Paper Talk

• Ep 164: Overcoming Challenges and Growing a Paper Flower Business with Gina Arzola

  In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Gina Arzola of Gina’s Paper Mountain to discuss her journey into the world of paper flowers. From discovering the art as a hobby to landing high-profile opportunities with the National Gallery of Art, Gina’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and growth. Gina opens up about overcoming a life-changing injury that temporarily halted her ability to create and how she regained her confidence through determination and support. She also shares how she turned her passion into teaching, navigated her first television appearance, and tackled the logistics of creating 700 marigold kits for a major workshop. This episode is packed with encouragement, practical advice, and heartwarming moments that every creative entrepreneur can learn from. “What’s the harm in asking? Even when you’re unsure, just ask—you’ll be surprised at the doors that open for you.” - Gina What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Following Her Passion: Gina's journey from a paper flower hobbyist to a growing entrepreneur. Overcoming Setbacks: Gina’s inspiring recovery story after an injury to both hands. Seizing Opportunities: How Gina landed a television feature and a major workshop project with the National Gallery of Art. Teaching Tips: How to start teaching workshops, adapt to different learning styles, and grow your confidence as a teacher. Practical Advice for Creators: From managing large-scale projects to pricing your work and negotiating fair pay. Have you faced a big creative challenge? How did you overcome it? Share your story in the comments or send us a DM—we’d love to hear from you! Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little creative encouragement today. Be sure to join us on Instagram (@papertalkpodcast) or in our Facebook community group, and share your thoughts - DM us or comment with your favorite life hacks! You can also make a small donation on our website to help us keep producing great content like this!

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• Ep 163: Quynh's Hot Seat - Tech Upgrades, Audio Essentials, and Content Tips

  In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh finds herself in the hot seat! She brings her questions about upgrading audio equipment and perfecting sound quality for her video recordings. With Jessie and Sara by her side, the conversation expands into insightful tips, personal experiences, and must-know tech hacks for creators looking to improve their content quality. What you'll hear in this episode of Paper Talk: 1. Finding the Right Mic Matters 🎙️ Quynh is exploring wireless and shotgun microphones to enhance her video tutorials. Sara shares her experience using RODE mics but highlights the challenges of keeping wireless mics charged. The takeaway? Invest in equipment, but focus equally on creating a quiet, sound-optimized space, even if that means recording in a closet! 2. Audio Quality Sets You Apart High-quality audio can make or break your video. Quynh emphasizes that clean, professional sound grabs attention and sets you apart from competitors, especially in ASMR or educational content. “Start with what you have, but when you can, upgrade your audio—it’s the easiest way to stand out in a crowded space.” – Quynh Nguyen 3. Instagram Insights: The Algorithm Decoded Quynh shares insights from the Kajabi conference and breaks down what Instagram prioritizes: Views and watch time are key for videos to go viral. Add text overlays to engage viewers who watch with the sound off. If showcasing products, voiceovers and personal storytelling work wonders. 4. Pinterest: A Creator’s Secret Weapon Sara reveals Pinterest as a powerful tool for driving traffic. Even with minimal effort, it’s her second-highest traffic source. The takeaway? Repurpose your content, optimize your links, and don’t sleep on Pinterest! 5. Life-Changing Tech Hack: Use Handbrake 🖥️ Jessie drops the ultimate tech hack: Handbrake, a free video transcoder that compresses files without reducing quality. For creators juggling large video uploads, this is a game-changer for saving time and streamlining your workflow. Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little creative encouragement today. Be sure to join us on Instagram (@papertalkpodcast) or in our Facebook community group, and share your thoughts - DM us or comment with your favorite life hacks! You can also make a small donation on our website to help us keep producing great content like this!

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• Ep 162: Building a Supportive Creative Community

  In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara discuss a topic that resonates deeply with many creatives: the importance of building a supportive community. Drawing from personal experiences and listener questions, they explore why community isn’t just “nice to have” but vital for growth, connection, and overcoming challenges. “Find those people who move your needle.” – Quynh What you'll hear in this episode: Why Community Matters: A creative community helps you feel less alone and offers the encouragement and challenges needed to grow. The Role of Safe Spaces: Not every creative struggle requires a mentor; sometimes, you need peers who understand your journey. Overcoming Creative Isolation: Confidence comes from connection—finding “your people” can re-energize your creativity and push you forward. Practical Steps to Start Your Own Community: Small actions, like reaching out at events or joining online groups, are the first steps to building a lasting support system. More Than Techniques: Finding Your “People” Jessie shares a touching story about meeting Susan White, a leader of Meadowlore, an online creative community. Unlike conventional mentorship or coaching groups, Meadowlore fosters a space where members can share struggles, reflect on their journeys, and find encouragement. As Jessie notes, many creatives already know what they need to do, but finding a community provides the emotional connection and self-insight to keep going. Quynh emphasizes that being part of a community—even one outside your specific craft—pushes you to grow, offering both affirmation and constructive challenges. Whether you’re searching for accountability, inspiration, or just a sense of belonging, a supportive group can help move your creative needle forward. Overcoming Isolation as Creatives Sara, a self-described introvert, initially resisted the idea of community but now recognizes its power. “The confidence, encouragement, and inspiration you get—it widens everything,” she explains. Loneliness and self-doubt often plague creatives, but stepping out—whether it’s joining workshops, connecting online, or simply sharing space with others—can be transformative. A Simple Start: Add One Person Building a community begins with one connection. Whether it’s reaching out to someone at an event, like Quynh’s experience at Kajabi, or simply sending a message, every small effort matters. These relationships can evolve into lifelong support systems that inspire growth, creativity, and resilience. “There’s a difference between friends who say ‘you’re great’ and a community that challenges you to be better.” – Sara Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little creative encouragement today. Be sure to join us on Instagram (@papertalkpodcast) or in our Facebook community group, and share your thoughts - DM us or comment with your favorite life hacks! You can also make a small donation on our website to help us keep producing great content like this!

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• Ep 161 - Coaching for Creative Entrepreneurs with Chris Mitchell

  In this episode of Paper Talk, Jessie, Quynh, and Sara sit down with Chris Mitchell, a life, career and professional development coach for artists and creatives. Chris has helped numerous creatives, including Jessie herself, to refine their approach to productivity, work-life balance, and artistic growth. Her unique approach to coaching focuses on supporting artists and creative professionals at any stage in their careers. She emphasizes the importance of carving out dedicated time and space to reflect, strategize, and set aligned goals, whether clients are balancing multiple responsibilities or transitioning into new creative ventures. Unlike a mentor who might give direct advice, Chris acts as a guide, prompting her clients to tap into their own strengths and resources. Her coaching philosophy revolves around intention, encouraging creatives to apply the same level of thought and care to their day-to-day structure as they do in their craft. Here’s what you’ll take away from this Episode: Intentionality is Key: Building intentional routines, like setting start times and professional rituals, can help creatives establish productive habits without stifling their creativity. Coaching vs. Mentorship: Coaching encourages self-discovery and growth by guiding clients through reflective exercises and personalized support, while mentorship is more about knowledge-sharing and direct advice. Celebrating and Reflecting: Setting goals and celebrating progress, even for minor achievements, keeps motivation high and helps identify growth areas. Personalizing Your Practice: Creativity thrives with structure. Tailor your work routines to suit your personal style and needs, and find small rituals that bring joy and routine to your week. Asking for Help: Sometimes the hardest step is asking for help. Reaching out to others, whether for guidance, networking, or feedback, can make all the difference. Jessie shares her journey working with Chris, explaining how Chris’s six-week signature coaching program, “Building Your Creative Practice with Intention” offers creatives the tools to build habits that align their personal values with their professional goals, and ultimately helped her redefine what productivity looked like for her as an artist and a mother. Through structured support and personalized strategies, Jessie managed to implement a consistent start time, which transformed her work routine, making her days more intentional and effective. “Just as you carefully choose your materials, tools, and techniques in your craft, you can bring that same intentionality into structuring your workday.” - Chris If you’re an artist or creative professional struggling with productivity, focus, or balancing your many roles, be sure to listen to this Episode for inspiration and actionable tips! Chris’s insights remind us of the value of intention, the power of routine, and the importance of seeking guidance to unlock our creative potential. Interested in learning more? You can learn more about Chris Mitchell by exploring her website or following her on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. __________________________________________ Here are two helpful resources that may interest you after listening to our Episode: Set Your Creative Compass 2025: The 4th edition of Chris’s popular Annual Goal Planning Toolkit for Artists and Creatives - Set Your Creative Career Compass 2025 - guides artists and creatives step-by-step through setting solid goals and making a plan for taking their creative practice, arts-based business or career forward in 2025. Building Your Creative Practice or Business with Intention (Workbook): Chris’s new workbook for artists and creatives - Building Your Creative Practice or Business with Intention - is a 56 page workbook inspired by her Signature Group Coaching program and designed to help artists and creatives: Think about their creative practice or business more holistically. Better identify and take actions that support their development and help them reach their goals. Bring more purpose and meaning to their work and life as a creative professionals.

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• Ep 160: Bonus Round - Marketing Tips for Paper Artists

  In this special bonus round of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara dive into one of the most frequently asked questions from their community: “How do you effectively market yourself as a paper flower artist?” This episode features practical, actionable tips on building a personal brand, creating captivating content, and connecting with your audience authentically. What you’ll learn in this episode: Defining Your Brand Through Your Personality - Quynh emphasizes the power of infusing your unique personality into your brand. By sharing relatable tidbits—like your favorite hobbies or quirks—you create a brand story that goes beyond just flowers. Authenticity is key to attracting like-minded followers who appreciate your work. Showcasing Your Unique Style and Process - Jessie highlights the importance of educating your audience about what it means to be a paper flower artist. Use visuals, whether on Instagram or your website, to not only show the end product but also to capture your creative process. By doing so, you help demystify your art and invite viewers into your world. Harnessing the Power of Photos and Videos - Sara points out that great visuals are essential. Whether through social media platforms or in-person events like craft shows, high-quality images and videos are invaluable. She suggests investing time in learning simple photography and video skills to help your work shine. Maximizing Social Media and Online Platforms - The trio also explore various platforms like Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram, each with unique benefits for artists. Pinterest, for example, is excellent for evergreen content, while YouTube lets you engage in deeper tutorials and storytelling. Finding Your Focus Platform - For anyone feeling overwhelmed, Sara advises choosing one platform to prioritize—whether it’s Instagram, YouTube, or even local events. Dedicate a few months to mastering that space before expanding, ensuring your energy is focused on what drives the most engagement. Building In-Person Connections - Jessie stresses the importance of in-person connections. Real-world interactions, like art shows or classes, can be incredibly fulfilling and motivating. These connections often create lasting customer relationships that go beyond a simple transaction, helping you build a loyal fan base. "Your personality is your brand." - Quynh Marketing as an artist requires a blend of authenticity, creativity, and strategic prioritization. It’s about telling your story, connecting with others, and finding the platforms that work best for you. While the landscape can be daunting, starting somewhere, staying consistent, and making genuine connections can help any paper artist grow their brand successfully. Have your own questions about how to market your work or grow your brand? Reach out and let us know! For more inspiring discussions and helpful tips, be sure to join us on the Paper Talk Podcast or in our Facebook group. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Together, we'll continue to grow, learn, and celebrate the artistry of paper flowers. Thank you for being part of our wonderful community.

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