The Creative Chronicles

Latest Episodes:

Yarned and Dangerous: The Brochet Crochet Adventure Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

I am so pumped to bring you this conversation. I had the chance to chat with Steven Borzachillo of Brochet, the comedic yarn phenomenon that is taking over social media with his wooly weaponry duels. Combining his background in sketch comedy writing and his new passion for crochet, Steven is inspiring so many people to pick up some yarn and try their hand at fiber arts.

Steven discusses the positive impact of his crochet videos, including making people laugh and inspiring others to pick up crochet hooks. He also talks about breaking gender stereotypes in the fiber arts world and the importance of connecting with others through humor. He also shares his creative process the importance of staying present on social media and embracing imperfections.

I have been a fan of Brochet’s videos since they launched and laugh constantly every time I see them. Now getting a glimpse into Steven’s creative mind, it’s no wonder why his new leap into the fiber arts world has been a huge success setting him up for some exciting new adventures. This conversation is one for everyone, no matter your age, gender or your craftiness skill. It’s upbeat and inspirational and pure joy. Great reminder - no matter the art form, we’re all artists.

TAKEAWAYS:

Putting oneself out there as an artist and overcoming fear is essential for growth and success.
Building a supportive community is important for artists and makers.
Art should be prioritized over commerce, and genuine engagement with the audience is crucial.
Making people laugh through crochet is a wonderful and positive consequence of Brochet's videos.
Crochet can inspire people to connect with others and break gender stereotypes in the fiber arts world.

LINKS

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D68jQfLJz7s

Follow Brochet on Instagram

Follow on TikTok

Shop Brochet Online - https://www.etsy.com/shop/therealbrochet/?etsrc=sdt

Follow Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram

Shop Ceramic Cactus - https://brushstrokespottery.com

NOMINATE AN ARTIST:

If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Kitty Keller's Journey from Hand-Painted T-Shirts to Global Artistry Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

Kitty Keller is a fine artist who began her career over 38 years ago with painted t-shirts and today, serves clients worldwide with exceptionally curated, hand-crafted glass, ceramic, and cloisonné ornaments. Each ornament is meticulously hand painted and finished in 24 karat gold accents by skilled artisans. Making them true collectible pieces of art. She has designed works of art for the National Parks, Universities, countless organizations and sells in boutiques and stores all around the world. In this episode she emphasizes the importance of being fearless, not being daunted by detractors, and always seeking the next thing. Her years of wisdom and insight on design, mindset and manufacturing is priceless. Plus it was a true blessing to find out that she actually knew my Mom years ago as they began their art journeys in tandem paths. It was absolutely an honor to chat with her.

TAKEAWAYS

Be fearless and don't be daunted by detractors.
Understand your customer base and create products that they want.
Utilize technology to reach a wider audience.
Always be willing to adapt and change.
Never be afraid to ask for opportunities.

CHAPTERS

03:19 Creativity is in all of Us

05:48 The Art of Confidence and Fearlessness in Business

11:25 The Cloisonne Process

17:17 How Kitty Stays Inspired

20:15 Scaling as a Hand Crafted Business

22:52 Technology's Growth and the Benefits for Artists

28:40 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

31:09 What has Kitty Excited in Business Now?

RESOURCES:

Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zk5EaL

Kitty Keller on Instagram

Shop Online https://kittykeller.com

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Book - https://amzn.to/45L7Mo7

Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram

Shop Ceramic Cactus HERE: Use code PODCAST at checkout for 10%off!

Creative Chronicles on Instagram

NOMINATE AN ARTIST:

If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

artist, business, hand-painting, t-shirts, ornaments, cloisonné, fearless, competition, customer base, fine artist, art podcast

From Doodles to Dough: Hayley Cakes & Cookies Sweet Success Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

We're diving into the artistic side of the food industry with a guest who has turned cookie decorating into a viral sensation. I mean who hasn't paused while scrolling on social media to watch an intricate cookie decorating video? It's a true art form, and Hayley Evans of Hayley Cakes and Cookies has mastered it. Her childhood love for doodling and baking, inspired by her mom, led her to start a side hustle decorating cookies at age 19 in her college apartment which quickly blossomed into a a thriving business with 4 locations and national recognition. Join us as Hayley shares her journey and the challenges she's faced as she expands her growing business.

This episode truly was so special. Hayley was our first in-studio guest so we definitely had a lot of fun laughing, chatting business and dealing with a few dog interruptions. You will be able to watch the full video of this conversation on our YouTube channel - I’ve linked it below. But without further ado let’s get started

Takeaways

Taking risks and offering something unique sets you apart from others.
Managing people and creating a positive work environment is crucial.
Social media can be a powerful tool for business growth.
Having a passion for creativity and baking is essential.

Being present and engaged with others is important.
Imposter syndrome is common, but it's important to recognize your own value.
Finding inspiration in nature can fuel creativity.
Collaborating with others in the industry can be inspiring and motivating.
Taking time for yourself and enjoying the process is important.
Having a supportive network is crucial for success.
Being open to creative freedom and embracing new trends is important.
Adapting to trends and staying current is important in the social media landscape.

Topics

#cookiedecorating #icedcookies #baking #cakedecorating

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Childhood doodling

02:31 The Art of Cookie and Cake Decoration

09:04 Life Lessons to Manage Employees

16:51 Finding Inspiration in Nature

21:02 Cookie Videos Going Viral on Social Media

27:32 Advice for Younger Self

28:32 Facing Imposter Syndrome

29:44 Writing a Cookie Decorating Book

33:07 Where to Find Hayley Cakes and Cookies

LINKS

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cnC2KJFNkDc

FOLLOW:

Hayley Cakes on instagram https://www.instagram.com/thehayleycakes/

Shop Online https://hayleycakesandcookies.com

Order the Cookie Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0760371598/creativepubco-20

Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram

Shop Ceramic Cactus - https://brushstrokespottery.com

NOMINATE AN ARTIST:

If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Knot Your Average Journey: Camryn's Path to Crochet and Craft Show Success May 31, 2024

Show notes

You may know her best as the joyful and bubbly crochet artist online. Now Camryn Breneman, the owner of Cameron's Cute Creations, is expanding her business as an online educator for other crochet and art business owners. In this episode we discussed her journey as a crochet artist, the rise of the crochet trend plus she provides valuable tips for artists looking to participate in craft shows, including the importance of mindset, creating an attractive display, and engaging with customers. You will definitely get a boost of serotonin after listening to this episode. Her joy and passion for art shines through in a beautiful way. So much so I wanted to bottle up her enthusiasm so I could tap into it on a daily basis. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

Please be sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode!

Takeaways:

The Rise of Crocheting and the Influence of Trendy Yarns
Choosing the Right Craft Shows and Elevating Your Display
Creating an Eye-Catching Display at Craft Shows
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at Craft Shows
Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Social Media
Setting Realistic Expectations for Content Creation and Business Growth

RESOURCES:

Craft Show Checklist:

https://mailchi.mp/e328bcc71726/craft-show-checklist

FOLLOW:

Camryn’s Cute Creations on Instagram

Shop Online https://camrynscutecreations.com/

Watch on YouTube

Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram

Shop Ceramic Cactus

NOMINATE AN ARTIST:

If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Spilling the Sewing Beans with The Little Green Bean May 17, 2024

Show notes

Missy Luukkonen, owner of the Little Green Bean, shares her journey from starting a side hustle on Etsy to evolving her business and finding success. She discusses the popularity of her handmade gnomes and the importance of adapting to changing trends. Missy emphasizes the value of being authentic and relatable on social media, building trust with customers, and the power of showing up consistently. She encourages experimentation and learning from mistakes, and shares her experience of working with her husband in the business. Missy Luukkonen, the founder of The Little Green Bean, shares her journey of building a successful craft business and the joy she finds in helping others. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, constantly learning, and listening to what your audience wants. Missy also discusses the evolution of her business, from selling handmade items to becoming an educator through online courses and a sewing membership. She highlights the role of social media in growing her brand and creating a positive and welcoming community. Overall, Missy's story is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and connection.

Takeaways

Starting as a side hustle, Missy Luukkonen's business, the Little Green Bean, has evolved over the years.
The popularity of her handmade gnomes helped catapult her business.
Being authentic and relatable on social media is key to building trust with customers.
Consistency and showing up regularly on social media is important for maintaining a strong online presence.
Experimentation and learning from mistakes are essential for growth and improvement.
Missy shares her experience of working with her husband in the business and the challenges and rewards that come with it.
Listen to your audience and pay attention to what they want. Utilize social media to gather feedback and ideas.
Don't be afraid to evolve and try new things. Missy transitioned from selling handmade items to becoming an educator through online courses and a sewing membership.
Create a positive and welcoming community through social media. Set boundaries and remove negativity to maintain a safe and joyful space.
Helping others and seeing their success brings immense joy. Focus on providing value and empowering your audience.
Constantly learn and stay curious. Keep pushing forward, ask questions, and never stop growing.
Building a successful craft business takes time and consistent effort. It's important to celebrate the small wins along the way.

LINKS:

Join the Sewing Squad - https://thelittlegreenbean.com/sewingsquad

FOLLOW:

The Little Green Bean instagram on Instagram

Shop Online https:https://thelittlegreenbean.com

Brush Strokes Pottery on Instagram

Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com

NOMINATE AN ARTIST:

If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Whimsical Wonders: Inside the World of Salty Sea Dog Designs Ceramics May 03, 2024

Show notes

Salty Sea Dog Designs is a beautiful fusion of Blair's and Sarah’s ceramic talents resulting in distinctly adorable 3D animal mugs, vases and more. Sarah throws all the forms on the pottery wheel, while Blair hand sculpts the intricate details. Together, they bring each piece to life. What's truly unique about Salty Sea Dog Designs is how they've built a devoted community around their work. Each limited batch of ceramics is eagerly awaited by their followers, who also await the chance to give each piece a name, infusing them with personality. This interactive process creates a special bond between the creators and their customers, turning each piece into a cherished part of someone's home. Join me as we dive into the world of Salty Sea Dog Designs and discover the magic behind their whimsical pottery creations.

TAKEAWAYS:

Listen to your audience and incorporate their ideas into your designs.
Keep a positive mindset and always look for opportunities to learn and grow.
How they prioritize education, humor, and relatability in their social media content.
The importance of educating an audience about the process behind their pottery and the time it takes to create each piece.
The strong connection with their customers they've built with customers to create a community who feels like family.

FOLLOW:

Salty Sea Dog Designs on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saltyseadogdesigns/

Shop Online https://saltyseadogdesigns.com/en-us

Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/

Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com

NOMINATE AN ARTIST:

If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Turn Rejection into Sucess: Applying for Art Markets Apr 28, 2024

Show notes

In this bonus episode of The Creative Chronicles, I’m sharing my personal experience of how I overcame rejection and used a "NO" to fuel and motivate me. I learned so much from this humbling experience and it truly made me a better artist and small business maker in the process. I'm sharing all the feelings and the exact steps I took in my application process to finally achieve my dream of being accepted to the largest art market of my career.

If any one part of my journey can help you if you are going for that big dream in your life, then my heart is full. Remember if I can do it...YOU CAN TO! TAKEAWAYS Rejection is not the end - it's an opportunity to grow and reassess Learn from each experience and continuously improve your products and booth Build connections with other vendors and seek advice from experienced professionals Approach applications with genuine passion and belief in your unique offerings Never give up on your dreams and keep pushing towards your goals LINKS: Market Acceptance Video - https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYjJytJkSr/ FOLLOW: Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/ Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com NOMINATE AN ARTIST: If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Crafting Your Colorful Brand with Nicole Lewis of Art 2 the Extreme Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

Nicole Lewis, founder of Art to the Extreme, shares her journey of creating the original rainbow crayon. All which began in the classroom as an art teacher and her desire to find a solution to the broken crayon chaos. She quickly used her problem solving skills to create a unique one of a kind art product perfect for kids and adults alike. Nicole’s tenacity to be her own press agent and her ability to utilize the power of collaborations has helped her become a top tier seller and influencer on Etsy as well as national name. Her rainbow crayons have been featured in major publications such as the TODAY show, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, US Weekly, and People to name a few. Plus has been featured as a top gift idea by JoAnna Gaines and asked to create gifts for the Oprah Network. Trust me y’all, you will want to grab something to take notes with because this episode is jam packed with incredible information! Nicole's insight is invaluable and her joyful nature will keep you absolutely captivated.

TAKEAWAYS

Thinking outside the box and creating a new rainbow crayon for all to enjoy.
Reaching out to the press and building relationships can result in organic publicity.
Asking for help and advice from others in the industry can be beneficial for business growth. It's important to stay true to yourself and not compare your journey to others.

Having both an Etsy shop and a personal website can be beneficial for reaching customers and building a brand.
Strong photography and effective SEO are key to standing out on Etsy.
Embrace the different seasons of life and be open to collaborations and new projects.
Sustainability can be incorporated into a creative business through partnerships and conscious sourcing.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Connection

03:37 Who is Art 2 the Extreme

04:09 How it all Started

05:40 Creating Customized Crayons for Students with Special Needs

09:18 Receiving a Call from the Oprah's Network

10:57 Early Days on Etsy

13:42 Getting Press and Collaborating with Other Brands

18:25 Persistence and Reflecting on Success

22:56 In-House Production

26:35 Tips for Etsy Success

33:22 Nicole's Creative Journey

34:04 Transition from Teaching to Starting a Business

36:55 Sourcing Crayons and Reusing Materials

38:42 Finding Time for Creativity

42:05 Where to Find Art 2 the Extreme and Shop

LINKS:

Launch Grow Joy - https://www.launchgrowjoy.com
Press for Sucess - https://pressforsuccess.com
Etsy Affiliate Program - Affiliates & Creatorsetsy.com
Book a call with Art2theExtreme - https://art2theextreme.com/pages/pickmybrain
Art2theExtreme Pick My Brain eBook - https://art2theextreme.com/products/letsgetpress

FOLLOW:

Art 2 the Extreme on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/art2theextreme/https://www.instagram.com/northsoulstudios/

Shop Online https://art2theextreme.com/

Brush Strokes Pottery on instagram -

https://www.instagram.com/brushstrokespottery/

Shop Ceramic Cactus Online https://brushstrokespottery.com

NOMINATE AN ARTIST:

If you’d like to nominate an artist (can be yourself) send us an email at info@brushstrokespottery.com

Part 2 - Mountains, Margaritas and Mindfulness: A woodworking journey with Dani of North Soul Studios Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this episode, Dani shares her journey as an artist and creator, discussing her design process, overcoming challenges, and the launch of her Mountain Maker Kits. She emphasizes the importance of following curiosity, problem-solving, and being organized in her creative endeavors. Dani also talks about managing anxiety, embracing rest, and the significance of connecting with others in the artistic community. She offers advice for artists starting out, encouraging them to take small steps and stay true to themselves. Dani's transparency and insights provide valuable lessons for navigating the art world and finding success while staying grounded.

Takeaways

Follow your curiosity and be open to tinkering and exploring new ideas.
Don't let societal expectations and the pressure to please others hold you back.
Find a balance between hard work and rest, and prioritize self-care.
Take small steps and be selective with opportunities when starting a business.
Seek feedback from the community and learn from each market or event.
Value face-to-face connections and the adrenaline rush of putting yourself out there.
Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on your own journey.

Chapters