Paige's Pod

This week on Paige’s Pod, I’m joined by artist and entrepreneur Forrest Elliot for a deeply real conversation about creativity, reinvention, and building a life that actually feels aligned. We talk about everything from art school and career pivots to treating art like a business, trusting your gut, and learning how to become a friend to yourself. Forrest shares his journey from photography to painting, launching multiple creative ventures, and creating intentional spaces - like his upcoming retreat that help people reconnect with themselves and their creativity. If you’ve ever felt stuck, boxed in, or unsure what’s next…this one’s for you. We get into:Creative pivots + starting overArt as a business (without losing the soul)Confidence, healing, and identityCommunity + connectionTaking risks and trusting your intuitionMain takeaway:Burn the box. Do the thing.https://www.forrestelliott.comhttps://www.instagram.com/forrestkelliottRead Paige's substack article HERE

In this stream-of-consciousness solo episode, Paige records from the car on her way to Boston and invites listeners into an honest reflection on creativity, overwhelm, and the courage it takes to slow down. She shares stories of reconnecting with longtime artist friends, supporting a fellow creative taking a leap into entrepreneurship, and navigating the fear that often shows up right before meaningful growth. Paige reflects on feeling spread thin, the pressure to follow through on big opportunities, and the idea of intentionally unplugging from social media, expectations, and constant productivity in order to return to what truly matters. She also dives into lessons from a recent intimate wedding-industry gathering, unpacking conversations around validation, comparison, and the deep desire many creatives share to simply rest, be bored, and reconnect offline. The episode comes full circle with Paige’s love for creating safe, nourishing spaces through workshops, community, and her new snail-mail art project where people can work with their hands, feel seen, and take a much-needed pause from the noise of the world. A gentle reminder that creativity, connection, and kindness toward ourselves are not luxuries, they’re essential.Join Paige's Petal PostTakeawaysCreative connections are vital for support and encouragement.Navigating creative challenges often requires self-reflection.Community and networking can enhance creative experiences.Overcoming self-doubt is essential for following through on ideas.Unplugging from technology can lead to rediscovering joy in creativity.Creating safe spaces allows for authentic expression.Vulnerability in conversations fosters deeper connections.Embracing boredom can lead to rediscovering passions.Technology impacts our ability to connect meaningfully.Sending snail mail can create personal connections and joy.

In this heartfelt episode of Paige’s Pod, Paige sits down with Laurie Roberts, founder of Larry Roberts Chicago, to talk about love, loss, creativity, and what it means to carry someone’s legacy forward through art. Laurie shares the cinematic “meet cute” of how she met her late husband, Larry Roberts - an artist who created from deep emotion, using painting as therapy and self-expression. We talk about the vulnerable (and very real) difficulty of selling work that feels like a piece of your soul, and how Laurie supported Larry through the behind-the-scenes business side while he stayed rooted in the creative process. Laurie opens up about Larry’s acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis in 2017, his final series of paintings, and the early days of grief - when everything went off the market and she didn’t yet know what came next. That “next” became a powerful new chapter: transforming Larry’s artwork into heirloom-quality, hand-knotted rugs, textiles, and home pieces - crafted with artisans in India and built to last for generations.Together, Paige and Laurie talk about:The beauty (and challenge) of being a multi-passionate creativeWhy art and color can shift mood, support healing, and bring joy to everyday spacesTaking risks in business, pivoting when needed, and the truth about “overnight success”How creativity can support people through hard seasons - especially illness, caregiving, and griefLaurie’s advice for anyone wanting to honor a loved one’s artistic legacy in a meaningful wayThis conversation is tender, inspiring, and full of permission to keep creating - even when life breaks your heart. Connect with Laurie + explore Larry’s work:Website: LarryRobertsChicago.comSocial: @LarryRobertsChicago (Instagram / YouTube / Facebook)

In this tender, honest, and inspiring conversation, Boston-based abstract artist and longtime educator Christina Chang returns to Paige’s Pod to catch us up on everything that’s changed since her last visit in 2021. Christina shares how her art practice is helping her move through a season of huge transition: getting married, becoming a soon-to-be empty nester, caring for her father who has Alzheimer’s, and investing in the business side of her work as an Asian American creative entrepreneur. We talk about painting as a way to process grief, the joy of collaborating with her endurance-athlete husband on an “Art & Run” gallery event, and what it really looks like to prioritize creativity and self-care in midlife. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep making meaningful work while life keeps… life-ing, this episode will feel like a warm, honest hug from a fellow artist on the path.To Connect with Christina:-Website: christinachangart.com-Instagram: @christinachang_art

In this heartfelt episode, Paige sits down with Paula, a German artist and writer, to talk about how art became her lifeline through depression, trauma, and transformation. From her time in a psychiatric hospital discovering art therapy, to rebuilding her life through creative community and courage, Paula shares a raw and deeply inspiring story about the power of making things simply for the sake of healing. Paige and Paula explore:How art can reconnect us to joy and purpose after struggleLiving with and healing from depressionBuilding creative community through honesty and humorFinding structure, self-compassion, and meaning in dark seasonsThe beauty of connection - checking in with loved ones and showing up for each other💡 Trigger warning: This episode includes open discussion around depression and mental health.💌 Connect with Paula on Substack and Instagram at @the.aspiring.artist.Listen, share, and don’t forget to send that “thinking of you” message to someone you love today!

In this episode of Paige’s Pod, Paige chats with Central Texas based artist, Spencer Welch. Spencer is a self-taught painter who has been creating commissioned portraits and original works for nearly a decade, earning multiple US art show awards. Inspired by family, motherhood, and the beauty of everyday life, Spencer’s art captures intimacy and resilience. Paige and Spencer open up about:How motherhood reshapes creative practiceHealing from trauma through artThe importance of slowing down and listening to your processThe shared shifts and changes that come with being a mother and an artistThis episode is equal parts vulnerable and uplifting - an invitation to find beauty in change, healing, and connection. Learn more about Spencer’s work: Spencer Welch Studios.Follow Spencer on Instagram: @spencerwelchstudios and don’t forget to leave Paige’s Pod a review on Apple Podcasts or where ever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Your reviews helps more creative souls find these beautiful conversations!

In this episode, Paige shares her transformative experience teaching art at Phillips Exeter Academy during a summer program. She discusses the serendipitous opportunity that led her to this role, the challenges she faced in preparing for her first teaching position after years of self-employment, and the importance of creating a safe and engaging environment for her students. Throughout the conversation, Paige reflects on her personal growth, the impact of her teaching style, and the meaningful connections she made with her students, culminating in a heartfelt letter from one of them that encapsulates the essence of her teaching journey.

On this episode of Paige’s Pod, I’m joined by Amanda Jeanne - an abstract painter, writer, mother, and retreat host based in Québec. Amanda’s work explores the emotional landscapes of motherhood, grief, joy, and stillness Amanda shares how she paints to find freedom, to calm the anxious mind, to remind herself that beauty can be found in chaos and to find her place in this world.Her intuitive, atmospheric paintings are a soft invitation back to the self.We dive into Amanda’s creative journey of returning to art after time away, how she designs soul-nourishing retreats, and what it means to hold space for slowness, rest, and inner listening in both painting and life.Whether you’re a mother, artist, creative spirit, or someone simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, this conversation is a gentle reminder that rest is productive, and creativity can be a place of healing.✨ Connect with Amanda:Website: https://amandajeanneartworks.comInstagram: @a.manda.jeanne🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave Paige’s Pod a review wherever you get your podcasts - it helps more creative souls like you discover these beautiful conversations!

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Paige’s Pod, host Paige chats with artist, entrepreneur, and all-around creative force Vallie Pate. Vallie shares her journey from painting beside her grandmother in Louisiana to building a handmade product line that sold in over 50 gift shops nationwide—including showing at the renowned Atlanta Market. With her signature blend of grit and grace, Vallie opens up about the highs of wholesale success, the realities of burnout, and how motherhood transformed her relationship to creativity. After stepping away from art for six years, she’s now in a season of joyful reinvention—exploring art licensing, dreaming up creative retreats, and building a multi-faceted life rooted in purpose and play. Whether you're deep in a creative pivot or ready to chase your next dream, Vallie’s story is a masterclass in saying yes, figuring it out later, and trusting that every season holds value. 🎧 Tune in to hear:Her entrepreneurial start selling hand-painted tees in collegeWhat it's really like to sell at massive trade shows like Atlanta MarketHow she built and scaled a wholesale art businessWhy she stepped away—and how she’s finding her way back with intentionHer dreams for licensing, retreats, and creative communityTo follow and support Vallie, check out her website, and Instagram!⭐️ If you’re vibing with Paige’s Pod, go ahead and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. It’s like giving Paige a virtual high five AND it helps more folks find our corner of the internet!

On this episode, Paige opens with a personal update about her son Bodhi’s recent playground accident and the resilience that followed. She also shares some highlights from one of her best friend's bachelorette trip to Las Vegas. The main interview features Jocelyn Elizabeth of Jocelyn Elizabeth Studio, who shares how a family health crisis and motherhood sparked her powerful shift from corporate HR to full-time artist.Jocelyn shares defining moments from her creative journey, including a transformative art residency in France and the unexpected licensing opportunity that followed. She reflects on her shift toward a slower, more intentional business model - trading constant art releases for just a few curated shop openings each year. Her deep commitment to sustainability also shines through, from embracing a self-imposed “no-buy year” to creatively working with the supplies she already owns. With dreams of writing a bestselling book and one day painting in an oceanfront studio, Jocelyn shares heartfelt advice for aspiring creatives—reminding us that it’s never too late to pursue what truly lights us up. To follow her journey and support her work, visit her website, dive into her studio journal, and connect with her on Instagram.

In this inspiring conversation, Paige sits down with Dr. Quahana Hendree - art consultant, theologian, and businesswoman, whose journey weaves through architecture, banking, healthcare marketing, theology and art history. Now the founder of Q. Hendree Art Consulting, she’s on a mission to transform bland corporate spaces with art that aligns with a company’s values.Dr. Hendree shares how a life-altering injury and her deep faith propelled her to pursue a doctorate in theology and build a business rooted in meaning, beauty, and strategy. From noticing “bad art” in boardrooms to curating pieces with soul, she reveals how art can be a powerful connector, and why setting boundaries and staying aligned with your purpose is key.Whether you’re an artist, business leader, creative spirit, or in desperate need of inspiring artwork for your space - this episode will leave you motivated to rethink the spaces you live and work in! To follow and support Dr. Quahana Hendree, check out the following links:Website: qhendreeartconsulting.comInstagram: instagram.com/q_hendree_art_consultingLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/q-hendree-art-consulting

Join host Paige as she chats with SoCal artist and designer Jaclynne Anne about her inspiring transition from teaching English to thriving in the Comic-Con scene with her literature-inspired illustrations. Jaclynne shares insider tips on applying for conventions, setting up a booth, and balancing a corporate career with creative entrepreneurship. She also reflects on her journey as a Vietnamese American artist, turning a passion project into a sustainable business. Whether you’re an artist looking to break into conventions or a creative entrepreneur seeking balance, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your own artistic path. 🎨✨To follow and support Jaclynne Anne, check out the following links: ⭐️ Website ➡️ jaclynneanne.com ⭐️ Substack ➡️ instagram.com/jaclynneanne ⭐️ Instagram ➡️ substack.com/@jaclynneanne

In this episode, Paige sits down with Sam Chappell, a self-taught artist based out of Portland, Maine to explore her inspiring creative journey. Sam shares her transformation from an art history major working in fundraising to becoming a gallery-represented painter, a path that began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through candid conversation, Sam reveals how working a steady corporate job allowed her the freedom to explore painting, ultimately leading to her unique artistic career.This episode offers an intimate look at Sam's evolution as an artist, challenging traditional notions of art education and proving that passion and dedication can open unexpected doors in the art world. Sam's authenticity, her approach to balancing motherhood and creativity, and her journey of discovering her artistic voice is truly inspiring. To follow and support Sam Chappel, check out her website, Instagram and Pinterest.Enjoy the episode and don't forget to subscribe to Paige's new Substack journey! Also, don't forget to leave a glowing review wherever you listen to Paige's Pod.