45L7Mo7 Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Shop Ceramic Cactus HERE: Use code PODCAST at checkout for 10%off! Creative Chronicles on Instagram NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com artist, business, hand-painting, t-shirts, ornaments, cloisonné, fearless, competition, customer base, fine artist, art podcast

We're diving into the artistic side of the food industry with a guest who has turned cookie decorating into a viral sensation. I mean who hasn't paused while scrolling on social media to watch an intricate cookie decorating video?  It's a true art form, and Hayley Evans of Hayley Cakes and Cookies has mastered it. Her childhood love for doodling and baking, inspired by her mom, led her to start a side hustle decorating cookies at age 19 in her college apartment which quickly blossomed into a a thriving business with 4 locations and national recognition. Join us as Hayley shares her journey and the challenges she's faced as she expands her growing business. This episode truly was so special. Hayley was our first in-studio guest so we definitely had a lot of fun laughing, chatting business and dealing with a few dog interruptions. You will be able to watch the full video of this conversation on our YouTube channel - I’ve linked it below. But without further ado let’s get started Takeaways Taking risks and offering something unique sets you apart from others. Managing people and creating a positive work environment is crucial. Social media can be a powerful tool for business growth. Having a passion for creativity and baking is essential. Being present and engaged with others is important. Imposter syndrome is common, but it's important to recognize your own value. Finding inspiration in nature can fuel creativity. Collaborating with others in the industry can be inspiring and motivating. Taking time for yourself and enjoying the process is important. Having a supportive network is crucial for success. Being open to creative freedom and embracing new trends is important. Adapting to trends and staying current is important in the social media landscape. Topics #cookiedecorating #icedcookies #baking #cakedecorating Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Childhood doodling 02:31 The Art of Cookie and Cake Decoration 09:04 Life Lessons to Manage Employees 16:51 Finding Inspiration in Nature  21:02 Cookie Videos Going Viral on Social Media 27:32 Advice for Younger Self 28:32 Facing Imposter Syndrome 29:44 Writing a Cookie Decorating Book 33:07 Where to Find Hayley Cakes and Cookies LINKS  Watch on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/cnC2KJFNkDc FOLLOW: Hayley Cakes on instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehayleycakes/ Shop Online https://hayleycakesandcookies.com Order the Cookie Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0760371598/creativepubco-20 Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram Shop Ceramic Cactus - https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

You may know her best as the joyful and bubbly crochet artist online. Now Camryn Breneman, the owner of Cameron's Cute Creations, is expanding her business as an online educator for other crochet and art business owners. In this episode we discussed her journey as a crochet artist, the rise of the crochet trend plus she provides valuable tips for artists looking to participate in craft shows, including the importance of mindset, creating an attractive display, and engaging with customers. You will definitely get a boost of serotonin after listening to this episode. Her joy and passion for art shines through in a beautiful way. So much so I wanted to bottle up her enthusiasm so I could tap into it on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!  Please be sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode!  Takeaways: The Rise of Crocheting and the Influence of Trendy Yarns Choosing the Right Craft Shows and Elevating Your Display Creating an Eye-Catching Display at Craft Shows Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at Craft Shows Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Social Media Setting Realistic Expectations for Content Creation and Business Growth RESOURCES: Craft Show Checklist:  https://mailchi.mp/e328bcc71726/craft-show-checklist FOLLOW: Camryn’s Cute Creations on Instagram Shop Online https://camrynscutecreations.com/ Watch on YouTube   Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Shop Ceramic Cactus NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Missy Luukkonen, owner of the Little Green Bean, shares her journey from starting a side hustle on Etsy to evolving her business and finding success. She discusses the popularity of her handmade gnomes and the importance of adapting to changing trends. Missy emphasizes the value of being authentic and relatable on social media, building trust with customers, and the power of showing up consistently. She encourages experimentation and learning from mistakes, and shares her experience of working with her husband in the business. Missy Luukkonen, the founder of The Little Green Bean, shares her journey of building a successful craft business and the joy she finds in helping others. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, constantly learning, and listening to what your audience wants. Missy also discusses the evolution of her business, from selling handmade items to becoming an educator through online courses and a sewing membership. She highlights the role of social media in growing her brand and creating a positive and welcoming community. Overall, Missy's story is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and connection. Takeaways Starting as a side hustle, Missy Luukkonen's business, the Little Green Bean, has evolved over the years. The popularity of her handmade gnomes helped catapult her business. Being authentic and relatable on social media is key to building trust with customers. Consistency and showing up regularly on social media is important for maintaining a strong online presence. Experimentation and learning from mistakes are essential for growth and improvement. Missy shares her experience of working with her husband in the business and the challenges and rewards that come with it. Listen to your audience and pay attention to what they want. Utilize social media to gather feedback and ideas. Don't be afraid to evolve and try new things. Missy transitioned from selling handmade items to becoming an educator through online courses and a sewing membership. Create a positive and welcoming community through social media. Set boundaries and remove negativity to maintain a safe and joyful space. Helping others and seeing their success brings immense joy. Focus on providing value and empowering your audience. Constantly learn and stay curious. Keep pushing forward, ask questions, and never stop growing. Building a successful craft business takes time and consistent effort. It's important to celebrate the small wins along the way. LINKS: Join the Sewing Squad - https://thelittlegreenbean.com/sewingsquad FOLLOW: The Little Green Bean instagram on Instagram Shop Online https:https://thelittlegreenbean.com Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Salty Sea Dog Designs is a beautiful fusion of Blair's and Sarah’s ceramic talents resulting in distinctly adorable 3D animal mugs, vases and more.  Sarah throws all the forms on the pottery wheel, while Blair hand sculpts the intricate details. Together, they bring each piece to life. What's truly unique about Salty Sea Dog Designs is how they've built a devoted community around their work. Each limited batch of ceramics is eagerly awaited by their followers, who also await the chance to give each piece a name, infusing them with personality. This interactive process creates a special bond between the creators and their customers, turning each piece into a cherished part of someone's home. Join me as we dive into the world of Salty Sea Dog Designs and discover the magic behind their whimsical pottery creations. TAKEAWAYS: Listen to your audience and incorporate their ideas into your designs. Keep a positive mindset and always look for opportunities to learn and grow. How they prioritize education, humor, and relatability in their social media content. The importance of educating an audience about the process behind their pottery and the time it takes to create each piece. The strong connection with their customers they've built with customers to create a community who feels like family. FOLLOW: Salty Sea Dog Designs on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saltyseadogdesigns/ Shop Online https://saltyseadogdesigns.com/en-us Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

In this bonus episode of The Creative Chronicles, I’m sharing my personal experience of how I overcame rejection and used a "NO" to fuel and motivate me. I learned so much from this humbling experience and it truly made me a better artist and small business maker in the process. I'm sharing all the feelings and the exact steps I took in my application process to finally achieve my dream of being accepted to the largest art market of my career. If any one part of my journey can help you if you are going for that big dream in your life, then my heart is full. Remember if I can do it...YOU CAN TO! TAKEAWAYS Rejection is not the end - it's an opportunity to grow and reassess Learn from each experience and continuously improve your products and booth Build connections with other vendors and seek advice from experienced professionals Approach applications with genuine passion and belief in your unique offerings Never give up on your dreams and keep pushing towards your goals LINKS: Market Acceptance Video - https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYjJytJkSr/ FOLLOW: Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Nicole Lewis, founder of Art to the Extreme, shares her journey of creating the original rainbow crayon. All which began in the classroom as an art teacher and her desire to find a solution to the broken crayon chaos. She quickly used her problem solving skills to create a unique one of a kind art product perfect for kids and adults alike. Nicole’s tenacity to be her own press agent and her ability to utilize the power of collaborations has helped her become a top tier seller and influencer on Etsy as well as national name. Her rainbow crayons have been featured in major publications such as the TODAY show, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, US Weekly, and People to name a few. Plus has been featured as a top gift idea by JoAnna Gaines and asked to create gifts for the Oprah Network. Trust me y’all, you will want to grab something to take notes with because this episode is jam packed with incredible information! Nicole's insight is invaluable and her joyful nature will keep you absolutely captivated. TAKEAWAYS Thinking outside the box and creating a new rainbow crayon for all to enjoy. Reaching out to the press and building relationships can result in organic publicity. Asking for help and advice from others in the industry can be beneficial for business growth. It's important to stay true to yourself and not compare your journey to others. Having both an Etsy shop and a personal website can be beneficial for reaching customers and building a brand. Strong photography and effective SEO are key to standing out on Etsy. Embrace the different seasons of life and be open to collaborations and new projects. Sustainability can be incorporated into a creative business through partnerships and conscious sourcing. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Connection 03:37 Who is Art 2 the Extreme 04:09 How it all Started 05:40 Creating Customized Crayons for Students with Special Needs 09:18 Receiving a Call from the Oprah's Network 10:57 Early Days on Etsy 13:42 Getting Press and Collaborating with Other Brands 18:25 Persistence and Reflecting on Success 22:56 In-House Production 26:35 Tips for Etsy Success 33:22 Nicole's Creative Journey 34:04 Transition from Teaching to Starting a Business 36:55 Sourcing Crayons and Reusing Materials 38:42 Finding Time for Creativity 42:05 Where to Find Art 2 the Extreme and Shop LINKS: Launch Grow Joy - https://www.launchgrowjoy.com Press for Sucess - https://pressforsuccess.com Etsy Affiliate Program - Affiliates & Creatorsetsy.com Book a call with Art2theExtreme  - https://art2theextreme.com/pages/pickmybrain Art2theExtreme Pick My Brain eBook - https://art2theextreme.com/products/letsgetpress FOLLOW: Art 2 the Extreme on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/art2theextreme/https://www.instagram.com/northsoulstudios/ Shop Online https://art2theextreme.com/ Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Summary In this episode, Dani shares her journey as an artist and creator, discussing her design process, overcoming challenges, and the launch of her Mountain Maker Kits. She emphasizes the importance of following curiosity, problem-solving, and being organized in her creative endeavors. Dani also talks about managing anxiety, embracing rest, and the significance of connecting with others in the artistic community. She offers advice for artists starting out, encouraging them to take small steps and stay true to themselves. Dani's transparency and insights provide valuable lessons for navigating the art world and finding success while staying grounded. Takeaways Follow your curiosity and be open to tinkering and exploring new ideas. Don't let societal expectations and the pressure to please others hold you back. Find a balance between hard work and rest, and prioritize self-care. Take small steps and be selective with opportunities when starting a business. Seek feedback from the community and learn from each market or event. Value face-to-face connections and the adrenaline rush of putting yourself out there. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey. Chapters 00:00 The Design Process and Problem-Solving in Woodworking 01:24 Creating Mountain Maker Kits 04:15 Starting Small and Overcoming Overwhelm 07:54 Creating in the Shop 10:36 The Importance of Rest 11:30 Hustle culture and alignment 13:05 Being Calm Yet Productive 13:36 The Benefits of Meditation 14:45 Releasing the Need for Approval 15:36 The Post-It Concept 17:27 Holiday Markets & Shows 19:47 How to Choose the right Market and Making Connections 22:44 Comparison to Other Peoples Art Journeys 23:54 Where to Find Dani FOLLOW: North Soul Studios on Instagram Shop Online https://www.northsoulstudios.ca Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Nominate an Artist: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interested in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com Keywords woodworking, design process, curiosity, tinkering, societal expectations, self-care, balance, Mountain Maker Kits, starting a business, taking small steps, seeking feedback, face-to-face connections, comparison is thief of joy, small business art

Summary I am beyond excited for this two part chat with Dani VonShweetz, the visionary behind North Soul Studios in beautiful British Columbia. Dani's mastery lies in crafting breathtaking wooden mountain scape wall art that ignites the imagination. In this episode, Dani discusses the power of social media in connecting people and the importance of being authentic. We talk about the role of creativity in everyone's lives and how it can be therapeutic. Dani shares her journey of finding her niche in woodworking and creating art that resonates with her and her community. We also discuss the challenges of being vulnerable on social media and managing anxiety. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of embracing one's creativity, being true to oneself, and finding joy in the process. Takeaways Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with others and building a community. Creativity is a fundamental part of being human and can be therapeutic. Finding your niche takes perseverance and experimentation. Being authentic and vulnerable on social media can help build a genuine connection with your audience. Managing anxiety and other emotions can be facilitated through creative outlets. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection through Social Media 02:54 Discovering a Passion for Woodworking 05:35 The Journey to Finding a Niche 08:27 Embracing Creativity and Overcoming Self-Doubt 12:32 New Chapter 12:36 The Power of Vulnerability in Art and Social Media 22:12 Art as a Therapeutic Outlet for Anxiety and Grief 27:04 Navigating Emotions and Finding Joy in Art 29:10 FOLLOW: North Soul Studios on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/northsoulstudios/ Shop Online https://www.northsoulstudios.ca Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com Nominate an Artist: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interested in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com

Summary Tirzah of Tirzah Lane Art shares her journey of finding her artistic niche in the Western art world. She emphasizes the importance of making art for the sake of creating art in the beginning for all artists and not getting caught up on putting labels to it. Tirzah also discusses the mindset shift and investments that have contributed to her recent growth. She talks about the process of expanding her art into wearable products, such as scarves, and the role of digital art in her creative process. Additionally, she offers advice on photography and branding for artists and shares her excitement for future plans and diversifying her business.  Takeaways Focus on making art for the sake of art and don't stress about finding a niche too early. Shift your mindset and invest in your art to see growth and success. Explore different ways to expand your art, such as creating wearable products. Utilize digital tools like Procreate to enhance your artistic process. Don't be afraid to ask for feedback and incorporate it into your creative journey. Invest in a good camera or use your phone to capture high-quality photos for branding purposes. Remember that your brand is more than just a logo and focus on being yourself. Stay open to new opportunities and diversify your business to keep growing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:25 Finding Your Style and Niche 05:35 Mindset Shift and Investing in Art 07:49 Expanding Art into Wearable Products 09:40 Transition to Digital Art 11:07 Photography and Branding 15:46 Future Plans and Diversifying FOLLOW: Tirzah Lane on Instagram Shop Online https://www.tirzahlaneart.com/ Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram Nominate an Artist: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interseted in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com

Susan Brown, the artist behind For Pete's Sake Pottery, shares her journey and the importance of staying true to oneself. Susan is a ceramic artist with a style centered around southern charm and happiness which is evident from the moment you hear her voice. We talked about how she got her start and the muse behind her business aka her son Pete. How her tenacity and patience landed her one of the biggest partnerships of her career with actress Reese Witherspoon’s store Draper James and how she continues to stay on trend with new ideas. Susan’s lovable nature and positive outlook is refreshing and completely inspiring. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Stay true to yourself and create what you love. Success comes when you stop listening to outside noise and focus on your own artistic vision. How to find your inner artistic voice and the importance of setting boundaries. Embrace happy accidents and learn from your mistakes. They can lead to unexpected and exciting creative outcomes. Taking risks and putting yourself out there is essential for success. Results may not always come quickly or in the way you expect, but patience and persistence are key. Believe in yourself and stay true to your unique vision as an artist. FOLLOW: Pete's Sake Pottery on instagram Shop Online https://forpetessakepottery.com/ Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram Nominate an Artist: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interseted in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com

Welcome to the debut episode of The Creative Chronicles podcast! I'm so excited to have you join me on this journey exploring the world of small business artists. As the title suggests, this podcast is all about sharing the stories of creative individuals and their unique paths to success. But before we dive into those fascinating conversations, I want to take a moment to share my own journey with you. Like many, I started my career in the corporate world, but soon realized it wasn't where my true passion lay. Feeling a longing for something more fulfilling, I took a leap of faith and pursued a career in ceramic art, despite having no formal training. It's been a journey of self-discovery and perseverance, filled with highs, lows, and countless learning experiences. Now, as the host of The Creative Chronicles, I'm excited to shine a spotlight on other makers and their incredible stories. From exploring different art forms to uncovering the motivations behind their work, each episode will be a celebration of creativity and resilience.  Join me as we embark on this inspiring adventure together, filled with joy, positivity, and endless inspiration. Takeaways: The Creative Chronicles podcast is a platform for small business artists to share their stories and experiences. Courtney Joyner's journey from corporate marketing to ceramic art highlights the importance of pursuing one's passion. The Pandemic has led to the evolution of many small businesses, including Courtney's, resulting in positive changes. The podcast aims to bring joy, positivity, and inspiration to listeners through the stories of small business artists. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Interviewing Small Business Artists 02:21 Courtney's Backstory 07:14 Evolution of Courtney's Business 10:05 Purpose of the Podcast 11:54 Closing Remarks Nominate a Maker: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com Interseted in learning more about all things ceramic cactus? Visit https://brushstrokespottery.com/