A little about 
Colleen: She was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The daughter of two teachers and the granddaughter of another, Colleen was introduced to travelling through the imaginary worlds of literature at a young age. After studying radio broadcasting at Humber College in Toronto, she moved to northern Ontario and became first a radio announcer and then a radio copywriter. After more than 25, she decided to broaden her horizons by writing for other forms of media, the corporate world and non-profit agencies. She was married for 24 years and raised a now 22-year-old son who she homeschooled for his grade 3 year. Currently a single, self-employed small-business owner, she provides corporate facilitation, public relations/media relations and image-building services. She has just released her first book, The Beginner’s Guide to Chick Night™, to remind women to put themselves back on their own list of priorities. www.mychicknight.com

1. Why is creativity important to you?
Expressing myself creatively is a way to tap into pure joy. No matter how hectic my schedule is or how busy the world around me seems – when I’m being creative, I feel calm, centered and completely at peace. At the same time, it’s as if my energy level has tripled.

2. What do you enjoy the most?
In my freelance writer-broadcaster days, I always jumped at the chance to write “good news” stories because it allowed me to spotlight the best in human nature. Now that I have the freedom to choose the genre of books I write, I focus on self-help and inspirational writing to encourage women to be all that they can be.

3. Do you have any fears when creating?
Not really. The worse that can happen is that nobody wants to read what I wrote, but I still get to experience the pleasure of having written it.

4. Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?
Yes, I’m extremely fortunate to be surrounded by highly supportive friends and family who encourage me at every step of the creative writing process. They are also willing to provide honest feedback, which I really appreciate.

5. How do you find time to create?
As a self-employed business owner, it can be tricky because work sometimes spills over into, and gobbles up, my free time. When that happens, I take note of any random thoughts or ideas that pop into my head, and jot them down in my journal. This helps me feel like I am remaining connected to the creative flow. Later, these journal entries form a starting spot for when I do have time to be creative.

Words of inspiration to creative chicks: Give your thoughts permission to flow. Turn off that self-censoring little voice in your head that tries to stop you from creating before you even get started. Your original thought, however “silly” or “stupid” or “dumb” that inner censor tries to tell you it is, may eventually prove to be the starting point for something truly remarkable.
Remember that creating is a process, not a one-step finished product. Oh, and make sure you have at least one friend you can count on to encourage and support you – to remind you that deep down inside, you are a creative genius.

Colleen Kleven, author of “The Beginner’s Guide to Chick Night,” available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and in Chapters stores in Canada.

Cathy Mazur was born and raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  She earned a B.S. degree in Library Science from Mansfield University in 1975.  In 1978, she received a Reading Specialist Certificate from the University of Scranton.  She was employed by the Mid Valley School District as an elementary school librarian from 1975 until her retirement in 2010.  While serving as the school librarian, she was responsible for implementing and operating the Reading Is Fundamental program.  She has been married for 31 years to her husband Frank and has two children, Gary and Gia.  Presently, she is writing books for children; embarking on a new career as an author.

Q:  Why is creativity important to you?
A:  Creativity is an outlet in which you can express yourself and share your ideas with others.  A world absent of creativity would not allow society to push boundaries and lead to brighter futures.

Q:  What do you enjoy the most?
A:  Writing and creating stories for children.  In my experience children are impressionable at an early age and I believe reading is a great way to help expand their minds and enable their development.

Q:  Do you have any fears when creating?
A:  The only fear I have is writing is a new adventure for me and I don’t know what to expect, but that fear of the unknown becomes easier as I step further away from my comfort zone.

Q:  Are your friends and family supportive of the things you create?
A:  Yes, my family and closest friends support me 100%.  They provide a solid base of positive energy that I leverage when I need a boost.

Q:  How do you find time to create?
A:  Fortunately, I am retired from teaching and now have found more time to create.  I recognize that for everyone time is at a premium but I would challenge those who want to create to focus on one project at a time and dedicate all of the time that can be afforded to it.

Born in Scranton, Pa., Cathy Mazur is the daughter of Gary and Catherine H. Errico. She was educated in the Dunmore public school system and graduated from Dunmore High School in 1971. She received a bachelor’s degree in Library Science from Mansfield State College in 1975. She received a Reading Specialist Certificate from the University of Scranton in 1978. Cathy was employed as an elementary school librarian for the Mid Valley School District from 1975 until her retirement in 2010. While at Mid Valley, she instituted and coordinated the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program for 33 years helping students to develop a love of reading outside the classroom. Cathy served on the Board of Directors for the Valley Community Library in Peckville, Pa. for over 20 years acting as president for one year and board secretary for 19 years. She presently serves on the library’s Developmental Committee chairing various fundraising events. She resides in Dickson City, Pa. with Frank, her husband of 31 years. They are the parents of two children, Gary, 27 and Gia, 19. Now in her retirement, she is focused on writing books for children like Stanley Seagull.
You can get Cathy’s book Stanley Seagull at http://www.StanleySeagull.com

Today I’m happy to introduce you to the fabulous and creative Karen Robertson.

A little about Karen (your bio):

It all started with a dream.
In 2007, Karen was struggling to get her sons to read for fun when she had a dream that lead to her creating a new kind of book that combined the magic of stories with the fun of toys. She self published “Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island” in December 2008 and was awarded a Gold Mom’s Choice Award for the book in 2010.
When she saw a storybook app on the iPad last year, she knew she’d seen a way to take her love for interactive reading to a whole new level with touch, sound and animation.
In 2011, she launched her first book app, “Treasure Kai and the Lost Gold of Shark Island,” to rave reviews including being named a “Top 25 Essential Children’s Book App” by Digital Storytime last week.Karen’s goal is to create a global children’s content brand with “Treasure Kai,” a character who takes kids on fictional treasure hunt adventures through history.
She now shares her knowledge about how to turn children’s stories into book apps through her website and blog, www.DigitalKidsAuthor.com
Originally from Texas, Karen has lived in Sydney, Australia for 17 years.  She lives with her husband and two sons.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

Creativity is magic because you start with nothing and then bring forth something new.  It’s the most exhilarating, liberating, inspiring and maddening part of my professional life. Sometimes I delight myself with what I create. Sometimes I want to craw in a hole and whimper.

2. What do you enjoy the most?

There are so many parts of my writing and creative life that I enjoy that it’s hard to pick just one:
1.       The time that I spend actually researching, developing and writing a story and then working with my illustrator to bring it to life has to be first!
2.      Sharing with kids – I get such a buzz out of doing school author visits and speaking at events for kids and adults. What I find is that when kids meet a “real author,” they start seeing possibilities for themselves to create, and that’s inspiring.
3.      Collaborating with others on story ideas, production, marketing ideas. 1 brain +1 brain = much more than 2 when it comes to creativity.
4.      Innovating the way kids engage with reading.

I feel so lucky every day when I walk into my office and sit down to “work.”

3. Do you have any fears when creating?
Being interrupted! When I’m writing, I go to a different place in my mind and it drives me crazy to be interrupted. This is a real challenge since I’m a mom of two.  I’m not too worried about things like writer’s block because if I’m ever stuck, I just go for a walk. Walking away for a while usually does the trick.

4. Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

Very. I’m so lucky to have a supportive husband and children. I haven’t always been a writer so it’s strange for some people who knew me for years as a marketing executive to think of me as a writer. It’s inspiring for them though to see me make a drastic and successful career change.  I’ll never forget the first time I wrote “author” as my career instead of “marketing.” I think when I made that mental shift, everyone else did too.

5. How do you find time to create?

I work during school hours. But when I’m writing a story, I need more time and I need tobe able to work when I’m ready. If it’s the weekend, I usually try to leave the house. Or if I can’t leave, I put a red stop sign on the door so everyone knows not to interrupt me.

Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Creativity isn’t just about writing or art. You can also be creative with inventions or business ideas.  So that’s the space I’m speaking from here.

Overall, I say “believe in your idea and go for it.” I have some practical tips as well based on my experiences from going from marketing executive to a children’s content creator who patented a book format, self published a book, launched an app and is creating a global brand.
1.      Don’t get stopped by “how”
2.      Make a decision
3.      Reach out to others
4.      Invest in education
5.      Be open to feedback

When I first had a dream about a new kind of book where kids got to physically do something to drive the story forward, I couldn’t figure out how to make it work. The dream wasn’t prescriptive so I had to create something real out of a conceptual idea.  I decided I wanted to integrate toys with a book in an interactive and reusable way.  For months I kept pushing the idea out of my mind because I couldn’t figure out how to do what I wanted to do. Then I heard Bob Proctor say “anyone who ever did anything didn’t know how they were going to do it, they just knew they were going to do it.” That was a life changing moment for me because at that moment, I made the decision to find a way to make my idea work. Within two weeks, I’d solved the problem that had stumped me for months and I’d written the first draft of my book.

Also, I didn’t have any idea how to patent an idea or publish a book so I started reaching out to other people. Networking has been such a gift to me because people like to share their knowledge and help if you just ask them to.

Invest in education. I spent a lot of time and money getting educated about the business I was getting into and it was worth it.

Be open to feedback but stay true to your heart.  Being open to feedback lead me to re-write my entire book but I delivered a much stronger concept as a result and am very grateful that I listened.

Check out Karen’s book at www.treasurekai.com book and see a demo video of her app on www.treasurekai.com  And if you are a children’s writer or illustrator who is interested in turning your stories into eBooks or book apps, visit www.digitalkidsauthor.com to read her blog, access her free report, “The Top 5 Things You Must Know before Turning Stories into Book Apps,” or download her eBook, “Author’s Guide to Book Apps – a Guide for Children’s Authors, Writers and Illustrators Wanting to Turn Stories into Book Apps.”

photo credit: http://www.imageswatertown.com

A little about Donna:
Donna Marie (Pitino) Merritt taught for 14 years and was a columnist for Teaching K-8 magazine. Donna is the author of three poetry books: What’s Wrong with Ordinary? Poems to Celebrate Life (2012); Cancer, A Caregiver’s View (2011); and Job Loss, A Journey in Poetry (2010), all from Avalon Press (http://avalonpress.co.uk). Her poetry has also appeared in magazines, school reading programs, American Library Association’s Book Links, and in Dear One: A Tribute to Lee Bennett Hopkins, an anthology from the National Council of Teachers of English. In addition, she has published extensively for children, including 15 award-winning math and science books, with over 120,000 books sold. For more, visit her site at www.DonnaMarieBooks.com.

Donna is married to her soul mate, has two grown daughters, one grown stepson, and lives in Connecticut, continuing to find her way as a poet.

1. Why is creativity important to you?
When I was eight, I wrote my first poem, and at ten I submitted my first children’s book to a publisher (which, oddly enough, they turned down…). Creativity was important to me even before I understood why. I’m always writing something in my head. Putting my ideas down on paper turns the chaos swirling around my mind into something tangible I can handle.

Yet, it was many years after that first poem before I began writing professionally. I left a career in teaching because I felt there were two important things missing in my life: time with my children and writing. At first, I focused on writing and editing for the education market because that was steady work and my background was in the classroom. But two years ago the grant money dried up for the editing position I had acquired (it was a nonprofit organization) and I found myself unexpectedly unemployed. Two months later, my husband was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. The emotions of both events overwhelmed me and I instinctively picked up a pencil and vented through poetry.

In addition to providing a calming balm and giving my feelings a place to “land,” I discovered how much I missed writing poems. I found a publisher who believes in my work and thinks that not only will people enjoy the poetry, but that the poems will offer hope to those facing difficult situations. My work has meaning, and that’s huge for me. It gives my life that sense of purpose I crave.

2. What do you enjoy the most?
While I still have my hand in children’s publishing (I have a book due out next year), I am drawn more and more to writing poetry for adults. There are separate processes involved and although I enjoy the challenge of writing for children (and believe me, it’s demanding to write for such a deserving audience!), right now I love my label of poet and recently gave my first reading. It’s quite a different experience when compared to presenting to children at schools and libraries. With the kids, I almost feel like a performer, like I’m “on” and have to be energetic, do crowd control, etc. Reading my poetry is more of putting myself out there, letting people see deeper into who I am.

3. Do you have any fears when creating?
My fear is always that the last thing I write WILL be the last thing I write, that my creative juices will dry up. I’m thrilled when another poem comes together and feel blessed that at least I wrote one more! Beyond that, I worry that financially I will need to find full-time work again and that will cut into this wonderful writing road I’m traveling.

4. Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?
Absolutely. My daughters and stepson are all creative (art, poetry, music…), so they know what it’s like to have thoughts interrupted and are good about giving me space and time when I’m working. My husband encourages me at every turn, celebrating success or cheering me up when the rejections roll in. Whatever happens, he’s there. (By the way, this incredible spouse of mine has been cancer-free for over a year!) Other family members have attended book launches and presentations, and I have an extensive group of people in the publishing world on Facebook (authors, illustrators, agents, editors, publishers—it’s awesome), so that’s another place of support for me.

5. How do you find time to create?
I treat it as the job that it is. I meditate in the morning, take care of house stuff (laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, and so on), answer business e-mail, and then I begin my writing day. I work for a few hours, have lunch, and then read in the afternoon (reading is as important as writing). Then I might spend more time writing before having dinner with my family. Because I work for myself, though, I can be flexible, which is fabulous. For example, I can help move my daughters into their college dorms or go out for breakfast with my husband, and carve out other hours during the day to write.

Words of inspiration to creative chicks:
If you want to write, do it! Begin by reading everything you can, all genres, and find out why certain work moves you. What has the writer done that makes the piece memorable? What writing techniques are being employed? Attend conferences. Join a critique group. Above all, write. Most likely much of what you write, especially in the beginning, will be crap. I have enough rejection slips to wallpaper my house. The key is persistence. There are talented writers who give up too soon. It takes a tough skin and a great deal of dedication to your craft.

Or perhaps you are not interested in getting your work published and that’s fine, too. Keeping a journal is an exercise that satisfies the need to create for many people. Maybe you’d like to be in charge of writing the PTO newsletter or church bulletin. Writing birthday poems for friends and family might scratch that itch. As a mom, I have been writing down significant or funny things my children have done since they were young. When they graduate college, I plan to give them these keepsakes.

My point is that there is no right or wrong approach. Find what YOU enjoy and do it!

A little about Caralyn:

Mother of three daughters, an educator, professional singer, motivational speaker and coach and president of the Way To Happiness Foundation. – a non-profit dedicated to helping youth understand how to make good choices in life.

She is a former Brooklyn, New York, school teacher turned professional singer. Trained by Phil Moore, Jr. – “Get Your Act Together”.  Phil was the first Black arranger for MGM studios and also wrote and sometimes performed arrangements for Diahanne Carroll; Goldie Hawn; The Temptations; Marilyn Monroe; Dorothy Dandridge; and many more. 

Caralyn has performed with the well known Swing Band – White Heat Swing Orchestra – in Boston, MA and also with the Steve Lane Band as the lead singer. She has also recorded many radio jingles (with Kevin Tracey Production Co.). 

She performed the National Anthem at Fenway Park (home of the BOSTON RED SOX baseball team) and has performed at many fund raisers including the New York Detox Program for Firemen and Emergency workers from 9/11.

She sang back-up for Michael Butler (Whitney Houston’s Musical Director for the last 19 yrs) and recorded closing credit song “Everyday Hero” for ANSWERING THE CALL  – a documentary about volunteers at ground zero.

She also recorded vocals for THE WAY TO HAPPINESS Public Service Announcement, “Respect The Religious Beliefs of Others”.

 Seeing how her daughters had experienced some of their friends make some dangerous choices in life such as, picking a fight with someone, hooking up with a complete stranger, hanging around with the wrong crowd or even getting into a car with a drunk driver, choices that could affect them for the rest of their lives, Caralyn decided to become a youth activist and help kids young and old learn about making good choices in life – through her web site she is able to help parents and kids on a grassroots level. Her web site is www.twth.org

1. Why is creativity important to you?

Because it’s a very high level of communication and the better your skill in the area of creativity the more your communication impacts or touches others. And everyone has the ability to create something.

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

I guess that would be singing.  I’ve been doing it for quite some years and it never gets old it’s always fresh and I can pretty much predict what my audience will like and I deliver just that.  And the applause or the acknowledgement is like nothing in the material world… nothing.
3. Do you have any fears when creating?

I used to but then I took lessons, performed in the studio and to live audiences and the more experience I had the easier it got and the more fun.  I know the technical things I need to do to make sure my creativity is professional and so with that ‘work done’ I can just go out and freely sing and have a blast … no matter the size of the audience.  And yes, my family and friends are very very supportive and encouraging.

4.Are your family and friends
 supportive of the things you create?

And yes, my family and friends are very very supportive and encouraging.
5. How do you find time to create?
I make the time.  But singing isn’t the only thing I create.  I create at work with my fellow staff.  I am ‘in the moment’ so to speak, so no matter the pressures or numbers of things to do, I can create light moments in the midst of intense stuff and it keeps me and those around me happy.

I create the world around me just driving every day.  LA has some amazing trees and amazing architecture.  If you just ‘look’ you can take the same route every day and still see new things to marvel at.

I recall looking at the world this way as a child.  And I see it this way, but my judgement and my wisdom is much greater than then so the enjoyment is heightened as well.

Words of inspiration to creative chicks:
Step back, take a look at things around you. Step out of your head and feel the space and freedom. Or… take a walk and look at things far and near. And do that until you are completely extroverted. Cheers!

This week’s featured creative chick is one of my dear friends, Heather Carson.  Not only is she a talented graphic artist and designer, she’s a wonderful mother of SIX.  And, Heather has the most amazing, gorgeous red hair I’ve ever seen… it’s absolutely stunning!

Recently I asked Heather to design a logo for my food photography business, Limelight Food Photography, and she did an AMAZING job!!!  She designed my logo to be like a produce sticker and then created the back of my business card to look like the logo “sticker” was on some limes.  I love it!  I couldn’t be happier with this design!  Heather is brilliant and so creative!

Now you get the opportunity to get to know Heather better and be creatively inspired today:

A little about Heather:

I love to create. My memories of childhood are filled with making things. I was always working on some sort of project – and then sometimes trying to sell them to my poor neighbors. When I finally found the career of Design during college, I couldn’t get enough. Many of my peers specialized in a certain area but I couldn’t pick and went with the degree that let me do as many things as I could. I got a BA in Design and got to play around with industrial design, photography, illustration, interior design and graphic design. Since leaving school I have worked most of the time in graphic design- for other design companies and now on my own. I have done projects in the other disciplines as well. I am a serial entrepreneur and love to create logos, branding, and business identity materials. But I can’t stay away from anything creative for too long. Since having a family I added sewing, crocheting, and general mess making to my list of creative adventures. I could spend hours in the art store deciding which supply or technique to try out next.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

Creativity is like breathing. It’s essential to everyday life. It helps me look beyond routine and dig deeper into what I want to accomplish in all areas of my life.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan has a quote that says, “Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.” I love that!

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

As a graphic designer, I am on the computer a lot. I love creating digital art for my clients. But if I didn’t balance that out with some hands on creativity, I think it would get stale. I love being creative in my home. Making things from scratch, fixing stuff up, creating things for my kids & not worrying about if anyone will like it. That’s when it’s freeing. Just creating to create. Love that!

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

Yes! When I am working with clients, there is always that moment when you turn over your work and kind of hold your breath till you hear back. Kind of like sending your kids off to school on the first day. You just want them to do well, be liked, and behave themselves

My family and friends are supportive of what I create. But a lot of times, I find that they don’t really understand what I do. “Designer” is kind of a broad term. It applies to work in a lot of different industries. I saw a funny graphic designer t-shirt that said “I draw pictures all day.” Hah! So. True. Kind of.

4. How do you find time to create?

When my kids are in school, I have studio hours to work on design projects for my clients. I fit my other stuff in where I can. I have a production schedule that I made for myself. The hard part is sticking to it. Having a separate creative blog kind of forces that I get out from behind my desk and do some other projects.

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Keep a sketch book or inspiration journal. Fill it with every crazy thought, sketch, or random idea that comes into your head. I heard a quote once that said “don’t invite editors to brainstorming sessions”. If you have a self editor in your head, un-invite them to your sketchbook brainstorming. They will get their chance to work later when you zero in on a project. For now- just get the ideas out of your head and onto the page. You never know when something you put down will spark an idea for a future project.

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Isn’t Heather awesome?!  I loved her advice and have been doing that to have a place to jot down all my wild, random thoughts of inspiration.  Thanks soooo much for inspiring us today, Heather!

See more of Heather and keep the creative inspiration flowing from her fab sites:

• MemoGraphicDesign.com
• TheModernHive.com
• GoodLookCookbook.com (remember how we mentioned them last week here?)

Today I’m featuring a creative chick who is a girl after my own heart.  Meet fellow-fashionista, Nicole Feliciano, the author of MomTrends.  I loved this description about her: Some fashionistas refuse to give up the high heels even after the kids come along. That’s the case with Nicole Feliciano, Editor and Founder of Momtrends.

I can totally relate to not giving up the heels.  My mom even warned me against buying more heels when I was pregnant with #1, saying “you’ll never use those after baby comes,” but – alas – I still do.  And it’s nice to know I’m in good company with Nicole also rockin’ her heels and promoting cool styles/fashions for moms via MomTrends.

Now you get the opportunity to get to know Nicole better and be creatively inspired today:

A little about Nicole:
Nicole Feliciano is a style maven based in Brooklyn, NY. She spent seven years in working in the fashion business for Polo Ralph Lauren prior to launching her writing career. Momtrends launched in 2007 and continues to provide the latest news on things trendy and cool for families. In addition to writing, Nicole consults with brands on social media and is an in-demand speaker on blogging and fashions. Nicole has two young daughters and extremely patient husband.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

I think my head would explode if I didn’t get to share all the amazing design finds I stumble upon. I’m a conduit for great style–be it a kid-sized sofa, heels that mom can walk in, or an amazing stroller. Writing is just an extension of my propensity to impart information and connect people.

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

Momtrends! My blog/ezine that is the home for everything I find fabulous. It’s been three years in the making and I am so proud of the community I have built.

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

Typos. I am a horrid speller. And to make matters worse, my blogging platform doesn’t have spell check. My family is incredibly supportive. My husband (aka Mr. Momtrends) is always suggesting ideas for growing the business. And my two daughters love modeling the fashions I find and attending the amazing events that have come my way (Who wouldn’t love fifth row center tickets to see Mary Poppins on Broadway).

4. How do you find time to create?

I give up sleep. I used to be an 8-hour-a-night kind of girl before the kids. No longer. I am also getting very good at saying “No” when it comes to requests of my time.

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

What are you waiting for? There is never perfect timing when it comes to babies or starting a business. If you are waiting for the planets to align forget about it! Get writing and figure out the rest as you go.

______________________

It’s been such a joy to read Nicole’s MomTrends posts.  And – though I’m not Friends expert – doesn’t Nicole’s life sound somewhat similar to the character, Rachel in Friends (at least the working for Ralph Lauren bit)?  So fun!  I’ve been really impressed by Nicole and how she’s been so kind to comment on this blog from time to time (thanks, Nicole!).

And SUCH great advice: What are you waiting for? There is never perfect timing when it comes to babies or starting a business.

Thanks for inspiring us today, Nicole!

At the last Startup Princess SLC Chapter Meeting*, Ann Webb spoke on creating your ideal life by using a “life vision.”  Ann’s presentation left me breathless.  She spoke about how she changed her stars through creating a life vision.  Through this, she brought her family out of struggling desperately financially into doubling her family’s income yearly income and then creating a million-dollar company.  She also spoke about how the even greater blessings that have come from her life vision have been improved family relationships and overcoming her paralyzing shyness.  I was in awe.

What is a life vision, you may ask?  Check out this link on Ann’s site that tells all about it in much better description than I could give: http://ideallifevision.com/what-is-life-vision/

I spoke with her afterward and she invited me to attend her next Life Vision workshop (8 hours spent creating your life vision statement).  My life will never be the same.  Since creating my life vision, I listen to it every day and it keeps me very focused on all the aspects of my life (spiritual, physical, relationships, professional and personal).  I no longer fret about things not happening in my life; I’m comfortable and peaceful to embrace the process of living every day to create my ideal life.

It’s my great pleasure to feature Ann today and let you all get to know and be inspired by her:

A little about Ann:
Ann Webb, a LifeVision expert & mentor, works with entrepreneurs & other highly motivated individuals in creating a powerful recorded Lifevision that defines their soul purpose, provides clarity and focus for not only their business but all areas of their life! In 1989, she was introduced to the concept of the LifeVision by her coach and mentor Leo Weidner, former student of Napoleon Hill (Think & Grow Rich). Ann received her training from Coach Training Alliance, various mentors, and 20 years of experience. She also previously worked as a coach for LifeBalance Institute. Ann and her husband Scott are the parents of 5 children and currently live in Utah. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Ann can be found in the mountains hiking, trail-running, mountain biking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing. Being in the outdoors and taking on the challenge of competing in triathlons & bike racing are a few of her current passions.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

I’m all about looking at things a little differently. The two MAIN ways that I use creativity in my life (and that I’m most-known for) is 1) creating my own adventurous & ideal life regardless of circumstance (even on a shoe string budget in the past) and 2) creating “possibility”even when there didn’t seem to be any. I have learned that Creativity is merely utilizing possibilities in unique and original ways.

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

Oh wow…that’s a hard one so there is no way I’ll be able to narrow it down to one thing. I enjoy creating memories with my family (skiing, traveling, good food, & fun parties). In addition, I love creating unique outfits & interesting photos! But what I probably love most is creating my future via my Ideal LifeVision!

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

At times I have had plenty of fears! But recently I read the book Failing Forward by John Maxwell and it was a great reminder that there is not much forward progression without the history of multiple failures. I’ve failed plenty in my life from business failures, to speaking flops to burned dinners. What I know is that despite the fears, you take the risk. For in the risk will blossom your greatest successes. My family & friends are highly supportive of the things I choose to create in my life (unless I make them my CONSTANT guinea pigs!)

4. How do you find time to create?

I find time to create by utilizing a combination of 2 things: Getting up before 5:30 am and scheduling my priorities (which always involves a form of creating….like writing a blog post)

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Take your creativity beyond just “thinking” up new ideas & projects. Put your creativity to action….frequently called innovation!

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In essence, creating my life vision statement meant taking all my goals and aspirations and putting them into a written action plan.  My perspective on dreams and wishes has changed completely.  If I want something great to come into my life, I put it into my life vision statement and know it will come.  Ann has literally changed my life and I’ll be forever grateful to her.  Thank you for inspiring all of us, today, Ann!

For more information on Ann and her workshops see her website: IdealLifeVision.com

*p.s. The next SLC Startup Princess Chapter Meeting is next Thursday, March 25th at 7pm at BetaLoft.  For inspiration, business guidance and outstanding networking opportunities, you won’t want to miss it!

Today it is such a pleasure to feature a friend of mine whom I admire and am inspired by, Jyl Pattee.  Jyl is a passionate person who truly creates miracles in her path.  If you were to tell Jyl, “nothing great ever happens for me,” I’m sure her reply would be “make great things happen for you.”  That’s truly Jyl’s attitude in life.  She doesn’t expect the world to bow down and give her anything.  She works crazy-hard to change her stars and make her dreams come true.  I admire this most about Jyl.

Now you get the opportunity to get to know Jyl and be creatively inspired today:

A little about Jyl:
Jyl Johnson Pattee is a cheese-obsessed mom to two elementary-aged boys. She loves dancing, traveling, and bold MAC eye shadow colors. She is a social media enthusiast, mompreneur, cause marketer, and founder of Mom It Forward and the weekly #gno Twitter parties.  She’s also co-organizing the fabulous Evo Conference this summer in Park City, UT, which focuses on social media and blogging.  Named one of Parents Magazine 2010 Power Moms, Jyl is known as a “connector” who brings good ideas and people together to make a positive impact for brands and/or causes through education and sharing of experiences.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

Giving my mind the unstructured freedom to soar and coming up with wacky, fun ideas helps me do the day in/day out tasks required to make my business move forward. I find that when I don’t build in time for creative exploration, I have a more difficult time performing basic and sometimes mind-numbing, but necessary tasks

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

I love the entire process of bringing people together—from conception of an event (whether online or offline), to the invitation, to the actual rolling out process, and most especially the debriefing—talking about and reliving the experience and discussing ROI and lessons learned. Creativity plays a vital role in coming up with ways where meaningful connections can happen almost effortlessly. I love it!!!

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

For me, my fears usually surface at the outset when a project is less defined. I love the chaotic state of a project’s beginning, but if the chaos lingers and doesn’t start taking shape at a certain point, I get frustrated. My family understands this about me and is absolutely supportive in helping me push past it and stay focused on the goal.

4. How do you find time to create?

While I have uninterrupted time during the day when both my boys are in school, I try to make creating—both having a creative mindset and capturing creative moments—a part of every activity I’m engaged in. I go to movies and analyze fonts as the credits roll. I go out to eat and check out the restaurant’s branding. I rip out magazine pages I think are pretty. I take screen shots of awesome website designs. I write about events that I felt were successful, analyzing what about them moved me. So much about creativity for me is remembering or discovering the why—why a particular thing or event made a positive impression on me or others and how I can recreate that feeling.

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Give back by building up those around you. Share your talents. Be happy with others’ success and tell the world about it. Be truly inspired by the brilliance of those in your same space/industry. That’s where some of your greatest connections, friendships, and creativity will come from!

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I really appreciate Jyl’s words of inspiration to creative chicks today; it’s definitely an angle we’ve not yet heard of from our creative chick weekly features.  Isn’t it the truth, though, that when you give back, share your talents and cheer other’s on around you that it only builds you up in return?  So often as women we get competitive and frustrated to watch someone else succeed, especially in something we feel we deserve also.  What does this comparison and envy do, though?  It KILLS creativity.  It KILLS what is uniquely yours to bring to life and the world.  It also kills the opportunities to strengthen relationships and grow friendships in unlikely places.

So… today what are we going to do?  Today we’re not going to compare ourselves to others and we’re going to celebrate the successes of those around us.  Right, creative chicks?  Right.

Thank you so much for inspiring us with your creativity today, Jyl!  We’re cheering you on and wish you nothing but continued success!!

p.s. check out Jyl’s site Mom It Forward for excellent parenting info, giveaways and lots of fun!

Today it is such an honor and privilege to feature Liz Tamanaha, the fabulously talented designer behind the digital scrapbook design label, Paislee Press.  I found Liz through searching for new, fun digital scrapbook products at OScraps over a year or so ago.  Liz’s style completely took my breath away.  I had felt so often that my digi scrapbook art was too simple and that I needed to learn how to embellish better.  Liz sees the world a little differently though.  Her motto is “embrace your inner minimalist.” Ever since seeing Liz’s work and “embracing” her motto, I’ve been so much happier in my artistic creations.  Simple can be absolutely stunning and completely breathtaking.

Now you get to find inspiration from Liz, who – by the way – is one of the most genuinely kind women I’ve ever had the opportunity to interview.  Check out Liz and get inspired today (I’ve put some of her lovely layouts throughout the post so you can see her gorgeous creative work – click on them to see them larger):

A little about Liz:
I currently reside in Los Angeles with my husband Eric and daughters, Audrey and Madeline. Things that make me happy: freshly laundered sheets. jack johnson songs. dymo labelers. handwritten notes. road trips. the smell of freshly ground coffee. jeans + flip flops. maui. red velvet cupcakes. jazz. my daughters’ laughter. organizational gadgets. the thin pancakes from pie ‘n burger. all things anthropologie.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

When I am creating, I am in own little world – I feel purposeful, I feel safe. It’s about the only time I consistently feel comfortable in my own skin. For me, creativity is also a frame of mind – it helps me find joy in everyday tasks that I don’t necessarily look forward to – like cooking (and yes, even laundry).

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

I get the most joy from documenting the everyday, ordinary moments – via scrapbook layouts, photographs, and maintaining my online journal (a log of everyday conversations and things that my daughters say and do).

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are you friends and family supportive of the things you create?

During the creative process, I don’t think about it. The fear and apprehension usually comes later, when I think about how people will respond to it. Creating is a soul-baring process, so it’s to hard not feel vulnerable when you reveal your work to others.

My family and friends are definitely supportive – they are my biggest fans and I wouldn’t be where I am now without them!

4. How do you find time to create?

I schedule it into my day like I do any other task (doctor’s appointments, etc.).

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Trust your creative instincts and embrace + nurture what it is that makes you unique.

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As I was typing out Liz’s interview, I noticed how Liz’s answers were short and to the point – just as one would expect a “minimalist” to be.  Her sweet, succinct answers are definitely packed with power!  I loved her advice to creative chicks to “trust your creative instincts and embrace + nurture what it is that makes you unique.”  As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I am guilty of killing my creativity by comparing my creative work to others’.  Today, after being inspired by Liz, I’m resolving to do better at ‘”trusting my creative instincts” and “embracing what makes me unique.”  Thank you so much for inspiring us today, Liz!

In honor of Liz’s feature, I put together an entire digital scrapbook page using Liz’s Paislee Press products.  It was such a good creative activity for me and I was tempted to make many more pages using her designs that day (I always LOVE scrapping with her designs!!), but was unable to, due to time constraints.  This made me realize that I haven’t been allowing myself enough time to scrapbook.  It’s something I absolutely love to do and it always helps me celebrate the little beautiful moments and people in my life.  Credits: “Park Avenue” by Paislee Press (paper, stamp frame), “PressPlate No. 13″ by Paislee Press (template); Font: dearJoe four and Typenoksidi

Find daily inspiration on Liz’s blog: PaisleePress.blogspot.com

Follow Liz on Twitter: @liztamanaha

And friend her on Facebook: facebook.com/liz.tamanaha

Also, if you remember the “develop on Fridays” photography class Jefra is teaching, the whole project started on Liz’s blog – it’s Jefra and Liz’s project (and it’s FABULOUS!).  So much fun for creative chicks!!!  Be sure to check it out!

What’s inspiring your creativity right now? Do you “embrace your inner minimalist?” What are you going to resolve to do better this week to allow your creativity to shine?