In this episode, I sit down with Kensie Keele, a professional dancer who shares her journey from a small town in North Carolina to the fast-paced world of New York City. We talk about what it really takes to pursue dance as a career, the power of creative community, and how finding your people can change everything. From training at the CLI Conservatory to performing in NYC, Kenzie opens up about confidence, collaboration, and staying grounded in the hustle.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to TAD

03:03 Kensie Keele: A Journey into Dance

06:03 The Leap to New York City

08:54 Training at CLI Conservatory

12:09 Finding Confidence in Dance

14:55 Joining Akompany: A New Chapter

18:01 The Importance of Community

20:58 First Performance in NYC

24:10 Exploring Commercial Dance

26:47 The Power of Creative Collaboration

29:51 Creative Influences and Toolbox

32:46 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

In this episode of TAD, I sit down with Nicole, an artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who left the corporate world to pursue her creative passions. We dive into the power of music as a tool for healing, the magic that happens through collaboration, and the importance of building a supportive creative community.

Nicole opens up about her journey from poetry to songwriting, the challenges of sustaining a creative career, and what it truly means to live authentically as an artist. We also discuss overcoming burnout, discovering your creative voice, and the everyday practices that fuel inspiration. Plus, she shares her vision for SK, the creative community she’s cultivating.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to TAD

01:27 Introducing Nicole: The Corporate Turned Artist

02:44 Defining the Entrepreneurial Artist

04:28 The Evolution of Swartkat Studios

06:34 The Importance of Collaboration in Art

08:16 From Poetry to Songwriting

10:21 The Healing Power of Music

12:14 Authentic Creative Living

14:29 Practicing Songwriting and Singing

17:09 The Collaboration Process in Music

20:44 Challenges in the Artistic Journey

23:34 Overcoming Burnout as a Creative

25:40 Advice for Aspiring Creatives

29:05 Creative MVPs and Inspirations

31:35 Essential Tools for Creativity

33:13 Future Aspirations for SK

35:31 Connecting with Nicole

In this episode, I chat with filmmaker Jana Tolmi about her journey from South Africa to Canada to Paris and how these cultural transitions have shaped her creative perspective. We dive into storytelling, casting, networking, and the importance of embracing uncertainty in the film industry. If you're a filmmaker or creative looking for inspiration, this one's for you!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Artrepreneur Diaries

01:01 Jana's Journey: From South Africa to Paris

04:12 Cultural Transitions: Adjusting to New Environments

10:45 Exploring Film: Jana's Experiences in Paris

14:09 The Influence of Culture on Storytelling

18:40 Casting: Bringing Stories to Life

20:46 Networking and Breaking into the Industry

23:34 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

25:28 Embracing Uncertainty in the Next Chapter

27:23 Creative Inspirations and Resources