The Motivated Creatives

In this powerful episode, Nikki sits down with Amanda Kinghorn, founder of All Shades Cards, to discuss breaking barriers as a Black creative entrepreneur. From overcoming invisibility in mainstream markets to pushing for better representation in the greeting card industry, Amanda shares her journey, insights, and strategies for success.Tune in to learn:The challenges Black creatives face in business and how to navigate them.Why representation in retail is still a struggle and how Amanda is changing the narrative.The power of resilience, perseverance, and community support in creative industries.Why defining your own success is key to long-term fulfillment.This episode is an inspiring look at entrepreneurship, creativity, and representation, reminding us that success is about building your own table when there’s no seat available.🎧 Listen now and be inspired to break barriers in your own creative journey!Resources & Links Mentioned✨ Connect with Amanda Kinghorn & All Shades Cards: www.allshadescards.co.uk✨ Follow The Artisan Business Company on Instagram: @artisanbusinesscompany✨ Visit the Podcast Page for more episodes & resources: The Artisan Business Company PodcastShare this episode with a fellow creative who needs a reminder that their voice, vision, and business matter, and that there’s space for them at the table. 💛 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this inspiring episode, Nikki sits down with sustainable fashion designer Joanna Day to talk about the real meaning of success—beyond money, titles, and social media highlights. Joanna shares her journey from dreaming about fashion as a child to showcasing her designs at London Fashion Week, running her own ethical brand, and creating a life that truly aligns with her values.Tune in to learn:How to define success on your own terms and break free from industry expectations.The power of staying true to your vision and overcoming self-doubt.Why small businesses and ethical brands are shaping the future of fashion.The importance of finding joy in the creative journey, no matter where you start.Whether you're a maker, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you embrace your unique path and celebrate every milestone along the way.🎧 Listen now and redefine success for yourself!Resources & Links Mentioned✨ Connect with Joanna Day: www.byzantiumboutique.co.uk✨ Follow The Artisan Business Company on Instagram: @artisanbusinesscompany✨ Visit the Podcast Page for more episodes & resources: The Artisan Business Company PodcastShare this episode with a fellow creative who needs a reminder that success isn’t about hitting a certain number—it’s about doing what you love and making an impact in your own way. 💛 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt solo episode, Nikki dives deep into a topic that every creative entrepreneur faces but rarely talks about: the inner critic. She shares her personal journey with self-doubt, overthinking, and the power of reframing negative self-talk. Learn how to silence those doubts, treat yourself with the same kindness you show others, and embrace a growth mindset that fuels both your personal and business success.Key Takeaways:•How to identify and confront your inner critic.•Practical tips for reframing negative self-talk into positive affirmations.•Why self-compassion is essential for long-term growth in your business and life.•How embracing a growth mindset can transform your creative journey.This episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and plenty of inspiration to help you reframe your inner dialogue and take control of your creative future.Resources & Links Mentioned:•Contact Nikki: [email protected]•Follow on Instagram: @artisanbusinesscompany•Learn more: The Motivated Creative PodcastAction Step: Share this episode with a creative friend who could use a pep talk—and don’t forget to leave a review to help others discover the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of The Motivated Creative Podcast, Nikki sits down with Christina Avraam, founder of "Be Stylish Be Seen" and a holistic style coach. Together, they dive into what it means to bring your authentic self into your brand and business. Christina shares her journey of resilience and self-discovery, how her personal style reflects her core values, and how you can confidently express yourself through your business.Learn actionable insights about:Why staying true to your core values is vital for your brand.How personal style can boost confidence and authority.Overcoming imposter syndrome and staying in your lane.Building a business rooted in authenticity and connection.Whether you’re just starting or refining your handmade business, this episode will inspire you to embrace your unique journey and step into your power.Resources & Links Mentioned:Visit Christina Avraam: Be Stylish Be SeenFollow The Artisan Business Company on Instagram: @artisanbusinesscompanyDiscover more episodes and resources: The Artisan Business Company PodcastFreebie Alert: Need a boost? Download our Craft Fair Ready Guide to level up your market success!Action Step: Leave a review, share this episode with your creative friends, and join us next week for the next episode of Season 2! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Motivated Creative Podcast! In this exciting first episode of the new year, Nikki dives into the foundational mindsets that every handmade business owner needs to kickstart 2025 with purpose and focus. From shifting negative self-talk to practical goal-setting strategies, Nikki shares actionable tips to help you stay resilient, motivated, and organised throughout the year.Learn how to break down big goals into achievable steps, celebrate small wins, and build routines that keep you moving forward—even on the toughest days. Plus, Nikki introduces a January challenge to help you set meaningful goals and cultivate a supportive community.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The importance of mindset in running a successful handmade business.How to reframe self-doubt and embrace growth.Practical ways to set and achieve your goals without feeling overwhelmed.The power of celebrating small wins and reflecting on your progress.How to build routines and surround yourself with positive, supportive people.Key Takeaways:Progress is progress, no matter how small.Reframing negative self-talk can make a world of difference.Breaking goals into projects, milestones, and tasks makes them achievable.Success comes from confidence, routine, and a supportive community.Your January Challenge:Write down three goals for the year.Identify one mindset shift you’d like to make.Find an accountability partner to help you stay on track.Next Week’s Episode:Join Nikki as she dives into Crafting Confidence: Branding Yourself, featuring a fantastic guest who will share insights on building a personal brand that’s authentic, relatable, and uniquely you.Resources and Links:Join the Motivated Creative Community for support and accountability.Follow us on Instagram: @ArtisanBusinessCompanyDrop Nikki a message with your goals and mindset shifts—she’d love to hear from you!Tag & Share:If today’s episode inspired you, share your goals or mindset shifts with Nikki! Tag her on social media or send an email. Let’s start 2025 with creativity, confidence, and motivation.Thank You for Listening!Your support means the world. Please leave a review and share this episode with your friends. Together, we can inspire and uplift more creative entrepreneurs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of Season 1 of The Motivated Creative Podcast, Nikki reflects on the journey so far, highlighting some of the best advice, inspiring stories, and transformative moments shared by this season’s guests. This episode revisits the wisdom and insights that resonated most with listeners, offering a perfect recap for anyone looking to start or grow their creative business. Whether you’re new to the podcast or have been tuning in each week, this season finale is packed with motivation to fuel your creative journey.Today, we cover:Listen in for an inspiring wrap-up of the season and a glimpse of what’s next!Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Follow & Connect:Rate, Review, & Subscribe!If you’ve enjoyed Season 1, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable insights to creative entrepreneurs. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartfelt episode of The Motivated Creative Podcast, Nikki Matts sits down with Lauren Martin, a visual storyteller, to discuss the emotional highs and lows of running a creative business. From learning to say no and avoiding burnout to embracing moments of vulnerability and resilience, Lauren shares her journey of balancing life, family, and entrepreneurship. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or questioned your path, this episode offers practical insights and comfort in knowing that resilience is built, not born.Today, we cover:Listen in to discover how to manage the tough moments in your creative business and keep moving forward, one step at a time.Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Follow & Connect:Rate, Review, & Subscribe!If you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more creative entrepreneurs like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and leave a review. We’d love to hear what resonated most with you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this in-depth episode of The Motivated Creative Podcast, Nikki sits down with Rachel Hargrave, founder and managing director of RDZ PR, to discuss the true essence of marketing and why it’s crucial for every business. Rachel shares her insights on why marketing isn’t something to fear or avoid—it’s simply the act of telling people you have something to offer. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your marketing strategy, this episode breaks down actionable steps that will help you build a marketing plan, overcome common fears, and keep your business visible.Today, we cover:Listen in to learn why marketing isn’t something to shy away from—it’s the backbone of keeping your business thriving!Resources Mentioned in the Episode:Follow & Connect:Rate, Review, & Subscribe!If you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more creative entrepreneurs like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and leave a review. We’d love to hear what resonated most with you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you run a handmade business around a disability, a long-term health condition or neurodivergence, and you worry that working fewer hours looks like not working hard enough, this episode is for you. Inclusion coach Elaine Hughes explains how to plan your business around your energy instead of a 9-to-5, protect the time that keeps you well, and stop spending money and capacity on things that won't move the business forward. What We Cover How to plan your working week around when your energy is at its best, not around a 9-to-5 Blocking out your non-negotiables first: appointments, rest and study time that never move for a client or a meeting Why being upfront with customers about a delay works, and how most buyers respond when you are Why the disabled market, the purple pound, is still under-served, and why a product you made for your own needs may be worth selling Why saying no protects your capacity, and how to tell a real opportunity from fear of missing out How to stop buying courses on impulse: decide what your business needs next, then buy only what gets you there About Elaine Hughes Elaine is a diversity, equality and inclusion coach who works with businesses on disability inclusion. Physically disabled from birth, she built a business selling online from home, ran a shop that stocked other makers' products, and now runs an e-commerce business alongside her advocacy work. Elaine's website Work With Nic If you're running your business on limited energy and can't see which commitment, course or opportunity to drop first, that's one problem, and one problem is what a Business Boost Call is built for. It's 60 minutes 1:1, with a written summary of the decision and your next action the same day. Book a Business Boost Call Find Nic Online The Artisan Business Company Instagram Work with Nic

If your handmade business competes on price, or your standards slip the moment orders pile up or someone else helps in the workshop, this episode is for you. Nic explains why consistent quality is what earns repeat customers and word of mouth, why swapping to cheaper materials to bring your prices down backfires, and how to keep every order to the same standard. What We Cover Why consistent quality builds the repeat customers and referrals a handmade business depends on Why cutting material costs to lower your prices backfires, and why buyers will pay for quality they can see and feel How to research and test materials before you commit, and why local sourcing gives you a stronger story to tell at fairs and markets How to use customer feedback well: act on the patterns, not on every comment Why rushing production to clear the order list costs you more than the time it saves How to write standard operating procedures, or film yourself making, so quality holds when someone else is making for you Work With Nic If quality is your edge but your prices or your standards keep slipping when the orders pile up, that's one problem, and one problem is what a Business Boost Call is built for. It's 60 minutes 1:1, with a written summary of the decision and your next action the same day. Book a Business Boost Call Find Nic Online The Artisan Business Company Instagram Work with Nic