Episodes
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Hola Gwapas and welcome to episode 25 of the Hola Gwapa Podcast! For those of you who are new to the show I’m your host Nisha Btesh. I’m also the Founder and Creative at Hola Gwapa, a digital community of ten thousand artists from all over the world, a blog, a website, this podcast and most recently my very own small batch slow fashion line! On this podcast we dismantle the limiting stories and stereotypes holding creative entrepreneurs back and together redefine what it truly means to be a successful artist.Welcome Dr. Courntey Crisp to the hola gwapa podcast. Dr. Courntey is not only a therapist, writer, editor and speaker but she is also my former neighbor based in San Diego, California. Today's episode is so important because together we sit down and dive deep into topics like the importance of mental health and wellness in the creative community, eating disorders and her personal career trajectory and niching down to become the therapist she is today. SO if you’re a lover of the arts but find yourself interested in pursuing a more traditional career path or you’d just to like to learn more about the why behind mental health and eating disorders then THIS is the conversation for you. And with that let's get into the episode.
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Hola Gwapas and welcome to episode 24 of the Hola Gwapa Podcast! For those of you who are new to the show I’m your host Nisha Btesh. I’m also the Founder and Creative at Hola Gwapa, a digital community of ten thousand artists from all over the world, a blog, a website, this podcast and most recently my very own small batch slow fashion line! On this podcast we dismantle the limiting stories and stereotypes holding creative entrepreneurs back and together redefine what it truly means to be a successful artist.Today we welcome a VERY special guest to the Hola Gwapa Podcast… Kaela Arellano. Kaela is not only a thrifting fashionista, an environmental educator and outreach coordinator, a student, AND a jewelry designer she is ALSO my childhood friend from San Diego California. Our conversation goes all over the place from sustainability efforts in fashion then vs. now, the importance of an inspired education, and creating a career path all your own based on passions and purpose. SO if you’re someone who’s maybe just getting started on their creative journey or interested in how Kaelas worlds of arts and science meet then THIS is the conversation for you. And with that let's get into the episode.
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Missing episodes?
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Welcome Sara Schroeder back to the hola gwapa podcast. Back by popular demand this is her second time on the show and let me tell you this episode does not disappoint. Together we sit down and dive deep into topics like the nitty gritty business side of being an artist, the joy that comes from doing things your own way, the power of purpose and manifesting your dream career aaaand the significant impact journaling can have on your growth as an artist. SO if you’re a creative person who is currently in a place of feeling unsure of what they want and how to get there OR if you're just a major fan of Sara and her work like I am then THIS is the conversation for you. And with that let's get into the episode.
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Today I’m sitting down with Aimee Rancer, a fashion and lifestyle blogger as well as a Creative Strategist who has worked for MEGA advertising disruptors like VaynerMedia, Pinterest and most recently Amazon.With over ten years of experience across a variety of roles in the marketing industry Aimee opens up sharing her fresh perspective on what it takes to have a kick-ass career AND a creative side hustle. In this episode we chat about career paths and following your yes, what exactly IS a global creative strategist and how you truly can have it all… as long as you’re willing to work for it! So whether you’re curious about embarking on a more corporate creative career, interested in learning more about balancing a full time role and a passion project or simply looking to feel inspired by Aimee's story then THIS is the creative conversation for you and with that let’s get into the show.
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Holy moly I am SO excited about this episode because today I’m sitting down with the one-of-a-kind Sara Camposarcone. With over one million style-obsessed followers on TikTok and dubbed fashions ``sustainable maximalist” by publications like Vogue, New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and more it turns out her most impressive superpower of all is not taking any of it too seriously. In this episode we talk about her quick rise to fame, her personal style and outfit building process, how she shuts down online (and IRL) trolls with positivity and what's next on the horizon for this creative icon. So if you’re curious about gaining insights on how to leverage social media to turn your passion into a paycheck, want to learn more about what goes into the day to day of becoming a fashion influencer or are simply looking to feel inspired by Sara’s story then THIS is the creative conversation for you and with that let’s get into the show.
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In 2020 the global pandemic known as COVID19 hit and affected life as we all knew it. Now Jewelry Designer, Erin Melendez saw this challenge as an opportunity and started her wildly successful business out of an RV as she transitioned from her former career in Fashion Merchandising and embarked on a new creative journey all her own. In this episode we talk about what it was like to overcome the challenges she faced as a business owner on the open road, what motivates her to create art that supports self expression AND how she managed to land a holiday pop-up at Nordstroms only a few years into launching her new business, Lady Luck Concepts. So whether you’re an aspiring small business owner, are curious about jewelry design or simply looking to feel inspired by Erin’s story then THIS is the creative conversation for you and with that let’s get into the show.
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Hola Gwapas and welcome to episode 19 of the Hola Gwapa Podcast! For those of you who are new to the show I’m your host Nisha Btesh. I’m also the Founder and Creative at Hola Gwapa, a digital community of ten thousand artists from all over the world, a blog, a website, a podcast and most recently my very own small batch slow fashion line! On this podcast we dismantle the limiting stories and stereotypes holding creative entrepreneurs back and together redefine what it truly means to be a successful artist.
In this solo episode we talk all about the ins and outs of the fashion design industry honing in on the slow fashion lifecycle and its many phases. From Research and development and design to pattern making and digitizing to sampling, cutting and production - we cover it all! So whether you’re a fashion designer, aspiring to be one, or just curious to learn more about slow fashion this episode is for you. Enjoy!
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I’m SO excited to wrap up our second year on The Hola Gwapa Podcast with this very special bonus episode with abstract artist, mindfulness explorer and yogi Gina Gaetz. Gina is an OG member of The Hola Gwapa community, so if you haven’t already make sure you go back and check out her writer feature on the site posted back in March of 2020. Since then Gina’s career as an Artist has flourished even further. And in this episode we really get into it - chatting transparently about our experiences in art school as a true jumping off point for our creative careers (love that we have that in common!). We chat about her passion for the practice of yoga and her yoga community and how she has actually leveraged both to catapult her career as an Artist. But what I also love is we talk about the challenges we both are facing as we actively transition our side hustles into a full time legitamit business. Gwapa’s there are SO many real and authentic inspirational nuggets within this candid conversation that are going to uplift, motivate and carry you into 2022 ready to uplevel your art game and take on your creative career with confidence. SO with that let’s get into the show!
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Hola Gwapas and welcome to episode 17 of the Hola Gwapa Podcast! For those of you who are new to the show I’m your host Nisha Btesh. I’m also the Founder and Creative at Hola Gwapa a digital community of almost 12 thousand artists and creatives from all over the world, a blog, a website, an online shop, podcast and most recently a small batch slow fashion line! On this podcast we take the creative conversations even further, sharing the real stories, tips and tricks the Artists in this community have found on their journey to success.
Meet Bridget Thompson, fellow Textile Designer and lover of travel and anthropology. On this episode we chat through the rich history of textiles and fabric design including fiber and fabric technology as well as textiles' social, political, and cultural impacts on the fashion and interior design industries. Bridget is not only knowledgeable and experienced in her craft but also passionate beyond her years. What I loved learning most about her creative journey is how like me, she also works a 9-5 in an industry she loves and in her spare time she’s focused on building and growing her creative hustle and brand. You truly can do it all! It’s refreshing to hear her candor as she recalls all the highs and lows she’s faced to this point balancing being an entrepreneur, designer and adult. SO If you’re at all interested in textile design or learning more about building/creating your own brand while also working a day job THIS is the episode for you. And with that let’s get into the show!
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Hola Gwapas and welcome to episode 16 of the Hola Gwapa Podcast! For those of you who are new to the show I’m your host Nisha Btesh. I’m also the Founder and Creative at Hola Gwapa a digital community of almost 12 thousand artists and creatives from all over the world, a blog, a website, an online shop, podcast and most recently a small batch slow fashion line! On this podcast we take the creative conversations even further, sharing the real stories, tips and tricks the Artists in this community have found on their journey to success.
I’m SO thrilled to introduce you to Jessica Santander, Jewelry Designer and Entrepreneur. With 3 years under her belt, Jessica is focused and mission driven to build and evolve her lifestyle brand. In this episode we talk about what it means to listen to your intuition, how to authentically present yourself within the context of your brand, why she believes the success in her business’s financials are directly tied to increasing the value of her self worth, why mental health matters, how to handle and learn from rejection AND how the best way to build community is just to SHOW UP CONSISTENTLY AS YOUR BEST & WORST SELF. SO this episode is really for anyone interested in building their own business from the ground up just like Jessica and myself, for anyone looking for a refresh/shift in their personal mindset towards positivity and resilience and for anyone looking to hear the truth about the amount of work, blood, sweat and tears that we’ve put in order to reap the benefits and fulfillment of living a creative life and owning brands that we can be proud of. And with that let’s get into the show!
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Hola Gwapas and welcome to episode 15 of the Hola Gwapa Podcast! For those of you who are new to the show I’m your host Nisha Btesh. I’m also the Founder and Creative at Hola Gwapa a digital community of almost 12 thousand artists and creatives from all over the world, a blog, a website, an online shop, podcast and most recently a small batch slow fashion line! On this podcast we take the creative conversations even further, sharing the real stories, tips and tricks the Artists in this community have found on their journey to success.
I’m SO thrilled to introduce you Lauren-Ashley Founder and Designer of Pineapple Sundays, a Stationery + Gift Co that's all about celebrating and bringing more positive vibes into everyday life. In this episode we talk transparently about how we’re both working two full time jobs to make our side hustles a reality, the power of learning when to say no and when to say YES, how to pitch your brand, burnout… because we all know how real it is… and her over the top obsession for meaningful moments of SELF CARE and how each of us can continue to create more of them. Another amazing thing to note about Lauren-Ashley is that for every product purchased she donates a portion to support organizations and programs that empower women & people of color. SO if you’re at all interested in the world of product design I can guarantee Lauren-Ashley’s story of self discovery, entrepreneurship and persistence is totally going to inspire you. And with that let’s get into the show!
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Hola Gwapas and welcome to episode 14 of the Hola Gwapa Podcast! For those of you who are new to the show I’m your host Nisha Btesh. I’m also the Founder and Creative at Hola Gwapa a digital community of almost 12 thousand artists and creatives from all over the world, a blog, a website, an online shop, podcast and most recently a small batch slow fashion line! On this podcast we take the creative conversations even further, sharing the real stories, tips and tricks the Artists in this community have found on their journey to success.
I’m SO thrilled to introduce you to collage Artist Jasmine Romero. Her talent and passion for the world of collage, which we both felt is a totally untapped medium btw, had me SO inspired and yearning to learn more. What I loved most about talking with her is how evident it is that being an Artist actually runs through her blood - so much so that she didn’t let the barrier of expensive art supplies or art school tuition stop her from creating a career as an Artist. But it doesn’t stop there as an emerging creative, Jasmine shares how selling her work across multiple platforms, exhibits, commissions, and alternative revenue streams is most definitely the key to building confidence in her baby brand and the most important way to give back to her community by giving her audience a wide variety of ways to access her art on their levels. So whether you're an emerging Artist, an established Artist or still just dreaming about the possibility of it all this episode is for you. And with that let’s get into the show!
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I’m SO excited to introduce you today to one of my favorite abstract artists, Johanna Rossi who joins us today all the way from Monaco. Together we get into conversations about naming your work, creative cycles - which is FASCINATING, the toll that the role of being a woman can take on your art, and creating with intention. If you follow her on instagram @johannarossiart then you already know she gets vulnerable (specifically speaking up about her struggles with self doubt) which I love. She will not let her creative community suffer alone or in silence. And that’s one of the joys of knowing Johanna - she oozes this overwhelmingly easy feminine spirit but can still passionately & poetically preach about the true power of creating with a purpose. So whether you’re a full blown practicing artist or just beginning to dabble, trust me when I tell you that this episode has SO much value in store for you. Prepare to walk away from this chat feeling brave and inspired to continue walking through your own individual artistic journey and follow your path of self exploration. And with that let’s get into the show!
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For those who’ve ever experienced a creative lull or rut (hem hem all of us…) this episode is for you! Mira Lou is what you would call DEDICATED to her craft. STILL A STUDENT Mira has cultivated a cult-like following of almost 97 thousand followers on Instagram in two years. She preeches the importance of sticking to a posting schedule and posting daily in order to crack that tricky algorithm but also opens up about how she often receives the least amount of engagement when posting about the topics that are most important to her and how hard she works to not let that affect what she creates and what she posts. Branding herself in each illustration by including her signature within the linework itself, it’s no wonder her art is not only instantly recognizable but also impactful. With sustainability as her mission Mira Lou shares how changing mediums and listening to her audience's feedback were the catalysts to launching her career into designing tattoos, creating custom commission works and even turning her illustrations into an inspired jewelry line. So if you haven’t already go check her out at M-I-R-A-A-L-O-U and give her a follow then head back here as we dive into the episode! And with that let’s get into the show!
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If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired with your career path, love life or just your life in general this is the episode for you. Laura went from working as a Product & Graphic Designer for Dior in Paris, France to meeting the love of her life on the stoop of an air btnb on a girls trip to New York City, never ending up getting on her return flight home to opening her very first (& successful) tattoo shop in Brooklyn. While some of us can’t currently travel due to COVID restrictions we can all live vicariously through her story of being the ultimate YES girl. Once she decided to officially stay in NYC she began working as a bartender and doodling on the side to express her creativity. It wasn’t long before her now HUSBAND and friends began asking to have her drawings tattooed on them and something magical clicked but believe it or not that’s only where her story begins. Now a business owner, new mom, and 87 THOUSAND followers on Instagram later Laura unpacks her journey to success sharing the roadblocks she faced as a new tattoo artist, how she never took no for an answer - LITERALLY and most importantly how being determined and bold enough to own your power as a female, own your medium no matter how out of the box it might be and own your unique artistic style is the perfect recipe for a fulfilling, fruitful and passionate career as the creative you were born to be! So as we get into the episode go check out her gram @nothingwildtattoo to get a vibe for drool worthy & feminine tattoo aesthetic, and with that let’s get into the show!
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SO before we get into this episode the Phoebe Sherman the craft fair queen herself and founder of Girl Gang Craft I need you to pause and go grab a pen and paper because it’s seriously jam packed with juicy valuable information. OK so let me just start by saying Phoebe is a BOSS! Pre-covid her business model consisted of running craft fairs fostering over 120 female artists across multiple cities. In this episode we cover everything from what it takes to launch an event and community driven business like hers (and of course keep it profitable!), how pivoting to digital during lockdown was actually a major power move and she even dishes IN DETAIL on all the apps, resources, tips and tricks she relies on daily to be her most efficient self. Plus we dive into Phoebe’s experience launching a line of all inclusive female focused g, which is of course now shoppable in The Gwapa Gal Shop. It was fantastic to have her touch on some of her favorite pieces from the collection, how they’re made and what drives her and her mission to create space + resources for artists and entrepreneurs to THRIVE & create a life of financial freedom doing what they love. So with that let’s get into the show!
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I am BEYOND excited to share this episode with you because it’s my very first interview with a Gwapa Gal! For those who don’t know I’ve recently added a very special section to the Hola Gwapa Shop dedicated to highlighting the stories and brands of artists in this very community. So you can now shop till you drop feeling good knowing that every purchase you make empowers female owned and artist made businesses just like mine to keep growing and thrive so if you haven’t had a chance to, pause this episode right now, go take a peek, and do a little cc damage before you come back to us! Today you’re going to hear from Jayna Anderson the Founder and Herbalist of Fifth Dimension a botanically elevated collection of holistic skincare and self care products. After learning more about her creative journey it is no wonder her beauty products have won over the loyalty and rave reviews from her cult like following plus won awards like 2020’s best of by petit. But the true power behind Jayna and her emerging beauty and wellness brand is that she is so willing to get vulnerable sharing her inspired story of addiction, sobriety & healing with us. I’m honored to share her with the hola gwapa community today and carry 5th dimension the gwapa gal shop and I can’t wait for you all to listen to today’s episode to learn more about her process and the products we’ve chosen to feature. and with that… lets welcome Jayna to the show.
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Today I’m super excited to get into this episode as I sit down with Lucy Giller at the very beginning of quarantine to chat about her creative journey. Lucy went from a copy write to an art director at a prestigious magazine house to ditching it all to go back to art school at 27 years old, from there fell in love with hand lettering while she was on maternity leave and spent 3 years practicing her craft and taking on side projects while working a 9-5 and raising her daughter before taking the plunge to work as the freelance boss lady she is today. If there is ever a story that embodies the phrase start by starting this is it. So if you’re currently trapped behind a prestigious job title but you just aren’t feeling fulfilled or if you’ve been bitten by the creative bug haven’t yet hit your stride then this is the episode for you. And with that let’s not waste any more time and welcome Lucy to the show!
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Freaking out over here because I finally get to introduce you to OG Gwapa Artists & now Instagram friend Dahlia Dandashi. Dahlia started her creative journey by pursuing a traditional career in journalism and photography only to find herself burnt out before she even got started. Pivoting her skillset alongside the sensational growth of Instagram, she listened to her gut and transitioned to a less stable, less traditional and less valued role of being a Content Creator and that’s everything started clicking into place. Her personal work has always inspired me. Scrolling through her feed it’s clear that Dahlia is navigating her own journey growing up as a muslim Arab American woman. She explores her identity by navigating the depths of who she is spiritually, religiously and culturally through photography and writing letting us all in through her lens and inviting us along for the ride. On this episode we get into topics like what truly goes into being a content creator, juggling freelance work with an agency career, being resourceful AF and being able to find ways to apply your unique skill set, no matter what they are, to create and conquer your dream career. We also touch on topics like judgement, family, connection and finding your place in the world. To be honest we really go everywhere in this one and I personally found this conversation very interesting and inspiring so without further wait help me welcome the one and only Dahlia Dandashi to the show!
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Without further ado! I’m so excited to introduce you to our next guest Alice Mulder. She is an Illustrator and graphic designer who could teach us all a thing or two about turning our passions into paychecks. One of the things I loved most about my conversation with Alice is discovering her strength in thinking realistically and logically about her career while staying wildly creative in her approach. I mean this girl knows a thing or two about producing multiple revenue streams. Trust me even her side hustles have side hustles. Beating to her own drum she has forgone the typical route of working for a larger agency and found a way to balance her love of illustration and graphic design to create her own business as a freelance artist sharing all the highs and lows that that freedom entails. If you’re feeling stuck in your creative journey or lonely as many of us do or even just feeling doubtful about how you’re going to make cash pursuing the mediums and processes you love this is the episode for you. Who knows after listening you may even be inspired to start your very own local draw club… so trust me you’re going to want to dive into this episode with a pen and paper to take notes as she drops major nuggets of artist focused career advice and more! So with that help me welcome Alice to the show!
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