Replacing the rigidity of council architecture with the vibrancy of bespoke hat design.

Janice Charles is the CEO of House of Charles, a bespoke hat-design business that thrives on making the seemingly impossibe, possible.

Janice's father instilled in her a belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, an ethos illustrated by the unique, architectural headwear she now designs for her clients and that is featured internationally in couture magazines.

Before she got to this point, however, Janice faced a challenging period of ill health linked to workplace stress, but it was through this struggle that she experienced a 'happy accident' that pushed her towards her true calling.

Her initial foray into millinery design started as a personal project to customize a hat for a race day, which quickly got her noticed and encouraged her to further explore this side of her creativity. Drawing from her childhood experiences and her father's encouragement, Janice embraced her creativity.

Her bespoke creations, which blend her architectural background with a flair for the unconventional, have garnered attention and admiration, and in thias episode Janice encourages listeners to embrace their unique creative journeys, emphasizing that even from the depths of hardship, beauty and inspiration can blossom.

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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Initially skeptical about pursuing a career in film, Tyler Schwanke's younger, practical self chose to take a journalism course at college. However, his true calling in film and storytelling beckoned, and he tried out a number of programs, before completing his mixed degree.

After college, back in his high-school bedroom at his parents' home, Tyler needed to earn some money, and took a security job, where in his mind he began planning a fantasy of how an aspiring filmmaker might make some money – through nefarious means – to fund his passion.

Moving into a recruitment role, Tyler's employer offered funding for further education, and since he had begun dabbling in writing, Tyler took the opportunity to learn more about the craft.

Tyler's first published novel, Breaking In – an evolution of his earlier heist fantasy – was not the first he wrote, and in this chat we explore the challenges and triumphs of Tyler's creative process, as he reveals the value he gleans from feedback and self-critique.

Tyler’s personal anecdotes about balancing his writing with a full-time job and the support of his wife paint a vivid picture of the grit and perseverance required to succeed in the creative arts, while his insights into the publishing process, including the arduous journey of querying agents and working with editors, offer valuable lessons for aspiring writers.

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Affordably advertise on this podcast by emailing claire@creativityfound.co.uk, or book a call here.

Help me to keep making this podcast at buymeacoffee.com/creativityfound

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Connecting creativity with personal healing.

Samantha Mackay felt the pressure of conforming to traditional art forms in school, and much later in life found her voice in abstract painting.

In this episode Samantha and I discuss how the pressures of societal expectations can stifle artistic expression, as she shares her journey from a legal career to rediscovering her creative passions.

Samantha opens up about the struggles she faced while living in London, grappling with depression and autoimmune issues, and how, years later, creativity became a vital outlet for processing her pain, prompted by an insightful coaching experience that encouraged her to draw without judgment.

We also explore the Enneagram as a tool for understanding our motivations and barriers to creativity, revealing how it can guide us towards a more authentic self-expression.

Along the way, we explore the profound connection between creativity and healing, emphasizing the importance of embracing our unique paths.

This episode is a reminder that creativity is not just about art; it's about how we express our true selves in everyday life.

Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Affordably advertise on this podcast by emailing claire@creativityfound.co.uk, or book a call here.

Help me to keep making this podcast at buymeacoffee.com/creativityfound

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Initially hesitant about public speaking, Liz Drury's journey unfolds with unexpected twists, from her scientific studies to her current role as a voiceover artist.

As an archeological scientist Liz found unexpected fame from her research on 'prehistoric chewing gum', which catapulted her into the media spotlight.

That sparked her interest in the media world, and Liz volunteered and later worked at a local television channel, but when the funding ran out she moved to working on various projects in a sixth-form college.

During her time as a 'trailing spouse' – we explain what that means in the episode – Liz took acting classes and explored the training involved in voiceover work.

As with most of our guests' stories, this training did not instantly lead to a full-time career in voice work, but eventually – thanks to a redundancy – that was to be the case.

Now Liz is also able to enjoy musical escapes by singing in a choir and learning to play the baritone horn – not sure what that is, neither was I!

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Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Affordably advertise on this podcast by emailing claire@creativityfound.co.uk, or book a call here.

Help me to keep making this podcast at buymeacoffee.com/creativityfound

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Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Model and content creator Rachel Peru on finding confidence and a creative spark later in life.

Despite facing a lack of belief from educators, Rachel’s early experiences in drama studies and theatre laid a foundation for her creative spirit, which would be reignited much later after significant life changes, including a divorce.

From participating in local charity fashion shows to signing with a London agency, Rachel’s modelling career took off in ways she never expected, allowing her to embrace creative opportunities she once thought were behind her.

In our conversation, Rachel sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of being a model in today’s industry, particularly as a woman over 40. She shares anecdotes from her diverse experiences, including a memorable gig in the Bahamas with Lizzo and Ashley Graham, which not only marked a significant career milestone but also served as a source of inspiration for women striving for body positivity. Through her modelling work, Rachel has become an advocate for inclusivity and representation, challenging ageism and stereotypes in the fashion industry.

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Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

As the first engineer at a pioneering startup specializing in artificial intelligence, John Guiver’s expertise in mathematics and programming laid the groundwork for his technical career. While still working in this field, John began translating the memoirs of survivors of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, which led to the publication of his own book on the subject, entitled To Play the Game.

Writing not only gave John a new creative outlet, but also a profound connection to the stories of resilience and survival that emerged from that tragedy.

John's early career as an engineer and mathematician set the stage for a unique perspective on creativity, one that blends analytical thinking with artistic expression. He recounts how his work in AI during its formative years required not only technical expertise but also a creative mindset to tackle complex problems and innovate within the field.

Visiting the site of the disaster, and translating the memoirs of crash survivors, not only connected him to a profound human experience but also instilled in him the confidence to pursue writing in a more personal and expressive way.

While researching the crash, John discovered a rich tapestry of interconnected lives and shared histories. This theme of community serves as a backdrop for his writing, as he seeks to honour the memories of those who perished while also celebrating the resilience of survivors.

In this episode John also discusses the challenges of finding his voice as a writer and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the writing process, sharing practical insights into his daily writing habits and how his experiences enriched both his book and his life.

He encourages listeners to boldly pursue their passions, underscoring the importance of storytelling and connection in the creative journey.

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Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Affordably advertise on this podcast by emailing claire@creativityfound.co.uk, or book a call here.

Help me to keep making this podcast at buymeacoffee.com/creativityfound

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Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

Through art activities given in care homes and community groups, Dementia Arts Trust has been bringing joy to people living with dementia and their carers for nearly a decade.

In this episode, as part of Podcasthon, an initiative to raise awareness for charities worldwide, I chat with trust founders Joanne Robinson and Melissa Haddow about how these art activities build self-esteem, evoke memories and show those living with dementia what they can still accomplish, despite their diagnosis.

Joanne and Melissa share poignant stories, like the emotional moment when a participant recalled cherished memories of her daughters while painting, leaving everyone in tears – the happy kind, of course!

Joanne and Melissa are keen to share how proud they are of their teachers, who are not just art instructors, but empathetic guides who help individuals connect with their pasts, and that the success of these classes is not just in the art created, but in the connections formed and the human spirit revitalized.

Art can have a profound effect on emotional wellbeing, offering experiences that traditional medicine cannot provide, as everyone at Dementia Arts Trust has witnessed time and time again.

Visit Dementia Arts Trust here

Little Art School at creativityfound.co.uk

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Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
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Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Affordably advertise on this podcast by emailing claire@creativityfound.co.uk, or book a call here.

Book your Podcast Startup Sanity Check here.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout

With a rich background in languages and science, creative pursuits were encouraged during Nancy Dillingham Marks' childhood, but not fully embraced by the young Nancy.

On leaving school Nancy's professional life was dominated by analytical roles, and she excelled in various corporate positions, including at Sony Pictures. What Nancy didn't realize at the time was that her path to success was not only fuelled by her organizational skills, but by intertwining those with creative problem-solving.

A personal and professional shift lead Nancy to explore her mother's enthusiasm for fused glass, which quickly became the creative outlet she had been looking for.

Faced with the closure of her local glass studio, Nancy once again brought her corporate experiences into play as she opened her own studio, Glass Arts Collective.

In this episode Nancy emphasizes the importance of community and support in nurturing creativity, as she reflects on how her friends stepped in to help her teach and grow her business. She is excited to tell me all about her studio's welcoming environment, where novices often arrive feeling uncertain about their creativity, only to leave with newfound confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

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Instagram: @creativityfoundpodcast
Threads: @creativityfoundpodcast
Facebook: @creativityfoundpodcast and Creativity Found group
YouTube @creativityfoundpodcast

Researched, edited and produced by Claire Waite Brown
Music: Day Trips by Ketsa Undercover / Ketsa Creative Commons License Free Music Archive - Ketsa - Day Trips
Artworks: Emily Portnoi emilyportnoi.co.uk
Photo: Ella Pallet

Affordably advertise on this podcast by emailing claire@creativityfound.co.uk, or book a call here.

Help me to keep making this podcast at buymeacoffee.com/creativityfound

Book your Podcast Startup Sanity Check here.

Support the show

Want to be a guest on Creativity Found? Send me a message on PodMatch, here

Podcast recorded with Riverside and hosted by Buzzsprout