Studio McGee Stylist Jen Paul Shares Her Creative Career Pivot

What does it take to pivot into a creative career — especially when you're not in your 20s, don’t live in a major city, and didn’t follow a traditional design path?In one of the most popular episodes of the Imprint Podcast, interior and prop stylist Jen Paul shares how she transitioned from teaching to styling, landed a role at Studio McGee, and built a career on her own terms. She opens up about the power of being intentional, learning on the job, and how following her curiosity led to unexpected opportunities.If you're questioning your path or wondering if it’s too late to start something new, Jen’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to back yourself — and move into action.➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn MoreFor Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic business growth group program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here~Let’s connect!Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack. Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewaltonExplore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

Creativity isn’t about waiting for the perfect idea or moment. It’s about showing up — again and again — and trusting yourself enough to take the first step.In this episode, we explore what it really means to live a creative life. From overcoming self-doubt to developing a daily practice, you’ll learn why the creative process is available to all of us — and how engaging with it can transform not just your work, but your home and life.Whether you're styling a space, building a business, or finding your voice, this is a call to stop holding back and start creating with courage and clarity.➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.comGo DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn MoreFor Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

How do you turn a love of interiors into a business that grows through referrals, book deals, and a loyal client base?In one of the most popular episodes on the Imprint Podcast, interior designer and author Caitlin Flemming shares how she built her design studio from the ground up — starting with a blog, side income, and the courage to take on small projects that led to big opportunities. We talk about how she defined her aesthetic, found her first clients, and priced her services with confidence (after years of trial and error).Caitlin also opens up about creating two bestselling books (Travel Home and Sense of Place; she has another book coming out soon) with her mother, building a small but mighty team, and how she makes time for family while running a successful business.Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow a creative practice on your own terms, this conversation is full of thoughtful insights, practical advice, and a refreshing reminder that your aesthetic can be your advantage — when you know how to use it.➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn MoreFor Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic business growth group program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here~Let’s connect!Join 19k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack. Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewaltonExplore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

Sometimes we’re so close to our work or business that we stop seeing it clearly — caught in the details and the day-to-day tasks that we are unable to step back and see the big picture.As the saying goes, we can’t see forest from the trees.Yet someone else can often spot what’s missing in an instant.In today’s episode of Imprint, I’m sharing 9 simple — yet often overlooked — ways to increase visibility for your work and your business with subtle yet powerful shifts. These are patterns I see again and again when reviewing websites and marketing assets inside Design & Grow. Talented creatives doing beautiful work — but not sharing it in a way that helps them make meaningful progress.If you’re ready to stop missing what’s right in front of you and start creating momentum with some simple shifts, this episode is for you.➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance through a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn MoreFor Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are ready to grow smarter, not harder. | Join Here This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

What if a simpler life could help you feel more grounded — right where you are?In one of the most popular conversations on the Imprint Podcast, Jodi Wilson shares her story of Practising Simplicity — and what it really takes to live a life less distracted.We explore the unexpected lessons she learned during her family's two-year caravan journey around Australia, and how those insights led to lasting change — not just in location, but in mindset.We talk about the creative process, the challenges of embracing less, and how to create more meaning through small, sustainable choices. If you've ever longed for more spaciousness in your days or a stronger connection to your values, this conversation is for you.Come listen to a gentle yet powerful reminder: you don’t need to change your entire life to live more simply — you just need to start where you are.➤ Continue the conversation: www.nataliewalton.substack.com~Go DeeperFind a Program nataliewalton.com/programsWork with Me nataliewalton.com/workwithmeLet’s ConnectInstagram instagram.com/nataliewaltonWebsite nataliewalton.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

Are you clear on your niche?Do you know how to stand out?And attract the right people into your world?When you work in the creative industry, it’s easy to feel unsure of where you fit — or how to get noticed.In this episode, come learn a simple reframe that your style is your niche — and why this shift in thinking can make a huge difference to what you create, how you share your work, and who you attract into your world.Listen now to gain practical, real-world steps to help you identify your style signature, refine your visual identity, and use your aesthetic as a strategic advantage.Whether you're an interior designer, stylist, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you gain clarity, build confidence, and align with the work you’re truly meant to do.Join the free live training: nataliewalton.com/confident Learn how to uncover your unique style and use it to grow your business with confidence.Share your review of the podcast with me to get FREE access to Design & Grow Starter: https://j099agp88l2.typeform.com/reviewimprint~GO DEEPER➤ Join Design & Grow: My Exclusive Program To Help You Grow Your Dream Creative Business.➤ Learn How To Style with Clarity & Confidence with this Free Training. Register now: https://www.nataliewalton.com/confident➤ Sign up for Free Weekly Insights On All Things Interiors, Creativity, Business Growth and More.Let’s connect!Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewaltonWebsite: nataliewalton.comFree Weekly Newsletter: nataliewalton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

What happens when you trust your gut, follow your creative instincts, and give yourself permission to do things your own way? In this episode, I’m sitting down with celebrated designer and author Leanne Ford to talk about her unconventional path from fashion to interiors, the story behind her book The Slow Down, and why she’s more interested in how a space feels than following trends.Leanne opens up about embracing imperfection, honouring intuition, and designing homes that tell a story — including her own historic home in Pennsylvania. We explore the messy magic of creativity, the push-pull between art and business, and why protecting your energy is one of the most important decisions you can make.I wanted to bring this episode back because it doesn’t matter if you're a creative at heart or simply curious about living with more intention, this episode is a joyful reminder to trust yourself — and create the life and spaces that feel most like you.>> Join A New Interior Styling Training: Learn How To Style Like An Expert >> Click here to register now: https://www.nataliewalton.com/confident>> Want to thrive in your creative business? Come join Design & Grow and take advantage of a new & exciting offer. Click here to get started today: www.nataliewalton.com/grow >> Ready to take your interiors to the next level? Join The Styling Masterclass now: www.nataliewalton.com/thestylingmasterclass~Let’s connect!Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewaltonWebsite: nataliewalton.comFree Newsletter: www.nataliewalton.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

What if the key to true success isn’t about speeding up, but slowing down?What if it’s not about doing more — but doing less, better?In this episode, I’m sharing how I’ve been rethinking business through the lens of slow living — and why this gentle, grounded approach might be the most powerful way forward.You’ll hear a simple 10-step framework to help you change the way you do business, and feel better in the process.What if the key to true success isn’t about speeding up, but slowing down?What if it’s not about doing more — but doing less, better?In this episode, I’m sharing how I’ve been rethinking business through the lens of slow living — and why this gentle, grounded approach might be the most powerful way forward.You’ll hear a simple 10-step framework to help you change the way you do business, and feel better in the process.If you’re craving more clarity, simplicity, and a business that supports your life — not the other way around — this episode is for you.Want to go deeper?Apply now for my 1:1 business mentorship intensive to help you design a business you truly love: www.nataliewalton.com/mentor THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON* Why slow business is a powerful antidote to burnout* 10 steps to building a business that feels good and works well* How to reconnect with your "why" and set meaningful priorities* How to align your work with your values, purpose, and energy* What it means to create a business that grows with you—not one that burns you outFEATURED ON THIS EPISODE* Natalie Walton Mentorship* Natalie Walton Slow Home* The Styling Playbook for Interior Designers* Natalie Walton Instagram* Free live training - The Confident Stylist* Natalie Walton - Design & Grow Coaching Program* Natalie Walton - The Styling MasterclassLet’s connect!Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewaltonWebsite: nataliewalton.comPodcast production: Yaga Media This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

Wondering if you should jump on the Substack bandwagon — or if it’s just another distraction? Curious whether this platform could actually help you grow your audience, share your ideas, and get paid to do what you love? In this episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about the platform that’s reshaping how creatives, writers, and entrepreneurs connect with their audience. From growing your email list and sharing long-form content, to building a paid membership model — Substack offers a powerful way to share your voice, on your own terms. We’ll explore: Why engagement is dropping on platforms like Instagram — and what that means for your business The true earning potential of Substack (including how many subscribers you need to make it work) What makes a newsletter worth reading — and paying for The biggest mistakes to avoid if you’re just starting out And whether this is the right time — or the right platform — for you Whether you’re newsletter-curious or ready to grow a loyal, engaged community beyond the algorithm, this episode is your honest guide to deciding if Substack is the right next step. Press play now! And if you’re ready to explore this path too — or simply want to see what it looks like in real time — come join me as I start my own Substack journey. You’ll find me at nataliewalton.substack.com (or just search Natalie Walton on Substack). I’d love to continue the conversation with you there. GO DEEPER ➤ Join Design & Grow: My Exclusive Program To Help You Grow Your Dream Creative Business. ➤ Learn How To Style with Clarity & Confidence with this Free Training. Register now: https://www.nataliewalton.com/confident ➤ Sign up for Free Weekly Insights On All Things Interiors, Creativity, Business Growth and More. ~ Let’s connect! Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton Website: nataliewalton.com Access Podcast Shownotes: www.nataliewalton.com/podcast Take the Podcast Survey: www.nataliewalton.com/podcastsurvey  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com

After a season of change or challenge, it’s natural to question your path, stop trusting your decisions — or feel disconnected from what once brought you joy.  In this personal episode, I share a simple but powerful question that helped me reframe my relationship with joy, regain clarity, and get back on track. If you’ve been second-guessing your choices, or feeling stuck, this episode will help you start making progress with confidence again. >> Join A New Interior Styling Training: Learn How To Style Like An Expert >> Click here to register now: https://www.nataliewalton.com/confident >> Want to thrive in your creative business? Come join Design & Grow and take advantage of a new & exciting offer. Click here to get started today: www.nataliewalton.com/grow  >> Ready to take your interiors to the next level? Join The Styling Masterclass now: www.nataliewalton.com/thestylingmasterclass ~ Let’s connect! Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton Website: nataliewalton.com Download Your Essential Guide to Style with Clarity & Confidence: nataliewalton.com/handbook Get Your FREE Step by Step Plan to Design & Grow Your Dream Creative Business: nataliewalton.com/thrive  Access Podcast Shownotes: www.nataliewalton.com/podcast Take the Podcast Survey: www.nataliewalton.com/podcastsurvey  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nataliewalton.substack.com