VICTORIA BROWN
Juice for your creative business
INSPIRATION FOR YOUR CREATIVE BUSINESS
Listen to Creative Slurp Podcast
Every business owner needs a little creative juice from time to time...
I created ‘Creative Slurp’ podcast, to teach you a bunch of skills to help you in your business, and to inspire you by telling the stories of other creatives who’ve been there before.
If there’s someone you’d love me to interview on the podcast, or a specific topic you’d like me to cover, please drop me a line and let me know here. After all, I want you to think of this as YOUR podcast.
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Aug 16, 2022
What moving from Brazil to New York taught me about business and upcycling with Wardrobe School's Vania Soucy
Can you imagine moving to a completely different country with hardly any money, not speaking the language and needing to find work? That's what happened to Vania Soucy. She arrived in New York, from Brazil, without being able to speak English that well and not knowing what she would do for work. With a background in sewing, she realised she could buy bags of second-hand clothes cheaply and upcycle them to sell on. Before long she got really good at it and created a successful business. Now she's teaching others to do the same, and help save the planet by recycling clothes with her online sewing school - Wardrobe School. Listen to this episode of Creative Slurp to find out what kept her going and how she did it...
Aug 09, 2022
What I learned from my 30-day Art Challenge...
If you're a regular listener to this show, you'll know that at the end of June I set myself a challenge - to draw or paint for 30 days. Now, if you're an artist (or even if you're not) you may think this is no big deal. But...for me, it was. Even as a creative I had been telling myself for 25 years that I couldn't draw or paint, and would even feel like an imposter walking down the art aisle in the craft store. I decided a few weeks ago that enough was enough. I needed to address this limiting belief that was slowly oozing its toxicity into my mind and normalise drawing and painting for myself. In this episode find out what I learned about drawing and painting, but mostly what I learned about myself and why I love 30-day challenges so much for overturning limiting beliefs.
Aug 02, 2022
From Kitchen Table to Award-Winning brand - Emma from Modo Creative
Ever wondered what it takes to build a brand from your kitchen table? Emma Tucker, Co-Founder of Modo Creative does. She and her husband, Andrew, set up their business around 15 years ago (at the same time as a complete lifestyle change, as they moved from London to Yorkshire). They are now regularly featured in the media, a staple of Not On The High Street, and are sold in major High Street shops like John Lewis (winning awards along the way). Find out Emma's top tips on how to build a creative brand with longevity and how they survived tough times during the pandemic.
Jul 26, 2022
32. How to do a Summer Reset in your business
Do you miss that 'fresh new book' time at the start of September, now you're no longer at school? Why not create your own summer reset? Use the quiet time over the summer holidays to look back at your business to see what's worked, and remind yourself of those amazing business dreams that drifted off somewhere! Listen to find out my step-by-step guide on how to do your own summer business reset and start the 'new year' with a fresh outlook...
Jul 19, 2022
31. What to do when your business is struggling...
Fuel bills are going up, grocery bills are rocketing, inflation is high. Whether or not we're heading for a recession, times are tricky for us all right now - and they're even more tricky for a business owner, when you're being squeezed on both sides. So what can you do? In this episode, I go through my 3-step plan to follow when times are tough and you don't know what to do.
Jul 12, 2022
30. The art of telling small stories with Laura Pashby (@circleofpines)
How often do you stop and really think about the small stories that make up the fabric of your life? We're all so busy these days, it's so easy to forget! Laura Pashby (@circleofpine) is on a mission to help people rediscover the lost art of telling small stories - we chat about how to create a storytelling practice, how it can benefit your other artistic disciplines, the best way to deal with Instagram changes and being true to yourself. Enjoy!
Jul 05, 2022
29. Sewing and self-belief with Lauren Guthrie from the Sewing Bee
Have you ever wondered what it's like to take part in a TV show, like The Great British Sewing Bee? This week we talk to Lauren Guthrie - one of the first-ever contestants. She's now taken her love of sewing to new heights by creating a successful sewing and haberdashery business! She tells us why she believes more of us should try new things and talks about the tricky balance between home life and business.
Jun 28, 2022
28. How to start a blog
So you've heard about how brilliant blogs can be, but how do you start one? Here are my top tips for getting started on creating a brilliant blog - which will grow your audience and your business.
Jun 21, 2022
27. Are you ready to take the Creative Slurp challenge?
So often we carry around limiting beliefs around with us about our abilities - especially when it comes to creativity. I myself have carried the limiting belief that I can't draw or paint for around 30 years! But no more, I've set myself a challenge to draw and paint every day for 30 days - will you join me to face your creative demons? You just need to do whatever scares you creatively for 15 mins a day for 30 days. Tag me in your progress with #creativeslurpchallenge. Let's smash those limiting beliefs holding us back creatively and mentally!
Jun 14, 2022
#26: How to start believing in yourself and take action
What are you putting off right now because you think you're not ready yet? I bet there's something we are all guilty of thinking that we're not good enough or that we don't have enough experience yet, or that we'll do it tomorrow when we know a little bit more. And tomorrow never comes. We put off the things until tomorrow because we know we have to do them and we're scared. And that voice in our head can just be so overwhelming. It just paralyzes us. I know because I've been there, I'm still there sometimes. So here are some ways I've found to start believing in myself and take action.
Jun 07, 2022
#25: Getting publicity for your business with Lucy Werner
Have you ever wondered how to (or even whether you should) get PR for your business? What is PR anyway? PR and branding expert Lucy Werner (author of Hype Yourself and Brand Yourself and Founder of The Wern PR agency) gives her top tips on how to get publicity for your small business.
May 31, 2022
Episode 24: The quickest way to make your writing better
Let's de-mystify the world of writing - I want to make it super simple for you to write better copy and content for your business, without the faff. And the number one best way of doing that? By writing more simply! Simplifying your writing style will help your audience connect better with your writing, because they have to work less hard. Find out how to simplify your writing in this episode of Creative Slurp.
May 24, 2022
Episode 23: How a blog changed my life
An all-expenses paid trip to Paris, a business I love and a community I'm passionate about - it all came from me starting a blog! Listen to this episiode of Creative Slurp to find out why you should start a blog and how to get started.
May 17, 2022
Episode 22: Finding creativity later in life with screen printer Fiona Wilson
Meet Fiona Wilson, a screen print artist and teacher and creative mentor, based in Staffordshire. This week on Creative Slurp podcast, she talks to me about finding creativity later in life, what it takes to build a creative business and why working with faces makes her laugh!
May 10, 2022
Episode 21: THREE ways to make email marketing easy
Want to make email easy? In my experience, lots of small business owners don't like writing emails to their customers. But email's proven to be the most effective way of selling! So how do you make it easier? Here are my THREE top tips for making writing emails to your customers easy AND effective - and spoiler alert - you may even learn to love writing them, like me!
May 03, 2022
Episode 20: How to bounce back from failure
Failure sucks. We've all been there, and do you know what? In business, it's pretty much guaranteed. So how can you be resilient to failure, and use it to bounce back stronger than before? Here are my top tips for turning failure into a positive to build a stronger business and happier you.
Apr 26, 2022
Episode 19: How to give your website a mini-audit
When was the last time you took a look at your website and thought about it from a customer perspective? Carrying out a mini-audit of your website to think about what the journey is like for your customer can be a game changer. Find out how in this week's episode of Creative Slurp.
Apr 19, 2022
Episode 18: 21 years and counting - how to get longevity in your business, with Jewellery Designer Kate Smith
Ever wondered what it takes to build a business that LASTS? Wondered what it takes to make sure you don't get bored in your business? Jewellery Designer Kate Smith has been in business for 21 years and counting, and has no plans to change careers yet! She joins me on this episode of Creative Slurp to talk about creativity, what makes a successful business, why she goes the extra mile for customers and her mental health struggles.
Apr 12, 2022
Episode 17: How to save time writing social media posts
Stop the social media overwhelm right now! Here are my top tips to help you use Social Media for the benefit of your business, and stop it using you! Let's take control of your social media content.
Apr 05, 2022
Episode 16: How to find YOUR brand voice
Your brand tone of voice. That's something you've probably heard, but you might not know how to go about finding it. How do you find your tone of voice? I'm going to go through in this episode what your tone of voice is, and also some tips on how to go about finding it so you can be so much more confident when it comes to writing your emails to your customers, your social media posts or your website copy.
Mar 29, 2022
Episode 15: How becoming a Mum changed my career
Has anyone ever told you, "Your priorities will change when you become a Mum?", basically implying your career ambition will dry up? Well, I'm here to say it's not necessarily true! Here's my own experience about becoming a Mum, and the important message I want to get out there about becoming a Mum when you have a business...
Mar 22, 2022
Episode 14: The BIG secret about your About Page
Does your about page need an upgrade - but you keep putting it off? Find out why this is happening and what to do about it, to truly create an about page that attracts your dream customers.
Mar 15, 2022
Episode 13 : How to get off the email struggle bus
Have you ever stared at a blank page trying to write regular emails to your customers, and not known what to say? Has it been months since you sent an email because you are so stuck? Or maybe you can't even get started on your email list because you know you don't have anything to say? Help is here! Let me show how to write emails your customers will love!
Mar 09, 2022
Episode 12 : How to get started in a shop with Jo McCarthy
Ever wondered how to get started in shops - whether you want to open your own, or get stocked in one? In this episode of Creative Slurp I chat to Jo McCarthy from Firain, who used to run her own shop, and now helps creative business owners to do the same. We talk how to deal with the stresses of a creative business, what to do if you want to get stocked in shops and how to navigate opening your own shop.
Mar 03, 2022
Episode 11 : My FIVE secrets to great writing made easy
Ever stared at a blank page, wracking your brain for what to write on your social media posts, emails or website pages? Yup, we've all been there! But you can change that by becoming more confident in your writing abilities. Seriously, I believe that anyone can learn to write engaging copy in their own style, once they learn how. Here are my 5 secrets to writing great copy.
Feb 22, 2022
Episode 10: THREE easy ways to improve your Instagram engagement
Are you sick and tired of putting your Instagram posts out there, and not getting any comments or likes on them? In this episiode of Creative Slurp I spill the beans on the three things you can do to improve your Instagram engagement straight away and it won't cost you anything!
Feb 15, 2022
Episode 9: The BEST thing you can do for your business right now
Want to know the absolute BEST thing you can do for your business? The one thing that will help you connect with and serve your customers better, sell more, help future proof your business AND take as little as an hour a week? The answer is creating an email list! Find out why you need to do it right now, and how to take action in this week's episode of Creative Slurp.
Feb 08, 2022
Episode 8: 6 ways to declutter your business and life
Feeling stuck? If you can't seem to get momentum, or feel stuck in a rut, then you may need to declutter your business (and your life!). Use these 6 easy ways to help declutter and get your creative ideas flowing again: 1. Declutter your physical things. 2. Declutter your digital files. 3. Declutter your inboxes. 4. Declutter your product ranges. 5. Declutter your mind. 6. Have a regular decluttering ritual. Good luck decluttering!
Feb 01, 2022
Episode 7: How to connect better with your customers...
Do you either struggle to sell or find selling leaves you cold and empty? Then you need to build a better connection with your customers! Building a connection with your ideal customers, not only helps you make sales much more easily, but it also feels more natural and less 'icky'. Find out the two things you can start doing today to build a stronger connection with your customers and make everything flow more easily in your handmade business...enjoy!
Jan 18, 2022
Episode 6: What to do if you feel behind right now...
Did you have high hopes for your creative business this new year? But do you already feel behind, stressed and overwhelmed? In this podcast we look at why that might be and some practical things you can do to help you feel better.
