Build a creative business

Creatives can write off the day by 9 am when we feel consumed or overwhelmed by workload. Use my top tips for coping with being de motivated so you can keep pushing for your goals.

How confident are you in yourself, your business and your everyday life? Here we chat about re bundling my business after covid, my big ears and my love of us all showing up as our best most confident selves in 2024. I'm alongside you!!

Despite my desire to have a fun video podcast with excellent edits, I have to wait! This episode challenges you on how you show up in the world as a creative and in general. Enjoy and thanks for following and waiting for this episode ! Subscribe so you catch the up and coming weeks.

Book mentioned is called 'The Artist's way' Julia Cameron

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 that has shifted and I need to take stock. Physical health, family and the everyday has a huge impact on building your own business so today I guide you in what is an open invitation to get clear and to allow yourself the quiet to make significant motion in your creative career.

Enjoy the episode.

Thanks for listening.

www.alyharte.com

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 utilise skills and mindsets from a professional sports career into a tech company where he is the Founder and CEO. Married to Anna and has three kids who keep him busy. You'll enjoy the fun as well as depth of this interview.

www.alyharte.com

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.

Thanks for listening, head over to www.alyharte.com for more.

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 around his father’s death is worth a listen. A great start to my new series ‘Stepping Into Your Space’!

www.alyharte.com

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 sales are down and even better why and when sales are up is just the ticket to show how we can plan to grow and adapt for success. This year I vow to review weekly, monthly and annually- not just the figures but the business structure and content on a whole. You can do the same and see what is best for marking your stake in the creative industry. Enjoy.

www.alyharte.com

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 Sharon for teaching me that it is ok to plan in advance. Even if things happen and it doesn't always work out as planned, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try! An organised life will help with growth, ideas put into written form and shared will bring back energy that will carry you. This episode I am alongside you about why creatives don’t always like to plan and how we can change our mind-set for the better.

www.alyharte.com

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 for our attention on all platforms. News, social media, e-mail, our text messages. We are absolutely bombarded and we must, if we want to grow a successful creative business, be intentional about where our attention is. Otherwise we are just floating and that is no use to anyone. Today I share the reason where I was twenty years ago and I discuss where on earth my focus has been since I was painting nude models in Belfast Art College at the age of eighteen!

Enjoy and please do subscribe so you don’t miss the weekly content I share.

www.alyharte.com

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 part of my life inside and outside the art studio. I am living proof that a little less social media can enhance your practice and help to keep the flippancy of the online world a little further from your creative flow. I explain how and why I am motivated to keep this quiet life up. Also mentioned are some of my very exciting guests this year.

Enjoy and please do subscribe so you don’t miss the weekly content I share.

www.alyharte.com

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. Thanks for following me in 2021, here’s to more podcasts about building a creative business and living well in 2022.

Thanks for listening. Be sure to check out my other podcasts and share with a friend who might also enjoy them. For more head over to my YouTube and give me a follow on social media @alyharte or www.alyharte.com

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

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 sold three the previous week but I knew it would get me nowhere. Instead I worked hard on letting it float over me… after a sleepless night over thinking the price of my work which I know deep down is the right price or should even be higher. In this episode we discuss how to detect when you are pricing too low and when it is time to change.

Thanks for listening. Be sure to check out my other podcasts and share with a friend who might also enjoy them. For more head over to my YouTube and give me a follow on social media @alyharte or www.alyharte.com

Thanks

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, to think of how we feel when we have a good day. What we eat, what we start the say with, etc. This helped me reinforce my own need for routine and especially in the morning, in order to thrive. I am not always consistent but when I am everything can be dealt with alongside less drama and more intention and focus.

Thanks for listening. Be sure to check out my other podcasts and share with a friend who might also enjoy them. For more head over to my YouTube and give me a follow on social media @alyharte or www.alyharte.com

Thanks

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 feel accepted. Perfectionism can be broken down and in this episode I do that with building a creative business in mind. Settle your mind and watch your productivity grow.

Thanks for listening. Be sure to check out my other podcasts and share with a friend who might also enjoy them. For more head over to my YouTube and give me a follow on social media @alyharte or www.alyharte.com

Thanks

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 reside in Friends School Lisburn and have gone before me so this opportunity to share my passion for self-acceptance, building a creative business and being present in today’s noisy world felt great.

Enjoy and please share with any teenagers in your home .

Thanks for listening. For more podcasts head over to my YouTube channel or check out my website www.alyharte.com

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 hands of Rory McIlroy would be what makes me successful. It’s not!  Don’t underestimate the power of you own worth and drive.  You’ve got this.

Thanks for listening. Be sure to check out my other podcasts and share with a friend who might also enjoy them. For more head over to my YouTube and give me a follow on social media @alyharte or www.alyharte.com

Thanks

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 Joanne wants to know each person and the gaps in their lives where she can use her holistic and wellness centred approach to help.

I used to be pretty enthused by beauty which I imagine will surprise some of you. However, that changed when I met Joanne of Skinn Therapy. Her professional approach is what has guided me to take better care of my skin, inside and out. Along with Samantha King who you can listen to if you scroll back through two series ago, I feel like I have been educated. Enjoy this episode.

Thanks for listening. Be sure to check out my other podcasts and share with a friend who might also enjoy them.  For more head over to my  YouTube and give me a follow on social media @alyharte or www.alyharte.com

Thanks

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 a ball with Estelle in her natural habitat. We also both share a love for Jesus. Estelle is a fitness trainer and her business Shrink coach is fascinating. She is an inspiration as she shares about growing her online presence through the pandemic with free YouTube workouts for all levels and abilities. She is so full of life and is deeply rooted in faith. Her gentle wisdom will see you through today and remind you that you can start anywhere and start now with changing your life physically and emotionally.

Thanks for listening.  Be sure to share with a friend. 

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 about the role he plays in people's lives and wellbeing.

Here we discuss Brahm’s career in the army, his move from LA to Northern Ireland and how we can show our kids by example, the best way to eat and live and move. I feel like every trainer should practice what they preach and it is evident that Brahm does just that!

Check out my YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or head over to www.alyharte.com

Thanks for Listening

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 speaking to my soul and the tears flowed!

Kirsty unravels what reflexology is and how what we have on the top of our foot is what we show the world. Underneath on the sole of our foot is where reflexology can discover many physical and emotional elements of our character and bodies. An insightful and emotive discussion.

For more check on my YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and head over to www.alyharte.com

Thanks for Listening.

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 for community (online and offline) as well as taking self-care to a deeper level than ticking off a workout routine or bubble baths. Your health is here and now!

I have collaborated with Suzanne in the past for a children's workshop involving yoga and art. Suzanne also joined me for a 1:1 class a few years ago and she opens up about her heart defect and the way creativity helped her to manage high levels of stress. So much so that she followed her gut and the direction of her life evolved into Authentic Yoga by Suzanne. Enjoy this episode.

For more head to my YouTube channel, Facebook, Instagram and website, www.alyharte.com

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 comfort and tune into herself a little each time she created.  Healing in art is something that I am very passionate about and having Louise discuss this in depth- her involvement with community arts, the little forget me not trust that she has founded and how her workshops bring people together, will warm your heart and help you to think about life positively. Hands and help through fabric.

Head over to my YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and website www.alyharte.com for more.

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 we could help him. Eileen reached out on social media and I immediately connected with her gorgeous caring energy.

Join us in this conversation as we discuss why therapy works, how therapy is not just for children and why creative practices are good for your soul.

If you enjoyed this episode head over to my website www.alyharte.com, Instagram and Facebook page and my YouTube channel for much more.

Thanks for watching and listening.

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 women knowing and loving themselves from their brain to their bones for a long time. This next series in the podcast is called 'From the Inside Out' and it’s where I interview therapists and people in the well-being industry who help me to unravel why life can be even richer if we do work on the inside as well as the exterior.

Join me on this journey!

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 choices and why I have learned to deal with the choices I make... and to moan a little less than I used to!!

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 creative industry.

Please follow me on social media, Instargam, Facebook, YouTube and check out my website www.alyharte.com for more.

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 and the effect it has on our family. Here is a cool reflection on what it's like to be the parter of a creative and how we made life work through the dark times like when I miscarried at 14 weeks or when Mike applied for a promotion and it didn't work out. Enjoy and thanks for listening.

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 will always make the process of being a creative in business work. Look at where you have come from, learn gratitude and know that goals come and go. They are super but the roller-coaster ride that we can sit tight in along the way to that goal is way more fun.

Thanks for listening.  I hope you enjoyed this episode.  

Head over to my YouTube, Instagram, Facebook or website www.alyharte.com for more.

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 different. Sometimes we have to sit in the icky bit and force ourselves to enjoy it.

Thanks for listening!

For more please follow me over on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and at www.alyharte.com

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 discuss how we can view activities a bit like children and how it will help us to live life in the best most fulfilling way.

Thanks for listening.  Head over to my YouTube channel, Instagram, Facebook or website www.alyharte.com for more.

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 and relationships in order to thrive!

In this episode I discuss how you can stand out! Standing out in business can be in the content you make, the company you keep and the products or service you offer. Get intentional about them today with my tips.

Thanks for listening.  

For more head over to my YouTube, Instagram, Facebook or website - www.alyharte.com

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 to yourself and your talent.  

If you enjoyed this podcast head over to my YouTube channel or website www.alyharte.com to find out more.

Thanks for listening. 

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 creative flow. I share tips on how to change that for the better so everyone’s experience improves.

Enjoy Listening!

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!

Owen is a family man and has a great heart for helping others to communicate on a powerful level. We have been working on a collaborative project for a while now so in the interim while we are still working on our book, I thought it would be great to share one of our creative chats on the podcast for you.

We discuss the loopholes creatives fall privy to in the education system, how Owen structures his writing days and why understanding your personality type can help you in business, within your household and your view of the world.

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 approach new opportunities. So, it is not new for me to share with you that I have faith and in many ways throughout my own day I rely on faith and my friendship/relationship with God to help me navigate that.

Gareth is a Pastor in Orangefield Presbyterian church and Jonny works for The Alpha course. They had me on their podcast ‘ Greenways’ recently and I invited them onto mine because discussion was so good.

We joked about them not being “preachy” on my creative podcast but to be honest I am thrilled that they shared their honest stories of faith in life and work as well as pieces of scripture that I know you can hold onto to enrich your soul.

Enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it.

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 in a while. The one thing I hope that comes across in the words that I share and the people stories who I interview, is that happiness is key. We have one life, let's set up a good routine and breathe in the good stuff, be present and we can thrive.

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 conferences. Madlug is the name of his company and I first heard about them 6 years ago when they had just started and it was during the time myself and my husband were journeying our own adoption process ( which sadly did not develop further  for us. I wrote about it on my blog). The model of their bag brand is to "help you give dignity to children in care".

In other words for every purchase of a Madlug bag, a young person in care receives a bag to replace the bin liner they are given when they move between foster homes and through the care system. Dave's story is compelling. The growth of his idea from talking to his wife in their living room with only £500 to start in comparison to where they are now- a recognisable brand with the likes of IKEA purchasing bags for all of their staff, this is a great listen for any creative.

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 strength classes but I loved the  Saturday morning boxing best. Ian now has an online community with his  classes and a growing team of wellness coaches. His time as a young footballer taught him lessons about value and self  awareness. Furthermore, the in person classes he ran for many years- the  dedication and planning they required means Ian has a wealth of clients  and a true understanding of his ideal customer.

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  the evening news in Northern Ireland. We discuss personality types,  Clodagh’s experience of shadowing to help her understand and gain  experience in journalism and how social media can be both a beauty and a  beast.

 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 straight line, Suzie is someone I  have known for a number of years. She shares how she started working in her family's Chinese restaurant at the age of ten and about when she won Best Home cook of the year in 2020. Now we are on the same wavelength with our families and our creative paths  you can tell that this conversation is full of excitement and story telling from the both of us.

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 Hamilton of Seaforde interiors chats about her experience of going back to study after two children, the benefits of running small group workshops and how we have all had to adapt to online consultations and a new work ethic. A great chat with plenty of laughs and a mutual appreciation for what social media can do for one's business and client base.

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 media in  your creative business. It is evident that this is something I am very  passionate about. Eleven if you have been around my podcast for a while,  you will find this interesting about the beginning of my career and  there are tips for you on how to grow your business.