The Artrepreneur Diaries

In this episode, I sit down with Kensie Keele, a professional dancer who shares her journey from a small town in North Carolina to the fast-paced world of New York City. We talk about what it really takes to pursue dance as a career, the power of creative community, and how finding your people can change everything. From training at the CLI Conservatory to performing in NYC, Kenzie opens up about confidence, collaboration, and staying grounded in the hustle.Chapters00:00 Welcome to TAD03:03 Kensie Keele: A Journey into Dance06:03 The Leap to New York City08:54 Training at CLI Conservatory12:09 Finding Confidence in Dance14:55 Joining Akompany: A New Chapter18:01 The Importance of Community20:58 First Performance in NYC24:10 Exploring Commercial Dance26:47 The Power of Creative Collaboration29:51 Creative Influences and Toolbox32:46 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

In this episode of TAD, I sit down with Nicole, an artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who left the corporate world to pursue her creative passions. We dive into the power of music as a tool for healing, the magic that happens through collaboration, and the importance of building a supportive creative community.Nicole opens up about her journey from poetry to songwriting, the challenges of sustaining a creative career, and what it truly means to live authentically as an artist. We also discuss overcoming burnout, discovering your creative voice, and the everyday practices that fuel inspiration. Plus, she shares her vision for SK, the creative community she’s cultivating.Chapters00:00 Welcome to TAD01:27 Introducing Nicole: The Corporate Turned Artist02:44 Defining the Entrepreneurial Artist04:28 The Evolution of Swartkat Studios06:34 The Importance of Collaboration in Art08:16 From Poetry to Songwriting10:21 The Healing Power of Music12:14 Authentic Creative Living14:29 Practicing Songwriting and Singing17:09 The Collaboration Process in Music20:44 Challenges in the Artistic Journey23:34 Overcoming Burnout as a Creative25:40 Advice for Aspiring Creatives29:05 Creative MVPs and Inspirations31:35 Essential Tools for Creativity33:13 Future Aspirations for SK35:31 Connecting with Nicole

In this episode, I chat with filmmaker Jana Tolmi about her journey from South Africa to Canada to Paris and how these cultural transitions have shaped her creative perspective. We dive into storytelling, casting, networking, and the importance of embracing uncertainty in the film industry. If you're a filmmaker or creative looking for inspiration, this one's for you!Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Artrepreneur Diaries01:01 Jana's Journey: From South Africa to Paris04:12 Cultural Transitions: Adjusting to New Environments10:45 Exploring Film: Jana's Experiences in Paris14:09 The Influence of Culture on Storytelling18:40 Casting: Bringing Stories to Life20:46 Networking and Breaking into the Industry23:34 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers25:28 Embracing Uncertainty in the Next Chapter27:23 Creative Inspirations and Resources

In this episode of TAD, I sit down with actress, writer, and founder of See Beyond Studios, DebbieAnn. We dive into her journey into acting and filmmaking, how motherhood has shaped her creative path, and her mission to create more opportunities for diverse voices in the industry. DebbieAnn shares the challenges and triumphs of breaking into Hollywood, the power of theater in storytelling, and the business side of being a creative entrepreneur. We also discuss her latest project, It Takes Ah Village, and she offers invaluable advice on networking, scriptwriting, and financial planning for creative ventures. If you're looking for insight on balancing creativity, business, and self-belief, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss!Chapters00:00Introduction to Creativity and the Guest01:12Debbie Ann's Journey into Acting and Filmmaking04:33The Impact of Motherhood on Creative Pursuits07:05The Power of Theater and Performance10:28Representation in the Creative Industry15:00Creating C Beyond Studios and Its Mission16:59Debbie Ann's TV Show: It Takes a Village21:08Breaking into the Entertainment Industry22:35Finding Financial Support for Creative Projects24:25The Importance of a Great Script28:03Networking and Collaboration in the Creative Industry30:27Learning the Craft: Understanding Film Production33:27Balancing Business and Creativity35:58Advice for Aspiring Creatives39:32Future Projects and Focus on Acting41:34Creative Inspirations and Tools for Success

Join us in this episode of TAD as Melissa, owner of Lemon Balm Ceramics, discusses her journey of grief and how she turned it into a meaningful business. We discuss the transformative power of art, the cathartic process of creating, and the journey of transitioning from a mental health career to a creative business. Melissa shares her experiences with grief and burnout and the importance of maintaining passion and integrity in her work. The conversation highlights the significance of finding creative outlets for emotional expression and the challenges of pricing art. Chapters00:00 Welcome to TAD00:57 Art as a Tool for Healing05:07 The Journey of Melissa: From Mental Health to Pottery09:37 Finding Catharsis in Creativity14:17 Navigating the Transition to a Creative Career19:08 The Emotional Impact of Creating Meaningful Art22:17 Maintaining Passion and Integrity in Business24:20 Curating a Creative Community31:20 Navigating the Market Landscape35:34 Building Relationships Over Marketing40:58 Taking the First Steps in Creativity45:01 Lessons Learned Along the Journey47:44 Celebrating Community and Support

In this episode of TAD, we explore the joy and art of capturing love with wedding photographer Amy Susnjara. We discuss the journey of turning a passion for photography into a successful business, the importance of storytelling in capturing moments, and the challenges faced in pricing and marketing. Amy shares her experiences, insights on learning and growth, and the significance of connecting with clients to create authentic and memorable photography.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Artrepreneur Diaries01:47 The Art of Photography: Capturing Love02:14 Amy's Journey: From Passion to Profession04:07 Learning and Growth in Photography07:55 Defining Photography Style and Storytelling12:03 Memorable Shoots: Connecting with Clients14:54 Diverse Photography Niches17:09 Navigating Business Challenges in Photography20:27 Building a Portfolio from Scratch22:46 Balancing Art and Business25:05 Marketing Strategies in a Competitive Industry25:32 Building a Client Base Through Authentic Connections30:00 The Power of Social Media and SEO in Marketing35:49 Navigating Challenges in Wedding Photography40:57 Advice for Aspiring Photographers46:04 Finding Inspiration and Tools for Success

Welcome to TAD! I'm so excited to kick off this journey with you. Stick around to see all the cool things coming...Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Artrepreneur Diaries01:17 Ashley’s Creative Journey and Background03:10 Defining the Creative Entrepreneur04:11 Wake-Up Moments and Reality Checks05:53 Expectations for the Podcast08:39 Personal Insights and Community Engagement12:01 Advice for Creative Growth