The Empowered Creatives

It's so easy for criticism to almost shatter your dreams. This episode navigates through the rough waters of criticism and provide you with empowering strategies to help you become unsinkable. From learning the value of constructive feedback to understanding that criticism often tells more about the critics than your work, we offer you a new lens to view criticism and use it to fuel your creat...

Aly, a Black, biracial, Mad acrylic painter and visual artist, opens up about the journey of finding a community that harmonizes with their art and personal values. A conversation that drifts through complex feelings tied to bodily autonomy, integrity, and acceptance, we share a moment with Aly that emphasizes the importance of knowing that you can find a community that resonates with your artistr...

I can recall standing before a group of new employees, anxiety gnawing at me as I led an onboarding program. I was paralyzed by the thought of making a mistake, my perfectionist nature dictating every move. After realizing the limiting nature of this mindset, I've chosen to share my personal journey in overcoming perfectionism and stepping into my most empowered self. Join me as I reveal how I...

Discover how to confidently navigate the ever-evolving world of technology as an artist in our engaging conversation with Quebec-based creator, Sandra Vallette. Embrace the potential of AI to connect with like-minded individuals and foster a sense of community around your artwork. Learn the importance of an open mind to seek out new opportunities, even when they push you outside of your comfort zo...

Ready to break free from the "shoulds" in your creative life? I'll never forget the overwhelming pressure of "shoulds" as I stepped into the professional world after college: I should move to a specific place, I should get a certain job, I should attend every single audition. Sound familiar? Join me as I share my personal journey through this maze of expectations and reveal...

Join us for an insightful chat with the multi-talented Imani Davis, a writer, producer, and film programmer at the American Cinema Tech in Los Angeles. Imani shared her journey from studying film at Ohio State University to finding her calling in the film industry, which was not only inspiring but also a testament to the power of having an entrepreneurial mindset. With her unique approach to her c...

Ever felt like you're stuck in a creative rut or faced the dreaded burnout? You're not alone! In this heartfelt episode, I open up about my personal experiences with burnout and how it led me to create the Find Your Path Roadmap. This five-step process is designed to help you navigate the twists and turns of creative career transitions by clarifying misalignment, identifying your unique aw...

Being intentional with our energy can be one of the most challenging things to do as an artist and entrepreneur. Ironically, it's the very key to keeping yourself away from hustle or burnout. Tune into this episode as I share with you some of the key signs to look out for that are telling you when you need to go, when you need to slow down, or when you just need to stop and take a rest. This i...

You've probably heard the saying that everyone is creative. But have you ever heard that everything can be creative? According to Zach Smith, even vacuuming can tap you into creative flow. Zach worked in the Chinese film industry for over 9 years as a screenwriter, a kung fu stuntman, and vice president of a film and co-production company until it all came crashing down. After feeling a huge l...

A vision gives you a destination, but the goals are the small quests that get you there in the end. Goals help to break down what might feel overwhelming more tactical and easy to achieve. In Part 2 of this goal-setting series, I'm going to share with you HOW to break down a vision into goals. Be sure to tune back into last week’s episode on 5 Keys to Vision Creation if you haven't listened alread...

Being brave enough to set a vision is a radical act. It’s sticking a flag in the sand and saying to the world (and yourself)... I want this. You can either help me on my quest, or let me go. There is power in putting what you want out into the world. You might not receive it back in kind or in the way you expect. But there is a freedom in allowing yourself to ask. Every goal I now set starts with...

Most of our career paths are not linear but rather feature a ton of twists, turns, and unexpected side treks. It can leave many of us feeling a little lost in our own story and not sure how to make sense of our past to carve out the future we desire. Hardie Cobbs went through this journey herself a few years back when a breast cancer diagnosis sparked a pivot in her own career from artist to perso...

In the hustle and bustle of modern society, it's hard to slow down and let big changes sink in. We are constantly hopping from one to do list to the next, one project to the next, or one holiday party to the next, eager to do it all. But when big change is happening, whether that be through choice, opportunity, or unforeseen circumstances, it can be difficult to carve out time to fully process the...

It can be daunting to write and publish your first book. But what if someone were to tell you that it's easier than you think? If you're dreaming of getting your book out there in 2023, then this episode is for you. Genevieve Parker Hill (international bestselling author, speaker, and coach in the fields of simple living and creative growth) joins me this week to share her 5 simple steps to gettin...

As both an entrepreneur and creative, I want to turn everything into an income stream. When you're good at something and love doing it, why not make money? Well when everything becomes work, suddenly there's not outlet left for play. Despite the age old shame and fear that comes with not being labeled a professional, this episode covers 4 reasons why we all need hobbies.  Your One Thing This...

Ever had that moment where you suddenly realized that you were creating and making... alone? Ironically, you're not alone. Emily Ritger, teacher, writer, experimenter, and collaborator, set out on an experiment with friends back in 2017 to discover what her previous college classmates were needing in their craft. Turns out, it was community. Not just a place to share work and receive feedback, but...

The word "networking" can certainly trigger a lot of emotions: fear, excitement, nervousness, or even dread. But what if I were to tell you that networking, at its heart, is just building relationships.  Tune into this episode where I will share 5 tips on how to start building vital connections tomorrow.  Your One Thing this Week Whose one step ahead of you? Send them a message on social...

It's hard to know what joy is, but we all know it when we've lost it. This weeks Dr. Erin Baker (they/them) is a self-leadership coach and the author of the bestselling Joy-Full AF: The Essential Business Strategy We’re Afraid to Put First. They are on a mission to help heart-centered entrepreneurs, creatives, and change-makers create prosperous, difference-making, joy-full AF businesses and lives...

Tune into this episode where I share what's going on with me and how I'm making space for the next chapter. Your One Thing this Week If you could change one thing in your life today that would make the biggest positive impact on your mental health and joy, what would you change and why? Connect with Victoria Hines www.victoriahines.com OR on instagram @thevictoriahines Feeling lost, stuck, or over...

Sometimes it's inevitable to hit burnout in your craft. That's what happened to Jackie right after graduating college. But as she settled into her day job, she realized she needed to make time for her art once again. Now she's working from an incredible studio space in Raleigh (ArtSpace), co-creating the Level Up Artists podcast, and launched her own business coaching business for creatives. Join...

Just like the earth spins and turns and tumbles into new seasons, so do our lives. Sometimes, our goals, projects, and initiatives just don't match the season that we're in.  If you're resisting projects, procrastinating, feeling drained more often, constantly overwhelmed, or have lost the joy, then you might be in the wrong season for this particular project. This can happen in side-projects...

"Everything is harder than you think it will be but anything is possible"... talk about a mic drop from Amber Petty, former NYC actor and current full-time freelance writer. There are so many creative paths out there but one of the key metrics of finding satisfaction with your work is feeling agency over your work. Join Amber and I this week as we discuss: How to know when a previous creative drea...

If you're seeking your purpose or even just a little more fulfillment in your work and career, look no further than Ikigai. Ikigai is a Japanese word that means a reason for being. After I read the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles back in 2020, I was a little skeptical that a simple exercise could point me in a direction in my own car...

LinkedIn has for a long time felt like the go to place for bankers and lawyers... but not so much for creatives. But Volta Voloshin-Smith, Dallas-based watercolor artist and author of Watercolor Snacks , is here to tell us otherwise. Join Volta and I this week as we discuss: How the internet and social media has given so many artists new opportunities today Why using LinkedIn as a creator could be...

The best work comes from collaboration. From creative projects to business ventures, none of use were meant to succeed alone. But not all collaborations are equal and it's up to you to decide which partnerships are worth your time and which opportunities to pass on. Today's solo episode covers the 5 things you should know about collaboration to better help you gauge whether a joint venture is righ...