A Creative Life by Design: Motivation, Lists & Letting Go with Michelle Allen

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with Michelle Allen, the artist and creative force behind the globally recognized brand Allen Designs, for a heartfelt conversation about building a creative life by design. From the unexpected way cat clocks changed her life and career, to her love of list-making, bike riding, and creative structure, Michelle shares how motivation evolves over time—and what it really looks like to let go when burnout creeps in. Together, Dionne and Michelle explore the tension between discipline and play, productivity and rest, and how honoring your own rhythms can lead to more meaningful, sustainable creativity. Michelle reflects on decades of creative entrepreneurship, teaching, and fine art, offering wisdom on staying curious, embracing imperfection, and continuing to grow—even when motivation feels distant. This episode is a reminder that creativity doesn't have to be forced; it can be shaped gently, intentionally, and with joy. If you're a creative navigating burnout, craving clarity, or reimagining what's next, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to keep going. In this episode, we talk about: Motivation through different seasons of life Burnout and the permission to let go Why lists bring freedom (not pressure) Building creative momentum without overworking Finding inspiration in everyday rituals Designing a creative life that actually fits you About the Guest: Michelle Allen is a Tucson-based artist and founder of Allen Designs, known for her joyful, expressive functional art and iconic designs that celebrate beauty in imperfection. Her work has been featured at juried art fairs, wholesale markets, and in homes around the world. In addition to her commercial success, Michelle is deeply committed to teaching, painting, and inspiring others to live more creatively. Connect with Michelle: Website: michelleallenart.com Instagram: @michelleallenart YouTube: Michelle Allen Art New episodes of The Motivatarian Exchange are released every couple of weeks, featuring honest conversations with creatives about motivation, creativity, and connected growth. 💙 If this episode resonates, be sure to subscribe and share it with a creative friend who needs a little encouragement today.

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with Dallas-based abstract artist and photographer Andie Hamilton, the creative force behind Andie in Color. As a young girl, Andie dreamed of becoming a photographer and fashion designer. Today, she is fully embracing every layer of her creative life—using bold color, expressive abstraction, and intuitive storytelling to shift spaces, spark emotion, and encourage women to be seen. In this honest and motivating conversation, Dionne and Andie talk about the journey from imagining a creative life to actively living one. Andie shares how motivation has evolved for her over time, how trusting creativity changed her path, and what it looks like to integrate every skill, interest, and season into becoming the artist she is today. Together, they explore: The transition from dreaming to doing in a creative life How color can change not just a space, but a mindset Staying motivated through uncertainty, pivots, and growth Letting go of old expectations to embrace creative identity Why becoming an artist is often about permission, not perfection Andie's story is a reminder that motivation isn't always loud or linear—it's often found by showing up, trusting intuition, and allowing yourself to grow into the work over time. This episode is especially resonant for creative women who once held big dreams and are now learning how to honor them fully. Whether you're an artist, photographer, creative entrepreneur, or someone rediscovering your creative voice, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and a gentle push toward becoming who you've always imagined. 🩵 Fun fact: Andie once failed art class in high school—proof that creative paths don't always start with permission, but they often lead exactly where they're meant to. Website Andie In Color Facebook Facebook Instagram Andie Hamilton (@andieincolor) • Instagram profile Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods is joined by Saskatchewan-based artist Michele Rogers, whose powerful portrait work honors Indigenous First Nations women and reflects her Métis heritage through stories of strength, memory, and generational resilience. Michele's paintings give visual voice to grandmothers, granddaughters, and female warriors—women whose lives and legacies shape cultural identity. Her work is deeply intuitive and emotionally layered, rooted in storytelling rather than surface aesthetics. Through her art, Michele explores what it means to remember, to honor, and to create from lived experience. In this conversation, Dionne and Michele explore: How cultural heritage informs creative identity Painting as a form of remembrance and resistance The responsibility and reverence of telling women's stories through portraiture Finding confidence, leadership, and voice through the creative process Encouraging others to step into creativity without fear of outcome Michele shares reflections from her journey as a lifelong entrepreneur, community artist, and educator—from large-scale window installations in her hometown to teaching paint parties designed to build confidence and curiosity. She also speaks about recent career milestones, including award-winning work, gallery exhibitions, and her participation in The Art of Becoming, a documentary series exploring the evolution of creative women. This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and consider how art can carry history, identity, and truth—especially for women navigating creativity, leadership, and becoming at every stage of life. 🩵 Michele Rogers is a contributor to The Turquoise Iris Journal and a featured artist in The Art of Becoming. Michele is currently participating in a gallery exhibition, with another major show scheduled for early 2026. Her work and creative journey were also featured in a prestigious artist magazine (Fall 2025) and highlighted in a documentary exploring her path to art, identity, and empowerment. In addition to her studio practice, Michele was invited to speak as one of three panelists at the WESK (Women Entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan) event, where she shared insights on creativity, entrepreneurship, and artistic leadership. Upcoming Events • Artist Meet & Greet — Fierce The Spare Room Gallery, Cut Knife, Saskatchewan December 12 • "A Grandmother's Love" — Solo Exhibition Queen Elizabeth II Art Gallery at Government House Regina, Saskatchewan March 28 – June 28, 2026 Fun Fact Michele once traveled to Peru to help film a documentary highlighting the vital roles women play in a village along the Amazon River. During the experience, she slept among some of the largest black, hairy spiders she had ever seen—each one nearly the size of her palm. An unforgettable reminder of courage, curiosity, and immersion in the unknown. Email: [email protected] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michelerogersart/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michelerogersart/ Website - https://www.peekinmywindow.com/

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, host Dionne Woods sits down with Juliette Crane, a full-time artist, author, and founder of The School of Happy Painting. Known for her whimsical abstract portraits, layered mixed-media techniques, and signature owls, Juliette has spent more than 15 years helping artists paint fearlessly and reconnect with joy in their creative process. After losing her job in 2009, Juliette rediscovered her purpose through painting — blending abstract and figurative elements to explore storytelling, emotion, and the beauty of imperfection. Her intuitive art style and online painting courses have inspired thousands of creatives around the world to trust themselves, embrace their unique artistic voice, and uncover the work they're truly meant to do. From her light-filled studio surrounded by nature, Juliette continues to expand her creative practice through painting, writing, gallery partnerships, and teaching. She also shares new inspiration in her newsletter, 7 Weeks of Creative Celebrations, and is launching her own creative community on Substack this December. 💙 In this episode, you'll learn: How to find your artistic voice and paint fearlessly Why layering, imperfection, and play unlock creative freedom How to stay motivated as a full-time artist Tips for building a meaningful art practice and community ✨ Connect with Juliette Crane: Website: JulietteCrane.com Instagram: @juliettecrane YouTube: Juliette Crane

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with multi-disciplinary artist and Turquoise Iris Journal curator BJ Massa of Junk'd Up — a one-of-a-kind creative whose imagination knows no limits. Known for her surrealist face art, whimsical furniture, and intricate assemblage pieces crafted from vintage finds, BJ has spent a lifetime transforming forgotten objects into storytelling art. But as she reveals, motivation doesn't always come easily...it's something she builds. Dionne and BJ unpack the truth about self-motivation, creative discipline, and the surprising power of parameters. BJ shares how deadlines fuel her creativity, why she thrives within structure, and how her deep love of history, nostalgia, and all things vintage infuses every brushstroke and assemblage she creates. A conversation for every artist who's ever felt stuck, searching for the spark to keep creating — and proof that motivation can be made, not just found. More about BJ:  BJ is a multi-disciplinary artist working in the Indianapolis area. She is known for her surrealist face art, her assemblage work and her fanciful painted furniture. BJ injects whimsy into her work and isn't afraid of bold color. She is a curator for The Turquoise Iris Journal. Fun Facts: BJ was a flight attendant for two years after graduating from Indiana University affording her the opportunity to travel the world. Website Junk'd Up Home Facebook Junk'd Up Instagram Junk'd Up/ Maker, Thrifter, Creator (@junkdup) YouTube Junk'd Up

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I'm joined by Porsha Chalmers - the artist, healer, and visionary behind The Silver Bohemian. Porsha's story begins in a small rural town in Georgia, where she grew up as the oldest of four, daughter to farmers, and learned to create anything with her hands from a young age. After high school, she enlisted in the Marine Corps and served six years, a season that strengthened her courage and shaped the resilience she carries into every part of her life. It was there she met her husband, began building a family, and set the foundation for her journey of service and creativity. Her life has been a tapestry of joy, loss, and renewal, raising her son Matthew (her proudest accomplishment), caregiving for Brian through his battle with ALS, and finding love again with her husband Jim. These experiences now fuel her work as an artist and healer, where she blends sound therapy, restorative yoga, and creative expression to guide others toward wholeness. Today, Porsha is stepping fully into her calling as a guide and leader: Curator for The Turquoise Iris Journal International best-selling co-author Marine Corps Veteran Creator of soulful workshops, retreats, and art experiences In this conversation, Porsha opens up about: The resilience she carried from farm life and military service into her creative journey The healing practices and symbols — dragonflies, ginkgo leaves, and feathers — that anchor her work Why memory, presence, and everyday beauty are central to her art and her life Her upcoming retreat, Soul Map: The Art of Release (October 23–26, 2025 at The Little Golden Fox in Madison, IN) Her upcoming book, Tattered and Mended: Soulful Stories of Life, Love, and Legacy (launching November 11, 2025) Fun facts about Porsha: she's happiest barefoot by a riverbank, creating in her studio, or grounding outdoors. She once worked as a published photographer covering stock cars and NHRA drag racing (and even got three tickets in one weekend for drag racing a Volkswagen!). She loves transforming unexpected objects like old quilts, spoons, and leather belts into wearable art and memory pieces. And always...music is the soundtrack of her life. Through her art, her healing practices, and her leadership, Porsha helps others honor memory, presence, and transformation. Her story is proof that beauty and meaning can be created even from life's hardest seasons. Connect with Porsha Chalmers: 🌐 Website: The Silver Bohemian 📸 Instagram: @thesilverbohemian 📘 Facebook: The Silver Bohemian

In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I'm joined by Canadian artist and entrepreneur Julia Veenstra — a woman whose life and work are as vibrant as her canvases. Julia shares her journey from being a child whose natural artistic ability was quickly recognized, to becoming a mother of five, and an entrepreneur whose creative vision has opened doors for thousands of artists worldwide. We talk about her early influences, her fearless use of color, and the way her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of The Square Foot Show, a global movement connecting artists and collectors. Julia opens up about the obstacles she's faced, the joy she finds in supporting others, and how she continues to grow as both an artist and leader in the creative community. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to blend family, business, and art with courage and heart, Julia's story will inspire you. Julia Veenstra is a renowned Canadian artist and entrepreneur known for her lively composition and vibrant use of colour. Having lived in various countries through her life, Julia incorporates diverse influences into her impressionistic and representational style—it's no surprise, then, that her work is found in collections across the globe. She chooses acrylic as her medium of expression due to its immediacy and the ability to create bright and vivid colours. Julia's artistic journey has led her to focus on capturing the vivid landscapes of her native Canada, for which she has gained national recognition, including a feature on the coveted Royal Winter Fair poster. As an entrepreneur, she's made a significant impact on thousands of artists and collectors worldwide through initiatives like Square Foot Show, Artlabel, and her new gallery, Crown and Press. You can often find Julia in her studio, a converted garage, at her home on Beach Boulevard in Hamilton. According to Julia: "We all have a moment in time that comforts and reassures us when remembered. A smell that transports us back in time, stirring up emotions of all kinds. I am attracted to those moments that create comfort, those scents that cause a rush of deep memories. As a child, I would dream of home and security, observing the world around me on walks through different neighbourhoods. These moments shaped my understanding of wholeness and peace, both real and imagined." As an artist, Julia strives to translate these special moments into her work. She captures the play of light on trees, the elongated shadows on fields, and the structures of homes built to provide shelter for loved ones. Her paintings reflect a connection with the past and a sense of security. Vibrant colours and expressive brushstrokes bring her canvases to life, often surprising her and her collectors with unexpected shapes and details. Through layering techniques and a focus on negative shapes, she explores the essence of wholeness. Julia believes that while home may mean something different to each of us, there are shared experiences that evoke a sense of safety and beauty. She aims to create artwork that stirs the heart and evokes these cherished memories. Her paintings capture these moments real and imagined, giving viewers a window into their own place of safety, whimsy, and wonder. Upcoming Events: Fun Facts: 5 kids 10 plus grandkids! I have lived in 4 different countries and speak a little Swahili! I run an international Online Art Show www.squarefootshow.com I own a gallery called Crown and Press in Hamilton, Ontario. I hung out with Brad Pitts brother once! Website Home - Julia Veenstra Facebook Julia Veenstra Artist Instagram Julia Veenstra (@jveenstraartist) YouTube Julia Veenstra Artist

Hear how Hayley Hunter Hines, spiritual advisor and creator of the Shine Experience, bridges the gap between soul work and business mastery. With over 25 years in corporate wellness and a divine calling guiding her path, she now empowers visionary leaders to build soul‑centered businesses and transformative retreats. From her Sacred Shakti Method™ certification to the Golden Goddess Equinox Experience in Crete, Hayley shares how intuition, heart‑centered strategy, and luxury spiritual travel create soul‑sparkling change. "When you see that you can do anything and anything is possible, it's phenomenal what comes through." From Corporate Executive to Spiritual Leader – Hayley shares the pivotal transition from traditional leadership to following her divine intuition and spiritual calling. The Shine Experience & Sacred Shakti Method – Deep dive into her transformational programs and how they heal mind, body, soul, and spirit. Alchemizing Business and Spirituality – Practical strategies for building soul‑centered businesses while making global impact. Retreats as Revolution – How her immersive events (Golden Goddess, luxury travel) serve as portals for transformation, not just lead generators. Intuition as Strategy – The role of spiritual discipline—prayer, meditation, breathwork—in structuring her life and business. Teacher Training & Spiritual Leadership – Insights into cultivating a global community of leaders teaching from their pure hearts. A must‑listen for anyone ready to expand their impact with purpose, presence, and pure magic. Website: Soul Sparkle Living Facebook: Hayley Hines (@hayley.hines) Instagram: @hayleyhunterhines YouTube: Hayley Hunter Hines Email: [email protected] Upcoming Event: Golden Goddess Equinox Experience – September 19–23 in Crete, Greece

What if your most honest art came not from control, but from surrender? In this soul-expanding episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne is joined by the luminous Flora Bowley—artist, author, and founder of the FreeFlo Community—for a powerful conversation on embodied creativity and intuitive living. Together, they explore: What it means to paint from the body—not just the brush How blindfolded dance helped Flora reconnect with freedom and flow The spiritual and emotional healing that comes from intuitive art Why inner peace is the true creative goal Her current journey building a 20-acre creative sanctuary in Oregon Flora shares how her years as a painter, movement guide, and mindfulness practitioner have blended into a life of deep listening and artistic trust. This isn't just a conversation about making art—it's about making space for your whole self to show up in the creative process. If you're craving more flow, peace, and self-expression, this episode is your gentle permission slip to return to what's real. UPCOMING EVENTS: Weekly live class in my FREE FLO Community. Enjoy your first week free here: https://freeflo.florabowley.com/ In-person retreat at the Omega Institute in New York, Oct 19-24, 2025: https://www.eomega.org/workshops/art-aliveness More in-person retreat announcements coming soon. Be the first to find out here: https://florabowley.com/news-art-love/ FUN FACTS: I was raised in Wisconsin by two YMCA directors. I can do backflips on a trampoline. I changed my name after my first year at Burning Man. I am currently learning to speak Portuguese. florabowley.com https://www.instagram.com/florabowley/ https://www.facebook.com/florabowleydesigns/ https://www.youtube.com/@florabowleydesigns  

"God used art to heal my fractured brain. I just kept showing up with paint." — Wendy Brightbill After a life-altering car accident rewired her brain, Wendy Brightbill found healing through color, mess, and creative presence. In this heartfelt conversation, Dionne welcomes Wendy to The Motivatarian Exchange to explore how painting became both therapy and transformation — a true beauty-from-ashes story. Wendy opens up about the vibrant, soul-led path that pulled her from depression and hustle culture into a thriving creative life filled with purpose, vintage flair, and quiet confidence. They talk about what it really takes to make art that heals — and how to guide others to do the same. In this conversation, you'll hear: How Wendy's accident became the start of her creative rebirth Her honest take on art shows (and why selling isn't the only win) Why embracing your style is the key to creative sustainability The real way to start teaching your own online art course And what "everything is art" looks like in daily life Wendy has launched over 40 online courses and continues to mentor women who want to lead with creativity, not burnout. This episode is an invitation to drop the perfection, lean into your process, and let art do what it was always meant to do — bring you home. Upcoming Events: The Artist's Course Roadmap- Everything you need to plan, launch, and sell your own online art course. Mentorship Community Coming Soon... In Person Workshops in Colorado Springs Fun Facts: Once-upon-a-time Kindergarten Teacher. Lived on a ship for three months right out of high school. Homeschool my two youngest girls. Really over hustle culture. I LOVE thrifting and bring a little bit of vintage vibes into my art through pattern and color. I believe that everything I do is art, whether it's cooking a meal for my family or getting dressed every morning. My students keep asking me to a fashion style course because they love the way that I dress. Website Homepage Facebook Wendy Brightbill Instagram Instagram (@wendybrightbill) YouTube Wendy Brightbill Studio Email: [email protected]