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Margo is joined by tax expert Hannah Cole who specializes in working with creative businesses and mission-driven solopreneurs. A long-time working artist herself, she’s helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, speaking engagements from Florida to Alaska, and on the Sunlight podcast. She is the founder of Sunlight Tax. As artists carve their paths through various industries, they encounter a myriad of challenges, yet financial literacy is rarely addressed, leading to feelings of failure and shame. Today's conversation with Hannah sheds light on this systemic failure and turns it into a journey of empowerment and self-compassion (something all creatives should have)!   Margo and Hannah discuss: The responsibilities that come with being a small business owner in the US Navigating self-employment taxes and optimizing deductions Personal struggles that Hannah faced within her own creative career and financial literacy What propelled her towards accounting education How she acts as a translator between the creative and tax worlds Simple advice artists can implement today when it comes to money management Her Money Bootcamp program and podcast How to save more money And more!   Connect with Hannah: www.instagram.com/sunlighttax www.sunlighttax.com www.sunlighttax.com/podcast Make Taxes Easier and Stash an Extra $130k in Your Savings https://go.sunlighttax.com/free   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

In part two of this two-part episode, Margo is joined by illustrator, product designer, toy creator, and bookmaker of sophisticated and simple objects that inspire and delight young and old alike, Suzy Ultman. from graphic design to creating educational content for children, Suzy emphasizes the importance of infusing personal beliefs into professional projects and how hardships in her life such as her divorce and the loss of her sister played a role in her own creativity and imparting it on children. Make Time for Play is the main philosophy behind everything that she does as an artist and her signature products celebrate play, creativity, connection, and community in the world around us.    Margo and Suzy discuss: Her desire to create more Jewish products to represent her culture and heritage How personal struggles influenced her creative process and approach to life The self-growth and happiness that comes alive through creativity Using social media as a creative tool Rediscovering the joy of Shabbat and what it brought back in to her life The importance in finding time for creativity, self-reflection, and relationships Her new kids stationery collaboration And more   Connect with Suzy: www.instagram.com/suzyultman www.suzyultman.com   Connect with Margo:  www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.windowsillchats.com www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

In this two-part episode, Margo is joined by illustrator, product designer, toy creator, and bookmaker of sophisticated and simple objects that inspire and delight young and old alike, Suzy Ultman. from graphic design to creating educational content for children, Suzy emphasizes the importance of infusing personal beliefs into professional projects and how hardships in her life such as her divorce and the loss of her sister played a role in her own creativity and imparting it on children. Make Time for Play is the main philosophy behind everything that she does as an artist and her signature products celebrate play, creativity, connection, and community in the world around us.    Margo and Suzy discuss: Suzy’s creative path: transitioning from studying accounting to pursuing a career in graphic design Her experience of working in design for Adidas Prioritizing handwork, creativity, and inspiration in the creative process How personal identity and cultural heritage plays a role in her creative process Challenges she’s faced when integrating her Jewish identity into her work Lessons learned from finding representation and building artistic vision The importance of connection and community when it comes to doing creative work Staying true to one's story and identity Connect with Suzy: www.instagram.com/suzyultman www.suzyultman.com   Connect with Margo:  www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.windowsillchats.com www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by fantastical and whimsical artist, Jules Gissler. Jules doesn’t color in the proverbial lines, and she is proud to create art that has a voice and a story. Over the years, my work has taken different shapes, as has she. Jules believes in being braver, bolder, and unafraid to take up space and also the important role humor and connection plays in our evolution. Jules' art is an embodiment of who she is. It’s how she lives her magic, the combination of vulnerability, attachment to nature, courage, and her voice that make her unlike any other being under the sun. She is grateful to have discovered these qualities and hopes the many layers of emotions and experiences she has, shows up in her work in a way that inspires smile-ish-ness (her Dr. Seuss made-up word) and connection.   Margo and Jules discuss: Attending Montana State University to discovering her passion for art and jewelry design The significance of music and its impact on her creativity How she’s embraced new opportunities and takes initiative in business Vulnerability, connection, and natures role in her creative journey How she continually pushes forward in trying new things (artistic endeavors, life, etc.) Storytelling through her art Collaborating with a designer like Michael Grey for Birkenstock Advice for artists navigating their own creative journeys   Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill    Connect with Jules: https://www.julesgissler.com https://instagram.com/julesAgissler https://www.facebook.com/julesGisslerArtist https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-gissler https://www.pinterest.com/julesgissler/ https://www.amazon.com/Save-Earth-Daisy-Sleeve-T-Shirt/dp/B09NTQ2SZW/ https://www.illustratorsforhire.com/featuring/jules-gissler-illustrator-for-hire   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com/ www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by the cheeky glam ma'am behind the Champagne Fabulous brand of gifts and home decor, Mandi Blackford. Through her brand, Mandi encourages people of all ages to unabashedly be exactly who they WANT to be with her motto "Age Inappropriately.” A watercolor & acrylic artist previously selling under the brand Jetset Barbie Art, Mandi took her creative career to the next level in 2022 when she launched the Champagne Fabulous brand with her first two original products on Amazon in the US, UK, and Australia. A pool float in the shape of a champagne bottle, and a doorbell frame that says "Press for Champagne". All while maintaining her demanding full-time day job as a hotel software product manager. Mandi recently launched The Age Inappropriately Show – a weekly video podcast where hilarious content will always come back to the underlying message of encouragement to have self-love, confidence, and live authentically.   Margo and Mandi discuss: Her Arkansas upbringing, Baptist background and her evolving desire to be a preacher's wife to becoming an artist The unique path and many jobs that took her to Las Vegas, Austin, Dallas, and Chicago before moving to Longview, TX What traveling taught her and how it inspired her first creative business name, Jetset Barbie Finding a new form of creativity through painting at the age of 46 Making art profitable The Amazon FBA program: learning the ins and outs to sell her products on Amazon Learning to embracing her individuality and overcome societal norms Her new podcast and video show, Age Inappropriately And more!   Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill   Connect with Mandi: https://champagnefab.com/ https://youtube.com/@champagnefab https://www.instagram.com/champagnefabulousllc/ https://www.facebook.com/ChampagneFabulousLLC https://www.tiktok.com/@champagnefab https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/mandiblackford https://twitter.com/champagnefaboo   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com/ www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by certified and credentialed life coach and hypnotherapist, masterful speaker, and courageous communication expert Amy Green Smith. Amy uses her roles as coach, writer, podcaster, and speaker to move individuals to a place of radical personal empowerment and self-worth. With acute focus on helping people “find their voice”, she is highly sought after for her uncommon style of irreverence, wisdom, and humor.   Margo and Amy discuss: Her life crisis moment that led her to leave an industry she had great success in The importance of effective communication and emotional well-being Learning to find your voice and powerfully say 'No' as an artist Combatting people-pleasing in business Finding the right words, creating boundaries, and cultivating self-worth as an entrepreneur Navigating uncomfortable conversations The science behind our four fear responses (and how they hold creatives back) Her amazing Free-sources And so much more!    Learn the art of PROCreate with Beth Buffington by visiting https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill   Connect with Amy: Amygreensmith.com http://amygreensmith.com/free http://instagram.com/heyamygreensmith http://facebook.com/heyamygreensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/heyamygreensmith http://twitter.com/heyamygreen   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by listener favorite guest Beth Buffington. Beth is a licensed illustrator, and an online digital illustration instructor, creative coach, and podcaster. Like most creatives, she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold her favorite red crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, Beth began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments. 
After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her own business. Her work has grown into several facets including home decor products, course creation and her latest creative outlet, adventure exploring and podcasting.   Margo and Beth discuss: Beth’s creative path from in-house designer to entrepreneur The importance of making time for self-improvement and finding joy in learning something new Benefits of using technology, like Procreate, to create art anywhere Challenges of rejection and finding a supportive community in pursuing creative work How she discovered her passion for teaching Balancing creative pursuits with other responsibilities The power in consistent creativity and its effect on health Her upcoming course, free workshops and podcast And more!   Mentioned in this episode: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen   Connect with Beth: https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill https://bdi-celebrate.today/ Create Today Podcast https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/ https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by botanical watercolor artist, teacher and podcast host Ping He. Ping made a career change from flower consultant to botanical artist in 2019 and shortly thereafter launched a successful stationary and gift brand, Ping He Art where she turned her intricate designs into beautiful paper products. Today, her art is available in 150 stores across 12 counties. In 2021, Ping was diagnosed with breast cancer which is when she realized her need and desire to live a life with purpose and she created Thriving Women Artists, a podcast by Ping and two friends sharing their tips and knowledge when it comes to working as a freelance artist and encouraging other women in creative industries. Amongst her work, Pink is currently working on designing a creative app called Botany Works where creative expats can share their passion for botanical art as well as live a creative and fulfilled life on their own terms.   Margo and Ping discuss: What it was like growing up during cultural revolution in China and what it taught her Taking charge of your own destiny and understanding what you want out of your own life and business Considering your own business risks and personal aspirations Taking baby steps and being unafraid of your own possibility and potential Navigating health challenges for herself and her child and how they affected her business How she balances motherhood and a creative business The richness of opportunities that come from collaboration Passion, authenticity and self-belief And more!   Connect with Ping: www.pinghe.art www.instagram.com/pinghe.art https://www.facebook.com/pingheartstudio/ https://www.instagram.com/twapodcast/ Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

This week Margo and her sister play a bit of a role reversal and Margo is interviewed In the Windowsill! As the creator and host of the podcast, Margo rarely shares intimately about herself but she figured it was time to change that. Margo shares her experience with wire art and the moment a piece of art went from an act of creativity to monetized creativity, working in wholesale, collaborating with artists to create unique retail products, and bridging the gap between creatives and their businesses. She also discusses her love of music, the personal growth she’s experienced over the past year, and her current pursuits in silversmithing and jewelry making. With the help of Shelley, Margo explores her insights on reinvention, self-reflection, and her plans for 2024.   Mentioned in this episode: Lynn Whipple’s 100 Bad Paintings Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson   Connect with Margo: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill See full show notes at www.windowsillchats.com/podcast

Margo is joined by Shamanic Practitioner and Spiritual Guide Jade Chen. Jade supports and assists people on their healing journey and believes everyone has the capacity to activate the healer within. Her own awakening journey began in 2016 when life took some major turns and she left both a highly financially secure career and a relationship of over 6 years. She felt she had been living her life in a dazed dream; just going through the motions and trying her best to maintain surface happiness. She began to pray a lot and then reconnect to the spirit world through those prayers, and began to receive some answers. The messages she received included to acknowledge her own experience, pain and trauma and to go inward and hold space for herself in a way that felt real. Since 2016 she’s continued to receive messages that have allowed her to grow and evolve while helping others do the same. She works with people one on one and in group settings and also leads healing retreats throughout the year.    Margo and Jade discuss: Jade’s year of transformation that led her to shamanic and spiritual work What a Shamanic Practitioner is and does Use of practices like meditation and connecting with nature for healing The connection between creativity and spirituality Tapping into our inner-child through creativity The commonality of being an empath among highly creative people Overcoming imposter syndrome and anxiety in sharing creative work And more   Connect with Jade: www.mudlotuslife.com  www.instagram.com/jadelotuschen  Illuminated Women’s Business Retreat   Connect with Margo: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.windowsillchats.com www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by artist, designer, and educator Rukmini Poddar. Rukmini’s creative passion lies at the intersection of emotional wellness and creative storytelling which she helps others connect to through her new book Draw Your Feelings: A Creative Journal to Help Connect with Your Emotions through Art. Rukmini found her creative voice through participating in the #100DayProject for over 9 consecutive years and has grown her instagram community to over 100,000 followers. She is best known for her drawings that give life to her personal emotions.   Margo and Rukmini discuss: Her personal and artistic journey The connection between emotions and art How vulnerability can inspire others Recognizing and working through different forms of resistance such as self-sabotage and procrastination The links between art, emotions, and mental wellness The importance of creativity for individuals in corporate roles and the need for more humanity in the workspace Her journey with 100-day projects Overcoming creative challenges The beauty in naivety when you’re doing something for the first time   Mentioned in this episode: https://www.upbuild.com/enneagram The Art of War by Steven Pressfield Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown   Connect with Rukmini: Draw Your Feelings by Rukmini Poddar https://www.instagram.com/rockinruksi/ https://www.dearruksi.com/   Connect with Margo: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.windowsillchats.com www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

Margo is joined by writer, singer-songwriter, teacher, and coach Marisa Handler. Marisa is the author of Loyal to the Sky, which won a Nautilus Gold Award for world-changing books and her essays, fiction, and poetry have appeared in numerous publications. Her music is also streamed across large platforms such as Spotify and iTunes. Marisa earned her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and has received many fellowships in Creative Writing, including a Fulbright and an Elizabeth George Foundation grant. On the spiritual side, Marisa has been studying Insight Meditation in retreats and daily life since 2002, and instructing since 2012. She is a Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie, and has long-term practices in Authentic Movement, Somatic Experiencing, and various forms of dance. Marisa is the founder of Live Your Creative Genius, an in-depth coaching program offering a new paradigm for creative work, and she teaches on creativity, writing, and transformation at places like Stanford University, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Esalen, and the California Institute for Integral Studies.   Margo and Marisa discuss: Her creative path and how spirituality plays a role in her many creative mediums Cultivating creativity, finding support in a creative community, and connecting with one's authentic voice The challenges of balancing creative pursuits with jobs Creating a sacred space for creativity Her 9 month coaching program How we are intrinsically creative beings How we do our best creative work by becoming who we truly are Embracing our shadow Viewing our obstacles as allies   Join Windowsill Chats Patreon for just $5 a month and receive early access to the Windowsill Chats Podcast, question submission for Q&A, replay's of monthly Q&A create-together sessions, a vibrant Facebook community, and more at www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill!   Connect with Marisa: www.marisahandler.com "Alchemize Your Creative Vision" on December 12th: https://marisahandler.com/programs/aycv/ Live your Creative Genius (9 month coaching): https://marisahandler.com/programs/lycg/ https://marisahandler.com/programs/firing-up-the-engines/  https://www.facebook.com/marisa.handler.3 https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q6NM99n37Lch8xG4Rjkfx?si=YqGdYLUaSo-JnGgyF_qbww https://insighttimer.com/marisacreates   Connect with Margo: www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.windowsillchats.com www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill