This interview is from a series I produced in 2011, called WilloToons Connect.

Many of you have already heard me raving about Marianne Elliott, and her incredible 30 Days of Yoga program, that I did in January. If not, I’m here to tell you that – regardless of your interest in yoga – this woman is someone to stop and listen to.

From the very beginning, my experience of Marianne and the work she is doing, has been nothing short of eye-opening. As you’ll learn in this episode, Marianne has served valiant human rights work in very challenging situations, and as a result has learned how necessary it is to maintain her relationship with her body (yoga/walking), writing and meditation.

How often do we find ourselves at the brink of overwhelm and stress, and yet, in the most crucial moments, still not giving ourselves the self-care our hearts are yearning for? I just wrote about this the other day, and Marianne Elliott knows this challenge all too well, so I was so grateful for the opportunity to sit down and glean valuable insight from her experienced wisdom.

For any one who is committed to serving the world by doing their important work, I think you’ll agree, this episode echoes a deep resonance around the importance of self-care and creative sustainability to support our passion.

Find Marianne Online:  
Marianne-Elliott.com + 30DaysofYoga + Twitter

This is only my third WilloToons Connect episode, and I’m totally in love with this one. Do you like where this is going? I hope so, and would love to hear your comments!

Speaking of… because I’m just getting started, I could really use your help spreading the word. If you like this episode, share it with your friends, and feel free to post the trailer for WilloToons Connect on your blog, too. I think the whole world can benefit from the awareness around self-care and serving the world with your true work.

Wishing you all happiness and health!

The post WilloToons Connect: Meet Marianne Elliott [Full Episode] appeared first on WilloLovesYou.

This interview is from a series I produced in 2011, called WilloToons Connect.

I discovered Mati Rose’s work at a Renegade Craft Fair in 2009. Stepping up to her booth, I instantly fell in love with EVERY SINGLE THING she had and before I knew it bought over a $100 worth, while exclaiming, “Oh my god, hurry and ring me up before I buy one of everything!” Needless to say, I’m a fan.

Since then, we’ve become close friends, co-created Ladies in Design League (LIDL) meetups in SF, and I continue to be inspired watching her cultivate a full, creative life that most artists only dream of!

Her journey hasn’t always been paved with gold, yet Mati’s tenacity for following her heart has totally paid off. Her fabulous paintings are sold across the country and she has her work licensed on cards, magnets, tees, and more. She’s been featured in many books, is in the process of writing her own, and has a successful online course, called Get Your Paint On. How’s that for making it happen? Hallelujah!

In this conversation, Mati and I discuss how important it is to stay true to your work, and giving time to yourself amidst the pressure of deadlines and expectations that come with being a full-time artist. Mati is an incredible inspiration for never giving up on what you love. The fact that she has fearlessly continued to pick up the paintbrush and create no matter what, is a beacon for all of us who have that small voice within, begging us to give life to our gifts.

Visit Mati Rose Online
MatiRose.com

Does this conversation hit home for you? Are you an artist who works full-time on your business, or wishes you could? I’d love to hear your thoughts and/or questions in the comments!

UPDATE: I just posted Behind-the-Scenes photos and Mati’s answers to my Creative Questionnaire!

Click here to view all the related posts in this video series.

The post WilloToons Connect: Meet Mati Rose McDonough [Full Episode] appeared first on WilloLovesYou.

This interview is from a series I produced in 2011, called WilloToons Connect.

For my very first full-length episode, I could not be more thrilled to introduce you all to one of my most favorite creative ladies, Mrs. Helen Jane Hearn. We met at SXSW in 2006, and since then, year after year, I continue to be inspired and completely in awe of her talent, beauty and wisdom.

“I want to help people feel like creativity is something they can grab. I feel the best way to do that is through celebrating.” ~ Helen Jane

When I first had the idea for WilloToons Connect, I started thinking of self-employed creatives who not only work for themselves, but those who work from the heart. Dynamic movers & shakers who get how incredibly awesome and amazing it is to have the freedom to do what you love, and yet also have felt the major challenges that come with running your own business based on your passion; all the while balancing an active social life, having a family and staying connected to creativity. Helen Jane gets it. And then some.

In this episode, Helen Jane and I discuss being honest with yourself, taking good care of your creativity and listening to your dreams in order to bring more joy into your life.

Can you relate to this conversation? We’d love to hear your thoughts and/or questions in the comments!

Visit Helen Jane online:
HelenJane.com + HJEntertains + Facebook + Twitter

This is my first full-length episode for WilloToons Connect! Do you like where this is going? I hope so, and would love to hear your feedback (either in the comments or via my contact form). Especially if you’re having trouble seeing the video… I need help working out the kinks.

Speaking of… because I’m just getting started, I could really use your help spreading the word. If you like this episode, share it with your friends, and feel free to post the trailer for this episode or the trailer for WilloToons Connect on your blog, too.

I think the whole world can benefit from the awareness around self-care and listening to what you want. Wishing you all happiness and health!

Behind-The-Scenes with Helen Jane!

I hope you loved this episode as much as I loved spending time with her.

Great news – there’s more!

I just uploaded some behind-the-scenes photos from the video shoot on the WilloToons Facebook page. Become a fan, if you haven’t already, and check them out!

WilloToons Connect Creative Questionnaire
And that’s not all! For even more juicy behind-the-scenes action, I had Helen Jane answer a few fun questions for us:

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist and a secretary.
I loved to create and I longed to wear high heels just like the secretaries on television.

What is one artistic avenue you’ve never explored, but would like to?
Spoken word poetry.

Coffee or tea?
Both!
Half caf. Black.

What meaningful advice do you have for aspiring creative entrepreneurs?
You can charge a premium for excellence at your craft. Practice your craft until you master it.

What would you do with 1 miiiiillliiooooon dollars?
Invent something.
Throw a giant party.
Invent something else.
Tuck it in the college fund.
Give some to a person who could use it.

How do you practice self care on a daily basis?
Write morning pages.
Floss (I keep it near my monitor to remember).
Walk the dog every day for at least 30 minutes.

What is one piece of technology you can’t live without?
Speakers!

What has been your biggest obstacle in living your dream?
Financial stress. Not knowing more about money.

In the past year, what accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
Launching HJEntertains, keynoting the EVO conference, keeping my two daughters alive and my sexy manfriend happy.

What’s your one tip for successfully running a small business?
Schedule time in your calendar to follow up on your expenses and income every single day. Really know what’s coming in and going out.

What does ‘Creative Sustainability in Life and Business’ mean to you?
Putting good practices into place to create for the long haul.

How do you know Willo?
I met her at SXSW in 2006. I handed her a juice box filled with wine. The. End.

Given the choice between relaxation and adventure, which vacation would you choose?
Relaxation. Totally. Regular life is too adventurous on its own!

What goals do you have for your business in the next 6 months?
Try more creative endeavors without the constant worry of income.

What has been your favorite moment so far today?
I was given a fancy (!) digital (!) camera (!) today for my birthday from a VERY generous client. Unwrapping the bubble wrap made me unreasonably happy.

Name one thing that owning your own business has given you the opportunity to work on.
Writing.
This year I tried some freelance writing jobs and found them truly enjoyable. I wouldn’t have had that opportunity previously.

Do you have any rituals that help you get in the flow?
I write my lists on copy paper clipped to a clipboard. I can’t get started unless I have my list right next to me, the right pen and have made my bed.

Do you remember your first experience with the internet?
Yes. I signed up for a Phish listserv. Also pot recipes. Come on, it was 1994.

What’s your next big adventure?
I’ve actually just taken a day job with Federated Media. I’m joining a corporate gig to get a chance to be at the forefront of online storytelling. Corporate creative sustainability!

What’s a question you wish I would have asked?
Question: What’s your favorite unsolicited advice to give?
My favorite unsolicited advice to give is that if you don’t know what you want, you can’t have it. Spend some time figuring out what you want and you’ll be surprised at the speed your unconscious helps to bring those things to you.

Ah, that Helen Jane… so adorable & wise! Love her. Congratulations on the new gig, HJ & most of all: Happy birthday, to an amazing woman!

If you liked these answers, you’ll love the full episode!

Are there any questions you’d like to ask Helen Jane? Which behind-the-scenes photo is your favorite? Let me know with a comment… or even answer one of those questions for yourself! I’d love to hear from you.

The post WilloToons Connect: Meet Helen Jane Hearn [Full Episode] appeared first on WilloLovesYou.