Hello everybody! Super Creative is back! I'm kicking off this new season with a second recommendations episode with (friend of the pod and previous guest) Mandy Myles from Bookety Book Books. And alongside all of the book, TV and podcast recommendations we start off with a great business catch-up that I think you will find is really valuable.

What I love about Mandy is that she is so open and honest and ready to share the full nitty gritty of what it's like running her business and how she's navigating all of the challenges that come as a business owner today. I gained alot of insight from our chat.

Next week we will be back to regular programming featuring an interview with a friend of mine who is a much requested guest for this podcast.

Until then, enjoy this episode and I will see you next week.
x Catie

For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com

Hosted by Catie Dawson
Bought to you by Somewhere Creative
Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to former fashion designer turned ceramicist Deborah Sweeney.

After a successful career in fashion that saw her working in New York and London, Deborah returned to New Zealand to establish her fashion label in 2002. Her collections were stocked in select boutiques around the world - including the UK, USA, Japan, Denmark, and Australia; her designs were featured in publications like British Vogue, Women's Wear Daily ID, Nylon, and Elle.

However, after fifteen years of running her brand and looking for a change of pace, Deborah took a short sabbatical to spend time with her youngest before he started school. During this time, she completed a clay workshop and fell in love. She left fashion behind in 2017 and has been making ceramics ever since.

In the following years, Deborah established herself as a creative and innovative ceramicist. Her work is characterised by its simple yet beautiful aesthetic; her creations exude quiet beauty, reflecting thoughtfulness and consideration. As you listen to Deborah discuss her journey from fashion to clay, you'll see that her natural talent, hard work, and dedication have allowed her to master this new craft and build a thriving business on her own terms.

I just loved this chat with Deb. Her thoughtful approach to life and her journey and work are truly inspiring. How cool that taking a break and embarking on a new creative adventure has evolved into a new vocation.

After this episode, head straight to @_deborahsweeney_ on Instagram to be mesmerised by Deborah's work, process, beautiful ceramics, and gorgeous studio. Then, visit deborahsweeney.com to view the full collection.

I know you will love my kōrero with Deb as much as I did.

For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com

Hosted by Catie Dawson
Bought to you by Somewhere Creative
Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast

Today on the podcast, I speak to artist and writer, Fleur Wickes.

After a very successful twenty-year career in photographic portraiture, and with published short stories and poetry under her belt, in 2008 Fleur began drawing the words she wrote: the shape of the drawn words acting as an emotional landscape, adding depth and meaning to the poetry.

Since then, she’s made a career and a studio as an artist working in word and image, using photography, drawing and painting as her medium.

Fleur is a long-time listener of this podcast and will regularly message me words of wonderful encouragement. When I asked her to come on the podcast, she mentioned it would be an honour but, in all honesty, I think you will agree after listening to this episode, the honour is all mine. I am beyond inspired – not only by Fleurs work which I adore but also by her strength, hard work, grit and determination to turn her true talent into a working business, despite all the curveballs life throws in your way.

I was trying to write an intro to this podcast that would adequately describe Fleur's journey in art and in business, but I think it's just best if you just listen to her story in her own words. In our conversation Fleur is open, raw, funny, vulnerable, and honest – which is exactly like her work, an extension of herself.

And also, I should mention that we recorded this chat in November 2023, towards the end of an extended period of creative leave and not long after this episode goes live, I think March 2024 (Fleur will confirm that!) she will be releasing some new work which I am excited about!

After this episode visit fleurwickes.co.nz to learn more about Fleur and her work. And you must also connect on Instagram @fleurwickes where you will get a wonderful glimpse behind the scenes at Fleurs life as a working artist.

For more podcast information visit supercreativepodcast.com

Hosted by Catie Dawson
Bought to you by Somewhere Creative
Find us on Instagram - @supercreativepodcast