Windowsill Chats

Margo is joined by Arianne Foulks. Arianne is the founder of Aeolidia, a Shopify development agency that's been working with creative shop owners since 2004. Her team blends strategy and design to create super-effective Shopify sites, email marketing, and branding. She is also a popular educator and small business enthusiast. As a champion for creative brands, she has a 17+ year reputation for thoughtful redesigns that help businesses level up. She loves having a problem to solve, and has focused throughout her career on building online homes for fascinating people. She is also a mom of two teenagers, enjoys walking, and always has a pile of books by her bed.

Margo and Arianne discuss:

• Arianne’s creative history of crafting beaded jewelry and zines in her childhood to transforming the online presence of creative e-commerce businesses

• How she cultivated her niche in the e-commerce industry

• The challenges of selling unique products in a market flooded with mass-produced items

• The power of storytelling in e-commerce.

• Core values and how they guide Aeolidia

• the significance of having a minimum viable product

• continuous evolution of brand voice

• How and why her team switched to a four day work week

• how to avoid scope creep and set good expectations when working with clients

• Using the Entrepreneurial Operating System to run a business

Connect with Arianne:

https://aeolidia.com/

https://www.instagram.com/aeolidia/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannefoulks/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by friend and former guest, Michael Schultz. Michael is the co-owner and creative eye of Cursive New York, which operates 2 stores in New York City. Cursive is a tightly focused concept with the simple mission of cultivating joy. Michael, along with his husband, Douglas Duncan, have established Cursive as a strong and forward voice in the industry where they offer gift, stationery, home and lifestyle products and is constantly evolving. Cursive operated in New York City’s iconic Grand Central Terminal for 11 years and within ABC Carpet & Home for 15 years, until the Covid-19 pandemic upended those long runs. Making lemonade out of lemons, Schultz and Duncan doubled down on New York and opened 2 shops in New York’s West Village neighborhood, 4 blocks apart. One shop is true to the original Cursive vision, while Cursive Home is the brand's extension into home goods.

Margo and Michael discuss:

• Going all in on yourself, trusting your gut and having confidence in your creativity

• The thin line between inspiration and imitation within the digital landscape

• The risks of looking too closely at others' work and what it can lead to

• The importance of developing a unique point of view

• The patience and vulnerability required to pave your own path in the creative industry

• Maintaining confidence in one's original work even if it isn't immediately recognized 

• Strategies that artists and designers can use to cultivate their own original ideas

• Setting yourself apart as a leader and visionary by thinking two steps ahead

Connect with Michael:

www.instagram.com/cursivenewyork

www.instagram.com/curisvenyhome

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Join Margo and Abby Campbell for another creative current events catch-up! They discuss boosting self-confidence by ditching "imposter syndrome," explore innovative product design, and highlight the winners of Penguin Books' 2024 Cover Design Contest. They also delve into the latest trends in the art world and share personal anecdotes on overcoming creative blocks. Tune in for insightful discussions and actionable tips to fuel your creative journey.

Mentioned: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/DefendingAIArt/comments/1da6ctq/cara_was_doomed_to_fail_from_the_beginning/ https://www.creativeboom.com/tips/how-to-be-more-confident-as-a-creative/

https://www.creativeboom.com/news/penguin-reveals-the-winners-of-its-2024-cover-design-award/

https://www.bandanaofthemonth.club/

https://hudsonvalleyseed.com/pages/call-for-art

https://sowtrueseed.com/pages/art-call

https://www.westcoastseeds.com/pages/artist-packet-contest

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram! 

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by one man band, Dan Checkers otherwise known as Dan & Drum. Releasing his debut album in 2017 with no label, connections, or many friends for that matter, he was surprised to see it get millions of streams in the first year, thanks to creators like Jenna Marbles featuring the music. Since then, he's been consistently releasing music, earning 10s of millions of streams across platforms, while touring across the US. Since COVID, he's been selling personalized songs to fans that are then publicly released later- which he finds to be his most artistically fulfilling venture to date!

Margo and Dan discuss:

• His path into music and niching into personalized music

• The power of networking and connections in the music industry

• How he transformed challenges brought on by the pandemic into an opportunity

• His process of songwriting

• His belief in the personal being universal

• Personal struggles with depression and how a gift from his mom became a crucial outlet

• How social media algorithms can be leveraged to build an audience

• Potential benefits and limitations of signing with a music label

Connect with Dan:

https://www.dananddrum.com/personalizedsongs

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ZajCRAa7VEcTytwxzr20a

https://www.instagram.com/dananddrum/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In part 2 of 2, Margo is joined by calligrapher and author, Brittany DeSantis. Brittany is most well known for her focus on mindfulness and the sensory experience of writing and creating: the sound of the pen on the paper, the way the ink flows on the page, the concentration it takes to form each stroke and how to find a "flow" by doing something just beyond your comfort zone. Journaling has become Brittany’s main focus. She pairs art and writing to show others a barrier-free way of expressing themselves and feels the outcome is always less important than the act of creating itself.

Margo and Brittany discuss:

• Her path from rediscovering her love for art in a watercolor calligraphy class to founding Peak Paper Co

• Transitioning from an advertising job to full-time artistry

• How creating simple forms helped her in combating creative block

• Art as a tool for navigating grief

• Strategies that Brittany has found to be effective in balancing multiple roles and responsibilities like motherhood and entrepreneurship

• The value of reaching out for mutually beneficial relationships

• The importance of creating a supportive space for creativity

• Finding inspiration from neuroaesthetics and the science-backed benefits of art-making

• How she overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on teaching beginners

• Her groundbreaking grief journal proposal and what it’s led to

• What it’s been like to partner with a renowned brand like Montblanc

• The therapeutic benefits of art and journaling

• An upcoming retreat in Portugal that promises to be a haven for creative minds

• And so much more

Connect with Brittany:

www.peakpaperco.com

www.peakpaperco.com/my-book

https://www.amazon.com/Forget-You-Not-Keepsake-Navigating/dp/1958803375

www.instagram.com/peakpaperco

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by artist, calligrapher, and avid journaler, Brittany DeSantis. After making a big cross-country move to Alberta, Canada nearly a decade ago, Brittany fell in love with the mountains and back in love with art. This move inspired the "peak" in her business name, Peak Paper Co. Through global brand partnerships and from Brittany’s tiny home studio, she's taught the art of calligraphy, watercolor and journaling to over 50 thousand people worldwide. One of Brittany's very cool teaching roles is that of global luxury brand, Montblanc's, Inspire Writing instructor. She focuses on the "beginner" stage as she believes we're all inherently creative and our own handwriting is a gift. Brittany is the proud mother of two young daughters and now, a published author who still deeply misses her dad. Art and writing inadvertently helped her cope with his loss 20 years ago, and still does to this day. It's why she created a guided grief journal to help others find the power of putting pen to paper when we're going through hard times.

Margo and Brittany discuss:

• Her path from rediscovering her love for art in a watercolor calligraphy class to founding Peak Paper Co

• Transitioning from an advertising job to full-time artistry

• How creating simple forms helped her in combating creative block

• Art as a tool for navigating grief

• Strategies that Brittany has found to be effective in balancing multiple roles and responsibilities like motherhood and entrepreneurship

• The value of reaching out for mutually beneficial relationships

• The importance of creating a supportive space for creativity

• Finding inspiration from neuroaesthetics and the science-backed benefits of art-making

• How she overcame imposter syndrome by focusing on teaching beginners

• Her groundbreaking grief journal proposal and what it’s led to

• What it’s been like to partner with a renowned brand like Montblanc

• The therapeutic benefits of art and journaling

• An upcoming retreat in Portugal that promises to be a haven for creative minds

• And so much more

Connect with Brittany:

www.peakpaperco.com

www.peakpaperco.com/my-book

https://www.amazon.com/Forget-You-Not-Keepsake-Navigating/dp/1958803375

www.instagram.com/peakpaperco

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Back with a creative current events update, Margo is joined by Abby Campbell. They dive into the latest social media app, Cara, and its mission to filter out generative AI images so that people who want to find authentic creatives and artwork can do so easily, Meta’s somewhat scary new AI policies and the difficulty in opting out, and Adobe versus the Ansel Adams Estate - what went wrong and what kinds of processes should be in place to ensure it doesn’t happen in the future. 

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram! 

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by seasoned artist, designer, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the creative industry Paul Pape. Paul’s journey began with a passion for education stemming from a need to escape an abusive childhood. Eventually, he found his way to design and fabrication, which led to the creation of thousands of personalized products for clients worldwide as well as industry giants such as Disney, Universal, Nickelodeon and more.. In recent years, he’s pivoted to empowering Creatives, Companies and Corporations, sharing his expertise and insights to help them embrace innovation, reverse the Creativity Crisis and make life and work FUN again. As a speaker, educator, and mentor, he inspires others to unleash their creative potential and find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.

Margo and Paul discuss:

• Pauls personal creative journey and how an abusive childhood played a role from inspiration to career

• How the industrial revolution shifted jobs towards more creative pursuits and how technology now frees us for even greater imaginative endeavors

• How customized creations can touch lives in unexpected ways

• The incredible impact creativity can have on our lives

• Dealing with copyright and trademark challenges

• Empowering the next generation of creatives

• The importance of failing with purpose

• Nurturing creativity in education

• The evolving role of technology and AI in artistic expression

• His unique framework to foster creativity called PLAY (Ponder, Learn, Apply, Yield)

• Joy and importance of teaching without gatekeeping

Connect with Paul:

https://paulpape.it/

https://www.youtube.com/paulpapedesigns

https://www.instagram.com/paulpapedesigns/

https://www.facebook.com/paulpapedesigns

Freebie! https://talk.ac/paulpape?code=WINDOWSILL

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Jewelry Designer Dani Paquin. Dani founded Agapantha Jewelry in April of 2004 after 6+ years of living as a touring singer-songwriter. While it was an incredible, dream fulfilling time, people don't love paying for music and the hustle was unsustainable. Between tours, Dani started working for a couple of designers, assembling jewelry and found that it was fun, creative, she was good at it, and people were willing to pay for it. She did music and jewelry for a while, semi-retired from music, opened an adorable vintage shop in Brooklyn, and eventually found her way into the full time flow of entrepreneurship. In 2010 she moved back to her home state of California and Agapantha has been headquartered in Torrance (Los Angeles County) for the past 14 years. In that time, the style of jewelry has changed dramatically and landed where it is currently - delicate, modern, layering jewelry - handmade in her production studio using primarily sterling silver and 14k gold filled materials.

Margo and Dani discuss:

• Her  journey from music to crafting exquisite, delicate, and modern jewelry

• How she built a successful business through innovative strategies, combining wholesale, retail, and unique events

• Diversifying offerings so all the eggs aren't in one basket

• The future of her brand as she ventures into fine jewelry

• The intricacies of running a creative business

• The importance of customer interaction and the challenges of navigating tough economic times

• Hiring a team and the importance of finding people that are better than you

• The incredible community she's built through initiatives like "Flash Sale Friday" and the Agapantha VIP club

• And more

Agapantha is carried in boutiques all over the world, including the Agapantha showroom. Dani’s business model is fluid, allowing for change and flexibility, but combines wholesale, retail, online, and events including activities such as piercing, laser engraving, and forever jewelry.

Connect with Dani Paquin:

www.agapantha.com

www.instagram.com/agapanthajewelry

www.tiktok.com/@agapanthajewelry

Connect with Margo: 

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by artist and designer for the gift & home decor industry, Jennifer Brinley. Jennifer has been in the industry for over 20 years with a degree in Studio Art from UC Santa Barbara and she believes well designed products can bring moments of joy. Her creative path took her to graduate school for architecture before promptly dropping out after learning advanced math was involved to pass "structures." She then bounced around with a variety of jobs to save money to go to Europe for 3 months with a childhood friend. After Europe, came the quandary of what to do next and decided she would go back to school to become an art teacher. A want ad looking for a T-shirt designer led to quickly creating a fake portfolio and she began designing T-shirts for Crazy Shirts as well as getting a business license to sell her own T-shirts. She met her licensing agent by chance making color copies at Kinkos and today her designs have been on everything from tableware, gift mugs, kitchen textiles, rugs, fabrics, placemats, trays, coasters, gift bags, flags, art poles and planters.

Margo and Jennifer discuss:

• Finding inspiration in nature and how one of her best selling products is a nature inspired design

• Balancing creativity and business in the art world

• The importance of staying informed and interested within one's industry

• Fueling passion through seeing others' work and new trends

• The impact of art and design on behavior and well-being

• The benefits of engaging in art daily for brain stimulation

• Biophilic design and nature's calming effect on the brain

• Studies on neuroaesthetics (the measurable changes that occur in the brain while looking at art, design, architecture, interior design, etc) 

Connect with Jennifer:

https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbrinley/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by artist, photographer and author Mary Jo Hoffman. In her previous life, Mary was an aerospace engineer until one day she decided to take up a daily practice of photographing something in nature. This daily practice turned into STILL Blog, profound revelations about the connectedness of all things, the importance of place, and her own life. Her new book, STILL: The Art of Noticing, features 275 of the most stunning photographs Mary Jo has accumulated over thousands of consecutive days of daily shooting accompanied by perceptive, deeply felt, and oftentimes humorous essays illuminating the insights gained through this daily creative practice. Mary Jo has enlisted the help of her husband, Steve, and their two children on this creative endeavor. What started out as a way to practice for retirement, has turned into a second career! Mary Jo's photos will have you looking at your own backyard in a different way and noticing much more than you ever did before.

Margo and Mary Jo discuss:

• Her creative path and how she went from aerospace engineer to photographer and author

• The importance of continuing the creative process despite life events

• Creating a memory grid

• The concept of 72 microseasons and how it impacts her creativity and photography

• Benefits and challenges of committing to long-term creative projects

• Licensing Deals, her experiences in working with Target and West Elm

• Maintaining a creative life while raising a family and the impactful legacy that can leave for children

• The intricacies of finding beauty in everyday life,

• Her new book, Still: The Art of Noticing

Connect with Mary Jo Hoffman:

https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/

STILL: The Art of Noticing

http://eepurl.com/bTvh4n (Newsletter)

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Trying something new this week with a new little episode format! In this episode, Margo is joined for a short conversation with fellow creative and friend of the Windowsill, Abby Campbell. They explore a few recent articles and subject matter that they’ve been chewing on such as the recent FTC ruling banning non-compete agreements, a Harvard Business Review article on combating burnout, and a fascinating tech piece on Nightshade—a new tool designed to protect artists' works from AI exploitation.

Have a topic or article you want to hear about in a creative current events episode? Send us a DM on Instagram! 

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ajcampkc/

https://www.pinterest.com/ajcampbell/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by friend of the Windowsill, Emily McDowell. As an advisor, thought partner, and coach, Emily McDowell helps save creative entrepreneurs’ time, money, and sanity, and helps product-based brands succeed. As founder of the stationery brand Em & Friends, she created Empathy Cards, a more honest and supportive alternative to traditional sympathy cards, which drew organic coverage by hundreds of major media outlets in 22 countries and inspired a sea change to the industry. As a writer and illustrator, her work has gone viral countless times, and for over a decade, she’s been known for creating products that make people wonder if she’s been reading their diaries. Emily is also the co-author and illustrator of There Is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life Gets Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love, and offers unsolicited advice, cautionary tales, and missives from the great adventure of midlife in her Substack newsletter, Unqualified.

Margo and Emily discuss:

• Her experiences in going viral unexpectedly

• the mental shift from creating for joy to creating for profit and how it affects the process and output

• The transition from owning a stationary company to creative coaching

• Challenges and revelations in manufacturing

• Keeping creativity alive amidst business endeavors

• Inclusivity and diversity in creative communities

• The psychological and creative benefits of engaging in non-monetizable creative activities

• Her experience in exiting/selling a business and having a non-compete agreement

• Licensing creative work

Connect with Emily:

www.withemilymcdowell.com

www.thegreatergoodsalliance.com

www.emilymcdowell.substack.com

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined again by tax expert for creatives, Hannah Cole. Hannah specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist herself, she’s helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, speaking engagements, and through her podcast. Margo and Hannah unpack the complex world of finances, exploring the impactful financial habits that can safeguard your future, the emotional hurdles around financial literacy, and how shifts in mindset can lead to financial empowerment. They also dive into the importance of IRA contributions and the significant tax advantages they offer, the impact of non-compete laws on wages and even some antitrust law news.

Margo and Hannah discuss:

• Why understanding and managing finances can feel particularly hard for creative businesses

• Some of the mental shifts necessary for artists to tackle financial understanding and planning effectively

• Non-compete agreements 

• Antitrust laws and how small businesses are currently being impacted

• Understanding state business licensing and quarterly taxes for freelancers

• Daily investment tips to potentially reach a million-dollar retirement fund

• Hannah’s advocacy for basic, proven investment methods over complex strategies

• Why you should focus on minimizing fees and long-term wealth building

Sign up for Money Bootcamp with Hannah and receive $100 off by using code WINDOWSILL at checkout!

Connect with Hannah:

https://www.sunlighttax.com/

https://www.sunlighttax.com/podcast

https://www.sunlighttax.com/deductionsguide

Free class on-demand: go.sunlighttax.com/register

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by the incredibly talented Leigh Standley, founder of Curly Girl Design. Lee has been making waves in the greeting card industry since 2003, creating beautifully crafted cards that resonate deeply. In this episode, Leigh opens up about the evolution of her business through the seismic shifts in technology and consumer behaviors over the past two decades. From the early days of e-commerce to dealing with the challenges brought on by the pandemic that forced a business model shift from wholesale to direct sales, Leigh shares her journey of adaptability, passion, and persistence. She also shares her thoughtful approach to business, emphasizing personal values, the importance of meaningful connections, and why she remains committed to crafting products that genuinely speak to the heart.

Margo and Leigh discuss:

• The history of Curly Girl Design since its inception in 2003

• How her personal values have influenced the decision-making process in her business

• Why she pivoted from wholesale to direct sales and challenges that arose during the shift

• Advice for creative entrepreneurs and the importance to think beyond the “just start” phase

• The evergreen business model

• Selling meaningful, consumable items that you’re proud of as a creative

• The importance of interacting directly with your customers

• Business success beyond the financial aspect

• Her new mystery box product offering

• And more!

Connect with Leigh:

https://www.curlygirldesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/curlygirldesign

https://www.instagram.com/leigh.standley/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Aussie Surface Pattern Designer Rachael King. Obsessed with pattern from an early age, Rachael King grew up watching her talented mother making clothes not only for her and her siblings but for bridal and formal events too. While working in her mom's fabric shop, she mused over how the pattern repeated over the fabric and wondered how fabric was printed and wouldn't it be wonderful to design fabric too? It took another 23 years before Rachael was able to start a diploma in graphic design that would then lead into her dream of becoming a surface pattern designer. Represented by Nerida Hansen at Surtex in 2017 led to her first licensed collection with Spotlight stores and since then she has worked with fashion, homewares and greeting card companies, been a part owner in a print-on-demand fabric business, self-published two books, and is now teaching and mentoring in her much-loved industry. Rachael adores the connection she makes with fellow designers through her various touchpoints and feels very privileged to be able to inspire and nurture emerging surface designers.

Margo and Rachael discuss:

• Rachael’s creative path and how her mom instilled a love for creativity in her

• Self-publishing her book, Pattern Pulse, after initial rejection

• Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic, and how it catalyzed her creative endeavors

• Tribulations and triumphs of women in the creative business landscape: asserting value, advocating for fair compensation, and having a network of peers and mentors

• The importance of physical art in a digital age

• Why individuality and authenticity are crucial to the art industry

• How artists can stay true to their unique style while also being commercially viable

• Challenges of building a creative community in Australia

• The influence and support that often comes from maternal figures in fostering creativity

• Thoughts and tips for artists facing low payment offers

Connect with Rachael:

www.rachaelking.com.au

www.patternpulse.com.au

www.instagram.com/rachaeldoesdesign

www.instagram.com/australiansurfacedesigners

www.facebook.com/rachaelkingdesignsbrisbane

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this part 2 of 2 episode, Margo is joined by founder of Lonesome Pictopia, Melanie Nead. Rooted in American tattooing, the wild spaces of the Pacific Northwest, and the belief that all work should be a force for good, Lonesome Pictopia is a woman-owned design collective creating magical worlds with original wallpapers, textiles, and murals. After fifteen years as a custom tattoo artist, Melanie turned her love of plants and pattern to creating one-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals, with an eye on releasing a house line in the spirit of historic wallcoverings. Their deeply designed wallpapers are traditionally printed in the UK by a sustainable manufacturer of some of the finest wallpapers in the world. Her work has appeared in Architectural Digest, Luxe Magazine, Casa Vogue Brazil, and the Business of Home podcast, among many others.

Margo and Melanie discuss:

• How to manage project expectations, setting clear boundaries and communication with clients

• The power in systems in order to save time and costs

• How building in a margin of error to the cost of projects has helped her team

• Infusing personal values and making a social impact into her work

• Math and knowing your numbers as a creative business owner

• Positioning yourself and how it can build confidence

• And more!

Connect with Melanie:

www.lonesomepictopia.com

www.instagram.com/lonesomepictopia

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by founder of Lonesome Pictopia, Melanie Nead. Rooted in American tattooing, the wild spaces of the Pacific Northwest, and the belief that all work should be a force for good, Lonesome Pictopia is a woman-owned design collective creating magical worlds with original wallpapers, textiles, and murals. After fifteen years as a custom tattoo artist, Melanie turned her love of plants and pattern to creating one-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals, with an eye on releasing a house line in the spirit of historic wallcoverings. Their deeply designed wallpapers are traditionally printed in the UK by a sustainable manufacturer of some of the finest wallpapers in the world. Her work has appeared in Architectural Digest, Luxe Magazine, Casa Vogue Brazil, and the Business of Home podcast, among many others.

Margo and Melanie discuss:

• Her creative path and the transition from tattoo artist to surface pattern designer

• navigating the balance between tradition and innovation within her art

• How to manage project expectations, setting clear boundaries and communication with clients

• Infusing personal values and making a social impact into her work

• The difficulty that comes with shifting career paths

• Discovering a passion for design after tattooing

• The impact of design and creativity on mental health

• The magic that comes from authenticity and experimental drive

• Business systems for creative entrepreneurship and how platforms like Instagram can still be a powerhouse for business growth

• Balancing the need for creative mental space with the business demands of schedules and deadlines

• Maintaining and revitalizing historic crafts and artistic expressions

• Cinema as a design inspiration

Connect with Melanie:

www.lonesomepictopia.com

www.instagram.com/lonesomepictopia

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined once again by surface pattern designer, intuitive art maker, and course creator Jessica Swift. As a child, Jessica sported a nearly-permanent Crayola marker stain on her left arm, from pinky to elbows so, naturally, she became an artist. She creates colorful, uplifting artwork and manufactures her own products in her studio in Portland, Oregon. She also collaborates with inspiring companies and publishers to create branded products such as fabric, stationery, puzzles, books, and more. She's the author of 3 books and teaches online classes on topics including pattern design, color, and intuitive art-making.

Margo and Jessica discuss:

• The pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of Jessica’s career as an artist

• How she combines outer art mediums with an inner focus for healing

• Using art making as a portal for personal discovery and self expression

• How to tune out external noise in order to trust your inner voice better

• How engaging with art can impact decision-making

• Jessica’s approach in how she uses art as a vehicle for personal growth and insight rather than just an aesthetic outcome

• Authentic expression online

• Her upcoming course, Unleashed: A Creative Journey to Inner Freedom

Connect with Jessica:

www.jessicaswift.com

www.instagram.com/jessicaswift

https://www.artforselfcare.com/unleashed

Windowsill Chats Episode 105

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined once again by artist, metalsmith, teacher, creative business coach, writer, and entrepreneur Megan Aumen. Megan has built a multi-faceted business around her passion for art, design, and creativity. In addition to her eponymous jewelry line and various other creative pursuits (including textile design, painting, and sculpture), she runs Designing an MBA, where she talks and teaches about the intersection of art and business, and Artists and Profit Makers, an online mentorship program for creative business owners. She is the author of four books, including Try It & See and Permission to Be an Artist.

Margo and Megan discuss:

• The importance of experiential art

• Understanding the seasonality of a business and why it’s important

• Her journey with both self-doubt and self-empowerment when it comes to valuing creative work

• Rest and relaxation for creatives and how she integrates principles into her own life to maintain a healthy creative process

• Traditional advice that’s often given to artists regarding problem-solving and how it can limit their creative expression and the impact of their work

• Generative AI: ethical considerations and its impact on creative workers

Connect with Megan:

shop.meganauman.com

instagram.com/meganauman

youtube.com/meganauman

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by book-loving, notebook-hoarding literacy teacher educator who is on a mission to change lives one book and one notebook at a time, Stephanie Affinito. Stephanie blogs about the power of leading literate lives and podcasts weekly on books and reading, writing and notebooks and everything in between. Stephanie shares about the transformative power of reading and writing and how her own personal journey of rediscovering creativity through self-expression and the joy of literature.

Margo and Stephanie discuss:

• Reading and writing as a form of therapy

• Understanding restorative reading practices

• The science behind reading for mental and physical health

• The connection between literacy and emotional well-being

• Encouraging joyful reading habits

• Building a book apothecary

• The importance of starting with achievable goals

• Establishing rituals around reading

• And so much more

Connect with Stephanie:

www.alitlife.com 

www.instagram.com/AffinitoLit 

www.facebook.com/AffinitoLit 

www.twitter.com/AffinitoLit 

www.threads.net/@affinitolit 

www.getliterate.co

stephanie-affinito-0cab.mykajabi.com/envelopesofliteratelove

stephanie-affinito-0cab.mykajabi.com/workwithstephanie

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

The one and only Lisa Congdon is back in the windowsill for an honest conversation on work life balance, creating harmony and ease in life, and what she’s given up in order to have more of what she wants. Illustrator and author Lisa Congdon is best known for her colorful, graphic drawings and hand lettering. She works for clients around the world including Comme des Garçons, Crate and Barrel, Facebook, MoMA, REI, and Harvard University among many others. She is the author of ten books, including the starving-artist-myth-smashing Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist and her latest book Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

• The notion of work life balance and Lisa’s current take on it

• The process of engangling herself from being a workaholic

• Creating a self care and wellness practice

• The importance of non-monetized hobbies

• The learning lessons that come from decision making

• Why she always says “every mistake is progress”

• The 80/20 rule when it comes to business income

• Print on demand

• How being disciplined has allowed her more freedom in her life

Connect with Lisa:

https://lisacongdon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/

Art Inc. by Lisa Congdon

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by California photographer and retreat creator and host, Sarah Leader. Sarah received her first camera at the age of 8 and hasn’t stopped photographing since but her why and who she photographs has evolved several times over while still saying true to her own style and uniqueness. She found a passion for empowering women through the art of photography in 2010, which evolved into a retreat offering called "Persephone Unleashed.” Persephone Unleashed was born from Sarah’s belief that women are magic, as well as her fiery passion to document beautiful creatures as they break free of their chrysalis. Her approach to photographing women is founded on authenticity & self-compassion, and she practices it by showing up to that space with you, unapologetically herself — awkward, messy bits and all.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

• Her personal journey with creativity and photography

• The inspiration and story behind Persephone Unleashed (stemming from her own Postpartum Depression) and how it’s evolved since its inception

• Using photography as a form of storytelling

• How she approaches photographing women with authenticity and self-compassion

• How she uses photography as a tool for empowering women and how self portraiture contributes to their sense of self and liberation

• Margo’s experience at Persephone Unleashed

• Creating an environment that encourages women to break free and embrace their authenticity

• Tips for how individuals can embrace their own unique beauty and tell their stories through photography (even if they're not professional photographers)

• The incredible team at Persephone Unleashed

• Upcoming events and more

Mentioned:

Exploring the Interwoven Journey of Spirituality and Creativity: Jade Chen on Shamanic Practices, the Potency of Nature, and Personal Evolution (Episode 174)

Connect with Sarah:

www.persphoneunleashed.com

www.instagram.com/persephoneunleashed

https://sarahkathleen.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by former Windowsill Chats guest, Lori Siebert. Lori, an accomplished artist with a rich background in graphic design and art licensing, shares the evolution of her creative journey, reflecting on the major shifts in her life post turning 60, from handling significant losses to prioritizing joy and self-care. Together, they share insights into recent personal health discoveries and why they’ve decided to prioritize their health now and how they hope to encourage you to do the same. Lori also shares on the shift in her career, choosing projects that resonate personally after selling her studio building and relieving financial pressures. She discusses how this pivotal decision, along with a newfound pursuit of happiness through self-care, led her to acknowledge her chameleon-like adaptability as a signature mark in her art.

Margo and Lori discuss: 

• The intersection of creativity and health and why you can’t have one without the other

• Discovering new creative passions that aid in wellness such as cooking

• Plank contests and pilates

• Unique art challenges and how they infuse their lives with inspiration

• How intergenerational relationships impact Lori’s creative process

• Prioritizing sleep

• Managing time and maintaining a healthy balance between work, self-care, and creativity

• Upcoming events and plans for Lori

• And more!

Connect with Lori:

http://www.instagram.com/lorisiebert.studio/

http://www.pinterest.com/lorisie

http://www.facebook.com/lorisiebertstudio

www.lorisiebert.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by tax expert Hannah Cole who specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist herself, she’s helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, speaking engagements from Florida to Alaska, and on the Sunlight podcast. She is the founder of Sunlight Tax. As artists carve their paths through various industries, they encounter a myriad of challenges, yet financial literacy is rarely addressed, leading to feelings of failure and shame. Today's conversation with Hannah sheds light on this systemic failure and turns it into a journey of empowerment and self-compassion (something all creatives should have)!

Margo and Hannah discuss:

• The responsibilities that come with being a small business owner in the US

• Navigating self-employment taxes and optimizing deductions

• Personal struggles that Hannah faced within her own creative career and financial literacy

• What propelled her towards accounting education

• How she acts as a translator between the creative and tax worlds

• Simple advice artists can implement today when it comes to money management

• Her Money Bootcamp program and podcast

• How to save more money

• And more!

Connect with Hannah:

www.instagram.com/sunlighttax

www.sunlighttax.com

www.sunlighttax.com/podcast

Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $130k in Your Savings https://go.sunlighttax.com/free

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In part two of this two-part episode, Margo is joined by illustrator, product designer, toy creator, and bookmaker of sophisticated and simple objects that inspire and delight young and old alike, Suzy Ultman. from graphic design to creating educational content for children, Suzy emphasizes the importance of infusing personal beliefs into professional projects and how hardships in her life such as her divorce and the loss of her sister played a role in her own creativity and imparting it on children. Make Time for Play is the main philosophy behind everything that she does as an artist and her signature products celebrate play, creativity, connection, and community in the world around us. 

Margo and Suzy discuss:

• Her desire to create more Jewish products to represent her culture and heritage

• How personal struggles influenced her creative process and approach to life

• The self-growth and happiness that comes alive through creativity

• Using social media as a creative tool

• Rediscovering the joy of Shabbat and what it brought back in to her life

• The importance in finding time for creativity, self-reflection, and relationships

• Her new kids stationery collaboration

• And more

Connect with Suzy:

www.instagram.com/suzyultman

www.suzyultman.com

Connect with Margo: 

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this two-part episode, Margo is joined by illustrator, product designer, toy creator, and bookmaker of sophisticated and simple objects that inspire and delight young and old alike, Suzy Ultman. from graphic design to creating educational content for children, Suzy emphasizes the importance of infusing personal beliefs into professional projects and how hardships in her life such as her divorce and the loss of her sister played a role in her own creativity and imparting it on children. Make Time for Play is the main philosophy behind everything that she does as an artist and her signature products celebrate play, creativity, connection, and community in the world around us. 

Margo and Suzy discuss:

• Suzy’s creative path: transitioning from studying accounting to pursuing a career in graphic design

• Her experience of working in design for Adidas

• Prioritizing handwork, creativity, and inspiration in the creative process

• How personal identity and cultural heritage plays a role in her creative process

• Challenges she’s faced when integrating her Jewish identity into her work

• Lessons learned from finding representation and building artistic vision

• The importance of connection and community when it comes to doing creative work

• Staying true to one's story and identity

Connect with Suzy:

www.instagram.com/suzyultman

www.suzyultman.com

Connect with Margo: 

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by fantastical and whimsical artist, Jules Gissler. Jules doesn’t color in the proverbial lines, and she is proud to create art that has a voice and a story. Over the years, my work has taken different shapes, as has she. Jules believes in being braver, bolder, and unafraid to take up space and also the important role humor and connection plays in our evolution. Jules' art is an embodiment of who she is. It’s how she lives her magic, the combination of vulnerability, attachment to nature, courage, and her voice that make her unlike any other being under the sun. She is grateful to have discovered these qualities and hopes the many layers of emotions and experiences she has, shows up in her work in a way that inspires smile-ish-ness (her Dr. Seuss made-up word) and connection.

Margo and Jules discuss:

• Attending Montana State University to discovering her passion for art and jewelry design

• The significance of music and its impact on her creativity

• How she’s embraced new opportunities and takes initiative in business

• Vulnerability, connection, and natures role in her creative journey

• How she continually pushes forward in trying new things (artistic endeavors, life, etc.)

• Storytelling through her art

• Collaborating with a designer like Michael Grey for Birkenstock

• Advice for artists navigating their own creative journeys

Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill

Connect with Jules:

https://www.julesgissler.com

https://instagram.com/julesAgissler

https://www.facebook.com/julesGisslerArtist

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-gissler

https://www.pinterest.com/julesgissler/

https://www.amazon.com/Save-Earth-Daisy-Sleeve-T-Shirt/dp/B09NTQ2SZW/

https://www.illustratorsforhire.com/featuring/jules-gissler-illustrator-for-hire

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by the cheeky glam ma'am behind the Champagne Fabulous brand of gifts and home decor, Mandi Blackford. Through her brand, Mandi encourages people of all ages to unabashedly be exactly who they WANT to be with her motto "Age Inappropriately.” A watercolor & acrylic artist previously selling under the brand Jetset Barbie Art, Mandi took her creative career to the next level in 2022 when she launched the Champagne Fabulous brand with her first two original products on Amazon in the US, UK, and Australia. A pool float in the shape of a champagne bottle, and a doorbell frame that says "Press for Champagne". All while maintaining her demanding full-time day job as a hotel software product manager. Mandi recently launched The Age Inappropriately Show – a weekly video podcast where hilarious content will always come back to the underlying message of encouragement to have self-love, confidence, and live authentically.

Margo and Mandi discuss:

• Her Arkansas upbringing, Baptist background and her evolving desire to be a preacher's wife to becoming an artist

• The unique path and many jobs that took her to Las Vegas, Austin, Dallas, and Chicago before moving to Longview, TX

• What traveling taught her and how it inspired her first creative business name, Jetset Barbie

• Finding a new form of creativity through painting at the age of 46

• Making art profitable

• The Amazon FBA program: learning the ins and outs to sell her products on Amazon

• Learning to embracing her individuality and overcome societal norms

• Her new podcast and video show, Age Inappropriately

• And more!

Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill

Connect with Mandi:

https://champagnefab.com/

https://youtube.com/@champagnefab

https://www.instagram.com/champagnefabulousllc/

https://www.facebook.com/ChampagneFabulousLLC

https://www.tiktok.com/@champagnefab

https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/mandiblackford

https://twitter.com/champagnefaboo

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by certified and credentialed life coach and hypnotherapist, masterful speaker, and courageous communication expert Amy Green Smith. Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-worth. With acute focus on helping people “find their voice”, she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor.

Margo and Amy discuss:

• Her life crisis moment that led her to leave an industry she had great success in

• The importance of effective communication and emotional well-being

• Learning to find your voice and powerfully say 'No' as an artist

• Combatting people-pleasing in business

• Finding the right words, creating boundaries, and cultivating self-worth as an entrepreneur

• Navigating uncomfortable conversations

• The science behind our four fear responses (and how they hold creatives back)

• Her amazing Free-sources

• And so much more! 

Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill

Connect with Amy:

Amygreensmith.com

http://amygreensmith.com/free

http://instagram.com/heyamygreensmith

http://facebook.com/heyamygreensmith

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyamygreensmith

http://twitter.com/heyamygreen

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by listener favorite guest Beth Buffington. Beth is a licensed illustrator, and an online digital illustration instructor, creative coach, and podcaster. Like most creatives, she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold her favorite red crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, Beth began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments. 
After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her own business. Her work has grown into several facets including home decor products, course creation and her latest creative outlet, adventure exploring and podcasting.

Margo and Beth discuss:

• Beth’s creative path from in-house designer to entrepreneur

• The importance of making time for self-improvement and finding joy in learning something new

• Benefits of using technology, like Procreate, to create art anywhere

• Challenges of rejection and finding a supportive community in pursuing creative work

• How she discovered her passion for teaching

• Balancing creative pursuits with other responsibilities

• The power in consistent creativity and its effect on health

• Her upcoming course, free workshops and podcast

• And more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen

Connect with Beth:

https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill

https://bdi-celebrate.today/

Create Today Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by botanical watercolor artist, teacher and podcast host Ping He. Ping made a career change from flower consultant to botanical artist in 2019 and shortly thereafter launched a successful stationary and gift brand, Ping He Art where she turned her intricate designs into beautiful paper products. Today, her art is available in 150 stores across 12 counties. In 2021, Ping was diagnosed with breast cancer which is when she realized her need and desire to live a life with purpose and she created Thriving Women Artists, a podcast by Ping and two friends sharing their tips and knowledge when it comes to working as a freelance artist and encouraging other women in creative industries. Amongst her work, Pink is currently working on designing a creative app called Botany Works where creative expats can share their passion for botanical art as well as live a creative and fulfilled life on their own terms.

Margo and Ping discuss:

• What it was like growing up during cultural revolution in China and what it taught her

• Taking charge of your own destiny and understanding what you want out of your own life and business

• Considering your own business risks and personal aspirations

• Taking baby steps and being unafraid of your own possibility and potential

• Navigating health challenges for herself and her child and how they affected her business

• How she balances motherhood and a creative business

• The richness of opportunities that come from collaboration

• Passion, authenticity and self-belief

• And more!

Connect with Ping:

www.pinghe.art

www.instagram.com/pinghe.art

https://www.facebook.com/pingheartstudio/

https://www.instagram.com/twapodcast/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

This week Margo and her sister play a bit of a role reversal and Margo is interviewed In the Windowsill! As the creator and host of the podcast, Margo rarely shares intimately about herself but she figured it was time to change that. Margo shares her experience with wire art and the moment a piece of art went from an act of creativity to monetized creativity, working in wholesale, collaborating with artists to create unique retail products, and bridging the gap between creatives and their businesses. She also discusses her love of music, the personal growth she’s experienced over the past year, and her current pursuits in silversmithing and jewelry making. With the help of Shelley, Margo explores her insights on reinvention, self-reflection, and her plans for 2024.

Mentioned in this episode:

Lynn Whipple’s 100 Bad Paintings

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

See full show notes at www.windowsillchats.com/podcast

Margo is joined by Shamanic Practitioner and Spiritual Guide Jade Chen. Jade supports and assists people on their healing journey and believes everyone has the capacity to activate the healer within. Her own awakening journey began in 2016 when life took some major turns and she left both a highly financially secure career and a relationship of over 6 years. She felt she had been living her life in a dazed dream; just going through the motions and trying her best to maintain surface happiness. She began to pray a lot and then reconnect to the spirit world through those prayers, and began to receive some answers. The messages she received included to acknowledge her own experience, pain and trauma and to go inward and hold space for herself in a way that felt real. Since 2016 she’s continued to receive messages that have allowed her to grow and evolve while helping others do the same. She works with people one on one and in group settings and also leads healing retreats throughout the year. 

Margo and Jade discuss:

• Jade’s year of transformation that led her to shamanic and spiritual work

• What a Shamanic Practitioner is and does

• Use of practices like meditation and connecting with nature for healing

• The connection between creativity and spirituality

• Tapping into our inner-child through creativity

• The commonality of being an empath among highly creative people

• Overcoming imposter syndrome and anxiety in sharing creative work

• And more

Connect with Jade:

www.mudlotuslife.com 

www.instagram.com/jadelotuschen 

Illuminated Women’s Business Retreat

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by artist, designer, and educator Rukmini Poddar. Rukmini’s creative passion lies at the intersection of emotional wellness and creative storytelling which she helps others connect to through her new book Draw Your Feelings: A Creative Journal to Help Connect with Your Emotions through Art. Rukmini found her creative voice through participating in the #100DayProject for over 9 consecutive years and has grown her instagram community to over 100,000 followers. She is best known for her drawings that give life to her personal emotions.

Margo and Rukmini discuss:

• Her personal and artistic journey

• The connection between emotions and art

• How vulnerability can inspire others

• Recognizing and working through different forms of resistance such as self-sabotage and procrastination

• The links between art, emotions, and mental wellness

• The importance of creativity for individuals in corporate roles and the need for more humanity in the workspace

• Her journey with 100-day projects

• Overcoming creative challenges

• The beauty in naivety when you’re doing something for the first time

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram

The Art of War by Steven Pressfield

Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown

Connect with Rukmini:

Draw Your Feelings by Rukmini Poddar

https://www.instagram.com/rockinruksi/

https://www.dearruksi.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by writer, singer-songwriter, teacher, and coach Marisa Handler. Marisa is the author of Loyal to the Sky, which won a Nautilus Gold Award for world-changing books and her essays, fiction, and poetry have appeared in numerous publications. Her music is also streamed across large platforms such as Spotify and iTunes. Marisa earned her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and has received many fellowships in Creative Writing, including a Fulbright and an Elizabeth George Foundation grant. On the spiritual side, Marisa has been studying Insight Meditation in retreats and daily life since 2002, and instructing since 2012. She is a Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, and has long-term practices in Authentic Movement, Somatic Experiencing, and various forms of dance. Marisa is the founder of Live Your Creative Genius, an in-depth coaching program offering a new paradigm for creative work, and she teaches on creativity, writing, and transformation at places like Stanford University, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Esalen, and the California Institute for Integral Studies.

Margo and Marisa discuss:

• Her creative path and how spirituality plays a role in her many creative mediums

• Cultivating creativity, finding support in a creative community, and connecting with one's authentic voice

• The challenges of balancing creative pursuits with jobs

• Creating a sacred space for creativity

• Her 9 month coaching program

• How we are intrinsically creative beings

• How we do our best creative work by becoming who we truly are

• Embracing our shadow

• Viewing our obstacles as allies

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Marisa:

www.marisahandler.com

"Alchemize Your Creative Vision" on December 12th: https://marisahandler.com/programs/aycv/

Live your Creative Genius (9 month coaching): https://marisahandler.com/programs/lycg/

https://marisahandler.com/programs/firing-up-the-engines/ 

https://www.facebook.com/marisa.handler.3

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q6NM99n37Lch8xG4Rjkfx?si=YqGdYLUaSo-JnGgyF_qbww

https://insighttimer.com/marisacreates

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Britta Borden-Tabor, a trailblazing digital influencer and empowerment coach whose passion knows no bounds. Britta has dedicated her life's mission to inspiring and uplifting women over 40, helping them uncover their passions and turn their dreams into reality. She isn't just a coach; she's a beacon of motivation, a force of nature, and a true inspiration to countless souls. Through her powerful words and magnetic presence, Britta ignites a flame within her audience, urging them to embrace their full potential and conquer any obstacles in their path. Her infectious enthusiasm and unshakeable belief in the power of women's dreams make her a compelling force in the realm of personal development.

Margo and Britta discuss:

• Her desire to be seen as someone different than she was typically seen as and how that was a catalyst in showing up in a new way

• The power in showing up without overthinking

• Creating a community versus creating following

• What it means to be authentic and step into your power

• Her role as a full time caregiver, special needs advocate and what it’s taught her

• Breaking the stereotype of what a plus size woman should wear

• Taking control of your own experiences and becoming an expert in your own life

• Finding a balance between making a profit and helping people

• Overcoming rejection before finding success on social media

• How paying it forward and helping others has resulted in unexpected rewards and joy

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Britta:

www.instagram.com/britt_dazzle

www.facebook.com/Britta Borden-Tabor

www.tiktok.com/@brittatabor

https://thebeekeepher.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by fine artist Robyn Thayer. Robyn has been making the world a more appealing place as a beauty maker and storyteller since her first smile. Robyn’s art education is informal and profuse; a daily act. Her favorite artwork is large in scale and she prefers to use acrylics, water-soluble graphite and crayons, to create representational, contemporary abstract paintings. In this way she is able to convey a dreamlike quality- reflecting the innocence and grandeur of where the private inner world and the wild outside meet.

Margo and Robyn discuss:

• How Margo first discovered Robyn and how her creative path has evolved since that time.

• The transformative power of art and the importance of personal growth and experimentation

• Her artistic process and techniques as well as the challenges she has faced in the art world

• The importance of community and the power of bravery in supporting one another

• How her trauma has played a role in her creativity and even lends itself to her work

• Her upcoming book, storytelling through painting, musings, and poetry

• What it means to utilize rebel energy in creativity

• Intuitive art making

• And more!

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Robyn:

https://www.instagram.com/robyn_thayer_fine_art

www.RobynThayer.com

https://m.facebook.com/RobynThayer-ProfessionalArtist

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by watercolor artist and surface pattern designer Cass Deller. Most notably known for her modern, coastal art style, Cass blends the beauty of her natural surroundings and beach holiday nostalgia. Imbued with the subtle, relaxed tones of hazy beachside summers, her hand-painted watercolor artwork evokes understated luxury and effortless style. With over 10 years of experience as a designer and a passion for collaboration, Cass has worked with many Global Companies as well as some of Australia's most well-known brands to bring a fresh, modern edge to the lifestyle and fashion industry.

Margo and Cass discuss:

• Her creative entrepreneurial path and the many different niches she’s worked in

• Discovering and developing her own artistic style and how she helps others in discovering theirs

• Why collaborating is the backbone of her creative career

• Strategies and practices that have helped her maintain a positive and productive mindset 

• Her surface pattern design course and mentorship opportunities

• Following joy and curiosity. How she does it herself and how she encourages others to embrace their creative pursuits

Join the waitlist for Surface Pattern Design for Creative Entrepreneurs. Get 10% off eligible offers using code MARGO. 

Connect with Cass:

https://www.instagram.com/cassdellerdesign

https://www.cassdeller.com.au

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by dental hygienist turned water color illustrator, Ivy Zellmer. With a lifelong love of paper and artful entertaining, Ivy created her first stationary series at the age of nine. She bundled up the papers and shipped them across the country—an early love letter to hand-lettered correspondence. Then, in her formative years of early womanhood, Ivy traveled to France, an experience that forever influenced her artistic aesthetic. These passions artfully combined, and what started as hand-painted gift tags and a holiday card with Ivy’s signature bicycle has transformed into Napa Valley’s premier watercolor house. After dedicating 15 years to dentistry, Ivy shifted back to her childhood passions, keeping the art of a handwritten note alive, and is now running a full-time design and luxury "paperie" gift collection. Today, Ivy Paperie is dedicated to providing a portal to an elevated life—sharing beauty, spreading joy, and creating genuine connection through elegant gifting.

Margo and Ivy discuss:

• Her path from dental hygienist to full time creative artist and what helped her take the leap

• The impact that studying abroad in France had on her

• Her experience working with a mastermind group and with mentors

• Creating a wholesale catalog and why it was crucial in the success of her business

• Collaborating with local stores and businesses before casting a wider net 

• Ways to stand out in a world of digital communication, specifically with handwritten notes

• Building credibility, reputation, and experience as a creative

• Finding a supportive community 

• And more

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Ivy: 

https://ivypaperie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ivypaperie/

https://www.instagram.com/ivypaperie/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

This week, Margo is joined by illustrator, artist, teacher, and all-around creative person, Lisa Bardot. With the iPad and Procreate as her medium of choice, she creates industry-leading digital brushes, tutorials, and art-making resources to help beginners and experienced artists alike find joy in creating. Her tutorials and classes have been viewed by millions, with high praise for her thorough, concise, and fun teaching style. Additionally, she runs Making Art Everyday, providing drawing prompts and challenges to help people overcome fears and develop an art-making practice, as well as Art Maker’s Club, a joy-filled creative community and learning hub for digital art-makers.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

• Lisa’s creative path and how she became involved with Procreate

• Discovering and creating new Photoshop brush styles

• Launching her daily art challenge

• The endless creativity and benefits of using procreate

• Procreate enhances art, replicates traditional techniques.

• The beauty of connection and collaboration when it comes to creating and how she nurtures her online communities

• Approachable techniques to improve artistic skills quickly.

• Drawing in Procreate and digitally versus pen to paper

• And her new book, Drawing Digital: The Complete Guide to Learning to Draw and Paint on Your iPad

Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!

Connect with Lisa:

https://bardotbrush.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisabardot/

https://www.artmakersclub.com/

https://www.instagram.com/artmakersclub

Order Drawing Digital: The Complete Guide for Learning to Draw and Paint on Your iPad

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by renowned author, artist and designer, Annie Sloan who is one of the world’s most popular experts in the field of decorative painting. After studying Fine Art at university in the 1970s, Annie went on to write her first book, The Complete Book of Decorative Paint Techniques – which is considered to be the industry bible on the subject. Since then, she has published 26 books on paint effects, color, and interior design. In 1990 Annie invented her revolutionary no-prep Chalk Paint, which transformed the world of furniture painting. Wall Paint and Satin Paint were added to the range and today Annie Sloan has a huge following of interior designers, professional painters and up-cyclers who love to bring Annie’s color expertise to their homes. Her creative flair has led her to being named one of Britain’s most influential female designers and she was awarded a CBE for services to Interior Design in 2023.

Margo and Annie discuss:

• Annie’s creative path and studying different mediumships of art

• Her process for mixing colors

• Decorative paint techniques

• How being an early adopter to social media has played a role in the success of her business

• The process of creating her revolutionary chalk paint

• How and why she began to sell her paints beyond her own shop and what makes her stockists successful

• Being awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to Interior Design

• And more!

Connect with Annie:

www.instagram.com/anniesloanhome

www.instagram.com/chalkpaint

www.instagram.com/anniesloanstagram

https://www.youtube.com/@AnnieSloanHome

https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSloanHome/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

Margo is joined by Nurse Practitioner, mentor, guide and coach for midlife-ish women (and her sister!) Shelley Tantau. Shelley has a superpower for empowering others to see beyond their perceived boundaries in order to find healing, clarity, and incite positive change within their lives. Her journey through grief after the loss of a dear friend was the catalyst to challenging cultural and societal norms as well as the stories she told herself to find healing and joy within. Shelley believes that the world needs people that are living their most full and vibrant lives…not ones that are “just fine” and that your joy matters just as much as the person next to you.

Margo and Shelley discuss:

• Putting a stop to the glorification of busyness

• Fear around exposing ourselves to vulnerability

• Understanding trauma in order to heal from it

• Creativity and its relation to healing

• Liberation work and why it’s been so important in Shelley’s own journey

• Habits: the bad and the good, the learning and unlearning

• Finding joy after loss and grief

• Stepping into authenticity and finding one's true path

Connect with Shelley:

https://www.shelleytantau.com/

https://www.instagram.com/stantau

https://www.facebook.com/shelley.tantau/

https://www.pinterest.com/stantau/

Margo is joined by interior designer Karen Nepacena and photographer Christopher Dibble to discuss mid century modern design, approaching creativity in their own ways, and how their fun and unique collaborative partnership came to be.

Karen is the founder of Destination Eichler which began as a design blog chronicling her and her husband's journey renovating their Eichler home in Northern California. Soon after it started, the blog gained national attention and they began taking on clients who were attracted to their modern design aesthetic and focus on mid-century modern architecture. In 2016 Destination Eichler transitioned from an online blog into a full service interior design firm helping homeowners re-imagine and transform their homes.

Christopher is a photographer, husband, and dog guy, and loves to use color in unpredictable ways that surprise and contribute to a great image. He doesn’t shy away from visual experimentation and loves collaborative projects where challenging situations motivate him to stretch his creativity and vision. Chris is passionate about photographing interiors and people within those spaces - connecting with people and earning their trust in front of the lens being his #1 goal. He captures images that span between clean elegance and whimsical fun with a range landing somewhere between editorial storytelling and catalog crispness. His work has been featured in editorial publications including House Beautiful, Dwell, HGTV, Country Living, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Paper, and People Magazine, among others.

Together, Karen Nepacena and Christopher Dibble's have recently released a new book, Midcentury Modern Style which takes readers on a visual journey through 12 real and down-to-earth midcentury inspired homes, offering a practical guide to incorporating the style into any space. The two artists have been collaborating for several years to capture Karen's interior design work, and an artistic partnership and friendship blossomed. The pair created Midcentury Modern Style for anyone curious to learn more about the design period or anyone who wants to incorporate midcentury flair into their homes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Store Market Market in Palm Springs https://www.shopmarketmarket.com/

Modernism Week https://modernismweek.com/

Dev Heyrana https://www.heyrana.studio/

John Henry - Stranger Fruit  https://www.jonhenryphotography.com/#1

Alys Tomlinson http://www.alystomlinson.co.uk/

Jessica Poundstone https://www.jessicapoundstone.com/

Connect with Karen and Chris:

https://www.instagram.com/destinationeichler/

https://www.instagram.com/dibblephoto/

https://www.destinationeichler.com/book

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator, Megan Price, otherwise known by her business name The Darling Fig. Megan feels like she has had many creative incarnations but it wasn't until she dusted off her paintbrushes and embraced the fact that she was an artist, that she finally found a medium through which she could fully express her full creative vision. Megan paints by hand to capture the joy in life’s everyday moments. She believes in slowing down and finding the magic in the little things. Her work can be seen as a collection of sustainably printed greeting cards and fine art prints, or as bespoke artwork commissions for clients.

Topics discussed: 

Her journey of creativity and why she started The Darling Fig

Finding enjoyment in the process of artistic creation

The sweet spot of creative flow

Her experience with art challenges

What art is really all about to her and why she doesn’t necessarily care if people love or hate her work but rather how it makes them feel

Gratitude and how journaling fosters a positive mindset as well as posts her creativity

Finding stillness in her creative practice

And more!

Connect with Megan: 

www.thedarlingfig.com.au

www.instagram.com/thedarlingfig

Margo is joined by fellow PNW island dweller, Rachel Phillips. Rachel is a mama to three boys, 32 chickens, and a 'robust' amount of art supplies. She refers to herself as a little Anne of Green Gables with a dash of Pippi longstocking and a side of Laura ingalls and holds a master's degree in wildflower picking, a doctorate in smearing paint and has studied extensively under the likes of mother nature, Grandfather Twilight and Bob Ross YouTube videos. Rachel has been practicing heART journaling for over a decade as a way for her to tell her story and the stories of people she meets along the way. They are jam-packed full of art, artifacts (heARTifacts), quotes, lists, collages, illustrations and pretty much everything but the kitchen sink. Her creative niche is joy and she does and makes whatever she feels like, whenever she feels like while giving others permission to do the same. 

Topics discussed:

[10:27] Why Rachel was led to journaling and the nostalgia it brought

[16:14] Moving to an island helped me relax.

[22:59] Storytelling: how stories connect generations and spark magical experiences.

[28:30] Fitting your creativity in as it works for you. Why Rachel does pick-up pages instead of morning pages.

[29:33] Rachel’s new online course and unique way of sharing creative tips for journaling.

[34:58] How she’s manifested her current life and what she hopes to manifest in the future. 

[45:06] Living authentically and honestly and the pros and cons that come with it.

[46:29] Being multi passionate

[56:02] Who inspires Rachel

Connect with Rachel:

www.instagram.com/rachelphillips3

www.plantingmarigolds.com

https://plantingmarigolds.teachable.com/p/heart-journal-course

Margo is joined by artist, illustrator and quintessential creative entrepreneur, Becky Dawson. Becky started screen printing t-shirts in her spare bedroom 12 years ago with a little knowledge and a lot of hope (and creativity) and has since evolved into designing and manufacturing her own line of paper and gift products sold in 100’s of stores worldwide. She paints, draws, and makes ceramic creations on top of owning and managing a brick and mortar gallery & gift shop that exclusively carries her art and products. Becky’s art is a creative world full of mythical creatures, farm animals and pets, plants and flowers and she’s inspired by the beautiful, the unusual, joy, and fun.

Topics Discussed:

[00:55] Becky’s early creative path going from hairstylist to graphic tee designer and Etsy shop owner

[07:55] Discovering creative potential and consistent income through new endeavors

[18:06] Finding new ways to manage and ship products in order to focus on her art

[20:03] How Becky built her brand locally and why she opted out of most trade shows

[27:48] Finding connection through art and conversations with others

[36:13] Getting into ceramics

[42:29] How slow periods have led to artistic growth and expansion

[44:17] Getting creative during the pandemic and opening her self-serve gift shop

[51:19] Advice for emerging artists and creatives on finding their own path

[54:22] People inspiring Becky

Mentioned in this episode:

Morgen Barrett

Budgie Goods

Connect with Becky:

http://onelaneroad.com/

www.instagram.com/onelaneroad

www.facebook.com/onelaneroadart

Margo is joined by elementary school art teacher Faigie Kobre. Faigie uses a choice based method called TAB (teaching for artistic behavior) and has recently developed a program for schools called Beyond Copycat Crafts that helps other teachers aid in how to give children developmentally appropriate, creative art instead of copycat, cookie cutter crafts. Faigie also has taught adult creativity through mixed media and alcohol inks. She teaches the difference between creativity and artistic ability and how our own thoughts on this subject likely stems from our childhood experiences.

Topics discussed:

[02:53] How a business course unexpectedly sparked creativity in Faigie

[08:34] Why she was initially rejected from a coaching program and how taking initiative changed her coaches mind

[12:02] How perfectionism stifles creativity; art is problem-solving.

[21:04] How and why creativity develops differently in us and when we begin to see self-doubt with our own creative abilities

[22:27] How mixed media art has been both transformational and liberating for Faigie

[27:39] Teaching for artistic behavior. Faigie’s choice-based program  that teaches drawing, collage, painting and creates an exciting learning environment for kids

[31:36] Guiding kids to embrace challenges in creativity

[33:11] Integration of art in education and curriculum

[37:06] Teaching art concepts with freedom, not restrictions

[47:49] How she got involved with alcohol inks and her course

Connect with Faigie:

www.eduart4kids.com

www.eduart4kids.com/beyond

www.instagram.com/eduart4kids

https://www.pinterest.com/faigie/

https://www.facebook.com/eduart4kids/

Margo is joined by co-founder and creative director of El Extraordinario, Marcus Hurst. El Extraordinario is an award winning creative outfit specialized in audio fiction and podcasts making timeless long form content with high production values and a strong emphasis on sound design. Looking more to music record labels like XL Recordings as inspiration for creating podcasts rather than traditional podcasting, El Extraordinario is anything but traditional.

Marcus shares his experiences in the world of blogging, journalism, and now podcasting, and how he’s found success in being adaptable, assembling a solid team, brand partnerships, how he manages social media personally and professionally and much more.

Topics discussed:

[02:23] Blogging and its impact on journalism

[06:57] The monopolization of blogging

[11:49] Developing a different approach to journalism

[19:08] The importance of high production values and audio engineering with the types of content he produces

[23:16] Creating a successful sponsored brand podcast in partnership with Switzerland Tourism

[25:48] Coming up with new ideas and how to execute them. Exploring the freedom and risk-taking that comes into play at El Extraordinario

[33:13] Spanish elegance and politeness with ground rules.

[38:26] Benefits of having a small team and understanding each person's unique values

[39:45] Connections and creativity within the podcasting realm

[48:07] Spanish speaking markets versus English speaking markets

[50:03] Upcoming podcast projects

[54:22] People and things currently inspiring Marcus

Connect with Marcus:

https://www.instagram.com/elextraordinario.wtf/

https://twitter.com/marcushurst/

Margo is joined by certified empowerment coach, Sheila Kamuda. Sheila was inspired to become a coach through her own healing journey after the loss of her husband, and leadership experience where she directed a team of 20 creatives and eventually started Live Out Loud Coaching. She is passionate about helping professionals value who they are and what they "bring to the party" and recognize they have not been put here to just take up space but to realize their full potential. 

 In this episode, Sheila opens up about her own healing journey and how it led her to create her coaching company, her creative practices that helped aid in her healing journey, how to embrace your own brilliance, the power of gratitude, her books and a whole lot more.

Topics discussed:

[04:31] How grieving led to writing letters to her husband and where she received the message to become a coach.

[09:23] Boosting your own confidence and recognizing your accomplishments.

[22:25] Her innovative journal with empowering and simple prompts.

[23:49] Choosing happiness, gratitude, kindness, and self-love. Magical, life-changing principles in a gratitude journal.

[29:20] Overcoming self-doubt, releasing blocks, and trusting intuition.

[32:55] The power in reflecting on past actions and seeking improvement.

[37:39] Her book and how it helps individuals embrace being alone and heal.

[48:41] Who inspires Sheila

Mentioned in this episode:

Sydney

Connect with Sheila:

https://www.liveoutloudcoaching.com/

www.instagram.com/liveoutloudcoach

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-kamuda-a056882/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by contemporary visual artist and illustrator Melissa Lakey. Melissa is based in Joshua Tree, California, where the windows of her art studio look out into the Mojave Desert. Her colorful work celebrates the landscape and animals of the American Southwest and her love of cowboys, road trips, and summer vacations. Melissa shares on observing others and how it can inspire our own creative processes, the concept of using sketchbooks with specific themes and approaching journaling, overcoming creative obstacles and more.

Topics discussed:

[01:32] An introduction to Melissa

[05:12] Her unique art journey: finding passions and discovering new possibilities

[12:25] Exploring different techniques and materials in vibrant art

[13:13] Her love for art supplies and some of her favorite tools

[20:21] Her first residency experience and the inspiration and motivation she found in attending 

[26:29] First show in Joshua Tree and the feedback she received 

[35:39] Thoughts on self-identification and artistic work

[39:20] Her sketchbook practice and how it aids in her projects and bigger works

[42:42] The value she finds in exploring other artists methods

[47:59] Thoughts on teaching

Margo and Melissa also discuss why she took a break from creating and the fears that come up when taking a break, her number one tip for 100-day projects, why social media friends have been pivotal in her career and why she doesn’t live post her work but rather waits a month or so to post. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Sarah Dyer (https://www.sarahdyer.com/)

Sou'wester Lodge Artist Residency (https://www.souwesterlodge.com/art/artist-residency/)

Hey There Projects (https://www.heythereprojects.com/)

Wyatt Hersey (https://www.wyatthersey.com/)

Emma Carslile (https://www.emmacarlisle.com/)

Natalie Lundeen (https://natlundeen.myportfolio.com/)

Connect with Melissa:

https://www.melissalakey.com

https://www.instagram.com/melissa.lakey

"Colors of the Sun, Songs of the Moon" in Taos, NM from August 19th - September 20th (https://www.instagram.com/lunojo_gallery/)

Sketchbook Workshop (https://inkygoodness.samcart.com/products/sketchbook-workshop-melissa-lakey/)

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by talented artist and writer, Caitlin Metz. Caitlin is an illustrator and designer, cloud-watching feeler, new poetry convert, wayward design professor, and a queer gentle parent. They’re also irreverent, silly, and deeply romantic about what art-making and feeling your feelings can do for oneself and the world. From drawing to photography, poetry to collaging, Caitlin explores various mediums to express themself and invites others to do the same.

Throughout the conversation, Caitlin shares about the power of the body map and how it can help us understand and navigate pain and other feelings, as well as how it’s been a transformative practice for themself. They also share insights into their creative process, including the importance of making space to get bored, engaging in activities that fill them back up, and recognizing the value of small snippets of writing and record-keeping.

Caitlin has an amazing new book just out, (their second) called Feel Something Make Something; a guide to collaborating with your emotions.

Episode Topics:

[00:00] Introduction to Caitlin

[06:09] How art-making is a gift as well as a form of relief and self-care

[14:39] The concept of the body map and its impact on understanding chronic pain

[24:42] Finding resilience in personal practices and the power of returning to them over and over again

[29:17] Using curiosity, attention, and storytelling to drive creative practices

[36:22] How making space to get bored fuels creativity

[41:28] Melding their teaching practice with self-care and how they teach their students

[47:18 ] Learning the rhythm of their body and using it to their advantage

[58:49] Where to find them online, their amazing new book Feel Something Make Something, social media, Patreon, Etsy, and loads more

Mentioned in this episode:

Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza, Sophie Miller 

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown

Allison Kunath Art

Connect with Caitlin:

www.caitlinmetz.com 

www.patreon.com/caitlinmetz

www.instagram.com/caitlinhasfeels 

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by Brandi Kincaid for a chat on finding inspiration, the power of journaling, and the art of sending extravagant hope by mail. Brandy, a tiny treasure seeker and paper lover, shares her experiences as a designer, creator, and curator of monthly hope packages as they delve into the creative process behind these packages, the importance of personal connections, and the impact they have on both the sender and the recipient. Brandy's passion for journaling and her thoughtful, empathetic approach to her work shines through as she shares insights, tips, and glimpses into the art of finding meaning in the world.

Margo and Brandi discuss:

• Showing up unapologetically

• What it means to bring your tender self to the table

• Why she keeps a commonplace book and notebook with her everywhere she goes

• How she customizes her Extravagant Hope designs  for what her community needs each month

• Gentle softness and quiet vs. motivation and a call to action

• What her journal pages reflect

• Her different art supply preferences 

• Creating and sharing work as personal expression, not for validation or commercial purposes

• Why she still sends physical products instead of going 100% digital

• Her process of designing, making, packaging for Extravagant Hope package Her internal battles when it comes to marketing and promoting 

• Sourcing inspiration

Mentioned in this episode:

Words in Air: The Complete Correspondence Between Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell

The Habit of Being: Letters of Flannery O'Connor by Flannery O'Connor and Sally Fitzgerald

Quilts of Gee’s Bend

Connect with Brandi:

https://www.instagram.com/brandi_kincaid

Www.theshinybits.com

Www.Brandikincaid.com

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this episode, Margo is joined by her very own Social Media Manager, Mackenzie Jones. With a diverse and fascinating creative journey of her own, she has become an invaluable resource for artists and makers seeking to harness the power of social media marketing to propel their artistic careers. She dives into her own creative experience and how she became a self-taught social media expert, fostering authentic connections through different platforms, fostering authentic connections and tons of tangible tips for using social media in your own creative business. 

Margo and Mackenzie discuss: 

• Understanding the social media landscape

• The challenge of self-promotion that many creatives face

• How to choose which platforms to use in your business

• Creating an impactful online presence

• Brand voice and exposure

• Common pitfalls she sees creatives (including herself!) make

• Content pillars

• Aligning with your audience

Send Mackenzie a DM that says "1:1" @socialcreativebrand to get all the details on her special offering! 

Connect with Mackenzie:

https://www.instagram.com/socialcreativebrand/

Connect with Margo:

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.windowsillchats.com

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

In this episode, Margo dives into the habits of successful creatives - the habits that she’s navigated herself and what she sees in the many other creatives she’s both worked with and learned from. Finding consistency in practices, embracing failure and iteration, collaborating and networking through different mediums and experiences, and building genuine relationships, explore with Margo what sets creatives apart!

Learn more about Shared Studio Sessions with Margo and get on the waitlist! 

Margo is joined by two creative powerhouses, Erin Drews and Leigh Standley to discuss their collaboration of art, words, and working together. Erin Drews is a Michigan based artist inspired by nature and Fauvism. She loves using color to create visual excitement and play, most typically through the subject of flowers. She's been described as "pink lemonade with a shot of whiskey," and when she's not creating, you can find her laughing, connecting, collecting art, immersing herself in nature, and enjoying the people she loves.

Leigh Standley is the artist, writer and owner of Curly Girl Design, Inc. where her line of clever and colorful greeting cards and gift items have taken the industry by delightful storm. Focused on the magic of the small moments, her product peeks into the corners of life and taps into the hearts of all.Founded in 2003, the company began with just 12 greeting cards and grew steadily. In 2005, Leigh was the recipient of her first LOUIE award for greeting card excellence and was nominated for 3 more in 2010. Her work and studio have been featured in creative publications like Where Women Create, Stationery Trends, Boho Magazine. Leigh believes firmly in the power of a creative community and the power of that community to unlock our truest selves. 

Margo, Leigh and Erin discuss:

• Their own creative businesses and a beautiful collaboration they’re working on

• Mental health, adult ADHD, depression, PTSD, and how it has informed their art

• The loneliness that can come from being a solo creative and how they work through that

• Some of Erin’s unique art collections

• Why she currently has a career outside of her art

• What it means to live in wonder and curiosity

• The intersection of the creative act and faith or spirituality

• The very unique funding model that Erin works on through Hope College and how it can be a difference maker in many people’s lives

Connect with Erin:

www.isntagram.com/drews_barrymore

www.erindrewsart.com

Connect with Leigh:

https://www.curlygirldesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/leigh.standley/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by independent artist and art business agency owner, Sarah Lörenk. Sarah graduated with a BFA in 2011 and has worked as an independent artist since then. She first began her creative business as a stationary designer moving from retail into wholesale before venturing into street art. She learned through several iterations of her business the difference between artist and entrepreneur and realized there was a big gap in the market for supporting artists as entrepreneurs. Now, through her company, The Time Art, she provides artists with the essential tools and support to help them run successful and sustainable creative businesses. 

Margo and Sarah discuss:

• Her creative journey from stationary to graffiti and business management

• Selling wholesale versus retail as a paper goods creator

• Setting goals in relation to who you’re marketing to

• Visual intelligence

• The fundamental differences between artists and entrepreneurs and why you have to have business structure if you want to turn a profit from your art

• The pros and cons of social media as an artist

• Why you need to have content pillars and what they look like

• Visibility versus profitability

• And more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life by Amy Herman

Connect with Sarah:

https://www.thetime-art.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thetime.art/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thetime.art

Business Model Template

Margo is joined by artist, art retreat facilitator, and author Carrie Schmitt. Carrie began painting in 2009 while bedridden after being diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to heat. She paid attention to a very poignant internal message. Since then she has devoted her life to creativity in many facets and allows herself and creativity to continue to evolve. Her mission is to teach students not only how to paint, but more importantly to have a loving relationship with your art because it has the power to heal, empower, and transform us when we offer it our tenderness instead of our criticism.

Carrie teaches online classes and in-person retreats at her home and artist sanctuary called House of Miracles in Steilacoom, Washington. She also licenses her art for products, including stationary, home décor, clothing, and more. She has written several books, including The Story of Every Flower, a 10 year celebration of her journey as an artist. Her picture book A Flower in Her Heart: The True Story of an Artist Who Bloomed, won the Mom’s Choice Award in 2022. 

Margo and Carrie discuss: 

• How creativity has guided her through big life changes and transitions

• Her life changing diagnosis and how it really became the catalyst to her spiritual and creative journey

• The story of what she calls her “accidental spiritual pilgrimage” and what she learned from it

• Creating the House of Miracles and how it came to be

• Her experience of working through feelings of shame and silent suffering and how things changed when she became more vulnerable and spoke on her struggles

• Honoring the feminine

• Why she talks and listens to her paintings and encourages others to do the same

• Finding freedom and non-judgement within herself

• Getting to know creativity in a new way

Mentioned in this episode:

Puget Sound Plungers

Chromophobia by David Batchelor

Ilarion Merculieff

Connect with Carrie:

www.carrieschmittdesign.com

www.instagram.com/carrieschmitt

www.facebook.com/CarrieSchmittArtAndDesign

Margo is joined by former teacher & blogger turned entrepreneur, and second time guest in the Windowsill, Anna Huff. As a business mindset coach, Anna works to empower women to pursue their passions and live in authentic alignment with who they were divinely designed to be. Through years of burnout and struggling to find alignment, Anna played small. Thinking that if she just did more, worked harder, learned more, and achieved more she would find what she was looking for. What she discovered was that nothing she could ever do, earn, or say would make her any more worthy of becoming who she was divinely designed to be. Through the process of fully discovering her purpose, she now helps others master their own mindset practice in order to live in alignment and acceptance of who they really are.

Margo and Anna discuss: 

• Permission and acceptance to be multi passionate

• Human design and how it allows you to go deeper in self-discovery

• How to sit in the discomfort and feel your way through fear

• The mindset shift that made meditating easier for her 

• What success mindset is and how to operate from it

• Detaching from the outcome 

• Not letting fear have all the fun

• Vulnerability, openness, and growing awareness to one's thoughts

Connect with Anna:

www.instagram.com/theannahuff

www.facebook.com/theannahuff

www.theannahuff.com

Join the Mindset & Marketing Facebook Group

Margo is joined by sisters Kim and Tracy of Hearts on Fiber out of Davidson, North Carolina. Kim and her three daughters were of the belief that every small town needs a local yarn store so when the Davidson craft center closed, an empty space for fiber arts opened. The urge was so strong to try and fill the “space” that they quickly began planning a way to open a new kind of craft store.

Hearts on Fiber started with little more than an idea, late nights dyeing yarn out of their kitchen which became the laundry room and eventually the attic until their passionate mission to be so much more for their town came to fruition. Since moving into their current location in downtown Davidson, the business has expanded and Kim’s sister Tracy has taken on a role within the business. Hearts on Fiber provides kits and tools for a range of fiber arts, along with the space to learn, inspire, explore fiber arts, build community, and so much more.

Margo, Kim and Tracy discuss:

• The stars aligning and how Hearts on Fiber really came to be

• Instilling creativity in her daughters from a young age

• How working with family impacts their business and managing different personalities

• How Tracy came into the business

• How to cultivate community through inspiring and teaching

• Making knitting/fiber arts accessible to people of all levels

• Demystifying knitting techniques

• Private class offerings versus group classes

• Where to start if interested in knitting for the first time

• And so much more

Connect with Kim & Tracy:

https://www.heartsonfiber.com/

www.instagram.com/heartsonfiber

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by self-taught polymer clay artist Rachael Skidmore.  Rachael’s passion for self-expression, penchant for artistic creativity, and dedication to hard work have been the foundation of her success as a small business owner for over 13 years.

She established MadebyMaeberry in Aug 2019 and has inspired large audiences through her social media presence online and delivered hands-on teaching by hosting intimate classes in person. 

 While she is widely recognized in the polymer clay community for producing high-quality pieces, her voice of genuine support for inclusivity is what makes her stand out as a creator. A curator of color with a knack for original design and tantalizing patterns, Rachael takes inspiration from all aspects of her life; from her passion for vintage clothing to her love for hiking in the mountains with her family. 

Margo and Rachael discuss: 

• Her journey from social work to polymer clay creativity

• Her mental health journey: therapy, medication, and living with ADHD

• The importance of having people to lean on to aide in your success

• How to scale when you like to work for yourself and by yourself

• Finding harmony between creative work and family life

• Risk taking and growing her audience

• Her experience in publishing a book

• And more

Connect with Rachael:

http://madebymaeberry.com/

www.instagram.com/madebymaeberry

Polymer Clay Jewelry; The Ultimate Guide to Making Wearable Art Earrings

Polymer Clay Jewelry Design for Beginners (Dometika Course)

Margo is joined by self-taught artist, writer, and internationally recognized best-selling author Meera Lee Patel. Meera writes books that help people connect with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Her books & journals for everyone have sold well over a million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages worldwide. In 2021, Meera was awarded the Olin Fellowship to pursue her MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. After spending many years waiting for “the right time” to pursue her first love, children’s literature, she’s finally following her heart. In the forthcoming years, while continuing her advocacy for greater mental health awareness through her work, she hopes to write and illustrate for children and the grownups who care for them.

Margo and Meera discuss:

• Meera’s journey from feeling disconnected in her career to finding fulfillment through creativity

• Upholding the values instilled by her immigrant parents

• Managing her full time job and her creative career for 8 years and what it taught her

• The importance of building resilience and discipline 

• What she believes is the main difference between people who are successful or not successful

• Having dedication to your vision

• The vulnerability and unknown involved in deciding to work on oneself

• Imposter syndrome as a self-taught artist and author

• Why she decided to go to school for her MFA, how it’s been challenging, and how she’s used it as a unique opportunity

• Navigating motherhood, marriage, and multiple family businesses

How It Feels to Find Yourself: Navigating Life's Changes with Purpose, Clarity, and Heart

Connect with Meera:

www.meeralee.com

www.instagram.com/meeraleepatel

https://twitter.com/meeraleepatel

https://meeraleepatel.substack.com/

Margo is joined by printmaker, surface designer, textile artist, and author Jen Hewett. Jen’s work combines her love of loud prints, 1970s maximalism, and saturated colors with the textures and light of the landscapes that surround her. In addition to creating her own products, Jen designs fabric for the quilting and home sewing market, and home collections for national manufacturers and retailers. Her clients include: Moda Fabrics, World Market, Anthropologie, Blue Sky Planners, and Brewster Home Fashions. She is the author of Print, Pattern, Sew, and This Long Thread: Women of Color on Craft, Community and Connection.

Margo and Jen discuss:

• Her creative path from HR consulting to creative and where she got the courage to change career paths

• Creating creative momentum

• Finding harmony as a self-employed artist

• Keeping your day job until your business is viable

• Why she shares her income sources and breakdown publicly 

• When and where she started to notice a lack of diversity within the craft community

• Why she believes in selling her misprints (and why they often sell quickly)

• Working in digital versus analog and her process for each

• Some of her new collections and projects she’s looking forward to

• And so much more

Connect with Jen:

https://jenhewett.com/

www.instagram.com/jenhewett

Margo is joined by Utah based photographer Justin Hackworth. Working throughout the United States for a variety of wedding, portrait, corporate and editorial clients, Justin's work has been shown in galleries throughout Utah and in publications such as Parade, Glamour, American Photo, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, along with many others. In addition to his photography work, Justin is a sought-after speaker and educator, offering workshops and events, and even teaches as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University.

Justin's unique style and engaging approach to photography have earned him a loyal following on social media, where he shares his insights and experiences with fellow photographers and enthusiasts. He is always trying new ideas, exploring what is possible with his camera and discovering new creative avenues, making him one of Utah's most sought after photographers.

Justin and Margo discuss:

• His creative path and how he ended up in the field of photography (thanks to elective credits)

• His longtime mentor and inspirer, Kent Miles

• Learning and understanding what makes great light

• The drawback to knowing what works and finding your style

• The importance of not caring what others think in certain scenarios when it comes to creativity

• His approach and process of getting to know his subjects before shooting

• Overcoming fear when it comes to your creativity

• How a clear vision is critical to quality

• And much more

Connect with Justin:

www.justinhackworth.com

www.instagram.com/justinhackworth

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by productivity expert, author, and host of the "Take Tiny Action" podcast, Monique Malcolm. Monique helps overwhelmed women take control of their lives, one tiny action at a time. Her approach to coaching and personal development is holistic, taking into account the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of well-being. With her book "Don't Let Fear Have All the Fun" and one-on-one coaching, Monique helps clients overcome their fears and achieve their goals. Monique's larger mission is to help people see a greater possibility for their lives.

Margo and Monique chat about:

• Her creative path and how she brings her ideas to life

• The importance in building sustainable businesses that feel good

• Having self-awareness around creating your own process

• Releasing the “how” and trusting in your higher power

• Owning the things that cause you fear

• Creating structure and strategy in order to spend time being creative

• Tuning into your greater possibility and opportunities

• And more

Connect with Monique:

https://taketinyaction.com/

https://www.instagram.com/taketinyaction/

https://www.instagram.com/moniqueemalcolm/

Don't Let Fear Have All the Fun (Book)

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by self-taught artist Tammy Smith. Tammy founded her studio in 2009 after designing gifts, giftwrap and partyware at Hallmark Cards Inc. Her first art teachers being her father and grandmother, Tammy’s first business was making large scale stained glass windows in her parents basement. After Hallmark, she began making mixed media wire and clay sculptures that she sold at art fairs around the country and the desire for stability eventually led to the online business she runs today.

In the past, Tammy has also illustrated children's books for Henry Holt, designed wire garden accessories and holiday collections for Studio M and Midwest CBK and licensed her surface pattern designs to Graphique de France and Unique Industries to name a few.

Margo and Tammy discuss:

• Her creative and multi-faceted career
• How she thinks up new concepts and why it’s her favorite part of the creative process
• Winning best in show at multiple art fairs
• Having resilience in the art industry
• Running an Etsy shop (Small Ideas Studio)
• Creating authentic connections within the art community
• And more

Connect with Tammy:

https://www.tammysmithdesign.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/smallideasstudio

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by art agency owner and founder, Julie Ager. Julie started her career with twelve years of consulting on consumer product buying behavior with major mass merchandisers, department stores and other manufacturers and retailers throughout the United States, as well as Mexico and South Africa. From there she started the ADG agency in 1997 in partnership with a few close artist friends. Julie knows that developing great products requires more than great art and design; it requires teamwork, collaboration and a comprehensive understanding of today’s market which is why she built ADG on the foundation of partnership, creativity, integrity, and longevity.

Margo and Julie discuss:

• Her path from consultant to agency founder

• What she looks for in artists she represents

• What it’s like to run a small, sustainable art agency

• Navigating the customer journey as an artist and understanding the different roles required

• Manufacturing relationships

• How to move the consumer along and knowing who you’re selling to

• The ecosystem of agent-artist-product manager relationships within her own business

• What a product manager thinks about when trying to create a product that their customers will buy

• And more

Connect with Julie:

https://artsdg.com/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by tastemaker, blogger, and author Ted Kennedy Watson. After a childhood spent in Kansas City Ted moved to the Pacific Northwest, first to college in Portland, Oregon, and later to Seattle where he was instantly enchanted by the dramatic scenery. Once a long time tennis teacher and connoisseur of the game, Ted began his career in the visual arts by representing some of the friends and people he knew who were creating interesting objects. In the early 90s, Ted opened a wholesale showroom selling  to retailers all over the country. Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, Gump’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom to name a few.

Visitors have been flocking to Watson Kennedy Fine Living in Seattle’s Pike Place Market for 17 years to shop the just-right mix of treasures for the bed, bath, table, and home. The allure continues at its sister store, Watson Kennedy Fine Home, with an even larger selection of furnishings, one-of-a-kind finds, and little luxuries including botanically scented home fragrances and beauty products. From the framed artwork on the walls to the inventive vignettes that fill every corner, both shops are more than simple inventory—they are the expression of a particularly refined point of view, one that has been evolving Watson’s entire life. 

Margo and Ted discuss:

• How his identity motivated him change career paths

• The influence Seattle has had on him and his business

• The necessity to always be learning and growing within the retail industry

• How he was chosen to be on the creative team for the Bill and Melinda Gates wedding festivities

• Repetition: how he’s used it as a tool to gain knowledge on many things

• Being an early adapter to blogging

• His latest book, Ted Kennedy Watson’s Guide To Stylish Entertaining

• Having intention behind everything he does and offers

• And so much more

Connect with Ted:

https://www.tedkennedywatson.com/

https://watsonkennedy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/watsonkennedy/

Ted’s Curated Spotify Playlists

Margo is joined by the multi-passionate maker and designer, Leah Quinn. Self employed for 20+ years, Leah started as a web designer and event photographer and prior to that worked as a landscape & interior designer for both commercial and residential properties. Now, after moving from New York to slow rural village life in Southern Vermont, she is remodeling an 1865 Victorian Farmhouse with her own designs. 

Leah’s first memories of surface pattern design fascination came when she was five and she knew at that time she was to be an artist. As her journey continued she eventually discovered Make It in Design courses with Rachael Taylor that would finally allow her to dive into learning all about surface design. When she saw that her creative maker’s business was at a challenging stage of scaling and growing, she knew she had to create a life that supported what she could and wanted to do in the future.

Margo and Leah discuss: 

• Her winding journey that has included creative outlets such as music, interior design, web design, apothecary products, and more

• How she scaled her apothecary business

• Saying yes to your own interests and listening to your intuition

• Quieting the noise

• How courses changed her business

• Challenges and lessons she learned from scaling

• Her motivators to create every day

• And more

Connect with Leah:

www.LeahQuinn.com

www.Instagram.com/leahquinndesign

www.HeartandSoulApothecary.com

Margo is joined by artist, designer, illustrator, maker, and teacher Kelli May Krenz. For Kelli, creating is like breathing, she simply must do it. She believes in creating every day and has many interests when it comes to doing so. She has a deep love for painting, stitching, graphic design, illustration and everything she can possibly make in her studio and spends her days dreaming up things that make her happy hoping that by sharing, others will fill their happy cup too. Kelli likes to use vintage materials, all things found in nature, and is a huge believer in finding joy in creating with very little - using what she already has.

Margo and Kelli discuss:

• Kelli’s creative journey, and the twists within her personal life that shaped her professionally

• Her love for details and type fonts

• Creating more unique art by using what you already have on hand

• Creating online courses and her tips for others interested in teaching

• Her experience in finding and working with a representative

• Creating a stationary line

• An aneurysm, divorce, deceit, and how she stayed hopeful when her life felt like it was unraveling

• The power in showing up for oneself and leaning into your core beliefs

• What it means to live a positive filled life

• And more

Connect with Kelli:

https://www.kellimaykrenz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kellimaykrenz/

https://www.facebook.com/kelli.maykrenz/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/kellimay

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by graphic designer and business extraordinaire Erin Cantwell. After working at a branding firm in NYC, Erin quickly discovered she had a knack and passion for the business side of the creative industry and has since then specialized in business operations and client experience, helping to grow and run successful creative agencies. She has served in COO and Director level positions in branding and marketing agencies and today, is a partner at Clearbridge Branding Agency, an award-winning branding agency with multiple locations. 

Through her own company, Erin Cantwell Co., and her volunteer work, Erin continues to work with designers, makers, and other creative entrepreneurs as business coach, helping them to start and scale successful and profitable businesses while doing the work they love.

Margo and Erin discuss:

• Her creative path and how she discovered her knack for the business side of things

• How her knowledge of both sides of the business has helped within her career and launching her own business

• Burnout, failure, and how to create a sustainable creative business

• Vision setting, finding clarity, and defining our own meaning of success

• When to niche

• And more!

Connect with Erin:

https://erincantwell.co

http://www.instagram.com/erincantwellco

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativecoo

Business Building for Creatives

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by art advisor, curator, and gallery owner Liz Lidgett. Liz’s passion for art allowed her to see that competent art consulting for private companies and corporations was a need that wasn’t being filled. With that in mind, she began her art consultation business, Adore Your Walls, in 2013. Since then, her business has grown and she recognized once again that online and national consulting – the type that exists for furniture and interior design – was completely absent for the world of art and has expanded her services, including a gallery space. With her developed expertise, Adore Your Walls has evolved into her new brand: Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Within the rebrand, Liz continues to consult, partner with artists and regularly contribute to design publications across the country. She represents 50 unique artists from around the world—with a commitment to always represent at least 50% women and/or BIPOC artists. Although her gallery is located in Des Moines, Iowa, they have an international reach, shipping 80% of the work they sell, and have sold to clients in 45 states and 7 countries. 

It was important for Liz to create a gallery that operated in a way she felt galleries should operate, where artists were paid fairly and quickly, and where an approachable, non-pretentious experience is created for clients. Her mission is “Art For Everyone.” Although they represent some very well-known artists like Hunt Slonem, Liz wants people to know that you don’t have to be a millionaire to be an art collector. Liz has gained a huge following on social media by showcasing the art in her gallery, the artists, and fun facts about art.

Margo and Liz discuss:

• What led Liz to start her own gallery

• The important of creativity and adorning your walls with art

• How she has changed the landscape of Des Moines and surrounding cities with murals 

• Why art collecting can be accessible for anyone, not just millionaires

• How to find your personal style in art and how to find art that fits with the design of your space (size, color palette, spacing with furniture, etc.)

• How she helps clients in being socially conscious with the art pieces — who the artist is, how they create, the reasoning behind a piece of art, etc.

• Her approach to buying and selling art

Connect with Liz:

https://www.lizlidgett.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgettgallery/

https://www.instagram.com/lizlidgett/

Ten Minute Masterpieces with Liz Lidgett

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill

Margo is joined by stay at home mom (of nine children) turned licensed artist, creative author, and educator, Shannon Christensen. After being home with her children most of her early life, Shannon turned to creativity when grief struck which turned into a reinvention of herself and a creative career came along with it.  Although her home base is in the U.S.A., she’s spent the past four years living abroad in Jordan, Sweden, and currently Montenegro accompanying her husband's career as a contractor. Shannon’s creative road trip has taken many twists (a BFA Illustration degree at 42, featured in Western Art Collector magazine spread, her studio as an inspo spot on HGTVs Rate My Space) – and turns (acrylic magazine illustration work to Fine Art oil painting in museums, private collections & juried exhibitions to licensing contemporary watercolorist). Shannon is now embarking to help others reach their creative potential with a Creative Roadmap for others to follow.

Margo and Shannon discuss:

• Her creative path and a long standing desire to be able to support her family outside of motherhood

• Grief, loss and finding joy again

• Why vulnerability is necessary when it comes to healing

• The feeling of home and how she finds it while living abroad

• The 8 Creative Power Habits

• Building confidence in your creations and changing your neural pathways

• Her approaches to finding fitting opportunities 

• Outsourcing tasks and skills you’re not confident or comfortable in

• Her Build Your Body of Work Membership

• And more!

Connect with Shannon:

https://www.shannonsstudio.com

Creative Roadtrip Passport

Jumpstart Your Creative Engine Book

http://www.shannonsportfolio.com

Build Your Body of Work Membership

Connect with Margo:

Join the In the Windowsill Patreon Channel

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.tantaustudio.com

Margo is joined by cultural leader, oral historian and documentarian Mi’Jan Celie Tho-Biaz, Ed.D. who shares narratives of personal transformation and community change.To say this historian’s own history is distinguished is an understatement: Mi’Jan curated and hosted Unfinished Network’s first 2022 public salon on the theme of multiracial democracy, with CNN’s Van Jones and MSNBC’s Maria Teresa Kumar. She also designed and led the Gloria Steinem Initiative’s public policy digital storytelling pilot at Smith College, and served as a New Mexico Humanities Council Scholar. Mi’Jan has held Visiting Scholar appointments at Columbia University and New York University and served as faculty in the Cultural Leadership program at The Banff Centre in Canada. Currently Mi’Jan serves as faculty with Omega Institute, co-host for the National Art Education Association’s podcast, as well as principal oral historian and public art curator for Policy Link’s California BIPOC Liberation Stories Project. She works with communities across the themes of sovereignty, transformation, liberation, healing and love.

Margo and Mi’Jan discuss:

• What it means to be an oral historian

• What her work and creative practice looks like

• California BIPOC liberation stories

• How she designs her year

• Out of body experiences she would have during keynote storytelling

• The art of slowing down and why it became critical to her practice

• The intersectionality of creative and spiritual practices

Mi’Jan is best known for connecting with audiences through her visionary, story-rich talks at a range of institutions, from Carnegie Hall to the Institute of American Indian Arts to SXSW. Her goal? To make the historical contemporary and personal, while surfacing the marginalized stories that need to be heard.

Connect with Mi’Jan:

www.mijancelie.comakers/mijan-celie-tho-biaz/

Mi’jan’s Monthly Newsletter

Bimonthly Professional Development Interview Series:

National Art Education Association's Connected Arts Networks 8-part podcast series:

www.freshspeakers.com/spe

https://www.eomega.org/people/mijan-celie-tho-biaz

Margo is joined by Kim Smith - a Lancaster County native born with the love of art in her soul. Kim earned her BFA in Communication Design from Kutztown University and has owned TCG Design, a marketing and design firm for more than 30 years. Even though she is in a creative business, something was always missing. After the last of her three children became more independent, she felt drawn to pursue her love of painting. Now she commits to a daily practice of painting before the sun rises. Over the past several years, Kim has grown her art practice to participating in outdoor art shows, having her work represented by several galleries and also teaching workshops, online, at home and abroad.

Margo and Kim discuss:

• Her creative path and why she began to paint

• How her painting led to sharing her work, becoming represented, and now teaching

• How she got past the preciousness

• Why being creative means making ugly things sometimes

• How to know when it’s time to lean in versus wait on a project or passion

• The many parallels of art and life

• Finding harmony between running a business, creative pursuits, and family life

• How she fuses intention and intuition into her art

• Her 6-week course, Art in Bloom as well as her monthly membership and workshops

• And more!

Connect with Kim:

https://www.kimmyerssmith.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kimmyerssmith/

https://www.facebook.com/kimsmithfineart

https://www.youtube.com/c/KimSmithar

Art in Bloom: a six-week online floral oil painting course

Inspiring Art Collective: a monthly membership and creative space curated to nurture creativity and confidence

Oil painting workshop

Margo is joined by minimalist abstract artist, Anna Macdonald. Anna works in water based media on paper, canvas and wood and her work delves into the importance of negative space and the Zen philosophy "Ma" - the spatial relationship between structural elements. Her paintings and drawings incorporate Shibumi principles; a complex process not evident in the outcome, creating works of unobtrusive beauty. Anna’s interpretation of Minimalism also incorporates influences from Abstract Expressionism, mid-century Abstraction and Japanese calligraphy with an inclination towards Constructivism.

Margo and Anna discuss:

• Her creative path

• How and why she went from shopaholic to intentionalist

• Intentionalism versus minimalism and the melding of the two

• Managing motherhood, a full-time career as a teacher, and her creative entrepreneurial work

• Her ADHD diagnoses and why she actual feels it’s her superpower

• Her online courses

• How she teaches others to be intentional in their own creative pursuits

• Living more meaningfully

• And more!

Connect with Anna:

www.annafmacdonald.com

www.instagram.com/annafmacdonaldart

www.Facebook.com/annafmacdonaldart

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator Linda Bleck. Linda began her illustration career in 1987 after moving to New York with a fresh degree in graphic design. For the first 15 years of her career she was an Editorial Illustrator before shifting into more corporate collateral work. Her illustration style has evolved several times over the course of her career as well as her inspiration behind projects. While early on in illustrating she was told her work was too sophisticated for a children’s book but as the market shifted and she looked to reinvent herself years later, she decided no was not an option and once again pursued children’s illustration.  In 2012 Linda had a life altering health issue that once again forced her to change the way she worked which resulted in new creative mediums as well as a more renewed colorful palette. The last three years she has been working for Eeboo on product design and toys along with getting back into editorial illustration.

Margo and Linda discuss:

• Her creative path and the impact of family with creative roots

• Resiliency and decision making, how to know when to keep trying something and when to change lanes

• Her experiences with agents and agencies (the good and the bad)

• Finding balance and harmony within her career

• How she instilled creativity in her kids and instilling resourcefulness

• Chronica and invisible illnesses, comfort zones, and reinventing yourself

Connect with Linda:

www.Lindableck.com

www.instagram.com/lindableckillustration

www.Eeboo.com

Margo is joined by none other than Lilla Rogers. With a degree in fine art from San Francisco and a second degree in illustration, Lilla spent the 1980s working as a  full-time, highly successful illustrator, whose art has featured in publications including the New York Times Magazine, Vogue magazine, the Grammys and many more. She then went on to found Lilla Rogers Studio, a visionary art agency that represents over three dozen artists from around the world and has sold art for products worth over $300 million. As well as representing some of the most sought-after artists worldwide, the Studio has licensed artwork on a huge variety of products, including best-selling children’s books, home décor, major ad campaigns, magazines, wall décor, and greetings cards: their client list includes Crate & Barrel, Chronicle, the New York Times, Blue Q, Godiva, Barneys New York, Warner Brothers, IKEA, Target, Paperchase, Anthropologie, and hundreds more.

Margo and Lilla discuss:

• How she encourages finding your own voice and power

• Opportunities and access to success for everyone

• Where she found the strength to live life on her own terms and encouraging others to do the same

• Amplifying marginalized voices

• How the creative landscape has changed over time

• Making creativity mandatory

• Battling and balancing cultural overwhelm

• Finding fulfillment and pride in creative work

• Her assignment bootcamp

• Creating a better future for creatives

• Upcoming projects and more

Connect with Lilla:

www.lillarogers.com

www.makeartthatsells.com

https://www.instagram.com/lillarogers/

Connect with Margo: 

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh for part two of their heartfelt conversation where they discuss finding inspiration, committing time and energy to yourself, slowing down, and her Domestika class amongst more. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and loves tapping into mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, adores folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans.

Listen to Part 1 with Sarah and Margo

Connect with Sarah

www.sarahwalshmakesthings.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends

www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings

Learn more and sign up for the ‘From Line to Color’ Art Retreat

Get notified about Patreon episodes, workshops, and other events

Margo is joined by Sarah Walsh in this two part conversation where they go in-depth on finding motivation, leaning into intuition, how you can work on your true dream project today and so much more. Sarah is an illustrator, painter and designer with home goods, children's books, socially conscious based projects, nature and mystical subject matter as the mainstays of her work. She is also the co-proprietor of the illustrative product based brand Tigersheep Friends. She collects books, new and old, plants, and folk art and also loves cooking, thrifting, listening to records, haunting coffee shops with her sketchbook and spending time with her favorite humans.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

• Her creative upbringing and the influence her mom and grandma had on her
• How having a child at a young age impacted her creative journey
• Why creative ruts are actually important to our process and story
• Being led intuitively
• Having compassion for ourselves and giving grace
• How to slow down and learning to say NO
• Social media and self sabotage
• What defines a dream project to Sarah
• Learning what we could accomplish if we treated ourselves like we do our clients

Mentioned in this episode:

I Didn't Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt by Madeleine Dore

I Just Like to Make Things: Learn the Secrets to Making Money while Staying Passionate about your Art and Craft by Lilla Rogers

Connect with Sarah

Www.sarahwalshmakesthings.com

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tigersheepfriends

www.instagram.com/sarahwalshmakesthings

Learn more and sign up for the ‘From Line to Color’ Art Retreat

Get notified about Patreon episodes, workshops, and other events

Margo is joined by artist and illustrator Gabriella Buckingham. Gabriella has been creating beautiful paintings to grace walls all over the world with a riot of color since 1990 along with inspiring budding artists to follow their desires for their own painting. Through her online courses and mentoring, students realize that beyond the practical how-to's there are no rules. Her students feel the excitement of their own power to choose what to explore in the way they want to. They become braver, discovering their own art without comparison and fall in love with their own potential. Gabriella has two teenagers and lives with her freelance photographer husband near the sea in North Norfolk, England. She's currently studying Human Design and has been able to make many connections between her design type and creative being.

Margo and Gabriella discuss:

• Her creative path
• The loneliness that often comes with being a solo creative business owner
• Why you can’t take things personally in business
• How to find the right people to get in front of and get noticed
• Human design: what it is and how it works
• Getting comfortable with the unknown and giving yourself space
• Her courses and offerings and where she intends to spend her time this year
• The never ending personal voyage of discovery
• And more!

Connect with Gabriella:

http://gabriellabuckingham.com/

www.braveinpaint.com

https://www.instagram.com/gabriellabuckingham

https://www.braveinpaint.com/brave-in-paint-community

Learn more and sign up for From Line to Color Retreat

Margo is joined by Windowsill Chats friend and former guest, Beth Buffington to discuss the art of Procreate in depth. Beth learned of Procreate when she was gifted an iPad and has since learned the ins and outs of the program and teaches it to others! Beth is a licensed illustrator, adjunct college professor, and online digital illustration instructor and like most creatives, she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. She studied art in college and graduated with a degree in graphic design and illustration. After working in several corporate communications departments, she decided to focus on her personal passions—and started her “TODAY” businesses: Bdi-Celebrate-Today, and 
Bdi-Create-Today!

Beth and Margo discuss:

• The many ways to use and create in Procreate
• Making Procreate more approachable and to work for you
• Workshops to get a taste of her course
• Celebrating where you’re at and how to get out of comparison traps
• What can happens when you quiet the noise around you creatively
• Procreate on the go
• Moving the needle forward in creative endeavors
• And more 

Beth teaches the power and portability of Procreate through her online course “Learn the ART of PROCREATE” - but also stresses the importance of being visionary about where and how creatives can achieve a healthier, happier, and more prosperous art business.

Sign up for Learn the ART of PROCREATE

Learn more and sign up for From Line to Color Retreat

Mentioned in this episode:

The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success by Dan Sullivan

Connect with Beth:

https://www.bdi-create.today/

https://bdi-celebrate.today/

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.pinterest.com/bdiboss/

Margo sits down solo to chat about her favorite episodes, lessons shared, and what’s to come for Windowsill Chats in 2023. Art, business, money making, community building, and finding alignment are just a few of Margo’s passions and she aims to do even more of that in the coming months - from new workshop opportunities to potential in person meet ups, and a new surprise endeavor! Help out Margo and her team by sharing your suggestions and thoughts on what you’d like to see, hear, learn, and participate in this year. 

Windowsill Chats Feedback Form

Mentioned in this episode:

When the expectation is Dr. Lawyer or Engineer, and you want to be an Artist

Gary McNatton. The Visionary's Visionary; on staying true to your creative ideals.

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Sign up for Margo's newsletter and be the first to know about offerings!

Margo has a conversation with artist, metalsmith, teacher, creative business coach, writer, and entrepreneur, Megan Auman. Megan has built a multi-faceted business around her passion for art, design, and creativity and in addition to her eponymous jewelry line and various other creative pursuits (including textile design, painting, and sculpture), she runs Designing an MBA, where she talks and teaches about the intersection of art and business, and Artists and Profit Makers, an online mentorship program for creative business owners. She is the author of Try It & See: How to Get Sh*t Done While Overanalyzing Everything, which is her answer to the question of "how do you get so much done?" She believes in the power of art & craft to enhance our everyday lives.

Margo and Megan discuss:

• Why it’s important to get comfortable with asking people for money
• Minimum viable product
• Learning opportunities versus failures
• Giving yourself permission to explore other revenue streams and new creative mediums
• Normalizing NOT monetizing all hobbies
• Understanding that every business is different and how she teaches and coaches to that
• Why she things organization is overrated
• Getting inspired in the new year
• Her book, Try It & See: How to Get Sh*t Done While Overanalyzing Everything
• Lazy marketing tactics (why social media is a lottery and not a business strategy)
• And more!

Learn the ART of PROCREATE with Beth Buffington

Learn more about the From Line to Color Retreat in Cote du Rhone, France and sign up today!

Connect with Megan:

www.meganauman.com

www.designinganmba.com

www.artistsandprofitmakers.com

www.instagram.com/meganauman

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Margo is joined by friend and former guest, Lori Siebert. Lori has experienced and made some significant changes in her life over the past few years that have pushed her to go after the things she’s always dreamed of. From business changes to grief and aging, Lori is now following a new path that includes retreats, painting (and thinking) big, leaning into Instagram challenges, collaborations and more. Since her revelations, she’s grown a sincere passion for encouraging other women to embrace their own dreams and passions regardless of their age!

Margo and Lori discuss:

• How the loss of her parents affected her on both a personal and professional level
• Learning how to put yourself first and how it actually benefits others in your life
• Simple ways to fill your own cup when you’re used to putting others needs above yourself
• Having your own identity outside of work, motherhood, etc.
• Mind mapping and a holistic approach to goal setting
• Stepping outside of your comfort zone
• And more!
•  

Learn the ART of PROCREATE with Beth Buffington

Learn more about the From Line to Color Retreat in Cote du Rhone, France and sign up today!

Mentioned in this episode:

Growing and growing up creative. How a very successful business was created by saying YES. (Episode 43 with Lori Siebert)

https://www.chateauorquevaux.com/

Connect with Lori:

https://lorisiebert.com/

http://www.instagram.com/lorisiebert.studio/

http://www.pinterest.com/lorisie

http://www.facebook.com/lorisiebertstudio

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Margo is joined by Millennial Money Coach Cortney Cruz. After a decade-long career in finance, Cortney took her experience both from her corporate background and her personal financial transformation and built a business teaching women what they weren’t taught in school and empowering them to use money as a tool to create the lives they want. She is passionate about helping women take back control of their finances to create more freedom, flexibility & fulfillment in their lives and lives by the motto “You can build wealth and #treatyoself.” 

Margo and Cortney discuss:

• Cortney’s personal money and entrepreneurial journey
• Misconceptions and stigmas around money management
• The mindset, intention, and action required for changing your relationship with money
• How money aids in creativity
• Breaking generational curses and building generational wealth
• Things you can start doing today to your money habits and increase your wealth
• How you can build wealth and treat yourself at the same time

Connect with Cortney:

https://www.instagram.com/moneywithcortney/

https://www.tiktok.com/@moneywithcortney

Download the Rich Girl Cheat Sheet

The Financial Glow Up

Connect with Margo Tantau:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Learn more about the From Line to Color Retreat in Cote du Rhone, France and sign up today!

Margo is joined by Margaux Kent, Co-Founder of Peg and Awl. Margeaux and her husband Walter created Peg and Awl without a plan but rather a fortunate pairing of two minds, different but in sync. Together with a team they create from olde things, treasures found and recovered from misfortune and neglect, relics of the unusual, the confused and the macabre, cut and pulled and built into wearable curiosities, inscribable keepsakes and usable, long-lasting treasures.

Margo and Margaux discuss:

• How Peg and Awl began and the first product they listed on Etsy
• How she manages a creative business, working with her husband, homeschooling, and more
• The importance of tooting your own horn and promoting oneself and how she tries to instill this into her kids
• Peg and Awl jewelry creation and why they do everything in house
• Discovery: of new mediums and of understanding new and different topics
• How listening to poetry brings her a sense of peace
• Aphantasia and hyperphantasia
• And more! 

After nearly bursting their house with the weight of materials, makers, and ideas, in 2012 Margaux and Walter decided to move Peg and Awl to the Atlas Casket Factory and in 2017, growing pains led them to seek new land. During their voyages, they discovered their new home, the Foundlings Building, in Port Richmond, Philadelphia which they consider an inspiring place to create more treasures, photographs, jobs, and joyful days.

Connect with Margaux Kent:

Pegandawlbuilt.com

https://www.margauxkent.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pegandawl/

https://www.instagram.com/thebrotherskent/

https://margauxkent.substack.com/

Connect with Margo Tantau:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

Learn more about the From Line to Color Retreat in Cote du Rhone, France and sign up today!

Margo is joined by craft maker, Heather Donohue. Heather has been crafting since childhood and is known for her vintage-inspired Christmas stockings and tree skirts from felt and sequins as well as other creative commissions. She creates original content and craft projects for companies including Handmade Charlotte and Benzie Design. Her work has been featured in magazines, on stage, and online and although she considers herself an introvert, she loves leading in-person craft workshops. Her craft lab is in Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, their twins, and cavalier king charles spaniel.

Margo and Heather discuss:

• Her creative path and how she runs and manages a business built on Christmas products
• How she went about monetizing her creations and a go-getter personality
• What success looks and feels like and how she’d like her business to evolve
• Advice and tips for others wanting to put themselves out there
• Working through introvertedness to leading workshops
• Creative burnout
• And more!

Sign up for Windowsill Workshops with Heather Donohue - Creating a Bejeweled Felt Tree Ornament!

Mentioned: 

The New Standards Holiday Show

Alt Summit Conference

John Derian Co.

Fair Play Projects and Toys.

Connect with Heather: 

heatherdonohue.com

instagram.com/heathdon

facebook.com/heatherdonohuecrafts.com

Margo is joined by former teacher & blogger turned entrepreneur, Anna Huff. As a business empowerment coach, Anna works to empower women to pursue their passions and live in authentic alignment with who they were divinely designed to be. Determined to make a difference, but burnt out and struggling to find alignment, for years, Anna played small. Thinking that if she just did more, worked harder, learned more, and achieved more she would find what she was looking for. What she discovered was that nothing she could ever do, earn, or say would make her any more worthy of becoming who she was divinely designed to be. That, in fact, it wasn’t about becoming anything at all. But rather, Unbecoming. Which was how she developed her coaching philosophy of Unbecoming, the work of peeling back the layers of who you have had to be in order to reveal who you were divinely designed to be. 

Margo and Anna discuss:

• Her career path and listening to the things that excite and light her up
• The importance in recognizing our lifelong evolution
• How our thoughts and feelings are intertwined
• What it means to be in authentic alignment and how she helps others get there
• Her top tips for someone feeling stuck
• The Unbecoming framework
• Therapy vs coaching and understanding the difference
• How to figure out what’s keeping you stuck
• And more! 

Connect with Anna:

www.instagra.com/theannahuff

www.facebook.com/theannahuff

www.theannahuff.com

Margo chats with Make it in Design Co-Founder, Art Director, Author, Mentor and Print and Pattern Designer, Rachael Taylor. Rachael is a renowned creativepreneur who is most known for her quirky style, daring use of color and unique innovation. Her style is infectious, friendly, honest, informative and motivational and as a mentor she approaches her students and clients with a sense of relatability and her services are often described as “talking to an old friend who has the answers”. Rachael has developed an educational online platform, delivered many comprehensive online design courses along with a members’ club and taught over 25,000 individual students across 100 countries.

Margo and Rachael discuss:

• Creating work that attracts aligned clients and customers
• Using intuition and gut instinct while also being a realist
• Linkedin and other social marketing platforms
• Scheduling in and making time for creativity
• Her transition into creative education as a mentor and instructor
• Her upcoming book, Power Up Your Creativity
• Choosing the right course or mentorship program as a creative
• And more!

Connect with Rachael:

[email protected]

www.instagram.com/makeitindesign

www.instagram.com/rachaeltaylor_

www.instagram.com/rachaeltstudio

Sign up for the Tantau Studio Newsletter and be the first to receive tips on growing your creative biz, brand, or practice and hear about community events!

Margo is joined once again by Ana Bianchi. First heard on episode 37 of Windowsill Chats, Ana is a designer, artist, illustrator, children book author and a maker of all kinds of things. Once tethered to keeping each of her creative worlds neatly separated, she now allows them to flow together and pour into one another all connected by her love for color. She has been drawing, painting and making colorful stuff her whole life. Ana sees each project as an art-making opportunity to make something special.

Episode Highlights:

• Ana’s story and creative background
• Why she doesn’t like when people say things like “I’m not creative” and how to reframe your mindset and perspective 
• How to maintain a creative mindset in everyday activities
• Her multi-passionate personality
• Cookie decorating
• An upcoming retreat with Ana & Margo!

Sign up for cookie decorating with Ana (Windowsill Workshops)

Learn more about From Line to Color Art Retreat in France with Ana & Margo

Connect with Ana:

Creating with color, passion and purpose as your muses. Ana Bianchi has literally designed for the skies, and now gets to focus on things more down to earth. (Episode 37)

www.analovescolor.com

https://www.instagram.com/analovescolor/

Margo is joined by designer, artist, author, illustrator Zoe Ingram. Zoe has been illustrating since she could hold a pencil and professionally since 2013 after winning representation with her agent, Lilla Rogers. Zoe’s forte is in designing patterns for textiles but she also enjoys editorial and book illustration. Animals and nature play a huge part in her work. Margo and Zoe discuss her experience in winning Lilla’s competition for agency representation, how grief and loss has played a role in her creative journey, working full time on top of creative work, and much more. 

Episode highlights:

• Entering Lilla’s agency competition on a whim and without expectations and her agency experience since winning 
• The power in taking chances on yourself
• Her first book deal for illustration (and other book projects)
• The grief of losing her husband and becoming the sole income provider
• Why she works full time on top of her creative work
• Making your days work for you (not vice versa)
• Giving yourself grace and letting go of the outcomes

Mentioned in this episode:

Oh My Gouache!: The beginner's guide to painting with opaque watercolour by Zoe Ingram

All books by Zoe Ingram

https://www.instagram.com/publicdomainrev/

Connect with Zoe:

www.zoeingram.com

www.instagram.com/_zoeingram_

www.ello.co/zoeingram

www.behance.net/zoeingram_

www.spoonflower.com/profiles/zoe_ingram

www.society6.com/zoeingram

Sign up for the November Windowsill Workshops - Illustrated Cookies with Ana Bianchi

Margo is joined once again by the lovely Abby Campbell for a Q&A session! Together, Margo and Abby answer questions submitted by listeners and discuss topics such as what to do when you struggle with sharing your art, the underutilization of LinkedIn, how to tailor your messaging to reach the right people, and more. Abby has always had a passion for photos of all kinds and the love of visual art took her to the University of Central Missouri where she received a BS in Broadcasting and Film. This is where she began to really learn the art of storytelling through photos and video.  Fast forward, she spent time working on an outdoor television show, producing national and regional television commercials, and informational/how-to videos before moving on to other projects that continued to hone her craft in visual storytelling.

Margo and Abby discuss:

• What to do when you struggle with self promotion and social media marketing

• Finding motivation, owning your craft, and authenticity
• Knowing and understanding your audience
• How to tailor your message
• Using LinkedIn to create connections
• How to get your work out when you’re feeling discouraged
• Getting the attention of an agent or companies
• And more! 

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 78: Doing it your way... Social Media deconstructed. Connect with others in the way that feels right for YOU with Debbie Saviano

Episode 93: Permission to Show Up and Grow. Standing Up for Your Potential with Abby Campbell

Connect with Abby:

https://www.abbyjcampbell.com/

www.instagram.com/ajcampkc

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

Sign up for Windowsill Workshops

https://www.instagram.com/windowsillchats/

Margo is joined by the very serious, but never solemn, creative ball of energy, Zoë Collins. Zoë believes that color is not to be wrestled with, but spun like magic, that art cures the troubled soul and that taxes are a privilege, not a curse. Her work has been described as colorful, powerful, fresh, quirky, witty and mad. She writes, draws, paints, prints, collages and teaches and believes that peace comes from within, from working out who you are and being gentle with your perceived failings. She loves showing people how to be creative, both in person and online and is a firm believer that creativity is a muscle we are all capable of flexing.

Margo and Zoe discuss:

• The common feeling of loss or lack of purpose when you don’t have a plan or path
• The strong desire or wanting to be good at everything you do
• Why recognition is important to her and how she realized this
• Creativity as a muscle
• Problem solving as a form of creativity
• What she’s learned through therapy, meditation, and other intentional practices
• How to find your authenticity advice for tapping into your own creativity
• Self-discovery and her latest project, You: Artfull Self-Discovery

Zoë currently lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband, two kids, favorite girl dog, and a large elderly cat. 

Mentioned in this episode:

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry 

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Taking Your Creative Practice From Undiscovered to Unforgettable Through PR With Beth Nydick

Connect with Zoë:

https://zoecollins.art

https://www.instagram.com/zoecollinsart/

https://facebook.com/hoodlumfriends

https://www.skillshare.com/r/user/zoecollins

Sign up for Zoë’s Newsletter

Margo is joined by Fairy Brand-Mother and friend Kelly Sinclair. Kelly radiates a bright energy while equipping passionate entrepreneurs with the magic wand to get visibility for their business brands so they can make more impact. In a world where people work on average a third of their lives, Kelly believes it’s so important that work is a source of joy instead of drain. When entrepreneurs run successful businesses, the world is a happier place, and Kelly brings the combination of strategy and magic required to  help others transform their business to the next level with confidence. 

Margo and Kelly discuss:

• Kelly’s path and why she jumped off the corporate career ship
• What PR, visibility, marketing have in common and how it relates to you as a creative
• The power in taking action to get results
• Making connections and building relationships
• How to get past the nervousness of taking a risk
• Gaining confidence and competence through repeat processes
• How you can start to get visible in your business today with her 100-day visibility challenge!

Corporate PR girl turned entrepreneur, Kelly has taken her big-brand experience and brings it to small businesses. She’s a national award-winning communications professional, best-selling author, small town, girl-mom of two, and past president of her local Chamber of Commerce.

Connect with Kelly:

https://ksco.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/ksco_kelly/

https://www.instagram.com/ksco_entrepreneurschool/

Get The 100-Day Visibility Challenge for FREE using code MARGO at checkout

Margo is joined by illustrator and designer Shannon Snow. Shannon makes colorful art for the colorful-at-heart and since starting her design career, she's been nurturing her love for highly illustrative surface design, maximalist color, and bold typography. Currently, she finds herself in the world of product development as Senior Graphic Artist at Natural Life alongside licensing her work. Born and raised in rural Georgia, Shannon loves an ice-cold cocktail on a humid day. She lives in the beautiful city of Savannah, GA with her husband and two daughters.

Margo and Shannon discuss:

• Internal perfectionist tendencies and how Shannon manages it
• How to get noticed (beyond social media)
• The good and bad sides of social media and how she uses it intentionally
• Using her art as a way to bring people together rather than divide
• How she learned the skill of finding quick, creative solutions and problem solving when it came to creating
• Her favorite mediums for creating
• The importance of flexibility, adaptability, and be willing to say yes to things that are scary
• Why 30-day challenges can be life changing
• Balancing life and what moves your art into a place that feels good to you
• Truths and myths around licensing

Connect with Shannon:

https://www.instagram.com/hello.shannon/

https://helloshannon.shop/

https://www.naturallife.com/

Margo is joined by fine artist and surface pattern designer, Sarah Golden. Based out of Sacramento, California, Sarah paints abstracts, botanicals, and designs fabric for Andover Fabrics. She loves working on multiple projects and getting paint on her hands as well as the freedom and intuitive workflow of abstract painting. For her surface design work, block-printing, painting both traditionally and digitally, and pen on paper are her mediums and she has a deep love for Scandinavian design, a simple and clean aesthetic, vintage fabrics, geometrics, and low-volume prints.  Sarah is a habitual maker and learning enthusiast. Her studio practice is dedicated to deep work, experimenting, working in a series, and play.

Margo and Sarah discuss:

• Her creative path and making it work when life throws curves
• How and why she follows her gut
• The power of consistency and how it’s played a role in her own creative evolution
• What it means to have a good foundation in order for people to discover you
• How her work has translate into licensing
• What work-life balance means to her
• How she dedicates her time to deep work and experimentation

Connect with Sarah:

www.sarahgolden.org

www.instagram.com/sarahgoldenart

www.tiktok.com/@sarahgoldenart

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

www.instagram.com/mtantau

Margo is joined by cousins Ben Braden and Nick Sadler, otherwise known as Strange Hotels  - the writers and producers of Need Your Trouble, featured in the introduction for every episode of Windowsill Chats! After touring for years as a part of Portland’s iconic touring band The Lower 48, Ben and Nick formed their indie-electro duo Strange Hotels in early 2018, and within weeks of forming the duo, they had the opportunity to open for Billie Eilish and Finneas at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. Their songs have been featured in several TV shows including Shameless, Viceʼs King Of The Road, and Conan O’Brien’s Needs a Friend.  Nick & Ben describe Strange Hotels as the most collaborative project they have been a part of- and are a sonic blend of dance, R&B, vintage pop, and indie rock. They have taken a very DIY approach to recording their songs, recording and producing their music solely on iPads. They moved to Los Angeles in 2019 quickly booking a residency at their favorite club, writing new songs, and releasing their second EP, Mixtape II. 

Margo, Ben and Nick discuss:

• The transition from The Lower 48 to Strange Hotels
• Moving to LA 5 months before the pandemic heat and how it affected their work
• How being able to do what they enjoy at an early age benefitted them
• Their willingness to be broke and commonality for being bad at having a boss and how it aided in their success down the road
• Finding different ways to share their music
• How the music industry currently works, streaming platforms, and finding new ways to be financially successful
• The unglamorous side of the entertainment industry

Connect with Strange Hotels:

Get Mixtape III for free by texting ‘Heard you on WC I’d love Mixtape III’ to 651-538-6961

Listen to Strange Hotels on Spotify

https://www.instagram.com/strange_hotels/

Here’s a preview from a new podcast, Death of the Artist, that explores a tragedy in the art world. For more than 35 years, accusations of murder shrouded one of the art world’s most storied couples: Was the famous sculptor Carl Andre involved in the death of his up-and-coming artist wife Ana Mendieta? Host Helen Molesworth revisits Mendieta’s death, taking a closer look at how she might have fallen out of the window of  Carl’s 34th floor New York apartment, and the following trial which has divided the art world since 1985. Hear more from Death of an Artist at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/artist?sid=chats.

Margo is joined by her podcast producer and editor Katie Anderson. Katie is the founder behind HomeAway Studio - a creative studio dedicated to supporting business leaders, content creators, and impact driven entrepreneurs through branding, web design, and podcast production. Formerly known as Katie J VA, her business stemmed from the desire to have her own outlet while being able to support her hockey-playing partner in his career overseas. Through persistent curiosity and a never ending desire to learn new skills, she has enabled coaches and creatives to focus on growing and improving their own services by outsourcing time-consuming, digital marketing tasks.

Margo and Katie discuss:

• The path to launching her own business from Europe
• Leaving a career path she didn’t love but learned a lot from
• How she’s allowed her business to evolve over time
• Getting intentional, finding your why, and doing the work
• How living in other countries has helped her business
• Mixing the analytical, technical, and creative skills required for a business
• And more!

Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, before moving to Arizona for college in 2011, Katie now considers herself a part-time expat splitting her time between the U.S. and Europe. Outside of the U.S., she has lived in Norway, Finland, Austria, and Slovakia but her true home is wherever the Wi-Fi is. When she’s not busy supporting businesses behind the scenes, you can find her getting into nature, cooking, enjoying a glass of wine, or expanding her passport stamp collection.

Connect with Katie:

www.homeawaystudio.com

www.katiejva.com

www.instagram.com/homeaway.studio

www.tiktok.com/@katiejaine111

Margo is joined by vintage lover, flower whisperer, slow fashion enthusiast and small business owner, Abbey Trujillo. In 2020, Abbey’s love and joy for thrifting quickly transformed into creating a sustainable in house label called Peach Vintage as well as finding traction online through Instagram Reels. Abbey believes the best way to make your dreams a reality is to simply start. Action causes reaction and we are ever evolving. Always recreating ourselves into the next best version. Always finding our new purpose.

Margo and Abbey discuss: 

• Abbey’s creative background, career path and how it’s grown and evolved over time
• How her theater background helps in her reel creation
• Her growing interest in sustainability and the role it plays in her business
• The learning curve and unique challenges that comes with fast growth
• Her advice on who to take (and not take) criticism and advice from
• Connecting with her online community
• Letting go of being precious, launching before you feel ‘ready’, and imposter syndrome 
• Vulnerability and the gift in being you

Connect with Abbey:

https://www.peachvintage.com/

PV Small Business Reels Course

https://www.instagram.com/thepeachvintage/

https://linktr.ee/Thepeachvintage

In this two part interview, Margo is joined by licensed illustrator, adjunct college professor, and online course digital illustration instructor, Beth Buffington. Like many creatives, Beth has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, she began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments. 
After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her business, BDI-Celebrate-Today, and BDI-Create-Today.

Margo and Beth discuss:

• Wellness when it comes to working and taking care of yourself as part of the creative process
• Diving deeper into the four R’s as it pertains to her creative process and what she teaches
• Mind mapping
• Giving yourself permission to step away from work 
• Student accomplishments after taking her course
• How she removes overwhelm in her own life and within the course
• Celebrating life everyday

Beth’s work is two-fold. She creates illustrations and home decor products—and she also instructs college and online students how to be curious about trends, color, texture, and materials—through the creation of digital illustration. She is also passionate about sharing with students her thoughts on being a healthy artist who is confident and brave about their artistic skills and their artwork.

Connect with Beth:

https://bdi-celebrate.today/ (Illustration & Product Design)

https://www.bdi-create.today/ (Learn the ART of PROCREATE)

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

In this two part interview, Margo is joined by licensed illustrator, adjunct college professor, and online course digital illustration instructor, Beth Buffington. Like many creatives, Beth has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, she began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments. 
After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her business, BDI-Celebrate-Today, and BDI-Create-Today.

Margo and Beth discuss:

• The necessity of understanding your clients and their pain points
• The importance in being able to be flexible
• Perfection paralysis
• How she got into the creative education space
• Confidence: how to grow it in your creative practices because it plays a huge role in how your art work will perform
• Trusting in your talent
• Learning Procreate
• The creative process that she takes her students through

Beth’s work is two-fold. She creates illustrations and home decor products—and she also instructs college and online students how to be curious about trends, color, texture, and materials—through the creation of digital illustration. She is also passionate about sharing with students her thoughts on being a healthy artist who is confident and brave about their artistic skills and their artwork.

Connect with Beth:

https://bdi-celebrate.today/ (Illustration & Product Design)

https://www.bdi-create.today/ (Learn the ART of PROCREATE)

https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/

https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg

https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209

Connect with Margo:

www.tantaustudio.com

https://www.instagram.com/mtantau/

www.instagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

https://www.relishyourcreativity.com/

Margo is joined by artist, fabric + surface pattern designer, and mother of two creative beautiful kiddos, Jessica Swift. Jessica creates colorful, uplifting artwork that inspires others to live colorful, unique, and hope-filled lives. She creates and manufactures her own products in her studio and also licenses her artwork to others for branded products such as fabric, stationery, puzzles, books, and more. Her online classes include pattern design, color, and intuitive art-making.

Margo and Jessica discuss:

• Her creative journey and how it’s evolved
• Mindset shifts and fears she’s worked through around burnout and taking breaks
• How she uses her intuition in art and life
• How her husband’s unexpected death plays a role in her creations and work
• Valuing her own thoughts, opinions, and self as much as she does others
• Managing multiple income streams and projects at once
• Giving yourself grace and figuring out what works for you
• Comparing current self to past self: finding radical acceptance and learning to trust yourself
• Finding belonging exactly as you are

Jessica makes things because when she does, she feels more hopeful, happy, and alive. Simple as that. She believes that art that speaks to your heart is not frivolous; it's vital. Sometimes we all need a hand, a reminder that we’re not alone in this big crazy world. When you start to see that we've all got some version of messy truth alive and kickin' in our own lives, you start to realize you're not actually alone. In fact, other people get what you're going through! Making art and sharing her own real + imperfect life reminds Jessica that life is hard for everyone and we're all in this together. It comforts her to know that her work might make you feel a little more connected, too.

Connect with Jessica:

https://www.jessicaswift.com

https://www.instagram.com/jessicaswift

https://www.jessicaswift.com/pages/subscribe

https://www.skillshare.com/user/jessicaswift

Jessica’s Animal Allies Oracle Decks

Margo is joined by Annie Galvin of 3 Fish Studios based out of Northern California. Annie was born and raised in Ireland, where she went to art college and then worked as an illustrator in Dublin before winning the green card lottery at the age of 23 and emigrating to the United States. Annie moved to San Francisco in 1989 (two weeks before the earthquake), and she is still happily living in California. A natural daydreamer and doodler, Annie has a constant impulse to create and spends her days making drawings, paintings, and collages that feature juicy colors and salty humor. She picked up a degree in English literature from UC Berkeley which adds a layer of storytelling to her work.

Margo and Annie discuss:

• Winning the lottery and coming to America
• Her personal creative process and what she does when she isn’t connecting to her creative side
• Her inevitable love for California
• Why downsizing and/or being willing to switch things up isn’t a bad thing
• The power in not being precious about one's work
• Being an accessible and affordable artist
• The mindset behind enjoying the process and the ride of a creative business
• Working with her husband
• And more!

Annie is endlessly inspired by the people and loveliness of the Golden State — the magical energy, the enormous diversity of people and ideas, as well as the natural beauty of her adopted homeland. Annie and her husband, Eric Rewitzer, also an artist, started 3 Fish Studios in 2006 and ran a gallery and studio in San Francisco for many years. In 2020 they relocated along with the studio to Amador City, CA.

Connect with Annie:

Www.3fishstudios.com

www.instagram.com/3fishstudios

https://www.pinterest.com/3fishstudios/

Margo chats with Deborah Stein who lives, paints and writes in NYC and the Embudo Valley in New Mexico. Deborah is a fine artist who teaches visual narrative workshops, runs (usually) twice a year artist residencies and is one of the proud hosts of folktale week along with illustrator-friends she admires. She ran her first creative live retreat at the lovely Highlights Foundation in rural PA this past Spring and is working on book projects (and possibilities for projects) and getting ready to show her work in August at The LDBA Studio in Santa Fe who she also designed a watercolor palette for called “Imagined Landscapes".

Margo and Deborah discuss: 

• Following your own skills and ideas
• The power of art, music, and storytelling
• Having your work copied and how to come out on top
• How she encourages people to be themselves and follow their passions
• Ways to spark your own curiosity
• Experiencing sorrow and grief and how it in a way inspires her
• StoryCamp Disco: what it is and how she came up with it

When she’s not drawing, painting, writing or leading workshops and live art classes for kids and adults on and off-line, she can be found writing down her thoughts, looking closely at the complexities of nature and/or imagining the curious interplay between talking animals and observant children, looking at art, hiding in bookshops, poking in gardens and in apricot trees, walking down to rivers, hiking up hills and through museums, and watching not-scary movies and well-made documentaries, and being with folks and animals she loves. She is working on writing and making art and books that express new ways of seeing the world and our roles in it and loves projects that challenge her imagination and skills!

Connect with Deborah:

www.deborahjstein.com

www.Instagram.com/Deborah.j.Stein/

www.instagram.com/storycamp_disco

Storycamp Disco Fall 2022

Art + Workshop Shop

Sign up for August Windowsill Workshops -  Pie Making Class with Tom Conway

This week it’s all about being intentional and finding true fulfillment with Tom Conway. Margo sits down in person with Tom in his 1888 farmhouse located on Vashon Island, the same one where he pens a blog called Tall Clover Farm. Tom shares projects, island life, farm duties, and the joy of growing fruit, flowers, and good food. He embraces the beauty of the bulldog, succumbs to the power of pie, worships the peach, contends summer is never long enough, and has never met a hammock he didn't like. His home and property are his canvas where he paints with words and photography to share putting in a good day and keeping life neighborly.

Margo and Tom discuss:

• Life before moving to Vashon Island and his experience living in just about every neighborhood in Seattle prior
• The character and stories behind his 1888 farmhouse and how he’s gone about renovating it
• All things baking pies and why it’s actually more simple than you’d think
• Growing flowers for floral trade and wedding events
• The power of a blog and why he chose that particular medium for sharing
• The importance of of having systems and structure in place before the ‘pretty stuff’
• Being able to learn along the way and allowing yourself to try new things
• Being intentional with your involvement in just about anything
• Standing for your own values while also being able to listen and hear someone else
• How to find true fulfillment in life

Mentioned in this episode:

Tom’s favorite roses: Compassion, Eddie’s Jewel, Nootka Rose, Alchymist

Christianson’s Nursery 

My Father’s Glory (movie)

My Mother’s Castle (movie)

Connect with Tom:

www.tallcloverfarm.com

www.instagram.com/tall.clover.farm

Inspired by simple gestures, purposeful forms and honest craftsmanship, today’s guest, Jennifer Livingston’s phone storage is usually maxed out with beauty in the market and in her life. She has equal photos of her family as she does of a great ad campaign, ceramic glaze, or nature’s seasonal colorway. She is intrigued with the process of design and the story behind each item. Jennifer got an early start in product design the summer when she was 13. “My mom introduced me to sewing. She showed me how to thread the machine and load the bobbin, and let me have free range.” Jennifer made a pair of shorts every day that summer out of fabric scraps and old clothes lines. From there her creative curiosity was born.

Margo and Jennifer discuss:

• Allowing yourself and others to make mistakes and then being able to learn from them
• Networking and why it’s important (even if you’re an introverted creative)
• How her curiosity helps her engage with artists and collaborate with manufacturers
• Permission to fail (or grow, adapt, and be vulnerable)
• Having a representative for your work 
• Right vs. left brain operations
• How she fills her cup and manages to not lose sight of herself despite challenges and busy schedules

Being a mom of three active kids has helped Jennifer develop strong organization skills and she is a better project manager because of it. She has successfully led product design teams, linking with procurement, logistics and international along the way.

Connect with Jennifer:

jenniferlivingstoncreative.com

www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferelivingston

https://www.instagram.com/jlivin2/

Margo catches up with good friend and internationally known illustrator Lisa Congdon for episode 100! That’s right, there are now 100 episodes of Windowsill Chats. Lisa and Margo chat about consistency, coaching, podcasting, experimenting in business, and a whole lot more.

Lisa is self-taught and didn’t achieve momentum in her career until she was nearly 40 years old. Despite her untraditional path, she has achieved recognition, not just as an artist, but as a leader in the industry for her work in social justice, knowledge sharing, mentoring and teaching. In March of 2021, she was named “One of the 50 Most Inspiring People and Companies According to Industry Creatives” published by AdWeek. She lives and works in Portland, Oregon. 

Margo and Lisa discuss:

• Coaching people from different backgrounds
• Stepping back from what typically brings the most revenue in her business
• Lisa’s new group coaching program, The Knack School
• Creative thinking, creative action, and monetizing your offerings
• Collaboration over competition
• Why group coaching can be so powerful
• Taking breaks and disconnecting from your work (yes, it’s necessary and healthy!)

Connect with Lisa:

The Knack School & Coaching Program for Visual Artists

Follow @theknackschool on Instagram

Other classes with Lisa

https://lisacongdon.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lisacongdon/

Margo is joined by Lisa Solomon. A teacher by trade, it took Lisa years to call herself an artist first. As a half Japanese, half Jewish [Eastern European] Caucasian woman, hybridization is literally a part of her DNA and shows itself often in her practice. Lisa’s mixed media works revolve thematically around discovering her heritage, the notion of domesticity, craft, feminism, and the pursuit of art as science/research. She is frankly obsessed with color/color theory and is drawn to found objects, tending to alter them conceptually so that their meanings and original uses or intents are re-purposed. She often fuses “wrong” things together – recontextualizing their original purposes, and incorporating materials that inherently question and skirt the line between art and craft. Lisa received her BA in Art Practice from UC Berkeley in 1995 and her MFA from Mills College in 2003. Her work is shown internationally and is in numerous public and private collections.

Margo and Lisa discuss:

• Her path and what she’s learned along the way
• Finding comfort in consistency
• Why grad school was pivotal for her career while simultaneously seeing the challenges brought on by going to University today and mitigating the pressures and costs
• Why art is one of the last spaces you can really share anything and put it all on the table
• Color Theory: Understanding colors, creating colors, and teaching color
• Her color meditation deck: how and why she came up with it and the many ways it can be used
• Her mixed media work and where she finds inspiration for it
• Time management and figuring out a system that works for YOU
• Reframing your schedule and allowing for flexibility
• Making space for yourself and your creative practices 

Mentioned in this episode:

The Subversive Stitch: Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine by Rozsika Parker

Lisa’s highly curated Amazon shop list

**Get 30% off The Color Meditation Deck and/or A Field Guide to Color by purchasing through www.shambhala.com and using code MARGO30 at checkout** (valid through 8/13/22)

Connect with Lisa:

www.lisasolomon.com

www.instagram.com/lisasolomon

Margo is joined by Toni Santos, otherwise known as Baby Buddha of Baby Buddha Studio out of Seattle, WA. Storefronts, portraits, and beloved images of everyday ordinary life are the subjects for Toni’s art that are then used for cards and other handmade products. After practicing architecture for 28 years, there was a drop in design work for a few years and so she took the opportunity to learn the wholesale gift trade. She fell in love with sales, product development and especially fine crafted toys. Her motto has always been 'Spying Beauty'. Influenced as a young design student by Berger's 'The Ways of Seeing', she draws and paints from everyday objects and snapshots taken while traveling. She works in watercolor and gouache in a loose whimsical style. Immersing herself in the illustration world with classes, social networking, marketing and exploring technique all in preparation for licensing opportunities. 

Margo and Toni discuss:

• Her career path and why she doesn’t consider herself an architect after spending 28 years in the industry
• Unique ways to tap your creativity
• How she mentors people with diverse backgrounds (real estate, medical, etc.) to tap into their own creativity
• Staying inspired in everyday life
• Mixing practicality with creativity
• The importance of bringing back play
• Her life motto, Spying Beauty, and how she incorporates it into her everyday

Connect with Toni:

Www.BabyBuddhastudio.com

www.instagram.com/babybuddhastudio

Margo chats with Healthy Aging Expert, Lisa Murphy. You may be wondering what that has to do with creativity but Lisa has reinvented herself several times throughout her life and encourages and empowers her clients to do the same. Creator of the RAV (Relevant, Active and Vibrant) Protocol, her programs help curious and open-minded women feel better with age, not worse, so that they can remain relevant, active and vibrant. She uses a science-backed method and looks at the four pillars of wellness: Food, Mood, Rest and Movement.  

Margo and Lisa discuss:

• Her career path and how she went from corporate mathematician to teaching yoga and living in Dubai
• How life as an expat broadened her creativity
• How creativity takes on many different forms
• Why life shouldn’t always be smooth sailing and sometimes change is messy and painful
• Overwhelm in the health and wellness industry
• Investing in ourselves and how to make helpful habit changes
• Why you have to have and find fun when it comes to wellness or it won’t work the way you want it to
• Reducing energetic clutter
• Being brutally in love with the present

Connect with Lisa:

https://www.lisamurphyllc.com

Veg with Lisa Live on Facebook

www.instagram.com/lisamurphyllc

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-murphy-health-coach/

Sharing an episode from our friends over at Broken Record. On Broken Record, acclaimed producer Rick Rubin, bestselling author Malcom Gladwell, and former New York Times editor Bruce Headlam talk with the musicians you love about their lives, inspiration, and craft. Rick Rubin has interviewed so many great artists over the years—including Andre 3000, Nas, and Neil Young. Today we will hear Rick’s conversation with one of the most innovative artists in music, Missy Elliot. This year is the 25th anniversary of Missy’s classic debut album, Supa Dupa Fly. When that album dropped, Missy’s unconventional rhyme schemes paired with her childhood friend Timbaland’s futuristic production set a precedent for what was creatively possible in hip-hop. And throughout her career, Missy’s maintained that same level of playful creativity. Missy broke records this year when she was recognized as having more platinum albums than any other female rapper. She’s also the first female MC to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for songs she's written for Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah’s biggest hits: “One In A Million,” and “If Your Girl Only Knew.” Today Rick Rubin talks to Missy Elliott about her wide-reaching influence and creative process. She explains what it was like writing for Aaliyah, who was one of the first artists to embrace Missy and Timbaland’s unique style. She also talks about why she and Timbaland made a pact not to listen to any other music while recording her debut album. You can listen to more episodes of Broken Record wherever you listen to podcasts.

Margo sits down with West Coast based photographer Christopher Dibble.Chris studied at Art Center College of Design and has spent his career photographing projects for commercial and editorial clients, designers, artists, and architects. Specializing in lifestyle interiors and portraiture, he has been interviewed by Popular Photography Magazine about his environmental portraiture and was selected as one of The Advocate’s 40 under 40. His work has been featured in editorial publications including House Beautiful, Dwell, HGTV, Country Living, Entertainment Weekly, and People Magazine. He’s also produced work for manufacturers including Sunbrella, The Shade Store, and Framebridge. While portraiture and interior design are considered two different photographic genres, Dibble works to combine his understanding of both with the intent of creating imagery that tells a story.

Margo and Chris discuss:

• How his formal education has informed and influenced his work 
• Why he finds community and personal connections to be so important and how they have paid off in his career
• How his work has evolved and how how he applied his knowledge from portraiture to interiors
• Imposter syndrome, the comparison trap, and how you can have appreciation for artists in your field without falling into a trap
• Giving yourself grace, especially when it comes to our creative businesses
• Why he believes in having hobbies that you're not trying to make a business out of
• His passion for weaving
• And a whole lot more

Chris’ first book, Modern Americana was released in 2021 and features over 100 photographs. He is currently working on a new book with designer Karen Nepacena of Destination Eichler. He is also balancing several projects beyond his own commercial photography business including a small product photography studio creating assets for brands, a community building project focusing on artist street fairs and pop up events as well as an online boutique featuring local makers of all levels, and a personal portraiture series of large format portraits. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Weaving The Future: Contemporary Diné Weavers

4Kinship

Connect with Chris:

christopherdibble.com

www.instagram.com/dibblephoto

Margo is joined by Natasha McCrary of 1818 Farms. After one of Natasha's sons became interested in raising his own sheep, she began to dream of her own plans for a small profitable farm where she could teach her children to appreciate the land and animals and to be good conservationists as well as learn the importance of sustainability and eating local "real" food.

Located on three acres in the northwest corner of the historic village of Mooresville, AL (pop. 58), 1818 Farms is named for the year Mooresville was incorporated, one year before Alabama became a state. 1818 Farms is home to many happy animal residents, over 14,000 flowers having been lovingly and carefully tended to and also offers events of all types and popular handmade bath and beauty products. 

Margo and Natasha discuss:

• The depth of entrepreneurship and why it often means working 7 days/week (especially on a farm)
• The inspiration in starting 1818 Farms and how creativity has played a role in the development of the farm
• Her background in marketing and how she uses that knowledge now
• Managing cash flows 
• Staying committed to their values amongst growth and challenges
• The small-batch, handmade products created on site
• How she avoids burnout when there is always something to tend to
• Staying true to your own path and awareness around the work and effort of entrepreneurship

Connect with Natasha:

https://1818farms.com/

https://www.instagram.com/1818farms/

Connect with Margo:

www.windowsillchats.com

www.istagram.com/windowsillchats

https://www.instagram.com/relishyourcreativity/

Margo is joined by Sophia Cosmas to discuss the subject of artmaking as a response to grief stemming from her own personal experiences. Sophia observed that over the last 20 years, with five significant losses, her grief has been compounded, but her response has, each time, been to immerse herself in intensive art making. In her experience grief takes innumerable forms and is not something that is "gotten over", "worked through" or necessarily ever resolved. She aims to create and to celebrate the perfect imperfection of life by being fully immersed in process learning and problem solving. Artmaking as a metaphor for life living itself. She finds inspiration everywhere but is heavily influenced by her Hellenic ancestry.

Margo and Sophia discuss:

• The complicated relationship between grief and loss
• Her experience with significant loss and why she doesn’t fear death
• The importance in allowing people to have their own process in creativity and grief and finding active ways to mourn
• How she holds boundaries within her work and honors the people she’s lost
• The evolution of practice and getting past “I can’t”
• Art Making as a Response to Grief: Sophia’s formal exploration of the relationship between creation and loss
• The value of being in control of our own perceptions

With an artistic voice heavily accented by her heritage, Sophia is self-taught and self-directed. She is happily rejecting the concept of "perfection" and says “life is a quality I always seek to capture in my artwork.” Her practice now encompasses painting, drawing, collage, digital design and ceramics (hand building). Sophia works from a home studio and one of her greatest achievements has been learning to adapt her endeavors to accommodate her physical limitations.

​

Mentioned in this episode:

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

Drawing with your non-dominant hand

Connect with Sophia:

www.sophandson.com

www.instagram.com/sophcosmas_art