Why did you decide to start a podcast?

The decision to start a podcast wasn’t taken lightly—it was driven by my desire to connect with my audience on a deeper, more personal level. As an entrepreneur, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling and shared experiences, and podcasting offers a perfect platform to engage with my community in an intimate and approachable way.

I have been delivering weekly content to my membership every week since 2012, alongside offering an annual online conference and a beloved annual Surface Pattern Design Immersion course. But outside of those paid programs, there wasn’t a consistent way for people to connect with my work. That gap is what the podcast fills—providing a space for me to reach my audience regularly, regardless of whether they’re in one of my programs.

As an avid podcast listener myself, I know how convenient and mobile the format is. Whether you’re doing the dishes or out for a walk, it’s easy to pop on a podcast and listen. I wanted to create that same accessible experience for my audience—to be there with them in their daily lives.

At the core of everything I do is a passion for developing creatives. This podcast is an outlet to share my journey, my insights, and my passion, while being transparent about both the highs and the challenges. And honestly, I’m having so much fun doing it.

What’s the biggest hurdle you face regularly in creating your podcast? How do you overcome it?

My frequent travel can disrupt my recording schedule. To stay on track, we try to batch episodes in advance, especially during travel or busy seasons. When that’s not possible, I bring my recording equipment with me, even though I don’t always know what my accommodations will be and it’s not always the most ideal setup. Flexibility and planning ahead are key, but sometimes adapting on the go is necessary to keep delivering consistent content.

What’s the biggest reward you get from your podcast?

Seeing the impact it has on my audience. The initial response was overwhelming — with over 10,000 downloads in the first 48 hours and a ranking in the Top 10 for the category of Art and Design. The positive feedback and heartfelt messages from listeners reassured me that starting this podcast was the right decision. We’ve since celebrated a major milestone: one million downloads! When I launched the podcast in 2022, I dreamed of reaching that point, but I never imagined it would happen so quickly. The most rewarding part, though, is knowing how much listeners appreciate and benefit from the content I’ve worked so hard to create. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the difference it makes in their creative journeys.

Are there any other insights about your podcasting career you’d like to share?

Podcasting has made a profound impact on my business. It’s opened doors to a wider audience, helping me grow my brand and position myself as a thought leader in the creative industry. Beyond that, it’s given me a unique platform to share my insights, lessons, and experiences as an entrepreneur, allowing me to connect with my listeners on a deeper level and provide real value to their own creative journeys. The ability to foster that connection has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this venture.

What is your favorite podcast/YouTube/Newsletter to listen to (besides yours)?

• Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield
• The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher
• Business Made Simple by Donald Miller

What do you wish you knew more about?

I wish I knew more about e-commerce and product-based businesses. With the launch of our new product shop, Flowerie, we’re on a steep learning curve—it’s exciting but also a lot to navigate! Flowerie is focused on bringing floral-themed products to life, offering beautifully designed items that reflect creativity, beauty, and a deep connection to nature. Translating that vision into an online shop that feels both accessible and uniquely curated has been quite an undertaking. From product sourcing to managing inventory and optimizing the customer experience, there’s so much to learn about running an e-commerce business that aligns with our brand’s ethos. It’s rewarding, though, to see our products connect with people in such a tangible way, and I’m eager to deepen my understanding to make Flowerie a meaningful part of our community.

What was the hinge moment in your life?

The decision to teach on Creative Live. I was still in the early years of my surface pattern design career, with a dream to become a fabric designer—and the opportunity to teach felt daunting. I hadn’t set out to be an educator, and I struggled with camera shyness, speaking, and major imposter syndrome. But after two long years of self-teaching, piecing together my knowledge, and signing my first fabric deal in 2012, I realized how challenging that journey had been and wanted to ease it for others.

To prepare, I spent six months creating content and reflecting on why this work mattered. During the 2.5-day live class, I poured out everything I’d learned, hoping it would make a difference. When I returned home, I was exhausted and thought, “Glad that’s over.” But then came the emails—stories from women whose lives had changed because of what I taught.

That moment made me realize my real work was just beginning. In 2018, I launched my signature course, which has since graduated 10,000 students and generated over $25M in revenue. I learned that my purpose wasn’t just about design; it was about helping others grow, sharing what I had learned, and creating room for anyone who wants to step into the world of education and creativity.

What successful strategies have you used to generate revenue?

With The Professional Creative, I generate revenue primarily through affiliate marketing by sharing tools, books, and resources that have significantly impacted my business. These affiliate links provide value to listeners while supporting the podcast.

I also view the podcast as part of a larger ecosystem—welcoming new listeners and guiding them toward my courses or products, like The Immersion Course or The Ultimate Licensing Handbook. These are shared organically during episodes as actionable next steps for those ready to dive deeper, always ensuring the mentions feel natural and helpful.