The Power of Structure in Building Success

From Corporate to Creative: How Sarah Kestenberg reimagined her life

In this episode, Sarah shares her journey going from a corporate career to becoming a full-time artist specializing in paper flowers and sculptures. Based in Montreal, Sarah discusses how she was pushed to explore her creative side, leading her to discover a passion for crafting realistic paper flowers inspired by her garden. She reflects on her previous corporate life, the stress it brought but also how she was able to utilise it in order to build the financial stability she now leans on and how she transitioned to a more fulfilling creative practice that allows her to work with her hands and connect with nature. Sarah emphasizes the importance of financial planning and how her past experiences in the corporate world have shaped her approach to running her creative business. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the challenges of pricing her work, the importance of understanding her market, and the need for a balance between creativity and financial sustainability. She shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of being a creative entrepreneur, including the significance of experimenting with different materials and ideas. Sarah's story is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the courage it takes to shift from a stable career to a more uncertain yet rewarding creative path. Follow Sarah Kestenberg over on Instagram at @ateliernaturemorte [https://www.instagram.com/ateliernaturemorte/] Check out her current exhibition at Pari Passu in Montreal!  [https://www.paperole.com/pages/racines] * Submit your own questions to upcoming guests by becoming a Patron and hear their answers — shared exclusively with you. [http://patreon.com/MakersMakeItPodcast] * Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I’m building this Podcast, including revenue, analytics and more? Subscribe to my Substack newsletter!  [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] If you are a Creative/Maker and would like to come on the show and discuss your relationship to money in your business, please reach out over on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/]. Offers: Grab 50% off an annual subscription to Monarch Money, the budgeting app I use to keep an eye on my finances and make sure my money works for me [https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/4zhr1g4m7c?r_source=copy] Some key takeaways: * 'I wanted to work with my hands.' * 'I think that when I ideated about what I would do when I retired, it was this.' * 'You just can't stay stuck in the dreams.' * 'Money means different things to me now than it did.' * 'I let myself test things and bring them to markets.' * 'If you keep creating, you will find the thing that clicks.' * 'I hope that people can appreciate that there's a way to transition from one career to the next.' * 'You have to try different things.' * 'The process to get to where I’m at now was very untidy.' Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:00 The Journey to Paper Flowers 05:50 Transitioning from Corporate to Creative 10:52 The Impact of Personal Life on Creativity 17:36 Understanding Money as a Creative 21:04 Starting to Sell Art and Market Experiences 31:29 Finding the Balance: Art and Market Needs 33:23 The Struggle of Pricing Art 35:21 Evolving Business Strategies 40:08 Navigating the Online Space 42:52 Overcoming Fear and Self-Promotion 45:45 Future Aspirations and Projects 47:53 Advice for Aspiring Creatives Where to find me! * @makersmakeit.podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/] * @and_so_she_makes [https://www.instagram.com/and_so_she_makes/] * Substack [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] (for a look behind the scenes at exactly HOW I’m building this podcast) Keywords: Sarah Kestenberg, paper flowers, creative entrepreneurship, Montreal artist, financial planning, art and business, creative journey, handmade art, floral sculptures

The Power of Letting Go: How Jennifer’s art business skyrocketed just as she was giving up

In this conversation, Jennifer Cup shares her artistic journey from photography to painting, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs she faced along the way. She discusses the impact of going viral on her art career (after 8 looong years of crickets), the importance of finding the right audience, and the role of social media in promoting her work. Jennifer emphasizes the significance of authenticity in art while reflecting on the resilience and trust required to navigate each of ur own personal journey on the path of art and creativity.  Follow Jennifer over on Instagram at @justjenniferjayne [https://www.instagram.com/justjenniferjayne/]. In case you might also like to know, the audit on her account Jennifer talked about during the podcast was done by Lizz Bianne (@lizzianne [https://www.instagram.com/lizzbianne/]). * Submit your own questions to upcoming guests by becoming a Patron and hear their answers — shared exclusively with you. [http://patreon.com/MakersMakeItPodcast] * Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I’m building this Podcast, including revenue, analytics and more? Subscribe to my Substack newsletter!  [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] If you are a Creative/Maker and would like to come on the show and discuss your relationship to money in your business, please reach out over on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/]. Offers: Grab 50% off an annual subscription to Monarch Money, the budgeting app I use to keep an eye on my finances and make sure my money works for me [https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/4zhr1g4m7c?r_source=copy] Some key takeaways: * Jennifer Cup's journey from photography to painting began at age 40. * She experienced a viral moment that significantly increased her following. * Artistic success can come later in life, proving it's never too late to start. * Finding the right audience is crucial for selling art. * Social media platforms like TikTok can help artists reach new audiences. * Pricing art can be challenging, and artists must find their value. * Authenticity resonates more with audiences than polished perfection. * Daily painting practice has been essential for skill development. * Art can be a deeply personal experience, distinct from other creative businesses. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Jennifer's Artistic Journey 02:49 The Evolution of Creativity: From Photography to Painting 06:07 Navigating the Art World: Challenges and Breakthroughs 09:02 The Impact of Going Viral on Artistic Success 11:47 Finding Your Audience: The Shift in Market Understanding 14:50 The Role of Social Media in Art Promotion 18:07 Pricing Art: Balancing Value and Market Demand 20:47 The Importance of Authenticity in Art 23:51 Future Aspirations: Surface Pattern Design and Beyond Where to find me! * @makersmakeit.podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/] * @and_so_she_makes [https://www.instagram.com/and_so_she_makes/] * Substack [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] (for a look behind the scenes at exactly HOW I’m building this podcast) Keywords: art, creativity, painting, social media, business, entrepreneurship, viral success, audience engagement, pricing art, authenticity

Let’s talk about Dreams!

In this final episode of Season One of the Makers Make It podcast, Camille delves into the significance of dreams, emphasizing their role as a compass for a meaningful life. She shares personal experiences with dreams and encourages listeners to embrace their own, the feelings they evoke and the importance of the journey they lead us down. As the Holiday Season approaches, what better time for indulging in dreams and reveling in their bounty?!  Follow me over on Instagram at @makersmakeit.podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/] * Submit your own questions to upcoming guests by becoming a Patron and hear their answers — shared exclusively with you. [http://patreon.com/MakersMakeItPodcast] * Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I’m building this Podcast, including revenue, analytics and more? Subscribe to my Substack newsletter!  [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] If you are a Creative/Maker and would like to come on the show and discuss your relationship to money in your business, please reach out over on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/]. Offers: Grab 50% off an annual subscription to Monarch Money, the budgeting app I use to keep an eye on my finances and make sure my money works for me [https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/4zhr1g4m7c?r_source=copy] Some key takeaways: * Thank you for tuning in this season! * Heart-opening conversations about creativity and business. * Dreams serve as a compass for a meaningful life. * Don't dismiss any dream; they carry important messages. * The feeling from a dream is its true message. * The journey is what shapes us into art. * Pursue the material aspects of your dreams. * Dreams are born from the heart, not the mind. * Indulge in your wildest dreams this season. * Relearn the significance of dreaming. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on Season One 03:56 The Power of Dreams 08:40 Embracing and Understanding Dreams 14:54 Finding Meaning in Dreams 22:56 The Journey of Dreams 30:02 Living Your Dreams 32:32 Relearning the Art of Dreaming Where to find me! * @makersmakeit.podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/] * @and_so_she_makes [https://www.instagram.com/and_so_she_makes/] * Substack [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] (for a look behind the scenes at exactly HOW I’m building this podcast) Keywords: Makers Make It, creativity, dreams, podcast, personal growth, self-discovery, abundance, journey, reflection, season finale

Bridging the Gap: Meghan Greenlay’s Journey as a Modern Day Creative

In this conversation, Meg shares her multifaceted journey as a creative, exploring her diverse background in styling, ceramics, and her curation work with Petit Magasin [https://www.instagram.com/petitmagasin___/?hl=en]. She discusses the balancing act required from following multiple creative pursuits, the importance of community, and how success is defined by personal fulfillment rather than simply financial gain. Meg emphasizes the role of money as a tool for creativity and the necessity of human connection in the artistic process. She also reflects on the shifting online landscape and the importance of living creatively in the present, while sharing her dreams and aspirations for the future. Follow Meg over on Instagram at @megdoespottery [https://www.instagram.com/megdoespottery/] and @petitmagasin__ [https://www.instagram.com/petitmagasin___/]. * Submit your own questions to upcoming guests by becoming a Patron and hear their answers — shared exclusively with you. [http://patreon.com/MakersMakeItPodcast] * Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I’m building this Podcast, including revenue, analytics and more? Subscribe to my Substack newsletter!  [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] If you are a Creative/Maker and would like to come on the show and discuss your relationship to money in your business, please reach out over on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/]. Offers: Grab 50% off an annual subscription to Monarch Money, the budgeting app I use to keep an eye on my finances and make sure my money works for me [https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/4zhr1g4m7c?r_source=copy] Some key takeaways: * Creativity is a journey that evolves over time. * Balancing multiple creative pursuits can lead to a fulfilling life. * Finding a community of creatives can enhance opportunities. * Success is defined by personal fulfillment and connection. * Money can be a tool for creativity, not just a necessity. * Living creatively now is more important than waiting for retirement. * Human connection is vital in the creative process. * Navigating collaborations requires understanding financial implications. * Online spaces are shifting, and adaptation is necessary. * Dreaming big and setting goals can lead to new opportunities. Chapters: 05:37 Balancing Multiple Creative Pursuits 11:16 The Birth of a Ceramicist 17:25 Creating Opportunities with Petit Magasin 23:16 Navigating Collaborations with Big Brands 29:20 The Financial Landscape of Creativity 39:02 Investing in Creativity and Community 42:09 The Journey of a Hairstylist and Artist 45:10 The Boldness of a Generation 46:27 Pricing Art: The Balancing Act 50:15 Navigating the Utilitarian and Fine Art 55:52 Defining Success in Art and Life 59:26 Currency Beyond Money: Lifestyle and Opportunities 01:05:42 Living Creatively: Not Waiting for Retirement 01:11:47 Dreams and Aspirations for the Future Where to find me! * @makersmakeit.podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/] * @and_so_she_makes [https://www.instagram.com/and_so_she_makes/] * Substack [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] (for a look behind the scenes at exactly HOW I’m building this podcast) Keywords: creativity, ceramics, Petit Magasin, financial success, artistic journey, human connection, online spaces, collaboration, success, lifestyle

The Power of Structure in Building Success

In this conversation, Camille discusses the importance of structure for creatives and the often misunderstood relationship between discipline, effort, and self-care. She emphasizes that creating structure is the best way to increase creative’s ability to be consistent - one of the keys to success. Camille advocates for a balanced approach to structure that includes self-care and personal leadership. Follow me over on Instagram at @makersmakeit.podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/] * Submit your own questions to upcoming guests by becoming a Patron and hear their answers — shared exclusively with you. [http://patreon.com/MakersMakeItPodcast] * Want to get a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I’m building this Podcast, including revenue, analytics and more? Subscribe to my Substack newsletter!  [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] If you are a Creative/Maker and would like to come on the show and discuss your relationship to money in your business, please reach out over on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/]. Offers: Grab 50% off an annual subscription to Monarch Money, the budgeting app I use to keep an eye on my finances and make sure my money works for me [https://www.monarchmoney.com/referral/4zhr1g4m7c?r_source=copy] Some key takeaways: * Discipline and effort can be a form of self-care. * Self-care is not just about relaxation; it's about intention. * Being accountable to oneself is a radical form of self-love. * True self-care involves working towards personal goals. * Gentle accountability can lead to personal growth. * Self-care should align with one's unique desires. * Leisure activities alone do not define self-care. * Personal leadership is essential for achieving life goals. * Effort and structure can coexist with self-care. * Understanding what is best for oneself is crucial.  Where to find me! * @makersmakeit.podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makersmakeit.podcast/] * @and_so_she_makes [https://www.instagram.com/and_so_she_makes/] * Substack [https://makersmakeit.substack.com/subscribe] (for a look behind the scenes at exactly HOW I’m building this podcast) Keywords: self-care, discipline, accountability, personal growth, self-love, structure, effort, life goals