Standout Creatives: Business, marketing, and creativity tips for solopreneurs launching their ideas

What if the story you’ve been holding onto is the one someone else has been waiting to hear?Marc Cordon and I had a great conversation about the upcoming Book Summit. It will be a creative space built for writers, not-yet-writers, and anyone who feels a tug to put their story into the world. If you’ve ever felt like your experiences aren’t “big enough,” or you’re nervous about sharing something personal, this conversation might shift something for you.We talk about why storytelling is such a powerful form of liberation, how writing in community can dissolve fear, and why personal stories, especially the ones about transition, liminality, and rebirth, resonate universally. We also dig into the anthology we’re creating together, the therapeutic nature of writing, and the collaborative energy that makes this summit feel different from anything else.This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for permission and start exploring the story that’s already living inside you.If you are interested in coming to the Book Summit. It is this Saturday December 13th at 1pm ET. You can read all about it here.HighlightsStories are a form of freedomWriting isn’t just an art. It’s a way to reclaim your voice.“Books, storytelling… that’s the new form of freedom and liberation.”Everyone is a storyteller (even if you don’t believe it yet)You don’t need a title to begin. You only need curiosity.“Everybody is a writer and a storyteller.”Community makes your writing strongerWhen you share in a circle, something shifts in you and in the people listening.“The fact that we can all hear and experience these stories together is what really makes it powerful.”Feedback forms connectionWhen people lean in to your story, you can feel it.“It’s really cool to see people at the edge of their seats leaning forward when it comes to you and your story.”Specific stories create universal resonanceThe more personal you get, the more people see themselves in your words.“The more specific you are… the more people will say, I see myself in your story.”Creation is a transformationSomething magical happens when you start with nothing and end with something only you could have made.“There’s an ebullience that happens when you leave with something you created.”Closing ReflectionIf you’ve been telling yourself you’re not a writer… consider this your gentle interruption.You don’t need a polished story.You don’t need a plan.You just need a spark. And if you’re feeling that nudge, the Book Summit and the Story Circle are the places to explore it. These spaces are designed to help you uncover your voice, shape your story, and feel supported every step of the way.If you’re curious about writing a book someday… come.If you want to share a personal story but don’t know where to start… come.If you want community, feedback, and a little creative courage… come.You don’t have to do this alone.Let’s see what unfolds when you step into a room where your story is already welcome.LinksBook SummitMarc Cordon

What if the thing that makes you feel “different” in business is actually the thing that makes you magnetic?In this special conversation, I sit down with Aicila from the Business as Unusual, where we talked about what it’s like to build a business as an introvert. If you’ve ever felt drained by networking, overwhelmed by visibility, or unsure how to show up without feeling fake… this one will feel like a deep exhale.We talk about what it really means to be an introverted creative in a world that wants you to be “on” all the time. The pressure. The awkwardness. The energy dips. But also the parts we don’t talk about enough: the power of authenticity, the ease that comes from true connection, and how collaboration can actually give introverts energy when it’s rooted in trust.This episode is an invitation to stop forcing yourself into strategies that don’t fit, and to start building your creative business in a way that feels like you.HighlightsYou’re not broken — you’re wired differently, and that’s a strengthMany creatives are introverts, and the business world wasn’t built with you in mind.“Creatives are often introverts.” — AicilaAuthenticity makes networking tolerable — even enjoyableWhen you stop performing, conversations get easier.“Authenticity leads to genuine connections.” — AicilaRelationships matter more than the transactionNetworking isn’t a sales funnel — it’s a human one.“Networking isn't just about sales.” — KevinEnergy awareness is a form of self-trustYou get to honor your limits without apologizing for them.“Energy management is crucial.” — AicilaCollaboration doesn’t have to drain youWhen you’re with the right people, co-creation feels nourishing.“Co-creation fulfills introverts.” — AicilaYour lived experience is your creative advantageAI can help, but it can’t replace your perspective.“AI lacks the human touch.” — KevinAuthenticity lands because it’s humanWhen you show up as yourself, your work resonates more deeply.“Presence enhances creative impact.” — KevinReal success is built on reciprocityPositive, generous relationships carry you further than any strategy.“Positive relationships drive success.” — KevinClosing ReflectionIf you’ve ever felt like you had to push, perform, or “be more extroverted” to succeed… this conversation is your permission slip to stop.You just need to learn how you work best and build from there.If you want support creating a book or creative business that honors your energy, I'm here to help. Sign up for a free consultation at TheStandoutCreatives.com. Let’s build something that feels true to you.

What if growing your business didn’t require grinding harder, but actually slowing down, tending to your nervous system, and building something that feels human and sustainable?Heidi Weiland is a holistic business coach and strategist who went from burned-out freelance web designer to someone helping entrepreneurs blend smart strategy with real self-care. Her work sits at the intersection of nervous system support, authentic marketing, and human-centered business. In this episode, she shares the turning points, hard lessons, and gentle reminders that helped her rebuild her business from the inside out.From Burnout to Real BalanceHeidi’s story starts where so many creative businesses hit a wall: doing everything, being everything, and pretending it’s fine until it isn’t. Burnout pushed her into yoga, deep self-care, and eventually a whole new way of supporting clients.“I got to a point where I was just so burned out. I didn’t know what to do with myself.”Try this: Check in with your body before you check in with your to-do list.Bonus: List three tasks draining your energy right now. What can be paused, delegated, or simplified?Human-Centered Business Isn’t OptionalFor Heidi, business work is human work. Your energy, your nervous system, your values are all the foundations.“Business should be human-centered. We are the foundation of everything we do.”Try this: Before taking on a new project, ask: Does this support the version of me I’m becoming?Bonus: Rewrite one boundary that needs strengthening in your business.Authenticity as the StrategyOne of my favorite things about Heidi is how simple she makes authenticity feel. It's not a branding exercise or a persona. It's just… you.“I’m me and that’s enough. That’s great, actually.”Try this: Notice a moment today where you filtered yourself. How would it feel to soften that filter?Bonus: Share something real with your audience this week: a story, a lesson, a moment.Blending Smart Strategy with Nervous System SupportHeidi’s approach is part intuitive, part tactical. She’ll talk funnels, then ask what your body is telling you. She’ll map your plan, then help you regulate so you can actually follow through.“Blend strategy with nervous system support.”Try this: Before planning your week, take three deep breaths and let your shoulders drop.Bonus: Choose one strategic task and break it into the smallest next step. Your body will thank you.Energy + Task AlignmentThis is where so many creatives get stuck. You can do the work. But should you?“What is sucking your energy? Are there tasks outside your zone of genius that we can shift?”Try this: Highlight everything in your business: green for energizing, yellow for neutral, red for draining.Bonus: Delegate or delete just one red task this week.Relationships, Referrals, and Being a Real HumanHeidi builds her business the same way she lives her life—through genuine connection.“Referrals are just what I call being in the world.”Try this: Reach out to one person you appreciate in your creative circle.Bonus: Share your work in one community space where you already feel comfortable.Key TakeawaysBurnout is often the doorway to a more honest business.Human-centered business leads to sustainable growth.Authenticity is your greatest marketing strategy.Your nervous system matters as much as your strategy.Alignment comes from knowing what energizes you.Relationships build stronger businesses than algorithms ever will.Ready to Grow Your Business Without Burning Out?Heidi’s journey is such a good reminder that you don’t have to choose between success and self-care. You can build something meaningful, aligned, and fully yours without sacrificing your wellbeing.If you’re ready to grow your creative business with more clarity and ease, book a free strategy session at TheStandoutCreatives.com. Let’s make your business feel more like you.

What if finding your creative voice wasn’t about adding more to your plate, but about slowing down, listening inward, and allowing yourself to realign with what feels true?Britta Buchanan is the founder of Aligned and Undefined, where she helps spiritually conscious creatives reconnect with their authentic voice and creative flow. After leaving her career as an elementary school teacher, Britta began guiding others through Human Design and the Akashic Records, helping them align with their soul’s blueprint and create from a place of authenticity and ease.In this episode, Britta shares her journey of transition, transformation, and learning to trust her intuition—plus what it means to see creativity not just as something you do, but as a way of being.The Power of Transition and TransformationBritta talks about leaving behind a career that no longer fit and stepping into entrepreneurship with an open heart. For her, it wasn’t a sudden leap—it was a series of small, honest realizations.“I always knew it wasn’t going to be a lifelong thing for me.”Try this: Reflect on an area of your life or business that feels like it’s shifting. What truth are you ready to admit to yourself?Bonus idea: Write down one small step that would bring you closer to what feels more aligned.Creativity as a Way of BeingBritta believes creativity isn’t limited to art—it’s how we think, connect, and move through life.“Creativity is a way of being, it’s a way of thinking.”Try this: Approach your next decision or conversation like an act of creation. What’s possible if you treat it as a canvas?Bonus idea: Start a short daily ritual—five minutes to sketch, write, or simply imagine freely.Aligning with Your Soul’s BlueprintUsing Human Design and the Akashic Records, Britta helps people understand who they are at their core.“Human Design is really great for that, but so are the records.”Try this: Look up your Human Design type or journal about what alignment feels like in your body.Bonus idea: When something feels off, pause and ask, “What would feel lighter right now?”Living with AuthenticityAt the heart of Britta’s work is the belief that when you show up as yourself, you naturally attract what—and who—is meant for you.“When you show up as you, you attract the people that are for you.”Try this: Notice moments where you filter yourself out of fear. What would it look like to speak or create from full authenticity instead?Bonus idea: Reach out to someone who sees the real you and thank them for holding that space.Quick RecapChange starts with honesty and self-trust.Creativity isn’t something you do—it’s something you are.Alignment begins when you listen to your own energy.Authenticity attracts the right people and opportunities.Ready to Explore Your Own Alignment?Britta shows that your creative path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You just need to come home to yourself and create from there.If you’re ready to take your own creative business to the next level—without losing yourself along the way—book a free strategy session with me.Let’s make your next chapter feel aligned, grounded, and uniquely yours.

What if the secret to impactful design isn’t talent or aesthetics, but responsibility to your community, the planet, and the people you’re building for?As the co-founder of Reny, a certified B Corp agency, Ben Rennie has built his career around using design as a force for impact. The agency now works with global brands like Patagonia, Google, and Nike. But that wasn’t the starting line. Ben started as a self-taught designer, shaping his craft over time while developing a worldview anchored in responsibility, sustainability, and community.From Grassroots to Global ReachWhat began as a personal practice turned into a studio and eventually, a full-scale agency operating on a global level. Reny didn’t grow because it chased trends. It grew because it stayed grounded in purpose, credibility, and long-term thinking.Ben learned early on that visibility matters but alignment matters more. The work had to stand for something.“Design should make you feel something or change something.”Actionable Insight: Start with a clear vision, but be willing to evolve. Consistency over time is what creates traction in creative businesses.Bonus: Spend 10 minutes today identifying one small creative habit you can repeat weekly. Pick something so simple you can’t avoid doing it.Creative Control as a Business StrategyA big part of Reny’s staying power comes from creative autonomy. Instead of relying on outside permission or gatekeepers, Ben built the platform around ownership: of ideas, of impact, and of the process itself.That choice wasn’t just aesthetic. It was strategic.“Design isn’t just about things that look good. It’s about the impact they make.”When you control the work, you control the integrity.Actionable Insight: Identify one area of your creative process where you can step into full ownership even if it makes you uncomfortable.Bonus: Look up one independent designer or creative studio you admire and note how they control their platform.Building a Brand People NoticeWork this intentional doesn’t spread by accident. Rennie put in the reps through strategic marketing, community-building, positioning, storytelling, and showing up where the right audience gathers.Actionable Insight: Commit to being visible. Start small: post, publish, share, and see what resonates.Bonus: Engage with at least 5 people in your audience this week. Not “posting at them” but actually interacting with them.Balancing Work While Building the VisionNone of this happened overnight. There were years where the agency grew in the margins — nights, early mornings, pockets of time between responsibilities. Creative entrepreneurship is a long game, and Ben understood that early.“It’s a long-ass marathon, not a sprint.”That mindset of patience + forward motion became their competitive advantage.Actionable Insight: Block out a small, consistent window of creation each week. Bonus: Use a single 20–30 minute session to plan your one creative priority for the week.What Ben’s Journey Teaches UsPassion might start the work, but persistence finishes it.Design is both a craft and a lever for change.Creative control requires boundaries and leadership.Brand recognition is earned through consistency and clarity.Growth comes from being visible, not waiting to be discovered.Bringing It All TogetherBen didn’t wait for permission. He built his own lane — project by project, conversation by conversation, collaboration by collaboration. His story is proof that you don’t have to jump early to land big. You just have to stay committed long enough for your work to matter.Want help growing your own creative business?If you’ve been sitting on an idea: a creative project, a business, a new direction, but don't know where to start, I'm offering a free strategy session to help get you on track.Just sign up at TheStandoutCreative.com

What if standing out means showing up fully and not shouting the loudest?Felicia Iyamu’s creative journey has taken her from architecture and economics to Google, burnout, and back into the arms of poetry. Along the way, she’s been reflecting, writing, and reimagining what it means to live and work with purpose.Her latest work, Poetry in Eden, explores identity, healing, and the unseen forces shaping our lives. In this episode, we talk about creativity, burnout, self-publishing, marketing, and what it really takes to share your work with the world in a way that feels true to you.From Burnout to BreakthroughFelicia didn’t set out to be a poet. She started in architecture. Fell in love with economics. Landed at Google. Then hit a wall.Her doctor in Germany told her to stop working immediately. Burnout, officially recognized as a medical issue, forced her to pause.That moment cracked something open. And was followed by a deep return to creativity guided by questions of identity, culture, and healing.Try this: Revisit a creative idea you set aside. What if it’s ready now?Bonus idea: Share that idea with a friend or write down a tiny first step you could take today.Making Art Personal and ProfessionalPoetry isn’t just a passion project for Felicia. It’s her career.She walks us through the steps, and surprises, of self-publishing, why she’s eyeing traditional publishing next, and how she thinks about the business side of creativity.She’s not just writing for herself. She’s building work that connects personal insight with universal ideas. Felicia also talks about marketing with intention, community, and without waiting to be discovered.Try this: What’s one thing you could do this week to share your creative work more boldly?Bonus idea: Make a list of 3 people you could reach out to about your creative project—collaboration, feedback, or just a cheerleader.The Power of Saying YesAt the end of our chat, Felicia shares a challenge: say yes to invitations for two weeks. Not just social invites but creative ones too.Because the unexpected paths often bring you back to yourself.Try this: Say yes to something today you’d usually overthink.Bonus idea: Keep a little ‘yes journal’ and track what you said yes to and what happened because of it.Quick RecapBurnout can be the beginning of something new.Your creative work can hold personal meaning and professional ambition.Marketing = connection, not cringe.Saying yes opens doors you didn’t see before.You don’t need to wait for a perfect moment to begin.Want to Bring Your Creative Work Into the Spotlight?Felicia’s reminds us that your voice matters and there’s room for all of it.If you’re building a creative business and ready to stand out (without selling out), let’s chat.Book a free strategy session at TheStandoutCreatives.comSpots are limited, so grab yours while they’re open.Let’s make your creativity impossible to ignore.

You ever get that gut feeling to do something wild — the kind that makes zero sense on paper but just feels right?That’s how this Substack Live with Heather Vickery started.Heather’s a Joy Warrior: coach, retreat host, and professional permission-giver for anyone tired of living by other people’s rules. We talked about what it means to lead with joy, why curating your circle matters, and how trusting your gut can lead you places your brain never would’ve approved of.It was a great conversation even with the tech hiccup in the middle.Finding Clarity in Creative SpacesWe dove into the power of community and collaboration. Heather calls it the “collective mind” — drawing on the energy and ideas of others can spark some of your most innovative work.But we did agreed that having too many ideas without a filter can be overwhelming. Boundaries aren’t just nice to have. They’re essential for clarity and focus.Heather: “I take intentional pauses to reflect on what truly serves me.”Me: And I realized that I do the same thing, but in a different way — sifting through inspiration, holding onto the ideas that really line up with my goals, and letting the rest fall away.Try this: Notice one idea or opportunity you’ve been juggling. Which one actually lights you up? Which feels like busywork?Bonus idea: Give yourself permission to drop the rest, even temporarily. Creativity isn’t a sprint.Vulnerability, Leadership, and Showing UpOne thread that kept coming up was vulnerability and how stepping away from the need to always “lead” opens space for listening, growth, and deeper connection.Heather and I talked about the energy shift that happens when you let go of perfection, or the pressure to have all the answers:“Joy isn’t a reward at the end of the journey,” Heather reminded me. “It’s the fuel that gets you there.”I shared my own experiences with creative retreats and live conversations — feeling energized, humbled, and reminded that showing up authentically often leads to the richest insights.Try this: Reflect on one area where you feel pressured to perform or lead. How could leaning into vulnerability actually make the experience richer?Bonus idea: Take a small action this week that’s just for the joy of it, without any expectation.Embracing Uncertainty and Rule-BreakingWe also explored the “messy middle” — the uncertainty that comes with growth, creativity, and breaking rules that no longer serve you.Whether it’s stepping into a new project, a retreat, or just saying yes to curiosity, Heather reminded me that growth often lives in that uncomfortable space.“Just because you can do it all doesn’t mean you should do it all.” Try this: Look at one area where you’re following a rule just because “that’s how it’s done.” What would happen if you rewrote it for yourself?Bonus idea: Journal about what your ideal day, project, or connection would look like if you removed the pressure to perform.Listen InThis Substack Live was full of gentle nudges:Joy is your compass.Connection is a creative practice.Boundaries and reflection are part of the process.Trusting your gut and embracing uncertainty can spark your best ideas.So whether you’re navigating your own creative projects, curating your circle, or just figuring out how to live with more ease, Heather and I unpacked ideas that remind us to start with joy, trust the process, and lean into what energizes us.Closing ReflectionWhat would shift if you let joy lead the way instead of waiting for it?If that resonates, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment, share a reflection, or just sit with the question for a moment. If you want to explore how leading with joy and authenticity could shape your life or work, I’ve got a few spots open. Book a free session and we can unpack what’s waiting on the other side of the “rules”.

I’m switching things up. No more intro or outros.Just straight into the good stuff — the conversations.Because honestly? The production side was slowing me down.And I’ve got too many amazing people to talk to.This new format means:Faster episode releases.More creative stories.Easier to share on YouTube.Over the summer, I’ve been deep in three big projects:Moving to Costa Rica — adjusting to new rhythms and finding inspiration in everyday life.The Creativity Summit — bringing together creative minds from around the world.The Global Zine Project — a beautiful collaboration with artists everywhere.I’ll be sharing conversations with some of the folks behind those projects soon.Plus, I’ve started a new series called Standout Authors Unbound — interviewing 100 authors through Substack Lives and written Q&As. It’s all about spotlighting writers whose voices deserve to be heard.And somewhere in between it all, I’ve been thinking…Maybe my move story wants to become something more — a book, a play, a TV script? Who knows.So yeah — things are changing.More curiosity, more conversations, and way more creativity.

What if your next event didn’t have to feel overwhelming? What if it could actually be aligned, intentional—and even profitable?Heather Black is here to show you how.She’s the founder of Phoenix Collaborations and has spent 25 years in the event world, helping solopreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits turn events and speaking gigs into meaningful, money-making opportunities.In this episode, Heather shares her signature S.O.P. method for event planning, breaks down what it really takes to host events that work, and gives practical advice for those of us who are already feeling maxed out. If you’ve ever wanted to share your message on a bigger stage—but the logistics have held you back—this is your starting point.From Chaos to ClarityHeather knows how easy it is to get lost in the weeds of event planning. With so many moving parts, it's no wonder people give up before they even start. But she believes events don’t have to be chaotic. With a clear strategy and a plan that fits your goals, events can become a major part of your business growth.“Event planning is easy if you give yourself the right runway. But if you try to take a Boeing 747 off on a runway for a Cessna 180, it will not be pretty.”Try this: Map out what a successful event looks like for you—what would you want people to walk away with?Bonus idea: Write down your biggest fear about hosting or speaking. Then write a plan to work around it.The S.O.P. MethodHeather’s signature approach helps mission-driven entrepreneurs move from idea to action using three key steps:Strategic – Align the event with your goals and create a clear plan.Organized – Use checklists and timelines so you know exactly what to do and when.Profitable – Make sure it’s actually worth your time and energy by tracking expenses and revenue.Try this: Think of your next event idea. What would make it feel more doable?Bonus idea: Break it into phases—planning, promotion, delivery—and focus on just one at a time.The Power of 1:ManyWhether it’s hosting your own event or speaking on someone else’s stage, Heather is a big believer in the power of connecting with many people at once. It’s a visibility tool, a trust-builder, and a major income generator when done well.“When it comes to being a speaker, I kind of break the speaking engagement down into three phases: the spark phase, the flame phase, and the ember phase.”Try this: Make a list of 3 topics you’d love to speak about. These can turn into workshops, talks, or even content for an event.Bonus idea: Reach out to one podcast, community, or group you’d love to speak to. Just start the conversation.Why Events (Still) MatterIn a world where we’re all glued to screens, events offer something different—connection, presence, and real-time transformation. But it doesn’t have to be fancy. Heather reminds us that even small, focused gatherings can make a huge impact.“Just be your authentic, fun self, whatever that looks like. Don’t get in that box that says we have to do it this way.”Try this: Think small. What’s one micro-event you could host—online or off?Bonus idea: Invite 3–5 people to a mini workshop or Q&A. Keep it simple, and focus on connection.Quick Recap:Events don’t have to be overwhelming when they’re aligned with your goals.Strategy, organization, and profitability are the keys to making events work.The power of 1:Many helps you expand your reach without burning out.Small, focused events can have a big impact.A clear plan beats a big production every time.You don’t need to do it all—you just need to do what matters.Ready to Bring Your Event Idea to Life?Heather’s story is a reminder that events and speaking don’t have to feel stressful or out of reach. With the right support, they can be the thing that unlocks the next level of your business.If you’re ready to get clear, organized, and actually follow through on that event or speaking idea—let’s talk.Book a free strategy session at TheStandoutCreatives.com.We’ll figure out where to start and how to make it feel like you.

What if your next creative breakthrough doesn't come from doing more, but from doing what truly matters?In this episode, I’m talking directly to you—the creative soul who sometimes wondersAm I on the right path? Or worse, Am I behind? Spoiler alert: you’re exactly where you need to be.We’ll explore what it means to create intentionally, how to stop spinning your wheels, and how to start steering toward the life and work you actually want. I share my own turning point—the moment I realized moving to Costa Rica wasn’t just a random whim but a signal to step into who I really want to be.This isn’t about vague “woo-woo” stuff (although I'm into that too). It’s about practical, purposeful action. If you have a creative dream quietly tugging at you, this episode is for you.Why Intentionality MattersNot all busy work is progress. I break down how to spot what’s worth your time and energy, and why you have to align your actions with your values. Becoming Who You Want to BeIt’s less about checking off tasks — although there's plenty of that —and more about evolving your identity. I also talk about how tiny shifts in what you do daily connect to your bigger vision.Reading the SignalsThat recurring idea or dream isn’t random. It’s your creative compass. I share how I recognized my own signal and used it to navigate my real-life move.Taking Action Without OverwhelmI’ll walk you through how to lean into your calling without burning out, plus some mindset shifts to help you move forward.You’re Not AloneCreative work can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. I touch on the power of community and support along the journey.Try this:Reflect: What’s the one creative idea or dream that keeps coming back to you? Could it be a signal to act?Shift: What’s one small action you can take this week that aligns with who you want to become?Reach out: Need a sounding board? I’m here. Book a free strategy session or send me a DM on Instagram.Your creative journey is uniquely yours. But with intention and a little support, it can be the most fulfilling thing you ever do.Resources MentionedInstagram: @standoutcreativebusinessSubstack: standoutcreativebusiness.substack.comCoaching & brainstorming sessions: standoutcreativebusiness.com