The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods

Uncovering the Work We're Meant to Do with Juliette Crane

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, host Dionne Woods sits down with Juliette Crane, a full-time artist, author, and founder of The School of Happy Painting. Known for her whimsical abstract portraits, layered mixed-media techniques, and signature owls, Juliette has spent more than 15 years helping artists paint fearlessly and reconnect with joy in their creative process. After losing her job in 2009, Juliette rediscovered her purpose through painting — blending abstract and figurative elements to explore storytelling, emotion, and the beauty of imperfection. Her intuitive art style and online painting courses have inspired thousands of creatives around the world to trust themselves, embrace their unique artistic voice, and uncover the work they're truly meant to do. From her light-filled studio surrounded by nature, Juliette continues to expand her creative practice through painting, writing, gallery partnerships, and teaching. She also shares new inspiration in her newsletter, 7 Weeks of Creative Celebrations, and is launching her own creative community on Substack this December. 💙 In this episode, you'll learn: * How to find your artistic voice and paint fearlessly * Why layering, imperfection, and play unlock creative freedom * How to stay motivated as a full-time artist * Tips for building a meaningful art practice and community ✨ Connect with Juliette Crane: Website: JulietteCrane.com [https://juliettecrane.com/] Instagram: @juliettecrane [https://www.instagram.com/juliettecrane] YouTube: Juliette Crane [https://www.youtube.com/@juliettecrane]

The One-of-a-Kind Creative: How BJ Massa Turns Pressure into Artful Possibility

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with multi-disciplinary artist and Turquoise Iris Journal curator BJ Massa of Junk'd Up — a one-of-a-kind creative whose imagination knows no limits. Known for her surrealist face art, whimsical furniture, and intricate assemblage pieces crafted from vintage finds, BJ has spent a lifetime transforming forgotten objects into storytelling art. But as she reveals, motivation doesn't always come easily...it's something she builds. Dionne and BJ unpack the truth about self-motivation, creative discipline, and the surprising power of parameters. BJ shares how deadlines fuel her creativity, why she thrives within structure, and how her deep love of history, nostalgia, and all things vintage infuses every brushstroke and assemblage she creates. A conversation for every artist who's ever felt stuck, searching for the spark to keep creating — and proof that motivation can be made, not just found. More about BJ: BJ is a multi-disciplinary artist working in the Indianapolis area. She is known for her surrealist face art, her assemblage work and her fanciful painted furniture. BJ injects whimsy into her work and isn't afraid of bold color. She is a curator for The Turquoise Iris Journal. Fun Facts: BJ was a flight attendant for two years after graduating from Indiana University affording her the opportunity to travel the world. Website Junk'd Up Home [https://www.junkduphome.com/] Facebook Junk'd Up [https://www.facebook.com/share/17DEz5VQpX/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram Junk'd Up/ Maker, Thrifter, Creator (@junkdup) [https://www.instagram.com/junkdup?igsh=ajJybGQ1cG91OHdj&utm_source=qr] YouTube Junk'd Up [https://youtube.com/@junkdup?si=ih6McMRVYAQwg0vr]

From Rural Roots to Soulful Healing: The Silver Bohemian Journey of Porsha Chalmers

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I'm joined by Porsha Chalmers - the artist, healer, and visionary behind The Silver Bohemian. Porsha's story begins in a small rural town in Georgia, where she grew up as the oldest of four, daughter to farmers, and learned to create anything with her hands from a young age. After high school, she enlisted in the Marine Corps and served six years, a season that strengthened her courage and shaped the resilience she carries into every part of her life. It was there she met her husband, began building a family, and set the foundation for her journey of service and creativity. Her life has been a tapestry of joy, loss, and renewal, raising her son Matthew (her proudest accomplishment), caregiving for Brian through his battle with ALS, and finding love again with her husband Jim. These experiences now fuel her work as an artist and healer, where she blends sound therapy, restorative yoga, and creative expression to guide others toward wholeness. Today, Porsha is stepping fully into her calling as a guide and leader: * Curator for The Turquoise Iris Journal * International best-selling co-author * Marine Corps Veteran * Creator of soulful workshops, retreats, and art experiences In this conversation, Porsha opens up about: * The resilience she carried from farm life and military service into her creative journey * The healing practices and symbols — dragonflies, ginkgo leaves, and feathers — that anchor her work * Why memory, presence, and everyday beauty are central to her art and her life * Her upcoming retreat, Soul Map: The Art of Release (October 23–26, 2025 at The Little Golden Fox in Madison, IN) * Her upcoming book, Tattered and Mended: Soulful Stories of Life, Love, and Legacy (launching November 11, 2025) Fun facts about Porsha: she's happiest barefoot by a riverbank, creating in her studio, or grounding outdoors. She once worked as a published photographer covering stock cars and NHRA drag racing (and even got three tickets in one weekend for drag racing a Volkswagen!). She loves transforming unexpected objects like old quilts, spoons, and leather belts into wearable art and memory pieces. And always...music is the soundtrack of her life. Through her art, her healing practices, and her leadership, Porsha helps others honor memory, presence, and transformation. Her story is proof that beauty and meaning can be created even from life's hardest seasons. Connect with Porsha Chalmers: 🌐 Website: The Silver Bohemian [https://www.thesilverbohemian.com/] 📸 Instagram: @thesilverbohemian [https://www.instagram.com/thesilverbohemian] 📘 Facebook: The Silver Bohemian [https://www.facebook.com/thesilverbohemian]

Canadian Artist Julia Veenstra on Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and the Square Foot Show

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I'm joined by Canadian artist and entrepreneur Julia Veenstra — a woman whose life and work are as vibrant as her canvases. Julia shares her journey from being a child whose natural artistic ability was quickly recognized, to becoming a mother of five, and an entrepreneur whose creative vision has opened doors for thousands of artists worldwide. We talk about her early influences, her fearless use of color, and the way her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of The Square Foot Show, a global movement connecting artists and collectors. Julia opens up about the obstacles she's faced, the joy she finds in supporting others, and how she continues to grow as both an artist and leader in the creative community. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to blend family, business, and art with courage and heart, Julia's story will inspire you. Julia Veenstra is a renowned Canadian artist and entrepreneur known for her lively composition and vibrant use of colour. Having lived in various countries through her life, Julia incorporates diverse influences into her impressionistic and representational style—it's no surprise, then, that her work is found in collections across the globe. She chooses acrylic as her medium of expression due to its immediacy and the ability to create bright and vivid colours. Julia's artistic journey has led her to focus on capturing the vivid landscapes of her native Canada, for which she has gained national recognition, including a feature on the coveted Royal Winter Fair poster. As an entrepreneur, she's made a significant impact on thousands of artists and collectors worldwide through initiatives like Square Foot Show, Artlabel, and her new gallery, Crown and Press. You can often find Julia in her studio, a converted garage, at her home on Beach Boulevard in Hamilton. According to Julia: "We all have a moment in time that comforts and reassures us when remembered. A smell that transports us back in time, stirring up emotions of all kinds. I am attracted to those moments that create comfort, those scents that cause a rush of deep memories. As a child, I would dream of home and security, observing the world around me on walks through different neighbourhoods. These moments shaped my understanding of wholeness and peace, both real and imagined." As an artist, Julia strives to translate these special moments into her work. She captures the play of light on trees, the elongated shadows on fields, and the structures of homes built to provide shelter for loved ones. Her paintings reflect a connection with the past and a sense of security. Vibrant colours and expressive brushstrokes bring her canvases to life, often surprising her and her collectors with unexpected shapes and details. Through layering techniques and a focus on negative shapes, she explores the essence of wholeness. Julia believes that while home may mean something different to each of us, there are shared experiences that evoke a sense of safety and beauty. She aims to create artwork that stirs the heart and evokes these cherished memories. Her paintings capture these moments real and imagined, giving viewers a window into their own place of safety, whimsy, and wonder. Upcoming Events: Fun Facts: 5 kids 10 plus grandkids! I have lived in 4 different countries and speak a little Swahili! I run an international Online Art Show www.squarefootshow.com [http://www.squarefootshow.com/] I own a gallery called Crown and Press in Hamilton, Ontario. I hung out with Brad Pitts brother once! Website Home - Julia Veenstra [http://www.juliaveenstra.com/] Facebook Julia Veenstra Artist [https://www.facebook.com/share/1AAsGYyGs5/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Instagram Julia Veenstra (@jveenstraartist) [https://www.instagram.com/jveenstraartist?igsh=bmZraWNnNDh5ZnYy&utm_source=qr] YouTube Julia Veenstra Artist [https://www.youtube.com/@juliaveenstraartist]

Soul & Strategy: Building a Spirit-Led Business with Hayley Hunter Hines

Hear how Hayley Hunter Hines, spiritual advisor and creator of the Shine Experience, bridges the gap between soul work and business mastery. With over 25 years in corporate wellness and a divine calling guiding her path, she now empowers visionary leaders to build soul‑centered businesses and transformative retreats. From her Sacred Shakti Method™ certification to the Golden Goddess Equinox Experience in Crete, Hayley shares how intuition, heart‑centered strategy, and luxury spiritual travel create soul‑sparkling change. "When you see that you can do anything and anything is possible, it's phenomenal what comes through." * From Corporate Executive to Spiritual Leader – Hayley shares the pivotal transition from traditional leadership to following her divine intuition and spiritual calling. * The Shine Experience & Sacred Shakti Method – Deep dive into her transformational programs and how they heal mind, body, soul, and spirit. * Alchemizing Business and Spirituality – Practical strategies for building soul‑centered businesses while making global impact. * Retreats as Revolution – How her immersive events (Golden Goddess, luxury travel) serve as portals for transformation, not just lead generators. * Intuition as Strategy – The role of spiritual discipline—prayer, meditation, breathwork—in structuring her life and business. * Teacher Training & Spiritual Leadership – Insights into cultivating a global community of leaders teaching from their pure hearts. A must‑listen for anyone ready to expand their impact with purpose, presence, and pure magic. * * Website: Soul Sparkle Living [https://soulsparkleliving.com/] * Facebook: Hayley Hines (@hayley.hines) * Instagram: @hayleyhunterhines * YouTube: Hayley Hunter Hines * Email: hayley@soulsparkleliving.com * Upcoming Event: Golden Goddess Equinox Experience – September 19–23 in Crete, Greece