In this conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Louisa Shaeri about her powerful work as a coach for neurodivergent creatives and culture shapers. As we talked, I found myself deeply resonating with her reflections on value, identity, and the systems we move through—systems that so often feel ill-fitting for people who think and create differently.

Mentions

Website: https://www.valorize.systems/

Podcast: The Unmasking Unschool

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisashaeri/

Thinking Systems - Donella Meadows

https://theautisticadvocate.com/

https://theneurodivergentbrain.org/audhd/

Takeaways

• Fitting into an ill-fitting system limits potential and growth.
• Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in traditional coaching environments.
• Self-doubt can prevent individuals from fully embracing their value.
• Unmasking is a continuous journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Louisa Shaeri and Her Work

04:45 The Journey of Finding One's Voice

08:53 Understanding Systems and Their Impact

12:30 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Value

16:32 The Role of Education in Creative Industries

20:29 Cognitive Justice and Unmasking

24:51 The Importance of Visibility and Self-Discovery

25:25 Understanding AUDHD and Neurodivergence

30:03 The Creative Process and Identity

30:51 Studio Draw: The Messy Side of Creativity

35:26 Advice on Finding Your Value in Creativity

37:37 Outro

The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

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In this solo episode, I share my journey as a creative, reflecting on the lessons I've learnt from embracing imperfection and the challenges I've faced while drawing with permanent ink. I discuss the importance of thinking differently, the significance of problem-solving in my creative process, and how art doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Through a specific project involving the use of permanent ink, I highlight the need to let go of perfectionism and explore creativity in new ways. I encourage you to reflect on your own creative journey and the lessons you've discovered along the way.

Takeaways

• Not all art has to be perfect
• You create things out of nothing
• Sometimes we're the hardest critics of ourselves

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of a Creative Mind

07:04 Lessons in Imperfection and Problem Solving

09:09 Outro

The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

Subscribe & Listen: Creatively Eccentric
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Instagram: Creatively Eccentric
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LinkedIn: Heather Ebanks
Support the show: Buy a Ko-Fi

In this episode, I delve into the essence of authentic storytelling, questioning the idea that storytelling should merely be a strategy.

I highlight the significance of honesty, creativity, and the genuine connections that stories can foster. Reflecting on my own journey as a creative, I discuss the tension between market-driven narratives and the raw, unfiltered truths that truly resonate with audiences.

Through this episode, I encourage fellow creatives to embrace their uniqueness and to redefine success on their own terms.

Takeaways

• Storytelling is about honesty, not just structure.
• Creatives often hide behind their work.
• Authenticity resonates more than scripted narratives.
• The journey of a creator is filled with both struggles and triumphs.
• Listeners connect with genuine stories, not sales pitches.
• Creativity is a shared human experience.
• The importance of stepping out from behind your art.
• People are drawn to stories they can relate to.
• Marketing should not overshadow the truth in storytelling.
• Every story has the potential to inspire and connect.

Mentions/Quote

jdomito_

https://www.instagram.com/p/DR0M1V9lSed/?img_index=1

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Storytelling

02:13 Authenticity in Creative Narratives

04:26 Connecting Through Genuine Stories

06:55 Outro

The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

Subscribe & Listen: Creatively Eccentric
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Instagram: Creatively Eccentric
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LinkedIn: Heather Ebanks
Support the show: Buy a Ko-Fi

In this solo episode of Creatively Eccentric, I delve into the creative process, exploring the inner turmoil I often face as a creative when deciding whether to hold onto or let go of ideas.

I discuss the delicate balance between nurturing concepts and recognising when it's time to move on. Through sharing my personal insights, I invite you to reflect on your own creative journey, hoping to inspire and connect through our shared experiences.

Takeaways

• Some ideas require nurturing, while others may need to be released.
• Deadlines can hinder the natural development of creative concepts.
• Self-credibility is essential in the creative process.
• It's important to revisit old ideas with a fresh perspective.
• Not every idea will come to fruition, and that's okay.
• Creatives often face pressure to produce work quickly.
• Finding a balance between structure and freedom can enhance creativity.
• Reflecting on past projects can lead to new insights.
• Understanding your creative process is key to growth.

Chapters

00:00The Creative Dilemma: Holding On or Letting Go?

08:07 Nurturing Ideas: The Balance of Time and Creativity

08:11 Outro

The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Connect

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

Subscribe & Listen: Creatively Eccentric
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Instagram: Creatively Eccentric
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LinkedIn: Heather Ebanks
Support the show: Buy a Ko-Fi

This week on Creatively Eccentric, I’m joined by graphic designer Angela Lyons, who has made visibility her power move in a design world that hasn’t always seen her. She shares how she built community, set meaningful boundaries, and stopped waiting for permission to show up fully. From her design practice to Font Love Friday, Angela’s work is rooted in joy, purpose, and representation.

• Don’t apologise unnecessarily in professional settings
• Know your worth and charge appropriately
• Set clear, healthy boundaries
• Show up fully as an underrepresented creative, artist, designer, or entrepreneur

00:00 Intro
02:42 Embracing boldness and messiness
04:51 Angela’s journey into design
07:08 Building confidence
09:43 Navigating visibility as a person of color
12:38 Networking
15:09 Cycling + community
18:59 Pro bono work
20:21 Representation in events
21:41 Creating inclusive spaces
23:07 Font Love Friday
26:39 Why You Shouldn’t Work With Me
29:32 Studio Draw
34:07 Valuing your worth
37:13 Key takeaway
38:22 Outro

Website: lyonscreative.co.uk
Instagram: @ange_lyons
Creatives Like Us Podcast

Heather Ebanks - Creatives Like Us – Ep 15
Central Saint Martins
Jammy Digital
Ayo Abbas
BWOW Cycling

The thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

If you enjoyed the episode, please rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.

Pitch Heather: info@creativelyeccentric.com

Subscribe & Listen: Creatively Eccentric
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Instagram: Creatively Eccentric
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LinkedIn: Heather Ebanks
Support the show: Buy a Ko-Fi

Original theme music © Creatively Eccentric & Heather Ebanks

Hello I’m your host Heather Ebanks a graphic designer — and I’m here to help you as a underrepresented creative to stop shrinking, start creating, and own your voice like never before.

Alongside solo reflection episodes and sharing practical tools for thriving outside the traditional path; I talk with talented creatives, artists, designers, and entrepreneurs who live a little differently, think a little bigger, and who want to shake up the industry on their own terms.

Just a reminder that the thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

Please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast platform you use to listen to this episode. Your feedback would me a lot.

Social Media Links:

Want Heather Ebanks on your Podcast? Please send your pitch by email to: info@creativelyeccentric.com

• Message or topic Idea: Voice Note Message
• Guest Appearance: Apply Here
• Website: Links + Bio + Contact
• Instagram: Creatively Eccentric - Instagram
• YouTube: Creatively Eccentric Youtube Playlist
• Linkedin: Heather Ebanks - Linkedin
• Tip/Support: Buy a Ko-Fi

Original Theme Music Licence - Copyrighted/Trademark/Rights Owned By Creatively Eccentric & Heather Ebanks

In this episode, I chat with Jeba, founder of Beast Mode Media and BTS Brunch Club, about the realities of building a creative career. We dive into the importance of community, cultural identity, and resilience while unpacking the challenges of balancing authenticity, self-care, and ambition.

Jeba shares her journey, insights on empowering underrepresented creatives, and the beauty in embracing the messy, behind-the-scenes side of creativity.

How do you stay in your creative “beast mode” while keeping it real and avoiding burnout?

Share your thoughts or biggest takeaway from this episode on social media @creativelyeccentric — tag us and join the community of creatives owning their messy journeys and chasing what they love.

Takeaways

• The creative journey is often messy and requires adaptability.
• The 'beast mode' mindset is crucial for success in content creation.
• Cultural identity plays a significant role in creative expression.
• Self-care is crucial; taking time for oneself helps avoid burnout.
• Authenticity is key in social media; you can't please everyone.
• You should only work with brands that align with your values.
• Inspiration can come from unexpected places; be open to new ideas.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeba and Her Ventures

03:00 Navigating the Messy Journey of Creativity

05:59 The Beast Mode Mindset

08:59 The Importance of Networking

12:00 Building a Supportive Creative Community

14:54 Empowering New Creatives

18:01 Cultural Identity and Its Impact on Creativity

18:30 Cultural Perspectives on Career Choices

21:25 The Journey to Embracing Creativity

24:27 Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout

27:39 Authenticity in the Age of Social Media

32:16 Behind the Scenes: Creative Chaos

38:22 Inspiration and Empowerment

Mentions:

Jeba Nessa: BTS Brunch Club

UGC & Influencer Management: Beast Mode Media

Just a reminder that the thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

Please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast platform you use to listen to this episode. Your feedback would me a lot.

Social Media Links:

Want Heather Ebanks on your Podcast? Please send your pitch by email to: info@creativelyeccentric.com

• Message or topic Idea: Voice Note Message
• Guest Appearance: Apply Here
• Website: Links + Bio + Contact
• Instagram: Creatively Eccentric - Instagram
• YouTube: Creatively Eccentric Youtube Playlist
• Linkedin: Heather Ebanks - Linkedin
• Tip/Support: Buy a Ko-Fi

Original Theme Music Licence - Copyrighted/Trademark/Rights Owned By Creatively Eccentric & Heather Ebanks

In this bonus episode of Creatively Eccentric, I want to talk about why your story matters.

Not just the shiny, polished parts — but the messy, uncertain, beautifully real moments too.

Because storytelling isn’t just about showing what you do, it’s about connection — it’s how we relate, grow, and remind each other that we’re not alone in this creative chaos.

Every creative journey deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated — including yours.

Just a reminder that the thoughts and opinions shared by the host and guests are their own.

Please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast platform you use to listen to this episode. Your feedback would me a lot.

Social Media Links:

Want Heather Ebanks on your Podcast? Please send your pitch by email to: info@creativelyeccentric.com

• Message or topic Idea: Voice Note Message
• Guest Appearance: Apply Here
• Website: Links + Bio + Contact
• Instagram: Creatively Eccentric - Instagram
• YouTube: Creatively Eccentric Youtube Playlist
• Linkedin: Heather Ebanks - Linkedin
• Tip/Support: Buy a Ko-Fi

Original Theme Music Licence - Copyrighted/Trademark/Rights Owned By Creatively Eccentric & Heather Ebanks