The World of Women Create Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, Editor-in-Chief Susan Harold is joined by textile artist, writer, and quiltmaker Lori Mason , whose work transforms cherished garments into extraordinary heirloom quilts that celebrate life's most meaningful moments. For more than 30 years, Lori has collaborated with families to preserve memories through fabric—honoring births, weddings, graduations, retirements, and the lives of loved ones who have passed. She shares how her deeply personal creative process begins with listening to each client's story, allowing every quilt to become a one-of-a-kind tribute woven with love, history, and connection. Together, we explore the unforgettable stories behind some of Lori's most meaningful commissions, the emotional significance of creating with clothing that carries a lifetime of memories, and why these handcrafted heirlooms become treasured keepsakes for generations to come. Lori also offers a glimpse into the projects currently inspiring her and discusses her vision for sharing her process and techniques with a wider audience, making this conversation an inspiring reminder that creativity has the power to preserve not only fabric, but the people and moments that matter most. Visit Lori's Website Connect with Lori on Instagram Follow Lori on Facebook

In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Susan Harold is joined by Nicole Shannon —artist, writer, researcher, and founder of Create Potential®—to explore the powerful connection between creativity, flow, and finding direction when the path ahead feels uncertain. Drawing from her experiences as an artist, entrepreneur, and mother of a child with a rare genetic condition, Nicole shares how she developed Creative Wayfinding™ , a research-informed framework that views creativity as a tool for navigating change and moving forward with intention. Together, we dive into the science of flow state, why so many of us feel disconnected from our creativity, and how learning to access flow more consistently can lead to greater clarity, confidence, momentum, and purpose. Whether you're an artist, maker, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on overcoming uncertainty, this conversation offers practical insights for living and creating with intention. Take a FREE Creative Flow Assessment Learn More About the Creative Flow Challenge Connect with Nicole on Instagram

In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Susan Harold sits down with Lori Siebert —product designer, maker, mixed-media artist, and creative educator—to explore her journey from artist to entrepreneur and how she built a thriving creative business over several decades. Lori began her career in 1987 with a graphic design firm and later expanded into art licensing, working with major brands like Target, Bath & Body Works, Universal Studios, and Nickelodeon while continuing to grow her own product and home décor design work. Lori shares how a series of life shifts beginning in 2021 led her to start saying “yes” to long-held bucket list opportunities while also learning to say “no” to things that no longer bring joy, reshaping how she approaches both life and work. She has expanded her impact through teaching and hosting immersive creative retreats across the United States and Europe, helping artists strengthen their creative practice and business skills. As co-founder of ArtBizJam and ArtBizJam Abundance, she continues to support artists with tools, resources, and community to build sustainable creative careers rooted in both passion and intention. Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Upcoming Retreats: Wearable Art Adventure - October 4th-9th (2026) Winter in Oaxaca - January 24th-30th (2027) Noticing, Capturing, and Composing a Grecian Journey - April 22nd-29th (2027) Journalling the Journey - September 17th-24th (2027) Marrakech, Morocco - October 30th - November 6th (2027)

Creative Director, writer, visual storyteller, and award-winning self-portrait photographer Lisa Foley-Haukom joins Editor in Chief Susan Harold for a conversation on how women makers can navigate media to share their work, build meaningful connections, and create opportunities through storytelling and photography. As the founder of The Goldenbrand and Photo Club, Lisa has built a global creative community empowering women to step behind the lens and tell their own stories with confidence and authenticity. Lisa shares insights from her 30-day creative experiment, the evolution of Photo Club, and why she believes women are the best people to hold the camera when it comes to documenting their own lives and experiences. The conversation also dives into the power we give the camera—and what it means to reclaim that power for ourselves through self-portraiture, creativity, and visibility. From redefining self-image to building creative confidence, this episode is an inspiring look at storytelling, community, and the importance of women documenting women. Website - The Golden Brand Substack - IWNGTFY Instagram - The Golden Brand Website - The Photo Club

Artist, speaker, and creative visionary Dionne Woods joins Editor in Chief Susan Harold for an inspiring conversation on awakening your creativity and stepping into who you’re meant to become. As the founder of The Turquoise Iris and creator of the Motivatarian Method™, Dionne shares how a journey that began painting furniture in her Oklahoma garage grew into a global brand rooted in bold expression, connection, and purpose. We explore breaking through self-doubt and imposter syndrome, what courageous expression looks like in everyday life, and how creativity shapes leadership. Dionne also reflects on the pivotal moments that guided her path, building a deeply connected creative community, and the meaning behind her 2026 word: Embody . At its core, this conversation is about unlocking what’s holding you back, trusting your voice, and creating a life and business that feel aligned, expansive, and authentically your own. Instagram – The Turquoise Iris Website – The Turquoise Iris Magazine Website – The Turquoise Iris Journal LinkedIn – Dionne Woods Facebook – The Turquoise Iris YouTube – The Turquoise Iris Podcast – The Motivatarian Exchange

Artist and creative entrepreneur Hayley Price White joins Editor in Chief Susan Harold for an inspiring conversation on how to build a sustainable art career without losing your creativity. We talk about the shift from hobby to business, including pricing your work with confidence, selling in a way that feels authentic and creating systems that support long-term growth. We also dive into visibility, overcoming the tendency to undervalue your work, and finding consistency in both your creative practice and income—without feeling boxed in. At its core, this conversation is about trusting your voice, balancing strategy with intuition and building a creative career that feels both aligned and sustainable. Hayley helps artists build viable businesses without burning out or selling out. She is the founder of The Art Coaching Club, a membership and education platform for artists, and The Scouted Studio , a contemporary online art gallery. Through her own art practice, coaching, podcasting, and writing, Hayley focuses on the intersection of creativity, business, and building out your version of success. Instagram - Hayley Price White Instagram - The Art Coaching Club Website - The Art Coaching Club Substack - The Art Coaching Club The Art Coaching Club Podcast

Mixed-media artist Denise Shives joins Editor in Chief Susan Harold for an inspiring conversation about imposter syndrome, the winding road of the creative journey and the art of building a life rooted in patience and passion. Tucked inside a pole barn behind her home in Walla Walla, Washington, Denise’s art studio and occasional shop reflect years of chasing dreams, working hard and trusting the process. A mixed-media artist and creator of The Pocket Lady , Denise shares how she found her voice, embraced her calling and created a space filled with the things she loves—each piece telling a story of resilience and growth. In this episode, Denise opens up about overcoming self-doubt as an artist, the evolution of her creative path and the meaningful details that make her studio a true reflection of her heart and work. Instagram Facebook Website Sign-up for The Pocket Lady Newsletter! Read Denise’s Feature in WHERE Women Create

Chair stylist Wendy Conklin joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on the inspiration behind her Taylor Swift-themed chair collection, her entrepreneurial journey, and fun and easy ways to add creativity and color to your home. Wendy is a former educator turned boutique chair decorator helping people around the globe infuse personality, color and whimsy into their surroundings. Through her company, Chair Whimsy , she offers various options to turn a boring and beige room into wow , including her range of ready-made designer chairs, custom chair design services, DIY inspirational makeovers, and a host of courses to unleash the DIYer’s inner artist. Learn more about Wendy: Website Eras Tour Chairs Instagram Read Wendy's Story

Connecticut-based brand photographer, video storyteller and marketing strategist Nicole Bedard joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on the power of brand photography and crafting a compelling image portfolio for your website, marketing materials and magazine submissions. Nicole specializes in capturing imagery and videos that help creative entrepreneurs step out from behind their work to showcase their unique processes, enhance their visibility, and make their branding irresistible to their ideal clients. She believes all creatives deserve to feel more confident, connect with more people, and create more of an impact in their industry. Learn more about Nicole: Website Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Multi-crafter, tutor, sewist, illustrator and designer Paula Milner joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on her passion for crafting and the journey to launching her popular brand, The Crafty Lass. In 2015, Paula established The Crafty Lass with the aim to inspire adults to get creative in their busy lives, and has gone on to work with some of the biggest names in the craft industry. Her hand drawn, nature-inspired fabric ranges and hand-carved woodblock designs can be found for sale across the U.K. She is a brand ambassador for Brother Sewing Machines, part of the founding Cricut Crew, and author of the 2024 book Simple Paper Flowers . Learn more about Paula and The Crafty Lass brand: Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest

Die-hard modern fabric fan Chelsea O’Hayre joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on finding a way to turn a passion into a thriving business and how to recognize and seize additional opportunities as they arise. Chelsea is the owner of Pink Door Fabrics and Renaissance Ribbons. She started Pink Door Fabrics in 2011, and recently acquired Renaissance in 2023. A lover of fabrics from an early age, Chelsea taught herself to sew many years ago and has transformed her hobby into a growing enterprise that ships worldwide. She has found a niche offering fabrics from all the hottest designers in block of the month programs. Learn more about Chelsea and her journey: Website – Pink Door Fabrics Instagram – Pink Door Fabrics Instagram – Renaissance Ribbons

Craft ambassador and entrepreneur Isabelle Fish joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on bespoke travel experiences that allow creatives to discover the world through the lens of craft. Having made herself at home in five different countries, including Canada, England and South Africa, Isabelle retains a particularly French attitude towards les métiers d’art, along with her insatiable appetite for travel and cultural discovery. Isabelle’s company Rue Pigalle is a travel and events-based community for women patrons of craft who celebrate and champion its place in everyday life — all with the purpose to support craft practice and practitioners. Learn more about Isabelle Fish and Rue Pigalle: Read Isabelle's Women Create Story Rue Pigalle - Website Rue Pigalle - Instagram Rue Pigalle - Facebook

MillHouse Founder, CEO and Executive Director Beth Beck, PhD, joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on how her career at NASA helped prepare her for a post-retirement role helping creative (micro)businesswomen thrive. MillHouse in the century-old Cotton Mill in McKinney, Texas. Designed as a space for women to collaborate, create and flourish, the nonprofit opened in 2019 with four artist studios. Today, MillHouse hosts 32 studios, plus photography studios, a co-working space, workshops, mentoring sessions and festivals to enhance women’s earning potential. Learn More About Beth Beck: MillHouse McKinney - Website MillHouse McKinney - Instagram MillHouse McKinney - Facebook

Fashion industry veteran, pattern designer and clothing brand founder Christine Lindebak joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on her transition from working in the fast-paced corporate fashion world to building websites and running her very own creative business. Christine Lindebak is an American designer and creator based on the Mediterranean seaside in Valencia, Spain. She’s the force behind Sewing and the City, selling fashion sewing patterns online and in shops around the globe and inspiring people of all ages to sew their own clothes. Christine is also the founder of a bespoke homeware brand called Lindy Lindy, where she transforms vintage Spanish linens into one-of-a-kind, getting-ready attire for brides. Learn more about Christine Lindebak: Sewing in the City Website Instagram – Sewing in the City Lindy Lindy Website Instagram – Lindy Lindy

Artist Megan Aroon joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on the beauty of living a nomadic life and creating on the go. For the past two years, Megan has traveled the U.S. in her tiny home, aka her van/mobile studio, with her cat Mikee, creating series of artworks along the way — including paintings inspired by the National Parks and other natural wonders. She is a conservation artist, striving to preserve and conserve the natural world, sharing the beauty of our planet as seen through her eyes in colorful, whimsical art. Her art was featured on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Good Morning America,” along with magazine features in WHERE Women Create , O , The Oprah Magazine , Good Housekeeping and even the cover of Interior Design . Products with Megan’s art can be found at Urban Outfitters, HomeGoods, Nordstrom and more. Learn more about Megan Aroon: Website Instagram Pinterest

Sewing pattern designer and entrepreneur Sara Lawson joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on building an online community, the importance of using long-form video to support and inspire your customers’ creativity and more! Based in Chicago, Sara started her company Sew Sweetness in 2013, and today her team includes family members and pattern testers. In addition to designing sewing patterns for a wide array of tote bags, purses and pouches, she also produces full-length instructional videos to complement her patterns. Sara has a popular live show on Facebook and YouTube called “Sewcial Sunday.” Topics for the show include new fabrics in the stash, a Bag Lab demonstration, book review and live question-and-answer session. Learn more about Sara Lawson: Website Facebook Instagram YouTube

Internationally renowned surface pattern designer, entrepreneur and award-winning online educator Bonnie Christine joins Editor in Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on how to hit the ground running with pattern designing, methods to improve your productivity and much more! Bonnie has been creating delicate and ethereal artwork for brands and products around the world since 2009. She’s a mama, artist and fabric designer living nestled back in the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Her goal is to help creatives earn a living doing what they love. Her journey of being a self-taught designer and learning “the hard way” is exactly what drives her passion for teaching others how to become a successful creative entrepreneur. Learn more about Bonnie Christine: Instagram Website Immersion with Bonnie Christine - Course The Professional Creative Podcast

Weaver, spinner, garment designer and entrepreneur Astrid Tauber joins Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on what led Astrid to textile arts, along with her favorite parts of the creative process, the advantages to her family’s unconventional approach to education, and MUCH more! Astrid, whose story was featured in WHAT Women Create in 2023, is the youngest artist to be featured in our magazines. When she was 7 years old, her mom signed her up for a series of craft classes at a local store. Little did Astrid know that all these years later (she’s now 14), she would be a girl who could “shear a sheep, spin balanced yarn, and weave her own fabric to create garments.” Fiber was the chrysalis that took Astrid from a painfully shy girl who looked like a deer in headlights any time someone approached her, to a young woman who has found her voice and the confidence to be heard. Learn More about Astrid Tauber: Website Facebook Instagram

Master Milliner Jenny Pfanenstiel joins Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on her journey from making hats in her basement as a hobby to founding her couture shop Formé Millinery in Louisville, Kentucky, and acquiring supply companies that provide materials for other milliners and help ensure that the craft of millinery continues to thrive. Jenny is a world-renowned milliner awarded for her skill of creating and sculpting hats by hand using the highest quality and rare materials from across the globe. The art of millinery is a technique that dates back centuries through molding straw and wool over wooden hat forms. Taking from traditional millinery techniques, Jenny is known throughout the world for her unique process of sculpting hats on a braid machine from the 1800s. She is a five-time Featured Milliner of the Kentucky Derby. In 2019, she was 1 of 50 women entrepreneurs selected as a Tory Burch Fellow through the Tory Burch Foundation. She has three co-branded hat patterns through McCall Patterns, and leads hat-making workshops for all levels. Jenny is the author of the book The Making of a Milliner and has collaborated with exciting brands and dignitaries such as Woodford Reserve, Vineyard Vines, J Peterman, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Madonna, and Barbara Cochran, to name a few. She and her husband Bart own four hat companies and just celebrated opening their third hat shop in Kentucky. Learn more about Jenny Pfanenstiel: Forme Millinery Website Hat Box USA Website Judith M Supply Website The Hat Shoppe Louisville Website – Forme Millinery Instagram The Hat Shoppe Louisville Instagram Judith M Supply Instagram

Cara Loffredo and Africa Rubio Pastor join Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Blot for a conversation on the importance of shopping local woman-founded businesses, especially during the critical holiday selling season. For the past six years, Cara and Africa have been running markets throughout the Boston area and have helped launch the careers of many women entrepreneurs, along with expanding their own business with new initiatives, including a popup brick-and-mortar shop earlier this year and a new series of Holiday Markets at the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. A passion for entrepreneurship runs in Cara Loffredo ‘s blood. She grew up surrounded by family members that all have had a small business at one point or another, from a dog and cat boarding kennel to an outdoor waterpark. After graduating from Suffolk University, Cara began working for a variety of organizations where she was able to get her hands dirty in all things small business, from running payroll, to event organization, to graphic design. Over the years she has come to realize she gets the greatest satisfaction and joy from helping others learn and succeed, and strives to bring this to the BWM community every day. Africa Rubio Pastor is the co-founder of Boston Women’s Market. Africa is originally from Madrid, Spain. When she lived in Spain she spent a lot of time with her mother at markets (as a vendor) helping her with her business. Africa realized the hard work that goes into building a business, setting up for markets, selling products and the long hours standing. BWM was built to provide vendors with an incredible experience while being part of the markets and community. Africa loves that she can help businesses thrive and support makers’ journeys through Boston Women’s Market. Website Instagram Explore the Boston Women’s Market Events Calendar HERE