Paper Talk
by Sara Kim of Handmade by Sara Kim, Quynh Nguyen of Pink and Posey and Jessie Chui of Crafted to Bloom
The Evolution of Paper Talk…Our journey began in 2017 when the Paper Talk community took root as a Facebook group, providing a safe haven for paper flower enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and find like-minded artists from all corners of the world. As the community flourished, so did our opportunities to expand and collaborate. The establishment of The Paper Florists Collective led to inspiring multi-day workshops in Seattle and Toronto, attracting makers from across the globe. Soon after, our commitment to sharing knowledge grew even stronger, giving rise to a weekly podcast featuring leaders and artists from both within and beyond our community. Alongside this, we introduced online education programs like the Paper to Profits Program and Paper X Talk lecture series, dedicated to nurturing paper flower entrepreneurs. Our continuous growth prompted the natural evolution of our name, moving from The Paper Florists Collective to the unified identity of Paper Talk across all pl
Episodes
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Ep 203: You Already Know Your Purpose: Finding the Words for It with Catherine Lash
What if your purpose is not something you need to find, but something you already live every day without the words for it? This week, co-host Jessie Chui introduces a guest who changed the way she understands her own work: Catherine Lash, a writer, speaker, and workshop host who helps people...
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Ep 202: "I Have a Business Name, Now What?" How Two Paper Flower Artists Built Their Businesses Together with Cher Lutz and Sandy Goetz
What happens when an online community finally meets in person? In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara welcome two members of the Paper to Profits Mastermind, Cher Lutz and Sandy Goetz, who joined us for our first in-person retreat in Seattle. We share our favorite moments from the weekend: a...
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Ep 201: Rapid-Fire Q&A: Paychecks, Paper Sources, and Permission to Be an Artist
For the first time in nine seasons, we are turning the mic over to you! In this rapid-fire Q&A, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara answer questions sent in by listeners, Mastermind participants, and friends. We talk about what we wish we knew before going full time with our art, whether you need to be…
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Ep 200: Celebrating 200 Episodes and Kicking Off Season 9
It's here, Episode 200. Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim kick off Season 9 of Paper Talk Podcast by pausing to celebrate a milestone eight years in the making, and to tell you exactly why we’re devoting this whole season to celebrating your wins. We take a trip back to where it all…
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Ep 199: Community, Connection & What We Learned This Season
Quynh, Sara, and Jessie close out Season 8 of Paper Talk Podcast with a heartfelt recap of their favorite guests, paper flower business lessons, and news on Episode 200. It's officially a wrap on Season 8, the longest season Paper Talk Podcast has ever recorded at 25 episodes! In this finale…
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Ep 198: Inside the Mastermind: The Long Game of Building an Art Business
Quynh, Jessie, and Sara go behind the scenes of their paper flower mastermind, sharing what three cohorts have taught them about accountability, imposter syndrome, and building a creative business for the long haul. In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara step away from guest interviews to talk...
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Ep 197: Our Current Projects: Museum Walls, Solo Shows, and Day of the Dead Paper Flowers
Quynh, Jessie, and Sara share what's next in their paper flower careers: a museum wall installation at the San Diego Natural History Museum, Jessie's first solo gallery show, and a Day of the Dead paper flower headpiece workshop in Mexico City with Hitomi Gilliam. Season 8 is winding down and...
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Ep 196: How to Land Corporate Workshop Clients (and Why It Took Three Years to Book Hermès) with Poy T. Granati
Poy T. Granati of Summer Space Studio returns to Paper Talk Podcast for her third appearance, joining co-hosts Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim. If you have followed Paper Talk for a while, you will recognize Poy from Episode 8, where we first introduced her, and Episode 135, our Pinterest...
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Ep 195: You Asked: How Do You Transport Paper Flowers Without Damage?
Hand-delivering a paper flower arrangement looks simple from the outside, until you are standing in your driveway realizing the giant blooms you spent weeks building will not fit in your downsized car. In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara open up about their real-world transport systems, the...
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Ep 194: 300 Workshops and Counting: Carrissa Wu on Building Jotterbook Flowers
When Carrissa Wu signed the lease on her first studio in a Fremantle warehouse, she remembers thinking, “What have I done?” She had just quit a stable corporate job at a Perth casino, had a growing stack of Etsy orders for paper flower bouquets, and a long list of dreams she had written down in...
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Ep 193: How to Respond to Inquiries: Bridal, Corporate, and Brand Deals
You got the inquiry. Now what? Whether it lands in your inbox from a bride-to-be, a corporate event planner, or a brand partnership manager, how you respond to that very first message can make or break the sale. In this quick but packed episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara break down their real-world...
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Ep 192: From Paper Flowers to Paper Lips: Laura Richey on Reinventing Your Creative Business
In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara sit down with Laura Richey, the Ontario-based artist behind Pucker Up Paper Lips and 2 CLVR Designs. Laura has been in the paper flower world for over 12 years, creating everything from thousands of card stock roses for Lancome to sculptural paper lips…
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Ep 191: Your Website is Your Handshake: Building Trust in the Paper Artist Community
Ever wondered why some creative businesses feel more trustworthy than others? In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara get real about websites, the power of putting your name out there, and why your online presence matters more than you think. "If I go onto your Instagram and I don't see your…
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Ep 190: It’s Okay to Walk Away: Margie Keates on Taking a Break from Paper Flowers
She’s been on the Paper Talk Podcast not once, not twice, but three times now, and for good reason. Margie Keates of The Lovely Ave is one of the paper flower community’s most beloved artists, known for her stunning crepe paper blooms, her gorgeous still life collections, and her warm, genuine...
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Ep 189: Behind the Lens: How We Photograph and Film Our Paper Flowers
Have you ever wondered how we capture those beautiful shots of our paper flowers? In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara pull back the curtain on their photography and videography equipment, settings, and creative processes. Sara shares her daily filming routine and why she shoots the same…
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Ep 188: Finding Your Why Again When Your Art Feels Heavy
What happens when the hustle slows down and you're left wondering if you should get a teaching credential instead? In this raw and honest conversation, Quynh, Sara, and Jessie open up about the parts of running a creative business we don't usually talk about: the financial worries, the seasonal...
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Ep 187: When Beautiful Isn’t Enough: Branding, Identity, and Standing Out as an Artist
In Episode 187 of Paper Talk, your hosts Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim unpack one of the hardest but most necessary conversations for artists: branding, identity, and growth beyond technical skill. We reflect on what happens when everyone’s work starts to look the same, why burnout…
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Ep 186: The Hand of Nature: Where Floral Mechanics Meet Paper Art with Hitomi Gilliam
In Episode 186 of Paper Talk, we welcome the incomparable floral designer and educator, Hitomi Gilliam for a deeply thoughtful conversation on floral mechanics, Ikebana, color theory, and what it truly means to make flowers feel alive. Hitomi brings decades of experience in floristry, Ikebana…
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Ep 185: To Niche or Not to Niche: Finding Clarity as a Creative
How niche should you be as a creative? In this episode of Paper Talk Podcast, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim sit down for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about niching down. They reflect on how their businesses have evolved, the challenges of serving multiple audiences, and the...
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Ep 184: Welcome to 2026: Finding Balance Between Art, Business, and Burnout
Welcome to 2026! Hosts Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui reflect on the highlights of 2025 and share how they’re approaching the new year with renewed purpose. From their favorite podcast moments to candid conversations about burnout, community, and social media, this episode offers a…
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Ep 183: From Cricut to Content: Building a Crafting Career with Karina Golindo
In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara sit down with Karina Golindo, the creative mind behind Crafty Kari, to talk about the intersection of crafting, content creation, and entrepreneurship. From sublimation to YouTube tutorials, Karina shares how her creative journey began with a...
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Ep 182: Beyond the Template: Finding Your Own Creative Voice
In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim dive into the art and philosophy of creating your own paper flower templates. What begins as a practical discussion quickly blooms into a conversation about creativity, confidence, and the evolution of each artist’s personal...
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Ep 181: Scaling Up: The Art and Logistics of Making Large Paper Flowers
When we think of paper flowers, we often imagine something small, intricate, and realistic. But what happens when you scale that beauty up tenfold? In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui explore the bold, beautiful world of large paper flowers and the practical...
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Ep 180: Holiday Prep for Creatives: How to Stay Ahead and Inspired
In this festive episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui share their best tips for preparing your creative business for the busiest time of the year. From managing orders and planning downtime to hosting workshops, packaging ideas, and navigating Black Friday sales, this...
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Ep 179: Defining the Creator: Artist, Influencer, or Marketer
In this episode of Paper Talk Podcast, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim sit down with Francis Zierer of Creator Spotlight to explore one of the most fascinating questions in today’s digital world: What is a creator? Francis shares how his definition has evolved, drawing from his work at...
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Ep 178: Why Every Creative Should Give an Artist Talk
In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim explore the value of artist talks: those special moments when artists step out from behind their work and share the story, process, and heart behind their creations. “Sometimes it’s as simple as educating your audience in what...
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Ep 177: Building Real Community Beyond Followers
In Episode 177 of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim open up about what it truly means to build community as artists. While follower counts and viral videos can feel validating, they share why authentic connections, through workshops, newsletters, stories, and everyday...
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Ep 176: The Legacy of Aleene’s Tacky Glue with Tiffany Windsor
Aleene’s Tacky Glue has been a household name for generations of makers, but do you know the story behind the gold bottle? In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Windsor, daughter of Aleene Jackson, to celebrate the 75-year legacy of Aleene’s and the community it continues to inspire. Tiffany...
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Ep 175: Welcome to Season 8 – All About Community
We’re kicking off Season 8 of Paper Talk, and this time it’s all about community—building it, maintaining it, and making it thrive. In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara reflect on over six years and 175 episodes of connecting with paper flower artists and creative entrepreneurs. We share our...
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Ep 174: Season 7 Finale - Small Steps, Big Changes
Each season of the Paper Talk Podcast holds a special place in our hearts, but Season 7 felt like a turning point. It reminded us that growth doesn’t have to be loud. It can be slow and quiet, a series of steady, intentional steps that shift us in ways we don’t always notice right away. And it...
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Ep 173: A Look Into Our Mastermind – The First Two Weeks
The beginning of anything creative is often the most challenging part. In this episode of Paper Talk, we’re sharing a heartfelt look into the first two weeks of our Mastermind. If you’re starting a handmade business, building your creative brand, or craving support from like-minded artists, then...
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Ep 172: From Brazil to Miami: Carol Pessoa’s Journey of Creativity, Courage, and Craft
In the world of creative entrepreneurship, few stories inspire as deeply as that of Carol Pessoa, the Brazilian paper artist and visionary behind Scrapeople. In Episode 172 of Paper Talk Podcast, we dive into Carol's transformative journey from her small hometown in Brazil to the bustling…
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Ep 171: Our Paper Flower Journeys: Finding Our Why
Every flower has a root—and so does every artist. In Episode 171 of Paper Talk Podcast, we - Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui - sat down to reflect on the winding paths that led us to paper flowers. From music studios to courtrooms, finance offices to wedding aisles, our stories are as...
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Ep 170: Why Your “Why” Matters: Building a Creative Business with Purpose
The journey of a creative entrepreneur is rarely a straight line. More often, it's a winding path full of experimentation, burnout, big dreams, and even bigger doubts. That’s why on this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim open up about what it truly takes to thrive…
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Ep 169: Finding Inspiration & Purpose on Social Media
In this episode, you’ll get an inside look at how our signature course, Paper to Profits: The Mastermind actually works—what it's like to be in the “hot seat,” how we work through challenges, and how clarity (and action) often comes from just one powerful conversation. Jessie takes the hot seat…
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Ep 168: Crafting Success with Paula Milner
Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Paper Talk! In Episode 168, we are thrilled to host the incredibly talented Paula Milner, also known as The Crafty Lass. Paula joins Quynh, Jessie, and Sara to discuss her creative journey, the transition from a corporate career to becoming a full-time...
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Ep 167: The Exciting Relaunch of Paper To Profits
Paper to Profit: The Mastermind isn’t just an online course; it’s a transformative journey for creative entrepreneurs seeking to turn their passion into profit. In our latest episode of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara reflect on the program's growth, sharing insights and personal experiences...
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Ep 166: From Felt to Flowers: The Creative Journey of Naomy Kim
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Naomy Kim of Made by Naomy! Known for her stunning and intricate felt flowers, Naomy’s creations are celebrated for their lifelike textures, beautiful hand-dyed details, and artistic innovation. Naomy shares her inspiring journey...
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Ep 165: Personal Branding and Mastermind Magic with Lauren V. Davis
In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara welcome a very special guest—Lauren V. Davis of Lauren Davis Creative. As Quynh’s mastermind coach and mentor, Lauren has been instrumental in helping her refine her personal brand and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Lauren shares her...
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Ep 164: Overcoming Challenges and Growing a Paper Flower Business with Gina Arzola
In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Gina Arzola of Gina’s Paper Mountain to discuss her journey into the world of paper flowers. From discovering the art as a hobby to landing high-profile opportunities with the National Gallery of Art, Gina’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and...
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Ep 163: Quynh's Hot Seat - Tech Upgrades, Audio Essentials, and Content Tips
In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh finds herself in the hot seat! She brings her questions about upgrading audio equipment and perfecting sound quality for her video recordings. With Jessie and Sara by her side, the conversation expands into insightful tips, personal experiences, and must-know...
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Ep 162: Building a Supportive Creative Community
In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara discuss a topic that resonates deeply with many creatives: the importance of building a supportive community. Drawing from personal experiences and listener questions, they explore why community isn’t just “nice to have” but vital for growth, connection…
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Ep 161 - Coaching for Creative Entrepreneurs with Chris Mitchell
In this episode of Paper Talk, Jessie, Quynh, and Sara sit down with Chris Mitchell, a life, career and professional development coach for artists and creatives. Chris has helped numerous creatives, including Jessie herself, to refine their approach to productivity, work-life balance, and…
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Ep 160: Bonus Round - Marketing Tips for Paper Artists
In this special bonus round of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara dive into one of the most frequently asked questions from their community: “How do you effectively market yourself as a paper flower artist?” This episode features practical, actionable tips on building a personal brand, creating...
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Ep 159: Building a Creative Business and Life with Janna Willoughby-Lohr
In this episode of Paper Talk, we welcome back returning guest Janna Willoughby-Lohr, who shares her journey as both an artist and business owner. Janna, a mother of three, reflects on the changes and challenges she's faced since her last appearance in Episode 121, including navigating life as a...
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Ep 158: Hot Seat with Sara Kim
In Episode 158, we’re introducing something exciting for Season 7—Hot Seat Sessions! 🎉 This time, we’re putting the spotlight on our co-host, Sara Kim, as she opens up about the unique challenges she's faced throughout her 13-year journey as a business owner and artist. Here’s what you'll hear…
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Ep 157: Welcome to Season 7: Reflecting on Growth, Mistakes, and Connections in the Creative World
In our season premiere, we - Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim - welcome you to Season 7 of Paper Talk! With over five years and 150 episodes behind us, we reflect on the evolution of our journeys as artists and entrepreneurs. This season, we will dive into the theme of growth and…
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Ep 156: Embracing Creativity in the Paper Talk Podcast Season Finale
Welcome to the season finale of the Paper Talk Podcast! As we wrap up this incredible season, we’re taking a moment to celebrate everything we've learned together and look ahead to the exciting future of our paper flower community. This season has been filled with inspiring stories, invaluable...
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Ep 155: Mastering Workshop Promotion and Marketing
Welcome to an exciting new episode of the Paper Talk Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the world of workshop management, where we'll uncover the keys to success alongside our regular hosts, Quynh and Sara, as well as our returning host, Jessie. Whether you're a seasoned facilitator or just...
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Ep 154: Thriving as a Creative Entrepreneur with May Ling Chen
Welcome to Paper Talk Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of art business and entrepreneurship. In our latest episode, we're excited to share insights gleaned from our conversation with May Ling Chen who has mastered the art of success in the competitive art market. Join us as we...
About this show
The Evolution of Paper Talk…Our journey began in 2017 when the Paper Talk community took root as a Facebook group, providing a safe haven for paper flower enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and find like-minded artists from all corners of the world. As the community flourished, so did our opportunities to expand and collaborate. The establishment of The Paper Florists Collective led to inspiring multi-day workshops in Seattle and Toronto, attracting makers from across the globe. Soon after, our commitment to sharing knowledge grew even stronger, giving rise to a weekly podcast featuring leaders and artists from both within and beyond our community. Alongside this, we introduced online education programs like the Paper to Profits Program and Paper X Talk lecture series, dedicated to nurturing paper flower entrepreneurs. Our continuous growth prompted the natural evolution of our name, moving from The Paper Florists Collective to the unified identity of Paper Talk across all pl
Hosted by
Sara Kim of Handmade by Sara Kim, Quynh Nguyen of Pink and Posey and Jessie Chui of Crafted to Bloom