Trust the Mark | Marlene Steele on Creativity, Courage & Beginning Again

What if the masterpiece you're creating—whether it's a painting, a business, or your life—isn't finished yet? In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with contemporary mixed-media artist, furniture artist, creative educator, and DIY Paint retailer Marlene Steele as she prepares to close one remarkable chapter and step fully into another. After more than 30 years in the corporate technology world, Marlene is retiring to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time artist. But this conversation isn't simply about leaving a career. It's about learning to trust yourself. Creating from intuition. Finding sanctuary in the creative process. And believing that the next brushstroke matters—even when you can't yet see the finished picture. Together we talk about: ✨ Overcoming imposter syndrome as an artist ✨ Trusting your intuition instead of waiting for perfection ✨ Creativity as a pathway to hope, healing, and faith ✨ Why taking one small action creates momentum ✨ Building a creative community that encourages growth ✨ Discovering intuitive painting later in life ✨ Finding the courage to leave a successful corporate career for a life of creativity Marlene also shares the story behind her Trust the Mark creativity card deck, designed to help artists quiet self-doubt, spark curiosity, and confidently take the next creative step. One of my favorite moments from our conversation came when she shared the words she returns to over and over again: "If you don't like it... it's not done." Those seven words aren't just about painting. They're about life. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, creative dreamer, or simply standing on the edge of a new season, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that growth doesn't require certainty—it simply asks us to keep showing up. Because sometimes your next mark changes everything. Connect with Marlene Steele 🌿 Website: Colorful Contemporary Art by Marlene Steele | United States 📷 Instagram: @marlenesteeleart 📘 Facebook: Marlene Steele Art ▶️ YouTube: Marlene Steele 📧 Email: [email protected] Learn More About Marlene • Creator of the Trust the Mark creativity card deck, designed to inspire curiosity, creative confidence, and self-trust. • Teaching Start Small, Leave Confident furniture painting workshops at Front Street Artist Studios in Dayton, Ohio. • Developing new intuitive paintings inspired by sanctuary, hope, and imagined landscapes. • Preparing to transition from a 30+ year corporate career into a full-time creative practice. 🎧 If this conversation encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe to The Motivatarian Exchange, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's learning to trust the next step in their own journey.

What if your greatest creative gift is seeing what others overlook? In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Kelly Huskins, artist, entrepreneur, YouTube creator, and the creative force behind Whimsykel Designs, a decoupage paper brand known for bold storytelling, expressive color, and imaginative designs that help artists transform ordinary pieces into meaningful works of art. Kelly's creative journey has taken her through stained glass, faux finishing, upholstery, interior decorating, painted furniture, product development, subscription boxes, retail partnerships, and even launching her own paint brand. But what struck me most about our conversation wasn't simply what she's built. It was how she learned to heal. Together, we talk about: ✨ Creativity as a pathway through difficult seasons ✨ Learning to embrace your feelings instead of avoiding them ✨ Painting, walking, creating, and processing grief ✨ Trusting your creative instincts ✨ Why rules aren't always necessary for innovation ✨ Developing your unique artistic voice ✨ Seeing beauty and possibility where others don't Kelly shares how creativity became a companion through challenging moments and how making, creating, and even crafting "ugly dolls" helped her process emotions and move forward. As the founder of Whimsykel Designs, she continues to encourage artists to trust themselves, embrace curiosity, and fully step into their creative voice. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, maker, designer, or someone navigating a difficult season, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that creativity isn't just about what we make. Sometimes it's about how we heal. Listen now and discover the power of trusting your vision. Whether she's creating magical animals, moody florals, vintage-inspired pieces, or emotionally driven collections tied to personal stories, Kelly believes creativity is about far more than making something beautiful. Through her work, she encourages others to embrace curiosity, trust their instincts, and fully step into their own creative voice. Upcoming Events: New Design Launch coming mid-July Fun Facts: When Kelly isn't creating, there's a good chance she's disappearing down a tech rabbit hole looking for new ways to bring ideas to life. Website Whimsykel Designs Facebook WhimsyKel Designs Instagram Whimsykel Designs- Digital Art - Decoupage Paper Brand (@whimsykel) • Instagram profile YouTube Email: [email protected]

What happens when life changes in an instant? In this heartfelt episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Lori Morgan, founder and creative force behind Tom & Chickpea, a beloved furniture painting and creative studio in Derry, New Hampshire. Lori's story is one of resilience, reinvention, creativity, and community. After the sudden loss of her husband Tom in 2017, Lori found herself navigating unimaginable grief while raising two young children. About a year later, she picked up a paintbrush—and that simple act became the beginning of an entirely new chapter. Today, Lori is an artist, furniture painter, interior design enthusiast, Wise Owl Paint retailer, business owner, community advocate, and the creator of a thriving brick-and-mortar creative space that recently celebrated five years in business. In this conversation, we discuss: ✨ Using creativity as a path toward healing ✨ Building a business after personal loss ✨ The connection between interior design, color, texture, and emotion ✨ Opening a creative retail shop and serving a local community ✨ The importance of organic growth and authentic connection ✨ Supporting other artists through collaboration and shared spaces ✨ Finding purpose through reinvention Lori also shares the touching story behind the name Tom&Chickpea and how her late husband continues to inspire everything she creates today. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, creative business owner, or someone navigating a season of change, this episode is a beautiful reminder that new beginnings can emerge from the most unexpected places. Listen now and discover how creativity can help us heal, connect, and begin again. Upcoming Events: I do a lot of community service and am going to be in the news soon for helping coordinate the collection of formal wear for the upcoming proms of the two high schools in town. I offer private paint classes with several scheduled this month and am working to offer a paint demonstration at a local winery in the next month. I also carry the work of several local artists and share my space with them to offer classes in their areas of art as well (pottery, dried flower arranging and more) Fun Facts: I bring my Schnoodle Leon to the shop every day and his underbite wins everyone over the moment they see him. Website Artist | Furniture Painter | Tom&Chickpea Facebook TomandChickpea Instagram TomandChickpea (@tomandchickpea) • Instagram profile

What does it mean to truly live with intention? In this deeply moving episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Diana von Welanetz Wentworth—New York Times bestselling author, speaker, life coach, media personality, former celebrity chef, and co-founder of The Inside Edge, a transformational community that hosted voices like Louise Hay, Ram Dass, Jack Canfield, and Mark Victor Hansen. At 85 years old, Diana radiates wisdom, presence, creativity, and joy in a way that feels both grounding and expansive. She describes herself as someone who is not winding down, but "composing the most luminous chapter of all." And after this conversation… I believe you'll feel that too. Together, we talk about: ✨ Why listening may be one of the greatest forms of love ✨ Meditation, attention, and learning to quiet the noise ✨ Grief, resilience, and walking back into the light after loss ✨ Creativity, curiosity, and expecting magic always ✨ How to live a meaningful life at every age ✨ Trusting your inner voice and absorbing the beauty around you Diana also shares her newest endeavor, Your Life as a Work of Art, a beautiful Substack series exploring how we compose our days, curate meaning, and leave something lasting behind. This conversation is gentle, profound, and deeply nourishing for the soul. If you've been craving wisdom, peace, encouragement, or simply a reminder to slow down and truly live—this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: What if your life itself became your greatest masterpiece? To learn more about Diana: Website - https://www.dianawentworth.com Email - [email protected] Substack - https://substack.com/@dianawentworth LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-wentworth-82647213b/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/diana.w.wentworth/    

What if the path you're meant for… is the one you return to? In this episode, Susan Harold shares how decades in publishing led her back to a role that feels both unexpected—and exactly right. In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Susan Harold—Editor-in-Chief of Where Women Create and What Women Create, and author of the stunning coffee table book The Art of the Studio.  With over 30 years in magazine publishing, circulation, and editorial leadership, Susan has spent her career shaping creative storytelling and championing the maker community. In this conversation, we explore what it looks like to return to a role that feels both unexpected and deeply aligned—and how every chapter of your life prepares you for the one you're stepping into now. Together, we talk about: ✨ The full-circle journey back to purpose and leadership ✨ Why true motivation begins from within ✨ How to quiet the noise and listen to your inner voice ✨ The power of storytelling, publishing, and creative platforms for women ✨ Building a meaningful career in the creative industry Susan also shares the heart behind her book The Art of the Studio, a passion project celebrating the beauty, intention, and inspiration found in creative spaces—and the stories behind the artists who inhabit them. This episode is for the creative woman who feels a pull toward something more… who is learning to trust her voice, honor her journey, and step fully into what she's meant to create. 🎧 If you've ever wondered whether you're on the right path—this conversation will remind you that you are. New in 2025, The Women Create Shop, https://www.womencreateshop.com, a curated marketplace where each collection is a reflection of its maker — inspired by tradition, shaped by imagination, and crafted with care. Susan Harold: With over three decades in magazine publishing spanning circulation, content creation, and editing, Susan Harold has spent her career at the heart of creative storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Where Women Create and What Women Create, she continues to champion the maker community. Susan is also the author of The Art of the Studio, the premiere coffee table book from Women Create. This debut is a true passion project, uniting her professional expertise with her lifelong appreciation for design, photography, and the intentional beauty of interiors. Fun Facts: Spending time at the beach is one of my favorite ways to relax. I love books, Pilates, travel, all things fashion, and spending time as a family with my husband and 2 grown sons. I have always been obsessed with magazines. After a brief, four-hour realization that my first post-grad role wasn't the right fit, I pivoted quickly and accepted a Marketing Assistant position at a magazine distributor. This was the true starting point of my career. Website https://womencreate.com Facebook Where Women Create Instagram WHERE & WHAT Women Create (@wherewomencreate) • Instagram profile

What if your creativity wasn't just a talent—but a calling? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with artist Casey Alvarez, a Missouri-based painter, entrepreneur, and former Christian counselor who has built a thriving creative business rooted in faith, color, and purpose. From painting large European-style armoires on her farm in the Ozarks to shipping her work to 46 states, Casey shares how she transformed her love of creativity into a meaningful and sustainable career. But this conversation goes deeper than art. Casey opens up about: • How her background in counseling became her unexpected superpower in mentoring other women • The role faith plays in her creative process and decision-making • What it really takes to build a creative business from "the middle of nowhere" • Why storytelling—even through painted furniture—creates connection and impact • How color, nature, and farm life continue to inspire her work Through honesty, warmth, and wisdom, Casey reminds us that creativity isn't just about what we make—it's about how we live, lead, and serve. This episode is for artists, creatives, and women who feel called to something more—and are ready to express it boldly. ✨ If you've ever wondered how to turn your creative passion into a business, or how to trust your voice and your vision, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Website CaseyAlvarezArt - Etsy Facebook Paint with Casey Instagram Paint with Casey (@paintwithcasey) • Instagram profile YouTube Paint with Casey

What if your greatest creative superpower wasn't talent—but vulnerability? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange with Dionne Woods, Dionne sits down with groundbreaking portrait artist ShenShen210 for a conversation that moves from freight trains and graffiti culture to faith, purpose, and the courage to fully embody who you were created to be. Growing up in the Bay Area of San Francisco, Shen began painting at just 15 years old—eventually becoming known as one of the first female freight train graffiti artists on the West Coast. At a time when the street art world was overwhelmingly male, she carved out her own place with spray paint, bold color, and fearless expression. Her artistic path has taken her from painting graffiti on trains and large-scale wall murals to prestigious exhibitions, live stage painting, and portrait commissions for notable figures including Clint Eastwood, William H. Macy, and Tim Tebow. But Shen's journey started in humble and creative ways—painting T-shirts at Six Flags and growing up in a family she describes as "rebels," collectors, and storytellers who inspired curiosity and appreciation for beautiful objects long before it was trendy. Today, Shen's work blends aerosol techniques with mixed media portraiture, capturing the emotion and spirit of her subjects in ways that feel raw, honest, and deeply human. In this heartfelt conversation, Dionne and Shen explore: • Why Shen believes vulnerability is her true artistic superpower • What it was like to break barriers as a female graffiti artist in the 1980s • How scripture—especially Epistle to the Ephesians 2:10—shaped her understanding that we are created to create • Painting live on stage during a recent event with Tim Tebow • Why faith and creativity are deeply intertwined in her life and art Shen also reflects on a powerful quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that has guided her creative courage: "Do not be timid or squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment." Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Shen continues to exhibit internationally, paint murals, and create powerful portrait work while using her art as a way to share faith, beauty, and redemption. Her message is clear: We were created to create—and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply show up as ourselves. Upcoming Events: Square Foot Show, Painting Live Onstage with Tim Tebow this fall, and hosting ongoing curated exhibits at The Factory in Franklin, TN. Fun Facts: Our family is know as the "J Team" Crashed a party in NYC where Steven Tyler sang Happy Birthday to Tommy Hillfiger's brother for his 50th Website :ShenStudio: The Sacred Urban Art of :ShenShen210: Facebook ShenShen210 Instagram :ShenShen210: (@shenshen210) • Instagram profile YouTube :ShenShen210: Email: [email protected]  

What happens when calm strategy meets courageous vision? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with Erin Schlarb, founder of Hemlock Strategy and Design and the strategic guide behind many of Dionne's most successful launches, websites, and digital expansions. Erin works as more than a website designer — she is a thoughtful partner to creatives, artists, and small business owners who want clarity, integrity, and confidence in their digital presence. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, she serves with intention, helping clients understand what actually matters for growth. Together, Dionne and Erin discuss: Why asking for help is a leadership move, not a weakness How trust and integrity shape sustainable business growth What it means to serve instead of simply "sell" Translating complicated tech into empowering strategy The quiet confidence behind being a strategic partner Elevating your business without losing yourself Erin shares how she built Hemlock Strategy & Design from a place of curiosity and care — and why she believes technology should feel empowering, not intimidating. Known for her calm, curious approach, Erin has helped countless creatives feel more confident navigating websites, SEO, digital marketing tools, and strategic planning. Her work is rooted in genuine connection, thoughtful guidance, and elevating the people behind the brand. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by tech… If you've questioned whether you're ready for support… If you long for a strategic partner who truly sees you… This conversation will feel like permission. To learn more about Erin's website reviews and strategy sessions, visit: 👉 hemlockstrategy.com Website Hemlock Strategy and Design › Small Business Website Design Facebook Hemlock Strategy and Design | Fairlawn OH Instagram Hemlock Strategy and Design (@hemlockstrategy) • Instagram profile LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/hemlockstrategy/  

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]