A Life Creative Podcast

What does it take to turn an author's vision into a bestselling book? Book editor Ellen Morrissey has done it more than ten times over. After 16 years at Martha Stewart Living — where she shepherded dozens of books to publication, with more than 10 landing on the New York Times bestseller list — Ellen has built a thriving post-Martha career helping authors of illustrated lifestyle books realize their creative visions. Her collaborators include ceramicist Frances Palmer, writer Matt Hranek, and baker Kristina Cho. And in a full-circle moment, Ellen stepped into the author's chair herself with I Want to Eat Cookies, a collection of more than 90 cookie recipes. In this episode, she traces the path that led her into book editing and shares what that creative life looks like today—and somehow, she has time to craft fantastical cakes whose inspiration often comes from the minds of 4-year-olds.  Think ‘zombie unicorn’ for example.www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

A divorce and the pandemic aren't the events most people credit for their creative breakthrough — but for collage artist James Gallagher, they were turning points.In this episode of A Life Creative, host Melañio Gomez sits down with James — introduced through James' wife, prop stylist Pam Morris — to trace a winding path to full-time artistry. James spent years inside and outside the medium of collage, pulled in and out by professional, economic, and life events, before a period of real soul-searching turned art into something closer to therapy. That self-reflection showed up in the work, and it's what finally connected him to the wider collage community.Today James is known as a curator, collaborator, portraitist, and educator — hosting live collage events that help non-artists find something unexpected with cutting tools and a stack of paper.www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

David Weeks is a Rhode Island School of Design graduate who is recognized for his iconic lighting designs crafted in his Brooklyn studio.  Post college he made his way to New York City and did what many artists do: freelance and say 'yes' to just about everything.  He eventually landed a position in the studio of acclaimed jewelry designer Ted Muehling who modeled a standard of excellence and beauty echoed in David's work to this day.Show-host Melañio Gomez became aware of David's work years ago and happily acquired a bespoke lamp from one of the many maker fairs at which David would create lamps from spare parts on the spot.  Fast forward to now and we're delighted to catch up and hear more about this Athens, GA (home of the B-52's!)  native.www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Followers of A Life Creative podcast may recall that host Melañio Gomez lived in Brussels, Belgium for 10 years.  During that time he met today's guest—Clinton Stringer—who is an accomplished contemporary dancer, having danced for 8 years with Rosas, a dance company founded in the 1980's by Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker.Clinton now works as a rehearsal director with Rosas and is often called into action to teach other dance companies how to perform the pieces created by Rosas.  In a parallel track, he trained as a graphic designer and set up his own design studio.  He models how to perform well in two wildly different creative pursuits.We're happy to welcome Clinton on today's episode of A Life Creative.  See more about Clinton and A Life Creative at the following links:www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, JC Garcia-Lavin came of age as part of the city’s vibrant art scene before building a successful career as an interior stylist, working with brands like CB2, Williams Sonoma Home, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Pottery Barn. His editorial work has appeared in Elle Decor and Condé Nast Traveler. Host Melañio Gomez first knew JC by reputation before the two met while working in the studios of Williams Sonoma. In this episode, JC reflects on his early days in the Miami art scene, his transition into styling, and his recent return to making art—sharing the influences and process behind his work. Check out the links to see JC's work.www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Lucky for us at A Life Creative podcast our friend Stephen Kent Johnson--who photographs interiors for the likes of Architectural Digest--introduced us to Wendy Goodman-- who writes the Design Hunting column for New York magazine and the Great Rooms content for Curbed (both part of Vox Media).  Her features give readers a wonderfully astute peek into the homes and lives of a cross-section of New Yorkers.  But before landing this enviable job, she's had many layers in her life and work experience that uniquely qualify her to be a curator of home design content in the pages of New York.  We chat about her upbringing in New York City, her creative and artistic parents, her early post-college years as an acting student taught by Stella Adler and Olympia Dukakis, her first magazine job at Harper's Bazaar as Anna Wintour's assistant, and the steps that led her to writing about interiors.  She's also written 3 books: May I Come In?, published in 2018, The World of Gloria Vanderbilt, published in 2010, and Tony Duquette, about the renowned west coast interior designer and Hollywood set designer, co-written with Hutton Wilkinson and published in 2007.Listen in to hear the entire story.www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube  

Sharon Gresh is the co-founder of Standard Issue, a multi-disciplinary design consultancy, founded in 2005 with her husband, designer Michael McGinn.  Sharon and I worked together early on in my career, and she's been a mentor and friend for decades.  In this episode we talk about her life growing up in Coney Island, how she discovered a path to channel her artistic abilities, and after attending Pratt Institute, her early jobs out with icons of design Herb Lubalin and Lou Dorfsman. As creative director at Standard Issue, she and Michael have worked with an array of clients including Herman Miller, MillerKnoll, the Eames Institute, Design Within Reach, Brooklinen, and Designtex, among others. Their work spans graphic design, marketing, materials sampling, interactive design, industrial design, interior design, and architecture to craft cohesive brand experiences for their clients.www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Show Notes:  The Easy Bake Oven (cooking with a lightbulb!) featured prominently in food content creator Tara Bench’s early years, like it did for many of us.  But Tara took that early passion many steps further, cultivating a career in food that spans books, blogs, TV, and magazines.  Her internship at Martha Stewart Living turned into a full time Food Editor and Food Stylist job where she learned the ropes of turning recipes into beautiful editorial content.  These experiences propelled her to a job as Food Director at Ladies Home Journal - sadly no longer in publication - as well as other freelance jobs creating recipes and producing content for food brands.  These days she creates recipes for her own website www.tarateaspoon.com and has authored two cookbooks Live Life Deliciously and Delicious Gatherings. www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Eddie Ross is a designer and author known for his resourceful, layered approach to interiors and entertaining. Raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, he developed an early appreciation for well-designed homes and, on the advice of Martha Stewart, attended the Culinary Institute of America.  Before launching his own studio, Ross built a substantial editorial career, serving as a design, decorating, and food editor at major national publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Food Network, Martha Stewart Living, and House Beautiful. Eddie has built up a social media following where he shares his inventive reuse of antiques and flea-market finds. He is the author of Modern Mix: Curating Personal Style with Chic & Accessible Finds (2015) and has launched a hardware collection with Modern Matter as well as a Christmas decoration line (sold to the trade) in collaboration with Whitehurst. www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Rob Wilson is a designer and illustrator who switched paths mid-career.  After working for more than 20 years at a Dallas design firm he founded his own practice.  He has a long-established habit of sketching in little Muji notebooks, and those illustrations have become the source material for numerous projects including greeting cards, prints, and work that he’s produced for clients like the men’s clothing retailer Todd Snyder, furnishings retailer Design Within Reach, and Cafe Luxembourg in New York City.  Rob brings the humanity of everyday life into drawings that have become his signature style.www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Karen Robert founded Aux Abris, a wallpaper design and manufacturing company, in 2015.  The lead up to this chapter in her professional design career started when she was just 17 years old and discovered by a modeling agency in her hometown of Seattle WA.  From there she worked in the fashion capitals of Europe and along the way, as a keen observer of architecture and interiors, she built up a memory bank of inspirations that now feed her design process at Aux Abris.  Learn about how wallpaper is designed and made, and the collaboration she recently unveiled with Eve Ashcraft who co-hosts with Melañio on this podcast episode.www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Michael Boodro and Kate Betts came of age in magazine publishing’s pre-millennium heyday, meeting at Vogue in the 1990s while working for Anna Wintour during her early years at the helm. Kate spent her formative career years in Paris, working out of the bureau of Women's Wear Daily, while Michael began his career in the publicity department at the Museum of Modern Art—and, in a very New York aside, as a busboy at Tavern on the Green.  Both went on to storied careers as journalists and editors at various magazine publications.Fast forward to now: they’ve launched Editors@Large on Substack, where they offer a discerning, sharply edited view of contemporary culture—fashion, design, art, books, travel, and more. Years of editorial experience have honed their instinct for spotting what matters, filtering out the noise, and connecting the cultural threads that define the moment.For more on Kate and Michael and A Life Creative: www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

PROGRAM NOTE: the next new episode of A Life Creative will air in a couple weeks, in the meantime check out the video versions of past episodes on YouTube and subscribe to our Substack for more on A Life Creative and our featured guests.Sourabh Gupta joins us on today's episode.  He's an artist who transforms paper and other materials into exotic and mythical flowers.  He shares the story of how he grew up as a creative kid in a small village in India and ended up creating bespoke botanical commissions out of his art studio in Brooklyn, NY.  His work has appeared in public spaces such as at Tiffany's flagship store and at Hudson Yards' Spiral Building and he's created pieces for fashion clients like Tory Burch for the Met Gala. Sourabh's artistry taps into the world in which he grew up, his resourcefulness in making and repurposing materials and tools, and his constant thought process of how the worlds of his imagination can be brought to life.   Co-hosting with Melañio is Sourabh's mentor, Stephen Earle, who was a guest on A Life Creative for episode 6.  We talk about the importance of mentors and what a successful mentor relationship can look like.For more on Sourabh and A Life Creative: www.alifecreativepod.comalifecreative.Substack.com@alifecreative on Instagramalifecreative on YouTube

Melanio and Emma have worked together on commercial photo shoots including one fantastic gig with Olympic athletes on the slopes of a Utah ski resort a few years ago.  Fashion styling is one of those glamour professions that is often misunderstood.  Emma breaks down how she entered this field and the ins and outs of what this profession entails.  She's dressed models for advertising as well as celebrities like Ellie Kemper, Jessica Chastain and Matthew McConaughey. What I've enjoyed about Emma in our working relationship is her sense of fun as well as her commitment to getting the job done in a very time sensitive environment.  She makes people feel great in the clothing she selects.See more about our guests and find show notes at: www.alifecreativepod.comA Life Creative on Substack@alifecreative on Instagram

Sharing with the world what life is like on a 14,000 acre ranch in Southern California is the vision and effort taken up by Elizabeth Poett. She's written the cookbook The Ranch Table and her family and life on Rancho San Julian was the subject of 4 seasons of the ‘Ranch to Table’ program on the Magnolia Network. She joins A Life Creative to share the story of what led her to creating experiences that are not only enjoyable (think freshly made strawberry jam with strawberries picked from her garden) but also opportunities to learn about a life many of us can only imagine.For more about Elizabeth visit www.alifecreative.comCheck out A Life Creative on Instagram @alifecreative

In 1990 Gael Towey helped launch the very first issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine, establishing its iconic visual style and serving as Chief Creative & Editorial Director for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO).  Imagine rolling up your sleeves alongside Martha Stewart to create a brand new magazine from scratch elevating domestic arts to new heights.  It was a paradigm shift in the magazine publishing world that led to honors from the American Society of Magazine Editors, the American Institute of Graphic Arts, as well as the Chrysler Design Award.  During her 22 year tenure at MSLO she helped launch multiple magazine titles and built a product line sold through Kmart and the Martha Stewart ecommerce web-site.  Since moving on from MSLO Gael formed Gael Towey & Co. producing intimate short documentaries under the banner Portraits in Creativity.  These films celebrate the courage and curiosity of artists and artisans. Show host, Melanio Gomez, along with several show guests like Jodi Levine and Stephen Earle worked with Gael as former employees at MSLO, and Melanio is delighted to have her on the show today to talk about what's most important in a creative life. For more about Gael visit www.alifecreativepod.comVisit us on Instagram at @alifecreative

Jim Newman is a long time pal of host Melanio Gomez having met years ago as new homeowners in Asbury Park, NJ.  On this episode he shares how he built his career in the performing arts, debuting on Broadway early on in The Who's Tommy, and performing in numerous other shows with names in lights, including Kristin Chenoweth and Liza Minnelli.  For several years he travelled the world as the 'Cowboy' in the Village People and from there landed a leading role in ABBA's Mamma Mia roadshow, which is currently playing on Broadway.  He also shares how he grew a substantial social media following, why it's become a necessity for actors, and a cautionary tale of romance scams played out with his images on social media.  For more about Jim visit www.alifecreativepod.comVisit us on Instagram at @alifecreative

Artist Jeff Wallace (from episode 4) joins Melanio to co-host this episode with guest Devin Wilde.  Devin channeled drive and discipline across competitive cycling as a teenager, getting through Stanford's architecture program, designing digital user-experiences for tech companies, and ultimately crafting his own educational curriculum in the arts through various creator residencies.  All of these steps led to an epiphany that clay was 'the thing' that really captured his imagination.  In this episode Devin shares how he's built his design practice and studio from the ground up, and the retailers and media that helped garner attention to his work that enabled his business to get off the starting block.  And, also how the Gilmore Girls can be essential viewing in a design studio.For more about Devin visit www.alifecreativepod.comVisit us on Instagram at @alifecreative

Since high-school age, Jaya Saxena has been drawn to the process of creating thoughtful and articulate essays.  The craft of capturing a vibe in one's own perspective and voice in a manner that resonates with readers is the art and special alchemy that professional writers bring to the table.  Jaya's unique brand of writing style, built on a series of numerous writing gigs, led her to a position as a staff writer for Eater.com, creating pieces on food and NYC's restaurant scene.  In 2025 she received an honor from the International Association of Culinary Professionals for an article she wrote entitled "Martha Stewart's 'Entertaining' Let Me Party Like It Was 1982".  In this episode Melanio and Jaya chat about the steps she took to establish her professional career as a writer, carving out her own voice, and building a network of collaborators with people that enjoy the business of writing.  She also shares some food memories, and restaurant recommendations for both Mexico City, where she recently travelled, and New York City where she resides.Visit www.alifecreativepod.com for more information about JayaCheck us out on Instagram @alifecreative

Show Notes: With Thanksgiving just around the corner it is especially timely to chat with Lucinda Scala Quinn, Author and Founder of Mad Hungry.  Melanio and Lucinda share the heritage-inspired dishes that are on their holiday tables and reminisce about their time working at Martha Stewart Living.   Lucinda has a storied career in food, starting from her high-school days onward and has now published 8 books including the 3 in the Mad Hungry series and her latest book published in 2025 titled Mother Sauce.  She’s a vocal advocate for how good food cooked at home really does bring family back around the table. For more on Lucinda visit www.alifecreativepod.comFollow A Life Creative on Instagram @alifecreative

This year John Derian celebrates 30 years of his eponymous boutique and antiques shop on 2nd Street in New York City's East Village neighborhood.  His path took him from a creatively inspired childhood in Massachusetts to New York City as an adult where he built a design and retail business from scratch.  He's known for finding antique illustrations and extending their life and enjoyment by applying them on glass objects through the craft of decoupage.  The John Derian retail shop (in NYC and Provincetown MA) showcases a thoughtful mix of handcrafted home goods from artisan suppliers alongside his decoupage creations and antiques that he sources in the United States and Europe.  He also sells online and through collaborations with others.  He shares in this episode the path, the challenges, and some wisdom as we look back on his storied career.For more about John visit www.alifecreativepod.comand check out A Life Creative on Instagram @alifecreative 

Julia Wachtel is a conceptual artist who thrived in the New York City art scene of the 1980’s among contemporaries like Robert Gober, Jeff Koons and Cindy Sherman.  Her art looks at the interplay of advertising and other commercial media in everyday life and speaks to her interest in consumer and political culture.Julia has a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, studied at the School of Visual Arts and did independent study at the Whitney Museum of American Art.Her work is in the collections of NYC’s Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and, and the Walker Art Center among others.After more than a decade working in magazine publishing she returned to making art full-time facing a world of even more intense media exposure thanks to the Internet and social media.  She curates and interprets the impact of all of this content through her work.

Ngoc Minh Ngo is a photographer whose poetic eye captures the quiet beauty of the natural world. Known for her evocative images of flowers, gardens, and interiors, Ngoc’s work reveals the harmony between art and nature. Born in Vietnam and based in New York City, she has authored several acclaimed books including Bringing Nature Home, In Bloom, and in 2025 Roses in the Garden. Ngoc models a sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things, which, over time led her to her professional photography career.  She’s traveled the globe capturing images for stories appearing in Martha Stewart Living, Architectural Digest among numerous other publications.Through her lens, Ngoc invites us to slow down, look closely, and find meaning in the everyday grace that surrounds us.For more about Ngoc and links to her web-site and social media visit www.alifecreativepod.comVisit us on Instagram (and follow us too!) @alifecreative 

Stylist, author, and interior designer Rebecca Robertson shares the story of how she developed an appreciation for antiques and collectibles at a young age and a lifelong interest in designing sets that has been a throughline in her career.  She's led a very 'NYC' professional life working on film production, as a talent coordinator for the likes of Snoop Dogg, as a stylist at Martha Stewart Living, as a wine shop owner, and these days as an interior designer for model high rise apartments.  In the midst of it all she's had a family and co-authored a book titled "Collected" with fellow stylist Fritz Karch (episode 18).For more about Rebecca and links to her web-site and social media visit www.alifecreativepod.comVisit us on Instagram (and follow us too!) @alifecreative 

Stephanie Housley is the founder, designer, and creative force behind Coral & Tusk, an embroidered textile brand celebrated for its whimsical, nature-inspired home goods.  Born and raised in the Ohio Valley, Stephanie studied textile design at RISD and spent fifteen years working as an interior textile designer in New York City before turning her passion project into a full-time business.  In 2007, working from a small Brooklyn apartment with a single embroidery machine, she launched Coral & Tusk. Over time, her hand-drawn illustrations became the foundation for embroidered pieces that blend storytelling, craftsmanship, and texture. Now based in Wyoming with her husband, Stephanie continues to draw inspiration from nature, weaving narrative into every stitch and designing heirloom objects that surprise, delight, and endure. For more about Stephanie and links to her web-site and social media visit www.alifecreativepod.comVisit us on Instagram (and follow us too!) @alifecreative 

Jon Carloftis grew up in rural Kentucky with parents that fostered a deep understanding and appreciation for nature and gardening.  His educational pursuits further informed his creative aesthetic.  Eventually, through life's twists and turns he ended up designing rooftop and terrace gardens in New York City, building a unique business from the ground up, often catering to wealthy and celebrity clients.  Today, Jon lives and thrives professionally as a designer, author and speaker based in Lexington KY.For more about Jon and links to his web-site and social media visit www.alifecreativepod.comVisit us on Instagram (and follow us too!) @alifecreative 

Megan Pflug talks about her years at Martha Stewart Living, her early role at One King’s Lane where she developed her interiors practice, and the decision to take on a run-down Catskills motor lodge. That project became the Woodhouse Lodge, now a distinctive wedding venue shaped by Megan and her husband’s aesthetic, persistence, and hands-on problem solving.  For more about Megan and links to her web-sites and social media visit www.alifecreativepod.com.Visit us on Instagram (and follow us too!) @alifecreative 

Christine Lavigne, Founder of Home Agency, a talent representation company, shares her various experiences that led her to establishing her own business.  She explains what talent agents do, and some best practices for how creatives seeking representation should present themselves to prospective agents.  Home Agency has offices in New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Seoul and represents photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists among other creatives.To see more about Christine visit www.alifecreativepod.comVisit us on Instagram @alifecreative

This mini episode marks a milestone — 20 episodes! We take a moment to reflect on what has resonated most with us so far, share a few behind-the-scenes updates, and highlight some of the other projects we’ve been working on. Our producer, Chris Kangas, joins us to give a peek behind the scenes of making the podcast. And finally, we take a moment to thank our guests, our sponsor Rowenta, and our music creator Pierce McIntyre.

In this episode, we talk with Rob Van Wyen and Kevin Seitz, the team behind the furniture brand Seitz. We discuss how their complementary skills shaped the company, why they paused to focus on the operational side, and how they’re approaching their re-launch while continuing to work full-time. The conversation also covers their upcoming Monocle residency, working with skilled Swiss makers, and their commitment to creating long-lasting pieces in a culture that often favors disposable design.Visit www.alifecreativepod.com  to see more of Kevin and Rob's work.Follow us @alifecreative on Instagram.For 10% off your next order at www.RowentaUSA.com use ALIFECREATIVE at checkout.

In this episode we sit down with David Mann, founding principal of MR Architecture + Decor, to explore his path from an early fascination with buildings as a child to building a successful career in architecture and design. David reflects on his education at Pratt and the formative experiences in his early career, the leap to starting his own practice, and how MR Architecture + Decor has evolved over the years. He shares why he resists defining his aesthetic too narrowly, the collaborative process he embraces with clients, and what it takes to make retail spaces both personal and globally resonant. Visit www.alifecreativepod.com  to see more of David's work.Follow us @alifecreative on Instagram.For 10% off your next order at www.RowentaUSA.com use ALIFECREATIVE at checkout.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of collecting with Fritz Karch — a true renaissance man. From his early start as a passionate collector to his longtime role as Editorial Director of Collecting at Martha Stewart Living, Fritz shares his unique perspective on styling, antiques, and curating meaningful objects. We explore his background in styling, co-authoring Collected: Living With The Things You Love, his longtime running of his vintage shop, and collaborating with MR Architecture. Join us for an inspiring conversation about creativity, collecting, and living with the things you love.Visit www.alifecreativepod.com  to see more of Fritz's work.Follow us @alifecreative on Instagram.For 10% off your next order at www.RowentaUSA.com use ALIFECREATIVE at checkout.

In this episode, we speak with Nancy Soriano, a seasoned editorial leader and brand strategist whose career has spanned media, design, and retail.We talk about her early days as a stylist, her decade-long run as Editor-in-Chief at Country Living, and how she has navigated major roles at brands like One Kings Lane, West Elm, and now Perigold. Nancy shares what it has been like to shift from storytelling in magazines to crafting editorial content within retail, and how she continues to lead with creativity, even in data-driven environments.We also touch on her jewelry-making book, her approach to managing creative teams, and why she believes original content, though costly, is still worth the investment.Visit www.alifecreativepod.com  to see more of Nancy's work.Follow us @alifecreative on Instagram.For 10% off your next order at www.RowentaUSA.com use ALIFECREATIVE at checkout.

In this episode, we speak with Kristen Aronsson, founder and creative director of Aperçu, a direct-to-consumer eyewear brand that blends fashion, functionality, and strategy. With over 15 years of experience, Kristen has built a career focused on eyewear design and now leads both the creative direction and business development at Aperçu.She shares how she transitioned from studying art history to industrial design, what drew her to the world of eyewear, and how launching a brand has pushed her to grow beyond design—deepening her understanding of marketing, brand building, and business strategy. Aperçu’s business model centers on partnering with influencers to co-create and promote collections, combining authentic storytelling with a modern, digitally native approach to retail.Seven years into the brand, Kristen reflects on the challenges of building something from the ground up, staying relevant in a trend-driven industry, and finding space for creativity while running a business.For more about Kristen and show notes visit us at www.alifecreativepod.comCheck out our Instagram at @alifecreative

 In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Johannsen Stewart, co-founder of Bellocq Tea Atelier, the celebrated Brooklyn-based tea company known for its exquisite hand-blended teas and deep commitment to quality and ritual. Heidi shares her journey from training at the French Culinary Institute to nearly a decade at Martha Stewart Living, and how those experiences ultimately led her to co-found Bellocq. We explore the inspiration behind the brand, the sensory artistry of tea blending, and the creation of Bellocq’s thoughtfully curated line of teas. Along the way, Heidi reflects on the quiet luxury of tea, the meditative rituals it invites, and the global adventure that continues to shape her work. We also discuss the realities of running and growing a business, and how the ability to adapt, pivot, and thoughtfully diversify has been essential to Bellocq’s continued success and evolution.For more about Heidi and show notes visit us at www.alifecreativepod.comCheck out our instagram at @alifecreativeFor 15% of your next purchase at www.bellocqtea.com use code CREATIVE15.

In this episode, we sit down with Raylene Marasco, founder of Dye-namix, a textile studio that creates custom fabrics for film, fashion, and fine art. Today, her work shows up in everything from The Gilded Age and Severance to runway pieces for Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren. We speak with Raylene about how her business has evolved over the years and some of the unique projects that have come her way. She’s collaborated with artists like Louise Bourgeois, worked with The Met on textile conservation, and taken on challenging creative briefs across theater, fashion, and film. Early on, she took a leap into digital printing—a move that helped distinguish her work and expand the possibilities of her studio.Raylene has built a practice around solving complex visual problems, scaling hand-crafted techniques into production-ready solutions, and staying deeply involved in the work itself. From her studio in Tribeca, she leads a small team that collaborates with some of the biggest names in the industry—all without ever advertising. We speak with her about the business of making, the value of saying yes before you’re ready, and how she turned a practical skill into a creative career that continues to evolve.Visit www.alifecreativepod.com for links to Dyenamix and to see more of Raylene's work.Follow us @alifecreative on Instagram.For 10% off your next order at www.RowentaUSA.com use ALIFECREATIVE at checkout.

 In this episode, we sit down with Andy Gray, a seasoned creative director and founder of Transport New York, whose career has taken him from early days in TV graphics to top agencies like Wieden+Kennedy, Ogilvy, and VSA. Along the way, he has worked in-house at major brands like Cole Haan, Warby Parker & Bonobos, giving him a unique perspective on both sides of the client-agency relationship. Andy shares what he’s learned from leading creative teams across industries, and how his diverse experience now fuels the work he does at his own agency—helping brands define and express their authentic identity.For more about Andy visit www.alifecreativepod.comFollow us on Instagram at @alifecreativeA Life Creative will be off next week (June 30th) but we will be back with a new episode on July 7th!!

In this episode, we talk with Eve Ashcraft, a color expert and founder of Eve Ashcraft Studio. A RISD-trained painter, Eve has spent over two decades shaping and defining her role of architectural color consultant—a discipline she helped pioneer through her independent practice. She’s collaborated with architects, designers, institutions, and private clients on everything from residential palettes to large-scale public projects. Eve shares stories from her work on New York’s Moynihan Train Hall and a fascinating color assignment for the Art Institute of Chicago, where she developed a palette to surround Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. She talks about navigating a career entirely on her own terms, why she avoids trends, and how color, when used thoughtfully, can quietly transform a space.For more about Eve visit www.alifecreativepod.comFollow us on Instagram at @alifecreative

In this episode, we sit down with designer and creative director Alex Bates to discuss her career—from growing up in a creatively charged Midwestern household to helping shape influential brands like Martha Stewart Living and West Elm. Alex shares stories of early influences, hands-on learning at Macy’s, and eye-opening trips to Copenhagen that helped define her aesthetic. She reflects on the magic of working at Martha Stewart, the joy of building meaningful, sustainable products, and her passion for spotlighting artisanal craftsmanship through her consultancy, Flint & Kent.For more about Alex visit www.alifecreativepod.comFollow us on Instagram at @alifecreative

In this episode, we sit down with Joelle Hoverson, founder of Purl Soho, to talk about how her background as a painter led her to build one of the most beloved knitting and craft brands in the country. Joelle shares how she went from studying painting at the San Francisco Art Institute and earning her MFA at Yale to freelancing for Martha Stewart Living, where a new passion for knitting took root. We discuss how, in 2002, she opened a small yarn shop in SoHo with no formal business training—teaching herself everything from supply sourcing to financial planning, with the help of books, trial and error, and guidance from her father. Joelle talks about the early days of building the business, the launch of their popular blog The Purl Bee, and how a tiny storefront became a thriving ecommerce brand. We also explore how teaching, community, and her daily painting practice continue to shape her creative and entrepreneurial life.For more about Joelle visit us at www.alifecreativepod.comFollow us on Instagram at @alifecreative

In this episode, we sit down with Tucker Fort, Partner and Executive Director at Smart Design, to explore the evolution of his career shaped by curiosity and a commitment to human-centered design. From his early days taking apart gadgets and cleaning a ceramics studio to leading multi-disciplinary teams at one of the world’s top design consultancies, Tucker shares how he transitioned from engineering to industrial design—and eventually to the intersection of physical and digital design. He reflects on how his time at Pratt, and learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, helped him shift from simply solving problems to asking the right questions. We dive into pivotal moments that reshaped his thinking about innovation, and discuss how designing for people—not just products—has helped keep his work relevant. Tucker also opens up about the challenges and rewards of leading a creative business, nurturing fragile creative environments, and growing a career by staying curious and grounded in purpose.For more about Tucker visit www.alifecreativepod.comFollow us on Instagram at @alifecreativeVisit RowentaUSA.com and use ALIFECREATIVE for 10% off your next purchase.

In this episode, miniature artist and NBC's Making It alum, Chelsea Andersson, shares her creative journey—from studying landscape architecture to finding her true passion in the world of miniatures. Chelsea opens up about the moment she realized her original career path wasn’t the right fit, how a hamster named Martin sparked a new direction, and what it was really like to go from being a superfan of Making It to competing on the show.She also shares how she’s turned her love for all things miniature into a thriving business—selling her creations online and partnering with major brands like Warby Parker and L’Oreal to design custom animations, pieces and props. Whether you're a fellow maker or dreaming of turning your passion into a career, Chelsea’s story is full of honesty, humor, and heart.Visit www.alifecreativepod.com to see Chelsea's creations.Find us on Instagram at @alifecreative

In this episode of A Life Creative, we talk with Jennifer Aronsson, a culinary expert whose career has taken her from top kitchens to influential roles in food media and entrepreneurship. A graduate of the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Jennifer trained under renowned chefs like Suzanne Goin and Todd English before becoming Pastry Chef at the historic Upstairs at the Pudding. She later moved into publishing, contributing to San Francisco Magazine and serving as Editorial Director of Food and Entertaining at Martha Stewart Living. Today, she is the co-founder and Culinary Director of the meal kit services Marley Spoon and Dinnerly, as well as the co-founder of Boro 6 Wine Bar, which she runs with her husband, Paul Molakides.Show notes:visit www.alifecreativepod.com for more information about Jennifer as well as a special offer for our listeners from Marley Spoon.Find us on instagram: @alifecreative

What’s it really like to work with icons like Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, and NYC's Hudson Yards developer Steve Ross? In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Earle, an accomplished design director and stylist, whose career has taken him from the early days of home lifestyle branding to the creative helm of some of its most recognized names.Stephen shares the story of how he got his start with Raymond Waites, stumbled into the prop styling profession, and eventually found himself shaping the visual language of Martha Stewart Living and leading product development for Ralph Lauren Home. He also offers shares a look at his work with Related Companies, collaborating closely with Steve Ross to guide the creative direction of interiors for projects like Hudson Yards.Visit www.alifecreativepod.com to see some of Stephen's interiors and links to his site and other resources we mention on the show.Visit us on Instagram too! @alifecreativehttps://www.instagram.com/alifecreative?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode we sit down with Matthew Robbins, founder of Matthew Robbins Design, a premier event planning and design firm specializing in bespoke weddings and special events.  With over 20 years of experience, Matthew has contributed to top publications like Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and O Magazine.  He's also the author of Matthew Robbins' Inspired Weddings and the founder of Invited Journal.To see some of Matthew's creations and links to his site visit www.alifecreativepod.com or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/alifecreative?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  

In this episode, we explore the themes of memory, time, and artistic transformation through the lens of artist, designer, and curator Jeff Wallace. Jeff began his career in graphic design and later established his successful design firm, Borsa Wallace. A significant moment came in 2012 when he found himself managing the personal belongings of elderly relatives, an experience that profoundly influenced his artistic path. Jeff’s story highlights how creativity can shift unexpectedly, blending past experiences into new forms of expression. We hope his story inspires you to welcome change in your own creative endeavors.For show notes and to see some of Jeff's work visit www.alifecreativepod.com Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alifecreative?igsh=eWFoMWxtbjVjaWcy 

In this episode, we explore the creative path of Jodi Levine. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Jodi started her career at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO). Her passion and unique vision led her to become the Editor in Chief of Martha Stewart Kids, where she helped shape the magazine’s iconic voice and set new standards for crafting content.  Whether it’s crafting with recycled items, everyday supermarket finds, or unexpected materials, Jodi’s approach to crafting is about seeing potential in the most unlikely places.Visit www.alifecreativepod.com to see some of Jodi's creations including links to her projects including her latest book 'Mousetown' a kids craft and story book.

How does a graphic designer turned Martha Stewart Living art director make the leap to becoming a sought-after interiors photographer? Stephen Kent Johnson, a BYU art school grad, shares his story and how he ended up photographing iconic home interiors featured in magazines like Dwell and World of Interiors. We talk career pivots, skill building, and the lessons learned along the way. Join us for an inspiring chat with our hilarious friend Stephen. Visit the show web-site at www.alifecreativepod.com to see some of Stephen's work, as well as links to his site and social media.

In this inaugural episode, Martha Stewart alums Marcie McGoldrick and Melanio Gomez take us behind the scenes of their creative paths—from art school to carving pumpkins at 3 a.m. for Martha Stewart Living. They share how they built careers in ceramics, and interiors styling, and why they launched this brand-new weekly show. Each episode, they sit down with inspiring creatives from all disciplines to explore A life Creative.