What happens when you realize at 35 that you need to change your career?

In this episode, I sit down with Nina, the owner of Take Heart, one of Austin's most cherished shops.

Nina is the owner and curator of Take Heart, located in East Austin. After 15 years as a social worker, Nina made a courageous career transition at age 35, following her creative instincts to open a store that celebrates handmade beauty and thoughtful gifting. Her shop features carefully curated pottery, home goods, jewelry, natural beauty products, and textiles. Over the past 14 years, Take Heart has become a beloved Austin destination, supporting local makers and creating an ecosystem where art, community, and commerce beautifully intersect.

What We Discuss:

In this conversation, Nina and I explore the journey from burnout to creative fulfillment. Here's what we dive into:

• Nina's awakening at 35 - the moment she realized she didn't want to spend 30 more years in social work and how "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron sparked her transformation

• The spiritual foundation of creative courage - how Al-Anon and developing faith in something greater gave her the confidence to take risks and trust her inner guidance

• Leap of faith - how as soon as Nina started taking action on her ideas, tangible opportunities, including business classes, a loan, and mentors, appeared along her path

• The art of curation as creativity - why Nina sees herself as a creative collaborator, building an ecosystem that connects makers with art lovers

• Building sustainable creative business - how she kept her social work job for three years while growing Take Heart, and why the three-year mark was crucial for financial independence

• Creating community through commerce - the unexpected joy of watching customers discover new artists and how her shop serves as a platform for local makers to build their businesses

• The collaboration with the universe - Nina's approach to receiving creative ideas and acting on them with faith rather than fear

Connect with Nina:

• Visit: Take Heart, 1211 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas

• Instagram: @takeheartshop

• Website: https://www.takeheartshop.com/

• Parking: Available in the back of the building!

Noteworthy Mentions

• Incense Sam loves from Take Heart: Oedo-koh Incense Set (favorite scent is Chery Blossom)

• "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron - the workbook that changed Nina's life

• "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert - great book on recognizing and acting on creative ideas

• Al-Anon - the spiritual program that taught Nina faith over fear

• BIGG Austin - nonprofit offering affordable business classes

• A+ Federal Credit Union - provided the zero-interest loan that started it all

• Natalie Davis - Nina's Austin-based business coach

For Creatives & Entrepreneurs

This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to:

• Make a mid-life career transition from stable job to creative entrepreneurship

• Overcome fear-based thinking through spiritual practice and community support

• Start a creative business with limited capital and no experience

• Build sustainable income while maintaining artistic integrity

• Create businesses that serve and support other creatives

• Develop gratitude practices that fuel long-term success

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• Website: www.theartistrendezvous.com

• Reach out to Samantha at hello@theartistrendezvous.com

The Artist Rendezvous celebrates the creative spirit of Austin, Texas, sharing stories of inspiration, risk, and the courage to create. Each episode explores what it means to live a creative life and the mindset shifts that enable artistic success.