Taking A Step Back to Move Forward | Creative Struggles | Season 3 Ep. 1

What happens when the thing you've worked your entire life for is suddenly put on pause? In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sitting down with a guest I'm a little more familiar with—my brother, a Division I basketball player. After spending his first two years of college playing out of state, he returned home to Wisconsin to play for UWM. But after suffering an injury last season that kept him off the court, he had to navigate the physical and mental challenges of watching the game instead of playing it. Now he's healthy, back on the court, and preparing for his comeback season. We're talking about leaving home, coming back home, adjusting to a new program, injury, identity, setbacks, recovery, current goals, and what's next beyond this season. Because sometimes the hardest part of chasing a dream isn't getting there—it's finding your way back after something knocks you off course.  #basketball #sports #college #nba #mensbasketball #fullcourt #halfcourt #courts #gyms #workout #athlete #division1 #horizonleague #trusttheprocess #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles #cr8tivestruggles #nahjalae  Guest: John Lovelace Jr. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnlovelacejr?srtk=bWJ4dmJkdWI1Yjdp If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave a review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevhy

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sitting down with an actress who has found success booking acting opportunities right here in Milwaukee. We're talking about the reality of the local acting scene, the types of gigs she's been successful in booking, the opportunities that haven't worked out, and the challenges that come with trying to break through in the industry. From auditions and callbacks to rejection, competition, networking, and wondering whether you need to leave Wisconsin to take your career to the next level—we're getting into the side of the acting industry you don't always hear about. Because maybe the question isn't “Can you make it in Milwaukee?” Maybe it's “How far can you go without leaving?” #actor #actress #acting #actorlife #onset #setlife #actingopportunities #film #movie #leadrole #supportingrole #background #creator #creative #creating #director #directing #producer #casting #castingdirector #trusttheprocess #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles #cr8tivestruggles #nahjalae  Guest: Ashley Hampton Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/ash.b.hampton?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ash.b.hampton?srtk=aHJibnR5MWN4MWN5 Tiktok  https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeenofdabest?_r=1&_t=ZP-9Aj9uOjP2dS   If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave a review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevhy

If you watched episode 3 “Starting Over Without Starting From Scratch”, you heard me say I was hoping and praying for a studio space—and now I have one! In this solo episode of Creative Struggles, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the new studio I designed and talking about what it took to turn an empty space into a creative home for the podcast. But this episode is about more than furniture, equipment, and decor. This studio represents a new chapter, a reminder that the things we're praying and working for can actually come together—even when the journey doesn't look the way we expected. We're still in the struggle, but A Win Is A Win. #interiordesign #desinger #podcast #podcastsetup #decor #grasswall #neonsign #creator #creatives #creating #trusttheprocess #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles #cr8tivestruggles #nahjalae  If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevhy

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sitting down with a Milwaukee native who's building his career as an entrepreneur, recording artist, rapper, and producer. We talk about what it's like navigating the music and entertainment industry from a city that doesn't always have the same resources or opportunities as major entertainment markets. From creating his own opportunities and building connections outside of Wisconsin to staying true to where he's from, this conversation explores what it really takes to build a career when you don't necessarily have the industry right in your backyard. #milwaukee #wisconsin #music #rap #recordingartist #producer #mueicindustry #milwwaukeerap #actor #acting #actingclass #midwest #chicago #creating #actress #actorlife #creatives #creators #trusttheprocess #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles  Dae Flywalker Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=680732672&mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daeflywalker?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Clothing line https://www.instagram.com/icapparelmke?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevh

After moving back home, I thought the hard part was over. It turns out the real challenge was figuring out what comes next. In this solo episode of Creative Struggles, I'm talking about adjusting to life back home, rebuilding a routine, finding acting opportunities in nearby cities and states, and staying committed to the dream even when the path looks different than expected. This chapter isn't about starting over—it's about building momentum from where I am and trusting that every step is preparing me for what's next. #milwaukee #wisconsin #hometown #newcity #newstate #actor #acting #actingclass #midwest #chicago #creating #actress #actorlife #creatives #creators #newpath #trusttheprocess #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles  If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevh

In this solo episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sharing the journey back home after leaving California. The same way I arrived years ago—by car—is the same way I'm leaving. Reflecting on the dreams I chased, the lessons I learned, and the difficult emotions that come with stepping away from a chapter before it looks the way you imagined. This conversation is about feeling like you're quitting, questioning your decisions, and learning the difference between giving up and regrouping. Because moving home isn't the end of my acting journey—it's a temporary reset as I save, grow, continue working on my craft, and prepare for what's next. Sometimes the road home is actually leading you forward. #moving #newdirection #freshstart #crosscountry #newjourney #hometown #newcity #newstate #actor #creative #actress #creators #newpath #trusttheprocess #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles  If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevh

In this solo episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sharing a major life decision: moving back home after living in California. For a while, I viewed going home as a step backward. But I realized that sometimes the smartest move isn't pushing harder—it's taking a moment to reset. I'm talking about saving money, prioritizing personal growth, continuing to work on my craft through acting classes and auditions, building my podcast, and preparing for what's next. This isn't a story about quitting. It's a story about trusting the process, redefining progress, and understanding that a pause can be part of the journey. Because sometimes you have to step back before you can take your biggest leap forward. #newchapter #season3 #newguests #soloepisodes #newcity #newstate #actor #creative #creators #musician #artists #podcast #newjourney #newpath #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles  If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevh Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: KFRVGBATQJR7CRIU

Season 2 has come to an end, and what a journey it's been. In this special finale of Creative Struggles, I'm reflecting on the incredible conversations we've shared this season and celebrating every guest who opened up about the realities of pursuing a creative career. From actors, musicians, writers, producers, and directors, each story was a reminder that every creative journey is unique—and that success is built through resilience, growth, and perseverance. As one chapter closes, another begins. I'm preparing for a new city, new experiences, and new opportunities as I continue chasing my own acting dreams. Thank you for listening, supporting, and growing with Creative Struggles. Season 3 premieres next month on Wednesday, September 2nd. Starting with a couple of solo episodes, new guests, fresh perspectives, and even more honest conversations about what it really takes to pursue a creative life. This may be the end of the season, but the journey is far from over. #newchapter #season3 #newguests #soloepisodes #newcity #newstate #actor #creative #creators #musician #artists #podcast #newjourney #newpath #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles  If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevh

For many actors with natural curly and textured hair, one of the biggest challenges on set happens before the cameras even start rolling. In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm joined by a fellow actor to talk about the realities of navigating hair and makeup on set. We discuss advocating for yourself, finding confidence in your natural hair, and why education and representation behind the scenes matter just as much as what happens in front of the camera. Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, hairstylist, or simply curious about the realities of working on set, this conversation offers an honest look at an often-overlooked part of the industry. #hair #natural #hairstyles #africanhairstyles #bantuknots #hairlove #haircare #curlyhair #curls #wigs #sewin #lacefront #naturalhair #blackhairstyles #boxbraids #knotless #halfwig #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles  Guest:  Janelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missjyvette?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevh

This season, we've been exploring the many paths creatives take while building their careers. In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm joined by a singer-songwriter to talk about the journey behind the music. From discovering her sound and writing songs that tell a story to navigating the ups and downs of the industry, we dive into the realities of staying creative, pushing through challenges, and continuing to believe in the vision even when success takes time. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to keep creating while chasing a dream, this conversation is for you. #music #musicindustry #singer #songwriter #singing #musician #vocalist #producer #Writer #songwriter #hitmaker #newmusic #applemusic #soundcloud #spotify #songs #randb #create #creative #entrepreneur #justdoit #makeithappen #dontgiveup #yougotthis #creativejourney #keepgoing #creativestruggles  Guest:  Olive Melody Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivemelodyofficial?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olivemelody?_r=1&_t=ZP-98CFjRBQwSk If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to [email protected] and I will share them on the next episode!   You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles   Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1 I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!  Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings Music: Mikhail Smusevh