Ep 48 Monica Mercer of M & M Mercantile

Lisa Worley was born in upstate New York. Growing up, her mother was an interior designer and Faux finisher and Lisa would go to job sites with her and help her while getting hands-on experience. That’s where her passion for art and interior design began. Lisa has been a Master Faux Finisher for over 25 years. She studied abroad throughout Italy to learn the old master's techniques of a decorative faux finish. Lisa also studied the art of finishing with several well-respected artists in the industry from Gary Lord to Martin Allen Hirsch. In the late 90s, Lisa became a distributor and instructor for Faux Effects international and taught classes at her studio. A couple of years later, she went to a local college and studied interior design. One of her favorite things she learned in interior design was the theory of color. That made all the difference in the world for her. It opened her eyes to the endless possibilities of color combinations. Lisa’s business is very labor intensive. At 53, climbing on scaffolding and ladders over the years is starting to take a toll on certain parts of her body, but has inspired her to reinvent herself and her business. Website https://www.southernyankeesc.com/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SouthernYankeeSC?mibextid=JRoKGi Instagram https://www.instagram.com/southernyankeedesigns?igsh=Z2ExZ3BtdWQzZGI1&utm_source=qr YouTube https://youtube.com/@southernyankeedesigns1419?si=HDHgvY-uwPEpfzQJ

Dionne Woods talks with Sarah Berry on the Paint Talks Podcast. Sarah is an entrepreneur, CEO, volunteer, and a support staff to her husband’s small business. But those are her official titles. The most important names she goes by are “mom, wife, daughter, sister," and "friend.” The most challenging, yet rewarding, capacity she has worked in, (just behind motherhood!), has been that of self-employment. Although she has had an entrepreneurial “spark” most of her life, she officially started her small business journey in January 2014, with absolutely no clue what she was doing! Practically by accident, she turned a recipe of elbow grease, blind faith, and a lot of late-night coffee-infused work sessions, into a thriving creative business. Though the roots of her business began with creating handmade goods, encouraging people to finally take action on the little voice that has been nudging them to “do something more,” is what really gets her going! There is a need for what we ALL have to offer, and in helping people bring a little beauty and creativity back into their lives, she hopes to inspire others to finally take the leap on their own dreams! Life it too short and too amazing to let it pass without taking a chance on yourself, and Sarah is like the best biz buddy you never knew you needed....until now!! Upcoming Events: Sarah is getting ready to launch a mini course about starting a business from your own kitchen table like she did 10 years ago! You can visit www.SarahBerryandCo.com for more information about how to get signed up. She has also just celebrated recently being published in Better Home and Gardens "Holiday Crafts" magazine for two years running, not to mention her most recent feature in "The Turquois Iris Journal!" So many reasons to celebrate! Website  Facebook  Instagram  YouTube 

Jen Cushman is a natural storyteller drawn to the imperfect, the quirky, the artsy and the authentic. She’s spent 25 years as a mixed-media artist and instructor, authored two jewelry-making books, appeared on numerous DIY television shows as a guest artist and has been widely published in national magazines. Currently, she is a contributing artist on the MadeTV maker network. When the pandemic hit, Jen followed her heart and started a new business called Soul Stir Magic to virtually work one-on-one with clients as an empathic intuitive, reiki energy practitioner and a creativity coach for women finally ready to release old stories and limiting beliefs that unconsciously hold them back from realizing their dreams. In 2023, Jen again followed her intuition and began Soul Stirring Retreats in the South of France, where she invites adventurous women to join her and world-class guest artist instructors on Art + Spirit retreats that re-ignites their passionate maker hearts and refreshes their spirit. Each Monday, at 11:11 am Arizona time, Jen hosts her Magic Mondays livestreams, where she teaches about personal growth, wellness, energy medicine or spirituality. She also does mini readings for a handful of her live viewers using her own Joy FULL Oracle Card Deck for Creatives, Healers and Feelers. Jen’s purpose is to guide women toward their inner knowing, which empowers them to radiate creativity, authenticity and happiness. Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Psychology, as well as a number of certifications including Master Practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Mental and Emotional Release® (MER), Hypnotherapy, Reiki Master/Teacher, Art Therapy Coach and Angel Tarot Card reader. Website Intuitive Energy Healer | Intuitive Readings | Workshops - Soul Stir Magic Facebook Jen Cushman Artist Instagram Instagram (@jencushman) YouTube Jen Cushman

Dionne Woods talks with Brenda Glad on this week’s Paint Talks Podcast. Brenda was born to create art from her heart just for the love and satisfaction she receives. Brenda loves learning and loves to pass it on whenever she can. Behind a camera, at the potter wheel, sewing, refurbishing old treasures, repurposing items giving them new life, making books, journals, and nichos with handmade religious statues and decorations. Through commission work, Brenda refurbished an antique Spanish Galleon model by creating by hand -- missing wooden parts, replacing all the ratlines, matching paints, and antiquing the exterior. https://www.facebook.com/brenda.glad/ 

Marlis Walker of “Dare To Be You Designs By Marlis” is a self-taught, late-blooming artist, she started painting canvas at the age of 60. She inspires, encourages, and teaches others to find their creative joy so they can “color outside the lines” in every aspect of their lives while bringing joy and smiles to themselves and others. Marlis says, “Find that creative spark that makes your heart smile and share it with others”.   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DareToBeYouDesignsByMarlis Instagram https://www.instagram.com/DareToBeYouDesignsByMarlis YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@daretobeyoudesignsbymarlis

Mansi is a creativity facilitator guiding women to let go fully, to embrace wholeheartedly, to feel deeply and to paint freely. Mansi encourages women to acknowledge the pressures of the day-to-day and say “not now” when they’re creating art. She helps women see themselves in a new light, love themselves for the unique beings they are, and appreciate the perspective they bring to their art as a result of their own life experiences. Mansi deeply believes that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, and creates a safe space for tears, squeals, laughter, anger, frustration and love. She gives women permission to feel it all, so they can express themselves in their art authentically. Mansi’s mission is to help women learn to give themselves the same grace and kindness they routinely extend to others; to re-aquaint them with the power that resides within; to equip them with tools to create and live more purposefully; and most of all to rediscover their three-year-old-uninhibited selves. Mansi’s work doesn’t follow trends nor can be boxed into a niche. Her free-spirited creations are filled with bright colors, abstract florals and joyful patterns. She believes art has the power to heal humanity, one person at a time, and has been handing out “gratitude tags,” which are essentially mini mixed-media panels, to community members for almost 5 years. These bucket-fillers are the perfect size for artistic experiments and are vehicles of joy, empathy and kindness all rolled into one.

Kim White of The Mad Cow, is a multi-faceted artist who loves to experiment with color, pattern, and different mediums. As an upcycle queen, she has a talent for transforming old materials into beautiful works of art. With years of experience in her craft, Kim has developed a passion for teaching workshops and sharing her expertise with others. Kim's energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Her artistic talent is only matched by her love of adventure, as she's often out exploring the great outdoors and discovering new sources of inspiration. Website https://www.themadcow.ch/ Facebook http://facebook.com/MadCowInterlaken Instagram http://instagram.com/the.madcow YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thecraftyhippy

Are you like so many of us and have decided you would like some more positivity showing up in your social media? You have the power to reset your algorithm. It’s true. In her self-care holiday podcast series, Dionne shares three easy tips that you can start today! As part of her mission to empower creatives, Dionne has launched Paint Talks, a podcast designed to share the true, inspiring stories of creatives from all walks of life. Dionne founded The Turquoise Iris Journal, a digital magazine by and for creatives, filled with tutorials, step-by-step projects, and powerful messages of community and hope. She is also a featured artist for both BloomTV and MadeTV. Dionne lives with her husband and sons in beautiful Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. When she is not traveling the US to help artists awaken their creativity, Dionne spends her time with her family. Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

There are many ways to learn to reframe our mental narrative - in this podcast, Dionne shares a visualization exercise that has helped her along her journey. Imagining your brain as wires, you can learn to disconnect the old wires that need to be replaced and then reconnect with new ideas and tools for a growth mindset.  Dionne Woods is an artist, business owner, and creative business coach. In her work, she uses her signature layering and blending techniques to create one-of-a-kind statement pieces. Dionne also offers professional tools, paint workshops, and online communities designed to elevate and amplify artists from all backgrounds. She especially loves her work as a creative coach encouraging artists to embrace the things that make them unique and translate that into art. As part of her mission to empower creatives, Dionne has launched Paint Talks, a podcast designed to share the true, inspiring stories of creatives from all walks of life. Dionne founded The Turquoise Iris Journal, a digital magazine by and for creatives, filled with tutorials, step-by-step projects, and powerful messages of community and hope. She is also a featured artist for both BloomTV and MadeTV. Dionne lives with her husband and sons in beautiful Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. When she is not traveling the US to help artists awaken their creativity, Dionne spends her time with her family. Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

Heather Donohue is known for her charming, nostalgic take on felt Christmas stockings, tree skirts, ornaments, and other creative commissions. She creates original content and craft projects, and loves leading in-person craft workshops. (They usually include sequins…and treats.) Her craft lab is in Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, their twins, and cavalier king charles spaniel. Upcoming Events: December 1-3, Julmarknad (YOUL-mark-nod) Handcraft Market & Festival at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Monday, Dec 11 at noon CT: MadeTV live holiday workshop via Zoom. Heather and Ana Bianchi lead a one-hour workshop on Fun Felt Ornaments. (The live is free, no MadeTV network membership is required.) Fun Facts: I met my husband Nick through mutual friends in New York, yet we were born in the same hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. I was a staff writer at The Onion in and after college. I was on David Letterman for Audience Show and Tell. (I shared a photo of me with his pal, Martha Stewart. I worked for her from 2000-2002.) Website  Facebook Instagram