What does it take to pivot into a creative career — especially when you're not in your 20s, don’t live in a major city, and didn’t follow a traditional design path?

In one of the most popular episodes of the Imprint Podcast, interior and prop stylist Jen Paul shares how she transitioned from teaching to styling, landed a role at Studio McGee, and built a career on her own terms. She opens up about the power of being intentional, learning on the job, and how following her curiosity led to unexpected opportunities.

If you're questioning your path or wondering if it’s too late to start something new, Jen’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to back yourself — and move into action.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic business growth group program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack. Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

Creativity isn’t about waiting for the perfect idea or moment. It’s about showing up — again and again — and trusting yourself enough to take the first step.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to live a creative life. From overcoming self-doubt to developing a daily practice, you’ll learn why the creative process is available to all of us — and how engaging with it can transform not just your work, but your home and life.

Whether you're styling a space, building a business, or finding your voice, this is a call to stop holding back and start creating with courage and clarity.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com

Go Deeper

For Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

How do you turn a love of interiors into a business that grows through referrals, book deals, and a loyal client base?

In one of the most popular episodes on the Imprint Podcast, interior designer and author Caitlin Flemming shares how she built her design studio from the ground up — starting with a blog, side income, and the courage to take on small projects that led to big opportunities. We talk about how she defined her aesthetic, found her first clients, and priced her services with confidence (after years of trial and error).

Caitlin also opens up about creating two bestselling books (Travel Home and Sense of Place; she has another book coming out soon) with her mother, building a small but mighty team, and how she makes time for family while running a successful business.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow a creative practice on your own terms, this conversation is full of thoughtful insights, practical advice, and a refreshing reminder that your aesthetic can be your advantage — when you know how to use it.

THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

Catilin’s childhood growing up going to flea markets with her mother with a passion for interiors & antiques

The joyful experience of creating her books with her mother

How creativity was engrained in her childhood

Her passion for travel & how this was developed in her formative years

Studying business & marketing at university

The threads of her journey showing up in her work

Starting her interior design practice & getting her first client

How one small job can create future work

Why Caitlin chooses to charge hourly

The value of word-of-mouth referrals

Caitlin’s interior design process

Her instinct for design & styling

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

Planning to design, renovate or build your dream home? Come join my FREE CLASS TODAY! Register here

Caitlin’s website

Caitlin’s new book Sense of Place

Caitlin’s Instagram @caitlinflemming

My course The Styling Masterclass

Caitlin’s first book Travel Home

Photographer Stephanie Russo

Book Create by Ali Heath

Business of Home podcast

Sophie Ashby on Business of Home podcast

The Interior Collective podcast

Band Imagine Dragons

Podcast production: Yaga Media