Heirloom Artwork to Inspire Creativity: Brittany DeSantis on Grief, Calligraphy, and the Power of Journaling (Part 1)

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