Over the last month I have become obsessed with the podcast, Being Boss, and everything related to it.  Kathleen Shannon of Braid Creative and Emily Thompson of Indieshopography are the ladies behind the podcast and they are literally pouring everything they know into the creative entrepreneurial world.  They are pushing creative entrepreneurs to really look at what they are doing and then offering up invaluable knowledge on ways to grow your business to a level you might not have dreamed up.  I seriously can’t get enough, which works great because I have like 20 episodes to still catch up on.

These podcasts have caused me to really look at my business and my brand and get a little more focused on what I want.  I find myself telling other creatives I know to listen to the podcast because it feels like it’s a well kept secret that I have somehow snuck for free, how can they possibly be giving this all away for free.

One of the things that has really resonated with me is this idea that you need to cultivate your creative tribe.  Surround yourself with other creatives that will challenge and support you and who can be a sounding board for new ideas.  Isn’t that what we are all looking for?  Validation and support peppered with constructive criticism, I know I need that.

Over the last year I have really been intentional about creating those relationships with people that I admire.  More times than not it started by just commenting on their blog or instagram pictures and it developed into a great creative friendship.  For example the first time I met a blog friend, Abby of Sew Much Ado, it felt like a first date.  We both had that excited/nervous energy wondering if it would be weird or if our kids would even get along.  We left that playdate as friends and I most definitely consider her part of my creative tribe.  All it took was an email asking if she wanted to get together since we lived in the same area.

While I would love to take you through all the people that are awesome and who I consider part of my creative tribe, I wont, I think it is less important to share who my tribe is and more important to talk about cultivating your own tribe.

Taking the time to create those relationships will fuel your passion for what it is you are creating with your brand.  I love chatting with a creative friend about the crazy exciting goals we have, hearing them cheer me on and me having the chance to pump my fist in the air for their ideas.  Supporting one another is what it is all about.  It doesn’t have to be much but I really encourage you to take the time to interact with those you find interesting.  Whether you are going totally fan girl on someone or commenting that you like their shoes, you are taking that first step in creating a relationship.

It was from here that my idea for a Seattle creatives meetup was born.  If you are in the Seattle area and want to connect with other creatives then join me at Trabant Coffee in the University District on Saturday, September 19th at 7:00pm.  Come and say hi, I will be the one with the really big coffee and a goofy excited smile.  Don’t worry if you don’t drink coffee in the evening they have lots of other yummy things to drink.

I am so excited to meet more creatives that call the Seattle area home!