Podcasts by How to build a creative business

Quieten Down, Look Forward from 2022-04-01T08:00

Sometimes we have to put the blinkers on to encourage ourselves to focus. I loved the quiet of my January and February when I was training for the marathon but in today's episode I explain why t...

Join me as I chat to Andrew Trimble. from 2022-03-25T09:00

Andrew Trimble is best known for his expertise on the rugby pitch sporting an Ulster or Irish rugby jersey. I have known him a long time and loved this opportunity to hear about his ability to u...

Trust! from 2022-03-18T09:00

Trust is what life is built on. Relationships, work, friendships and even our own parenting. In this episode I share ways that you can build trust in your creative career with your audience.

In this episode I catch up with Pete Snodden from Cool FM from 2022-03-11T09:00

Pete Snodden, radio presenter and broadcaster, Northern Irish personality and a very focused family man. I have met Pete a number of times through my husband. His excitement for life and honesty...

Review and React from 2022-03-04T09:00

It’s not unusual for creatives to take a lack of sales or refund request personally. It’s in our nature and it’s because we pour our heart and soul into the work we produce. BUT reviewing why sa...

Planning For Growth from 2022-02-25T09:00

This episode is dedicated to my previous PA Gemma who sadly passed away at the end of last year. She was one of the first to organise my calendar! I am so thankful to her and to my current PA Sh...

Where Is Your Attention? from 2022-02-21T13:26:42

I felt like last week we didn’t fully unravel the content around social media and where our attention is. Today, while I record and as you read there has never ever been a more demanding time fo...

Deeper Connections Vs Shallow Social Media from 2022-02-11T09:00

Wow! That’s a hard working title if ever I saw one. This week I start my 2022 as I mean to go on- energised, accepting of myself and growing deeper into my work, with my friendships and in every...

What a Year! from 2021-12-07T09:00

I encourage you to take risks but to know your boundaries, to learn from me but not to copy me, to breathe air in and to let go of the weight of others expectations on you and your business. Tha...

When to increase your prices. from 2021-11-30T09:00

Recently I had a troll on my Facebook who questioned the pricing I had on an abstract work of art. Another troll followed under it asking how many I had sold. I wanted to reply and say I had sol...

Routine for the win. from 2021-11-23T09:00

I listened to Joe Wicks on Ron Chatterbys podcast once and when asked if he ever goes off piste and doesn’t exercise, or if he eats junk food Joe explained- he asked us, the audience listening, ...

The crucifixion of perfectionism from 2021-11-16T12:00

At times we use the term “ perfectionist” to describe ourselves when sometimes that is not the case. It can be that we are crippled by the expectation of others so we strive for praise or to fee...

Friends School GCSE Prize Day Speech from 2021-11-09T09:00

To be asked to speak at any event is an honour, especially when it is the school where I studied my A Level exams. The stepping stone on my ladder to embracing all things art! Many academics res...

Only you can get you to the next level! from 2021-11-02T09:00

YOU are the one who will get you to where you need to be in life and in business. My honest words about kids and adults using filters to mask who their are through to me thinking my art in the h...

Join me as I chat with Joanne from Skinn Therapy from 2021-10-26T08:00

This discussion is not just about skin. It runs deeper as we discuss wellness on the whole, kids as they navigate a social media world of perfection. The changes in the skin industry and why Joa...

Join me as I chat with Shrink Coach - Estelle Wallace from 2021-10-19T08:00

Five years ago Estelle Wallace and I trained together at her previous gym. At the time I had a fitness account alongside my wellbeing blog (which you can still see linked to my website) and had ...

Join me as I chat with Brahm Gallagher -PT and lead trainer Bayburn Fitness from 2021-10-12T08:00

I met Brahm Gallagher through Bayburn fitness where I currently train five days a week. He is a personal trainer and from the first training session I knew he was great fun and openly passionate...

Kirsty Elwood- holistic therapist and reflexologist. from 2021-10-05T08:00

To give full disclosure on this chat- I cried after we ended the recording. Kirsty shared thoughts about life and how we all carry wounds which we can mask- so much so that I felt like she was s...

Join me as I chat to Suzanne from Authentic Yoga from 2021-09-28T08:00

Suzanne is a primary school teacher turned yoga instructor and has the most gentle aura. You can sense this through the airwaves and the video of zoom during our interview. She explains the need...

Join me as I chat with Louise from Little Forget Me Nots. from 2021-09-21T08:00

Louise of Little forget me nots joins me to discuss how there is healing in creativity. As a bereaved parent Louise found that being creative through embroidery and punch needle she could find c...

Working internally with play therapist Eileen Russell from 2021-09-14T08:00

I have had experience with Eileen in her professional capacity at Waymaker therapy over the past year. My third son has pulled his hair out since he was 6 months old and we were at a loss of how...

Why well-being ... and some thoughts. from 2021-09-07T08:00

I sat in my car in the development where we had our first home. Nostalgia and a real sense of urgency with this episode. I wanted to share why I love well-being and have felt strongly about wome...

Life Choices from 2021-08-30T08:00

Often in life we grumble and moan when we feel without or not enough but how many times have we looked at the choices that WE made to get us to that place? In this episode I discuss my own choic...

I Don't Have All the Answers..... from 2021-08-24T08:00

Today I am recording while on location. Thoughts around leaning in to the not knowing and how I don’t have a formula but can give you the space and the confidence as I lead by example in the cre...

The long awaited guest appearance from my other half- my husband Michael! from 2021-08-17T08:00

The long awaited guest appearance from my other half- my husband Michael! This episode was both fun and odd to record- mainly because we  rarely sit just the two of us to discuss my work an...

Journey Over Destination. from 2021-08-10T08:00

Why making the right decisions about your career will help your life experiences. Daily acts.

Pick the journey over the destination. Today we go a little deeper into why being present wil...

Enjoy the Work. from 2021-08-03T08:00

When my boys were tiny and when friends have babies I am always talking about how we can only deal with one nappy, one sleep, one cry at a time. Business and living the creative lifestyle is no ...

Be Present from 2021-07-27T08:00

Be present.  In business, in life and in decision making. One of the most important  things we can do is to recognise time and to sit in the moment that is in front of us. Today I disc...

Stand out! from 2021-07-20T08:00

Four tips for helping you to stand out in your creative business. It is important to be able to engage with people, to produce content that is line with your brand and to seek out new challenges...

Don't be swept up in trends! from 2021-07-13T08:00

Trends in business. Don’t be a trend. Long game only!

Trends are tempting to fall into the trap of in business or creatively and even in life. I encourage you in this episode to stay true...

Make your business clearer! from 2021-07-06T08:00

Sometimes we complain when customers annoy us or don’t understand but that’s not their fault!!! This episode is about taking responsibility for problems or issues in your business and/or your cr...

My Story Part 3 from 2021-06-29T08:00

Now that my business is transitioning again with a view to more paintings and podcasts instead of prints- here is an insight into my dreams, fears and hopes. Along with more information about th...

Becoming More Emotional from 2021-06-22T08:00

In a world where we are often encouraged to suppress our emotions and be stoic, today I encourage you to get more emotional! Learning how to read our own emotions helps us to know ourselves, our...

The importance of clearing space in life and work. from 2021-06-15T08:00

My website is changing and I have started to be more in tune with my feelings- I know I felt overwhelmed and needed to clear space. Not just space in my wardrobe but in my business. During this ...

My Story - Part Two! from 2021-06-08T08:00

From a community artist who thought that getting her art in front of famous people would be the golden ticket to almost missing out on paying my student loan because I earned so little at the be...

My Story - Part One! from 2021-06-01T08:00

Now that the podcast has grown and my audio has improved (slightly!!!) I thought you would like to know where my art career began. From the foundation course at art college to lost University fo...

Stop complaining!! from 2021-05-25T08:00

In a world where people complain about the colour of your shoes to the content you post on social media, here I explain why intentionally seeking joy instead of complaining will serve you better...

Lisa McFarland relationship coaching and life chats. from 2021-05-18T08:00

Lisa’s positive yet honest approach to relationships will encourage you in your day to day life and the relationships inside and outside your business.

I have gained wisdom from Lisa in m...

Owen Crane writer, creator, friend. from 2021-05-11T08:00

I first met Owen when he was the pastor of CFC a church in Belfast that our kids called " the fun church"! This was linked to them being allowed to play football after they learned scripture! Listen

Jonny Campbell and Gareth Maclean discuss faith and life. from 2021-05-04T12:00

As creatives we have an opportunity to own the day to day tasks and thoughts we have. This stretches into how we act, the way our personal brand is classified and viewed by others and, in how we...

Are You Happy - Today I share the tips that I have and some words about my own journey (and struggle) to/with happiness. from 2021-04-27T08:00

Today I share the tips that I have and some words about my own journey (and struggle) to/ with happiness. An ongoing journey where I have to stop, re evaluate and reset every once...

Sincerity, helping others and growing a business idea with £500. Dave Linton of Madlug from 2021-04-20T08:00

Dave Linton is a softly spoken creative who admits himself to staying in the background of the business that he has created despite speaking keynotes at various esteemed business events and conf...

Ian Young- footballer, kickboxer- strength and conditioning coach from 2021-04-13T08:00

Ian Young- footballer, kickboxer- strength and conditioning coach

After I had my two boys a friend introduced me to Ian's in person  classes in 2011. They were weekly stren...

Clodagh Rice- Business Correspondent for BBC NI. from 2021-04-06T08:00

Clodagh interviewed me at the studio in  2020 when Covid was spreading and rumours of lockdown hit. She is the  go-to for information around businesses and a familiar face and voice on...

Suzie Lee - Winner of Home cook of the year 2020. from 2021-03-30T10:00

Winner of Home cook of the year 2020. Cooking, the impact of social media and being driven by grief.

Suzie Lee - Winner of Best Home Cook 2020. from 2021-03-30T08:00

 Suzie Lee on cooking made easy , the impact of grief on our views of success, personality tests and accountancy!  Another example of how the path to creativity is rarely one...

Interior designer Jacqueline Hamilton- Designing and building your own house, studying after maternity leave and how she can help shape our homes using colour and light. from 2021-03-23T12:00

Interior designer Jacqueline Hamilton- Designing and building your own house, studying after maternity leave and how she can help shape our homes using colour and light.

Jacqueline Hamilt...

BONUS EPISODE - social media is important for your creative business. from 2021-03-19T12:00

This episode is full of my gold dust from my mentoring  package. It is a recording of a keynote presentation I was asked to  deliver via a webinar about the importance of social m...

Emma Blain talks about being a councillor, running for elections and much more. from 2021-03-17T11:10:36

Emma Blain on being a councillor, running in elections in Ireland,  interviewing Kylie Minogue in her journalism days and being Editor of  the Church of Ireland gazette. Emma...

Dan Ferguson- painter from 2021-03-09T15:32:51

This episode is one that I felt really empowered by as a practising  artist and Dan will remind you, without even meaning to, to feel content  with where you are whilst knowing you can...

Danielle Wallace- Pharmacist by day, resin Artist by night from 2021-03-01T07:00

Danielle is another of my mentoring student with a story to tell. The science behind her craft is fascinating and Danielle applies her knowledge as a pharmacist and people person so seamlessly i...

Ibe Sesay- worked on car electrics, was a resident DJ and is now a full time radio presenter and family man. from 2021-02-22T13:48:59

Ibe is someone who has a very familiar voice for me. From when I was at the 70s themed nights in a local nightclub where Ibe was the resident DJ to driving in our car dancing as a family to the ...

Leigh Telford- intuitive and wellbeing coach from 2021-02-15T07:00

Leigh is someone I have worked with in a professional capacity, for my own practice and well-being. We discuss this in the podcast and how Leigh can bring you on a spiritual like journey to impr...

Your permission to rest. from 2021-02-11T11:10:42

Wow, lockdown is starting to wear us down. I know you feel this too so this is my own admission of fatigue and advice for what to do when you feel momentum is running low. It's ok to keep showin...

Amy Ashe Art - graphic recordings, paintings, youth work from 2021-02-08T08:00

Amy was a mentoring student of mine and her creative business is thriving. This was a great catch up and an insight into how Amy uses graphic recordings to reach her audience but also her take o...

A finance major turned lifestyle blogger. Talking with Grace Atwood. from 2021-02-01T08:00

Grace Atwood joins me from her apartment in New York city to share with us how she majored in finance, worked in a start up company and then stepped out on her own to become a full time  bl...

Self care shifts during coronavirus. My virtual art night! from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Everyone of us has had to re think every aspect of life and work. Self care for me has simplified dramatically, and that is ok. Today I share with you ways to find self care and to let your work...

Business tip #3 Surround yourself with better! from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Aly expresses her hope that all of us will get involved with peers who are a few steps ahead and who can inspire / mentor us in our businesses. Both from a creative perspective and a business de...

From social phobia to tv and radio presenting. Radio presenter Cate Conway from 2021-01-25T07:00

Another moment in time when one of my guests opens up about their creative path. From selling soda streams on QVC to taking a step back after loss, Cate's story is a compelling one.

Sitting in fear, with Therapist Claire Kelly from 2021-01-18T07:00

Claire discusses her journey through wellbeing as a pilates instructor and therapist- as with all of my guests in a self employed role, the path to get to where they are now is rarely straight f...

The hindsight series- talking to my PA Sharon. from 2021-01-12T07:00

This series is called 'The hindsight series' the sixth series of my podcast 'How to build a creative business in a noisy world'.  I interview business folk, family members, friends about th...

Get organised! The business tip I forgot to share last year ! from 2021-01-11T17:58:27

Organisation in your home, organisation in your business- often they come hand in hand. Aly explains why this is so and how this affects her business

The importance of mindset and tips to change from negative to positive from 2020-12-06T10:05:49

This week before my virtual exhibition I had to work on my own mindset. From my dad died when I was 7 my mental attitude can change from positive and happy to sad and  low very quickly. It'...

Creativity in all forms, creativity in kids. from 2020-11-24T14:08:19

This week we discuss why being creative is not just paint and paper. Thinking outside the box helps us to get to know ourselves better and in return helps us to work more effectively at our craf...

My experience with Covid from 2020-11-14T15:17:50

More importantly I am back with a fire in my belly to share business advice and how I have grown my business significantly since March of this year. We discuss the importance of depth over bread...

Marketing tips from an artist and personal brand from 2020-06-23T07:00

Today I share marketing tips that I have learned over the years. Enjoy and feel free to use as of today! 

A change is as good as a rest from 2020-06-16T19:55:53

Sometimes we think we are best to give up on a task but I think there is purpose in the old saying "a change is a good as a rest". Shift your workflow, shift your mindset, shift your gear to see...

Adapt and Thrive from 2020-06-09T07:00

After an interview and mini workshop with a group of adults with learning disabilities I am so happy and motivated that I have to share. The adaption of my business to cope during lockdown has b...

Why black lives matter to me, an artist in Northern Ireland. from 2020-06-04T18:01:52

The most awkward conversation I have had with you. Unlike other episodes where I, a professional artist,  discuss how you can build your creative business in this noisy world, I want to bre...

Why workshops work from 2020-05-26T15:42:50

Today we  discuss the practicality of running a workshop, the ways it will push your career and expertise forward and why they are a good idea. I discuss what I learned from running worksho...

The art of being your true self from 2020-05-19T10:16:58

You cannot serve your audience and grow your business to its highest potential if you do not know, love and be your true self. This week we unravel what that looks like and I share how I am than...

Try before you buy...and sell from 2020-05-12T12:00

A huge part of our business is the physical and online products / services we offer- so why do we sometimes throw them out to the audiences before we test? Today we chat about beta testing and t...

What's the worst that can happen, when we step into fear? from 2020-05-05T17:35:31

Today I chat about imposter syndrome, ways to fight it and how no matter where you are in your career you still have to fight those demons. I believe you can do it!

How to be sustainable in business during lockdown from 2020-04-22T17:48:54

Today (along with my only woes about family chaos and no PA!) we discuss  ways to keep our businesses more than ticking over during lockdown. You have worked hard to get here- now let's kee...

Business , Coronavirus and Creativity from 2020-03-16T18:01:08

An open message of reassurance for small business owners and creatives. Coronavirus is a game changer but we can have a role and add value and light. I include practical tips to help you at this...

Guest speech at my High School prize day from 2020-02-05T20:38:08

For any new subscribers and for those of you who have listened for a while, this episode is an insight into my life and my love of art. The journey so far. I shared this when I was asked to be g...

Business tip number 5- You can't serve everybody from 2020-02-04T08:00

I share why it is so vital that you become clear on who your audience and how you  cannot serve everybody, it will not help your business. I also the knock on effect of bullying for me.

Business tip 2 ( believe the data) from 2020-01-13T11:00

We live in an age where digital is key and more importantly it is FREE! Aly discusses why we should be influenced by our data and results as well as our customers buying patterns. 

January blues and why you should use pen and paper from 2020-01-08T22:18:41

Aly opens up about January blues and starts with a new series of business tips- Thirteen things I have learned in my 1o years of business.

That time I failed at a ted talk about failure from 2019-11-20T12:53:59

The irony of this podcast episode is not lost on me

Aly talks to Architect Aisling Rusk of Studio Idir from 2019-10-14T07:00

Memories of art class,  the joy of women supporting women in the professional creative sector and how to go about planning your home or extension working with an architect.

Aly talks to make up artist Samantha King from 2019-10-08T06:00

An honest and beautiful understanding of beauty and how it is really not just skin deep. Samantha shares her journey to self employment and the challenges of being an academic in a creative spac...

Aly speaks to painter Rachel McBride from 2019-10-01T06:00

Aly and Rachel discuss life as an abstract artist living with cerebral palsy , how to title our creative pieces and why social media can be its own worst enemy.

Aly talks to interior designer Susan Gillespie of Orr and Gillespie from 2019-09-23T07:00

Aly and Susan discuss the influence of art college, how your home is a reflection of you and the ways that interiors can be more than just a pretty face.

Aly talks to illustrator Danielle of Flaxfox from 2019-09-16T06:00

How you can see a gap in the market and accelerate your talent in this space. Danielle and Aly discuss how to make wholesale work for your business, the challenges of motherhood and the joy of t...

Aly talks to ceramicist Rebecca Killen. from 2019-09-09T06:00

Discussions around why applying for awards can help your business, how to make porcelain bottles and the importance of your positive mindset. Rebecca also shares her love for workshops and colou...

17: Aly talks to photographer David Cavan from 2019-09-02T07:44

Aly discusses Good will hunting, stepping away from the fear of what others think and why dyslexia doesn't have to hold you back in your business.

14: How to win friends and influence people. Marketing SOS from 2019-08-26T14:37

Aly is honest about why you need to know how to communicate, to be consistent, to be the expert and to solve problems in the marketing of your business

12: 3 tips for today + a special announcement from 2019-08-19T19:04:53

Today Aly finally releases details about her up and coming series of interviews with fellow creatives. She also gives you three quick tips for surviving the day and/or week ahead. A motivating chat!

11: The importance of self acceptance in your career from 2019-06-25T13:44:30

Aly is her most open to date where she shares stories about her childhood, the experience and effects of bullying... yet how to turn that around and to experience life to the full knowing and lovin...

10: I'm back! Business and life in 2019 from 2019-06-17T17:10:27

Aly checks in with you and shares where the business is, how it has grown and where it has grown in the last year. Also encourages you and shares some wisdom on keeping on trucking when life and bu...

9: Why applying for awards and improving your practice is essential from 2018-09-21T18:00:21

Aly has a deep love for people knowing their self worth and you, creative soul, need to keep learning and growing in order to thrive and to know yourself and your business better.  In this episode...

8: Social media- how to make it work for you and your emotions from 2018-08-15T08:00

Social media- one of the most controversial yet impressive marketing tools for any small business. Aly unravels how we can set ourselves practically and emotionally to get the best from social med...

7: Tips for rapid growth in your business from 2018-07-19T11:12:27

It can be difficult to see the growth in your business, especially if we do not have a plan or take time to invest in certain areas. Aly shares three ways that she has seen rapid growth in her own...

6: Mini episode. Five ways to start your day. from 2018-06-26T18:55:02

Aly gives her top five tips for starting the day. Ensure productivity, self belief and gratitude in your creative buisness and thrive!

5: Dealing with criticism from 2018-05-13T06:00

Aly faces criticism from followers and peers head on and discusses ways in which we can learn from criticism in order to help us grow in our business. Show notes: Build a better body podcast Kare...

4: Structuring your business, your marketing and your dreams from 2018-04-13T06:00

In this episode we unravel the benefits of structuring your business. From structuring your time to your marketing to your dreams. Aly touches on it all.

3: The importance of communities and networking from 2018-03-16T07:00

Aly shares her reasons why networking should be a priority in your creative business and some ways you can network and build communities using various platforms. She also tells how your business wi...

2: Money matters from 2018-02-16T07:00

Money! Aly addresses the big issues around making money as a creative. The hardships we face when pricing our work and time. Aly shares ideas on fixing the mental block creatives can have around mo...

1: An introduction to the podcast and my story. from 2018-01-16T13:28:23

Aly shares with you her idea for this vibrant and exciting podcast aimed to help creatives in their business. This podcast unveils the beginning of Aly's story. Her "why" and the downfalls which h...