"Innovation is what makes me excited to show up to work." — Emma Grace Moon

This episode is your invitation to rethink what success looks like and how creativity can become your greatest competitive advantage. I’m joined by founder of Praize, Emma Grace Moon, for a conversation about AI, entrepreneurship, creativity, burnout, and why moving from New York City to Paris transformed the way she leads her business and her life.

Emma shares how building a data-driven strategy consultancy has taught her that creativity isn’t limited to artists. Whether she’s helping brands understand AI search, measuring the impact of PR, or building innovative strategies for clients, creativity shows up through curiosity, experimentation, and staying ahead of what’s next.

We also explore the relationship between creativity and place. After years of building her business in New York City, Emma realized she was burnt out and disconnected from herself. A series of travels led her to Paris. She shares how shorter workdays, stronger boundaries, and creating space outside of work have actually made her a better leader while helping her business grow.

Toward the end of our conversation, Emma shares her approach to public speaking, creative confidence, and moving through self-doubt. Rather than over-preparing, she trusts the knowledge she’s built through years of experience. In addition to the support of affirmations, breathwork, and nervous system regulation.

Whether you’re navigating burnout, building a business, exploring AI, dreaming of living abroad, or looking for new ways to nourish your creativity, this conversation is a reminder that your environment, curiosity, and willingness to evolve (and shut the laptop) all shape the work you’re here to create.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.

Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras and @emmagracemoon to share your takeaways from the episode.

xo Carla

PS: Need space for your creative projects and dreams? Upgrade to paid for access to Nourished Creator Studio, weekly Creative Study Hall Sessions, and Creative Chat.

Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business.

"Creativity has its own frequency, its own energy, and it's meant to be experienced in the present moment." — Ania Volovique

This episode is your invitation to trust yourself more deeply, soften into the present moment, and make space for creativity to move through you. I’m joined by brand oracle and somatic photographer Ania Volovique for a conversation about intuition, creativity, somatic healing, and the life-changing lessons she learned through her experience with brain cancer.

Ania believes creativity isn’t something you either have or don’t have, it’s a living energy that wants to move uniquely through each of us. Rather than forcing ideas into existence or following someone else’s blueprint, she invites us to become deeply present, trusting that inspiration arrives when we create enough space to receive it, just like her upcoming trip to Paris.

We also dive into Ania’s unique approach to somatic photography and coaching. Whether she’s photographing a brand, guiding a client through a somatic practice, or holding space in a mentorship session, her process begins with presence. She shares how paying attention to body language, energy, and listening to her intuition allows her to co-create with each client.

Ania shares her story of navigating a brain cancer diagnosis. Rather than resisting, she chose surrender. She shaved her head, created a beach photo shoot, and leaned into creativity as part of her healing process. Through that journey, she discovered that our greatest challenges can become profound invitations to reconnect with ourselves, trust life more deeply, and find freedom even in uncertainty.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that creativity flows when we soften our grip, trust our intuition, and create spaciousness for something greater to move through us. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season, moving through creative blocks, building a business, or longing to reconnect with yourself, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and open to what’s possible.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform while you cook, clean, or create. Get the full show notes & transcript here.

Leave a comment on Substack or connect with us on Instagram @chefcarlacontreras and @aniavolovique to share your takeaways from the episode.

xo Carla

PS: Working on your visibility this summer? Join me and Valerie Oula inside the Creative Visibility Summer Immersion our next session is Monday, July 13th.

Disclaimer: Always seek the counsel of a qualified medical practitioner or other healthcare provider for an individual consultation before making any significant changes to your health, lifestyle, or to answer questions about specific medical conditions. If you are driving or doing an activity that needs your attention, save the meditation practice for later. This podcast is for entertainment and information purposes only. Note: Some of these are affiliate links. I receive a small percentage of the sales. I appreciate your support of my small Latina & women owned business.