The Tillage Podcast
Shirlee Fisher
The Tillage Podcast is a space I've created to help you gain clarity on your creative journey. Being a creative entrepreneur comes with its ups and downs, and sometimes it can feel like you're all on your own. I’m passionate about digging deep with you, asking the tough questions, and encouraging action that transforms your creative business and life into something you truly love. In each guest episode, you’ll hear from fellow artists who have shifted their mindsets on their path to success and gain actionable advice and strategies to move forward with purpose. Thanks for listening! 🧡🌿
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 11, 2025 • 37min
114: Finding Contentment While Running Your Business Your Way with Brigida Swanson of Yardia
Are you building your business based on what you truly want—or what you think youshould want? In this episode, we explore what it means to run a creative business in a way that feels aligned, sustainable, and fulfilling.Artist, Brigida Swanson, shares her journey of stepping away from social media, redefining success, and focusing on what actually works forher business. She opens up about the fears that came with quitting traditional marketing, the unexpected growth that followed, and how trusting herself has led to more clarity and contentment.If you’ve ever questioned whether the way you're running your business is right for you, this episode will encourage you to step back, evaluate what truly fits your life and energy, and give yourself permission to do things differently.⭐Work with Vinyl Disorderfor all of your sticker needs!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Leave a Review onRate This Podcast!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's shownotes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Feb 4, 2025 • 25min
113: Taking a Creative Break and Finding Your Way Back
Feeling stuck after a creative break? In this episode, I share my journey of stepping away fromThe Tillage Podcast for over two months—why I took a break, the unexpected guilt and self-doubt that followed, and how I finally found my way back. If you’ve ever struggled with taking time off or felt awkward returning to your creative work, this episode will help you navigate the emotions, embrace rest as a vital part of the creative process, and ease back in with confidence. Tune in for insights on creativity, mindset, and the reality of stepping away and coming back.⭐Sign up today for Bonnie Christine’s FREE Workshop, “Your Pattern Design Playbook” happening February 10-19th!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Leave a Review onRate This Podcast!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's shownotes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Nov 12, 2024 • 21min
112: Growing Pains: Embracing Discomfort as a Path to Transformation
In this episode, I share the highs and lows of a challenging year marked by burnout, personal struggles, and difficult choices. From stepping back from running my business full-time and restructuring it entirely, I’ve learned that true growth often requires embracing discomfort. Through moments that felt like breaking points, I’m discovering how these “growing pains” are actually shaping me into a more resilient and better version of myself. Join me as I reflect on how discomfort can be a powerful guide on the path to transformation, and hopefully, inspire you to see your own struggles as essential steps toward growth.
Get 10% off your Canvas Lamp today with code: Tillage10
☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!
⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!
⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.
⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Nov 5, 2024 • 31min
111: Claiming the Title & Embracing Your Identity as an Artist with Libby Sharp of Oh, Little Wren
In this episode, we’re joined by Libby Sharp of brand, Oh, Little Wren, who shares her journey of embracing the title of “artist” and owning her unique creative path. Many of us struggle to call ourselves artists, feeling like we haven’t “earned” it or that our journey doesn’t fit the mold. Libby opens up about what it takes to build the confidence to claim your creative identity. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned entrepreneur, this conversation offers encouragement to embrace who you are as an artist—right where you are.Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Oct 29, 2024 • 29min
110: Strategies and Supports to Build Consistency in Your Daily Habits
In this episode, we're unpacking the power of consistency in building momentum in your rhythms and routines. I’ll share my personal journey with staying disciplined and explore how establishing "three daily essentials" (Episode 106) has helped me develop lasting habits. We’ll dive into strategies like habit stacking, creating cues, and finding your "point of no return" to navigate the challenges of sticking with routines. Join me as we break down the small, achievable steps that lead to meaningful progress!Get 50% OFF Your First Year of Flodesk!☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Oct 22, 2024 • 38min
109: Building a Business & Balancing Ambition While Working Full-Time with Kayla Hutchinson of Lucky Dog Design Co.
In this episode, I sit down with Kayla Hutchinson, founder of Lucky Dog Design Co. and full-time email marketer, as she shares her experience of balancing a thriving stationery business alongside her corporate job. We explore her journey over the past 7.5 years, discussing how she manages to avoid burnout, stay grounded, and maintain a sustainable pace in both roles. Kayla provides practical insights on the power of mindful planning, prioritizing self-care, and finding a support system that works. If you’re navigating multiple responsibilities and seeking balance, this conversation is full of encouragement and actionable advice!
🧡This episode is sponsored by Indigo Ink Printing.
☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!
⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!
⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.
⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Oct 15, 2024 • 25min
108: Making Mistakes: Your Key to Growth and Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
In this episode, I uncover the messy, unavoidable reality of mistakes. My anxiety of making a mistake of making whipped cream reveals my deep issues of perfectionism and the fear of messing up. We’ll explore how mistakes—whether big or small—can create anxiety, stall progress, and keep us playing it safe. But here’s the good news: mistakes are an essential part of growth, and embracing them can open doors to opportunities we never thought possible. So let’s shift our mindset and see mistakes for what they really are—lessons and valuable information.
Get 10% off your Canvas Lamp today with code: Tillage10
☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!
⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!
⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.
⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Oct 8, 2024 • 40min
107: Building Your Business Through Community and Connection with Kate Pauley of Create Dinners
In this episode, I chat with my longtime friend Kate Pauley, founder of Create Dinners, about how she built her business through the power of community and connection. What started as small, intimate gatherings in a driveway has blossomed into a thriving event production company. Kate shares how fostering meaningful relationships was the key to transforming her passion project into a sustainable business. Whether you're starting a new venture or looking for inspiration, Kate’s story will show you how building community can be the foundation for your success.
🧡This episode is sponsored by Indigo Ink Printing.
☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!
⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!
⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.
⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Oct 1, 2024 • 29min
106: The Power of 3 Daily Essentials for Creative Entrepreneurs
In this episode, I’m sharing a game-changing strategy to help you navigate the overwhelm of juggling multiple creative projects: the power of your "three essentials." As a virtual art teacher, business owner, and podcaster, I know how easy it is to feel paralyzed by endless tasks and goals. By focusing on three simple, non-negotiable daily actions, I’ve found a way to stay grounded and productive, even in the busiest seasons. Tune in to discover how this approach can fuel your creativity, reduce stress, and empower you to tackle your biggest goals with confidence!
🧡Work with Vinyl Disorder for all of your sticker needs!
☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!
⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!
⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.
⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
Sep 23, 2024 • 40min
105: Boosting Self-Worth as a Creative: Overcoming Perfectionism, Pricing Your Art, and Building Confidence with Hayley Price
In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of self-worth with Haley Price from The Art Coaching Club. Discover how valuing yourself as an artist can impact everything from pricing your work to marketing with confidence. We explore overcoming perfectionism, taking action despite fear, and building a supportive community to create a deep sense of self-worth.
🌿The Tillage Village Is Now Open For Enrollment Until September 30! Sign up today!
🧡This episode is sponsored by Indigo Ink Printing.
☕Buy Me A Coffee and support an episode!
⭐Leave a Review on Rate This Podcast!
⭐Visit www.thetillagepodcast.com for today's show notes and more.
⭐Follow along on INSTAGRAM
