Creating Your Own Path

Today's show brings me to the live/work space of Interior Designer Amy Aswell. With her company, Beta Form Industries, she creates beautiful commercial and residential spaces throughout the Sacramento region and beyond. In the episode, we chat about Amy's winding career path, her obsession with vacant buildings, what her dream project might look like and her simple, yet effective approach to creative challenges. You can find the full show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

On today's show I'm joined by Rita Mehta of The American Edit. If you're not familiar, The American Edit is one part incredible online resource for American-made products and one part retail consulting agency. Rita created the site to help highlight and celebrate American made products and brands and—let me tell you—it's a wonderful resource. Listen in as we chat about Rita's background working with both large and small retailers, how she navigates the fine line between life and work, her thoughts on "shop local" campaigns and her advice for anyone looking to launch a new business. Full show notes are available at creatingyourownpath.com.

In today's episode, I'm chatting with Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Inkshares Thad Woodman. For those who might not be familiar, Inkshares is a crowdfunding platform for authors that blends the basic elements of crowdfunding with the many benefits of working with a traditional publishing house. When I first learned about Inkshares, I was completely fascinated by the concept and decided to reach out to Thad to find out more. Listen in as we chat about everything—from his professional background and creative pursuits outside of work, to the inner workings of the Inkshares platform and what it's really like to launch a start-up. You can find the full show notes for this episode at creatingyourownpath.com.

Today's episode brings me to ThinkHouse Collective to chat with Faith Lopez. As a social media specialist and photographer who loves to travel, Faith has built a career around her impressive ability to build and grow online communities. Not only was she recently named one of Vanity Fair's Top Ten Instagrammers, she has also started curating and managing social media accounts for tourism bureaus and travel-related brands. Listen in as we talk about her career shift from music to social media, why travel matters to her and how Instagram has her moving beyond her comfort zone on a regular basis. You can find the show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

On today's show, I'm chatting with Allie Lehman of Death to the Stock Photo and The Wonder Jam. Not only is she the co-owner of two successful businesses, she also recently co-authored an e-book geared towards introverted business owners, blogs regularly and still finds the time to take on photography clients. Listen in as we talk about everything—from knowing where we fall on the introvert spectrum (and acting accordingly) and how she manages her time, to the importance of collaboration and knowing when to call it quits on a project. You can find the full show notes at creatingyourownpath.com

In today's episode, I'm chatting with CJ Alvarado. He's an entrepreneur at heart and currently runs his creative firm, Bamboo Creative, and the popular publishing platform, Snippet, Inc. In the episode he talks about how Snippet came to life as a separate entity from Bamboo Creative and how the platform is adding to the publishing industry (rather than changing it). He also offered up his thoughts on why people should always be at the heart of business, his belief that most of us have won life's lottery and have a responsibility to do something about it and why he has given up email in the mornings. You can find the full show notes for this episode at creatingyourownpath.com.

In today's episode, I'm taking a look back at a year of great interviews. I've had the opportunity to chat with some incredible people since I launched this show in February and I decided to pull some of my favorite moments from a handful of this year's shows and share them with you all. This show has inspired me, offered up learning moments and reminded me that we're not alone in our creative pursuits. I truly hope you've all enjoyed the season as much as I have. As always, you can find the show notes for this episode over at creatingyourownpath.com. Happy listening and happy holidays to each and every one of you!

On today's show I chat via Skype with Elise Blaha Cripe. She's a maker, blogger and podcaster who has built her business around the appreciation of the attempt. Listen in as we chat about why Elise stretches herself creatively, what made her realize that she doesn't have to do it all and how she's built a successful business by consistently trying new things. You can find the show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

Today I'm joined at ThinkHouse Collective by professional chef and creator of The Roaming Spoon, Sylvanna Mislang. The Roaming Spoon is a vegan pop-up dining experience launched by Chef Syl in 2013 that has been met with rave reviews and sold-out events. In the interview, we discuss her career path, why she decided to focus on vegan food even though she's not vegan, the dishes her guests can't stop talking about and the importance of connecting around a table with good food. Happy listening! Find the full show notes at CreatingYourOwnPath.com.

On today's show I'm joined at ThinkHouse Collective by Autumn Sky Hall of the band Autumn Sky. Listen in as she chats about her career, how she views earning money from creative pursuits, where she finds inspiration, how her sound differs now that she's got a band and why it's so important to operate from a place of kindness. You can find the full episode and show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

Today's show brings me to ThinkHouse Collective to chat with Preston Tillotson and Tyler Robinson, owners of Sudz by Studz. Together they create artisan skincare products and I am so inspired by their story. Listen in as we chat about how they went from a contestant on The Voice (Tyler) and a student of philosophy (Preston) to becoming professional soap makers, the new company they've just acquired, their incredibly wise advice to those just starting out. Happy listening! You can also read the full story and listen to the episode at creatingyourownpath.com.

In today's show, photographer Kat Alves joins me at ThinkHouse Collective to share her creative path. Her stunning architecture and interior design photographs have graced the pages of both local publications and internationally-known websites like Remodelista and Apartment Therapy. Listen in as she chats about how her background in interior design helps her photography business and why juggling the responsibilities of work with life's challenges is an ongoing, daily practice. You can also read the full story and listen to the episode at creatingyourownpath.com.

Today's show brings me to ThinkHouse Collective to chat with Rob Stewart, host and producer of PBS shows like Rob on the Road and America's Heartland. Listen in as we chat about getting out of our own way when putting creative work out into the world, why fear is—in fact—a liar and how Rob's career path took him from TV news to public broadcasting. He's an incredibly talented storyteller and it's safe to say that he's found his true calling in life. You can also read the full story and listen to the episode at creatingyourownpath.com.

Today's episode features writer, photojournalist and founding editor of the Outdoor Women's Alliance, Gina Begin. As an avid outdoor adventurer, Gina details her successes and setbacks throughout her journey. Listen in as she discusses mantras that have kept her going, how she's getting past significant physical injuries and her tips for those looking to head out on their own adventures. You can also read the full story and listen to the episode at creatingyourownpath.com.

On today's show, I chat with Dean Street Society Founder Hilary Rushford. As a fashion coach, personal stylist and business coach, Hilary has some wonderful tips and advice to share for those looking to make their way in the world of creative entrepreneurship. Listen in as we discuss the importance of asking tough questions about your passions and strengths before you launch an idea and find out how Hilary keeps herself and her business heading in the right direction. You can find the full episode and show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

Todays' show brings me to ThinkHouse Collective to chat with graphic designer and illustrator Kristin de Neeve. Her work is incredible and she's been walking a winding path to get to where she is today. Listen in as she shares some sage advice for anyone looking to create for a living, how putting down roots in many different cities over the years has influenced her work and what's next for her design and illustration business. You can find the full episode and show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

This episode brings me to ThinkHouse Collective to chat with artisan furniture maker, craftsman and product designer, Steven Tiller, who is the incredible talent behind Reclamation Art & Furniture here in Sacramento. Listen in as he shares valuable insight on everything from balancing an entrepreneurial life to the importance of failure. You can find the full episode and show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

Today's episode brings me to ThinkHouse Collective in midtown Sacramento to chat with Roshaun and Maritza Davis of Unseen Heroes. Together they founded the Sacramento-based event production company, which hosts and produces dozens of events and gatherings throughout the region and beyond. Listen in as we discuss the importance of collaboration, how they've created a life/work continuum (rather than balance) that suits them and where they find inspiration for their event concepts. You can find the full episode and show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

Today's show brings me to the studio of artists Sofia Lacin and Hennessy Christophel. Known in the Sacramento region for their incredible murals and installations, Sofia and Hennessy continue to produce incredible work for all to enjoy. Listen in as we discuss the importance of public art, their tips for starting a creative business and the sometimes torturous creative process involved in their line of work. You can find the full episode and show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.

Listen in as I chat via Skype with Anna Watson Carl of The Yellow Table. The writer, chef and soon-to-be-published cookbook author gives us a peek into her creative journey, some of the internal struggles she faced while creating her cookbook (which will be out in the fall) and why she's chosen to crowdfund and self-publish the book. You can find the full episode and show notes at creatingyourownpath.com.