The episode: Our season 2 finale is here! In the first episode of this season we walked you through some of the lessons learned in the year prior and gave a sneak peak into some of our plans for 2023. Well, we’re 3.5 months into the new year and we thought there’d be no better time to pull back the curtain and give an overview of our 2023 plan: how it started, what we’ve changed already, and how we’re pacing against our goals so far. We also talk about: The importance of building savings (when y...
Apr 19, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 12
The Interview In this episode of Willow Talk, we talked with Lennon Dobben-Annis , the owner and creator behind Lemmon by Lennon . Join us for this conversation and learn about Lennon’s mission to help women find confidence through comfort by creating custom swimwear and resort wear that can have a meaningful impact on the way someone feels in their own skin. We Also Talk About Every creative’s famous last words, “I’ll make it myself.” How Lennon’s mom and grandmothers influenced her love of sew...
Mar 29, 2023•59 min•Season 2Ep. 11
The Episode: In this episode of Willow Talk, we talk about getting comfortable making uncomfortable choices, why you need to let go to do more, and - of course - the value of your time and the role it plays in moving yourself and your business forward. We Also Talk About: Emma’s exciting new business venture!! Why we’ve decided to figure everything out as we go along How to accept the chaos in your life Why no one can avoid risks when starting a business - that leap of faith is inevitable The im...
Feb 22, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 10
The Art of Adaptation: Finding the balance of art and life with JM Leach listen now on Spotify & Apple Music The Interview: In this episode of Willow Talk, we talked with Boston based photographer JM Leach about the moment he first picked up a camera, how he’s explored various photography styles over the years, and how he’s adjusted his goals with photography to adapt to life as a new dad. We Also Talk About: His love of street photography and the trip that first inspired him in this area Th...
Feb 08, 2023•57 min•Season 2Ep. 9
The Interview: In this episode of Willow Talk, we chat through the difference between working ‘on’ your business versus working ‘in’ your business, why you need to carve out time for both, and ways to stop yourself from spending too much time on one over the other. We Also Talk About: Growth strategy and implementation Giving yourself the space to grow What it means to set goals and how to keep yourself accountable The roles systems play in working on our businesses Why short term losses can lea...
Jan 25, 2023•59 min•Season 2Ep. 8
The Interview: In this episode of Willow Talk, we talked with Becca Lane the owner and artist behind One Lane Studios. Join us for this conversation and learn about Becca’s relationship with art over the years, the steps she took to go full time with her business in 2021, and how her desire to help others connect and relate in this world plays a role in the pieces she creates. We Also Talk About: A Becca’s art background, how she got started in creating, and some of the styles she is most common...
Jan 11, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The Interview: In this episode we sat down with Massachusetts based metal smith, Rose Koerner. Tune in to learn more about Rose’s first few months as a full time artist, how she juggles the many hats a artistic entrepreneur must wear, and how she needed to trust in herself to make one of her biggest leaps. We Also Talk About: The feasibility of making art for a living Trusting yourself to know what’s best for you, rather than doing what people expect of you Reflections of Rose’s first few months...
Dec 28, 2022•50 min•Season 2Ep. 6
The Interview For the second installment of our founders deep dive series, we interview Willow Talk’s very own Allie McDevitt to learn when she became intune with her creative spirit, how she got into the world of fiber art, and why she decided to open her shop, Lavender & Lilac. We Also Talk About Her hesitancy to be an “art kid” in her youth and where that stems from How she manages her time between her “day job” in corporate marketing, and her entrepreneurial ventures: Lavender & Lila...
Dec 15, 2022•55 min•Season 2Ep. 5
The Interview In this episode of Willow Talk, we talked with Nanette Pengelley the owner and artist behind Hew Jewelry. Join us for this conversation and learn about Nanette’s journey to operating her artistry business full time, the significance of individuality in Nanette’s life, and how this concept shines through within the pieces she creates. We Also Talk About A closer look at Nanette’s upbring and how that influences her work today. Her strong sense of individuality and where that comes f...
Nov 30, 2022•59 min•Season 2Ep. 4
The Interview: In this episode, we put our very own Emma D’Arpino in the hot seat as we dive into an interview to learn more about Emma, her experience with finding her creative passions and her journey to her two career paths of photography and being a licensed dietitian. Join us as we learn a bit more about Emma and the iconic hot pink digital camera that ignited it all. We Also Talk About: The law of attraction and why you get the energy you put out. The lessons she’s learned as an entreprene...
Nov 17, 2022•57 min•Season 2Ep. 3
The Interview: In this episode of Willow Talk, we sit down with the fabulous Johnny McDevitt for a conversation on finding art in the simplicities of your everyday existence. A must listen for anyone who doubts that there’s an artist in everyone, we talk about everything from society’s limiting definition of an artist to Johnny’s recent dive into the world of modeling in New York City. We Also Talk About: Why, if you don’t think you’re an artist, you actually are. How self expression in any form...
Oct 27, 2022•38 min
The Interview: Happy Birthday! In this episode of Willow Talk, we sit down 1:1 to celebrate one year as The House of Willows and to reflect on the lessons we’ve taken away from all of our experiences thus far. We chat about everything from our biggest failures to our largest successes to how to keep the momentum going forward even when you’ve hit some of your major milestones. We Also Talk About: Why we’re constantly learning and how that will never change. Why when you think you’ve mastered a s...
Oct 13, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The Interview: In this episode of Willow Talk, we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Ezra Cohen. Tackling Ezra’s thirteen year music career in one session, we did our best to get as much insight out of this music industry veteran! We chatted about everything from Ezra’s earliest days in music (and some questionable middle school fashion choices) to what it’s like to be on tour, and why creating meaningful relationships is so important to Ezra (and anyone looking to find their place in th...
Jul 27, 2022•59 min•Season 1Ep. 11
The Interview: On this episode of Willow Talk, we share how time management has evolved for each of us over the past few years. Reflecting on our old routines, we get deep into how empathy and redefining productivity has been a catalyst for our work and passion as creatives - with The House of Willows, and our own mediums. We Also Talk About: - Stories about how we’ve personally and professionally been struggling with time management and how this impacts our work and mental health - How we have ...
Jul 13, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Ready to start marketing your art business? In this episode of WillowTalk, we discuss a few of the strategies we took to get both of our art businesses up and running, how those strategies have changed over time, and what you can do today to start (or scale) your marketing efforts. We also talk about: Active versus passive marketing channels. How to identify what strategies work for you. Why it’s critical to pivot your marketing strategies when needed. The resources we’ve used in our own marketi...
Jun 29, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 9
The Interview. In this episode of Willow Talk, we sat down with Kelly Stück - the owner and artist behind Stück in the Studio - and got real about what it means to make pivotal choices in your career and the societal pressures that challenge those on “non-traditional” career paths. We also talk about. Why all of our choices bring us to our present moments. Kelly’s career journey and the choices she made to get there. The fear of stepping into something new. What it means to risk your “security” ...
May 25, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 8
The Interview In our first minisode of Willow Talk, we talk about the need to adapt as artists when it comes to our work, our routines, and our ultimate goals. We each speak to our own creative mediums along with our goals for The House of Willows – keeping in mind product, client expectations, and creating for ourselves. We Also Talk About The importance in realignment of our goals Reflection on how our art has evolved over the past few years The need to adapt and the feelings that could surfac...
Apr 27, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 7
The Interview In this episode of Willow Talk, we break down our personal experiences as part time artists; what that looks like, what that feels like, and all of the ups and downs we’ve experienced thus far. We Also Talk About How mistakes we’ve made have been catalysts for change Why we can’t do it all (no matter how hard we try) The biggest challenges we’ve faced by “having our hands in so many buckets” How we remain purposeful and avoid simply going through the motions Boundaries we’ve set to...
Mar 30, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode of Willow Talk, we sat down with Madeleine Nossiff - ceramic artist, mind-body practitioner and liberation coach - to get real about what it means to take radical ownership of your own identity, how to give yourself the space and permission to grow and why the plan is no plan.
Feb 24, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This is a fun one, y'all! In this episode, we sat down with sculptor and artist, Ryan Kelley for an incredibly candid conversation about life as a full-time artist, how to turn your dreams into realities and - OF COURSE - the power of community and how we are more supported than we may even know. Treat your ears to a good time and have a listen!
Jan 26, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode of Willow Talk, Allie and Emma sit down 1:1 to chat about something that can feel awkward and uncomfortable for many creatives... pricing your artwork. In this honest, no bullshit conversation, we discuss our own pricing journeys, why time is quite literally money and how to tell that person that you've met twice to eff off when they ask for a discount.
Dec 29, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode of Willow Talk, we chat with Illustrator and Mass Art student, Gabby Kay about the nuances of life in art school, overcoming creative blocks, as well as her journey to living as her most authentic self. We also discuss the importance of a support system when pursuing a career in the arts and Gabby fills us in on one of Boston's hidden museum gems.
Nov 30, 2021•47 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In our first episode, we sat down with NH-based indie musician, Molly McDevitt to learn more about where her journey started, where she is now, and how she made her way out of the comparison trap. We also talk about what it means to be "successful" in the creative space and what that might look like for different artists. Molly shares the importance of community, loved ones, and vulnerability - along with sound advice for artists just starting out on their creative journeys.
Oct 20, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Meet the hosts of Willow Talk, Emma D'Arpino and Allie McDevitt. In this episode, they give a quick intro to who the hell they are and why they're here.
Oct 16, 2021•11 min
