Art + Audience Podcast Summary
Episode: Ep. 18: I Bought a 100+ Year Old Church—Here’s the Wild Story Behind It
Host: Stacie Bloomfield
Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 18 of the Art + Audience podcast, host Stacie Bloomfield delves into a transformative personal and professional journey that led her to purchase a century-old church building. This episode intertwines her experiences with insights on creativity, business growth, and the importance of authenticity in building an engaged audience.

Personal Reflection and Annual Planning

Timestamp: 00:52 - 08:45

Stacie begins by sharing her recent trip to Scotland, which served as a period of intense annual planning for her business, Gingerbread Products. She emphasizes the significance of taking time away from daily responsibilities to reconnect with oneself.

Stacie Bloomfield (00:52): "I think sometimes we forget who we are when the noise is gone... who am I as a person?"

During her time in Scotland, Stacie focused on goal-setting and vision casting, highlighting the importance of structured planning in sustaining a successful art business.

Stacie Bloomfield (04:30): "I have a course called the Artist Year, where I really break down how we annual plan. It's about goal setting, vision casting, how we set schedules."

She candidly discusses the challenges of writing her upcoming book, The Artist Side Hustle, revealing the anxiety and self-doubt that often accompany creative endeavors.

Stacie Bloomfield (02:10): "I have been smothering my magic, and I need the magic, the muse, to come back to me."

The Purchase of the Historic Church Building

Timestamp: 08:46 - 12:30

A pivotal moment in the episode is Stacie's announcement of purchasing a 111-year-old church in downtown Springdale, Arkansas, affectionately named the Bloom House. She recounts how a friend's playful suggestion led to this significant investment.

Stacie Bloomfield (10:15): "One of my best friends, Vanessa, texted me a photo of this church and said, 'Hey, girl, want to buy a church?' I was like, maybe so."

Despite initial hesitations from previous attempts to buy property downtown, Stacie felt an immediate connection upon visiting the church, recognizing its potential for community and creative use.

Stacie Bloomfield (11:00): "I stepped inside and it felt right. So we said yes and purchased it."

Purpose and Future Plans for Bloom House

Timestamp: 12:31 - 16:00

Stacie outlines her vision for the Bloom House as a versatile space for retreats, events, and creative gatherings. She aims to create a welcoming environment that fosters inspiration and community among artists and creatives.

Stacie Bloomfield (13:20): "I want this space to be a place where people can feel welcome, can feel inspired."

She reflects on the importance of local investment in driving change and reconnecting in-person interactions amidst a digitally dominated world.

Stacie Bloomfield (14:45): "Investing locally is how change happens. Shopping in person, being able to be with each other is so important."

Stacie also expresses excitement about preserving the historic building and integrating it into the revitalized downtown area, hoping it becomes a beloved landmark.

Stacie Bloomfield (15:30): "I'm so grateful to get to be the next person who preserves her and lets her be a part of our local downtown."

Insights on Building an Audience through Authenticity

Timestamp: 16:01 - 20:30

Transitioning to broader themes, Stacie shares a "big secret" about audience growth: living a creative and authentic life outside of one's primary business endeavors. She notes a surge in her podcast’s popularity following the church purchase, attributing it to the genuine and relatable nature of her personal story.

Stacie Bloomfield (17:50): "When we are living our most creative lives, magic happens, inspiration happens. I think that makes you more magnetic for an audience to follow you."

She encourages artists to share authentic aspects of their lives, suggesting that such transparency can foster deeper connections with their audience.

Stacie Bloomfield (19:10): "If you're trying to build this business... maybe it's time to do something with your own life and share about it. People are drawn to authenticity."

Stacie highlights the impact of personal projects on enhancing credibility and attracting a supportive community, reinforcing the value of integrating personal passion projects with professional growth.

Conclusion

In the closing moments of the episode, Stacie reiterates the symbiotic relationship between personal creativity and business success. She underscores the importance of nurturing one's life to inspire meaningful art and engage a loyal audience.

Stacie Bloomfield (19:55): "Creativity is not just about building a portfolio. It's about who we are as the creatives."

She invites listeners to follow her journey with the Bloom House on her blog and Instagram, encouraging them to live creatively and authentically to inspire their own artistic endeavors.

Stacie Bloomfield (20:25): "Live artfully, live creatively. It will probably inspire your next big project."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Personal Identity and Reflection
   00:52
   "I think sometimes we forget who we are when the noise is gone... who am I as a person?"

2. Annual Planning Importance
   04:30
   "It's about goal setting, vision casting, how we set schedules."

3. Authenticity in Audience Building
   17:50
   "When we are living our most creative lives, magic happens, inspiration happens."

4. Encouragement to Share Personal Life
   19:10
   "Maybe it's time to do something with your own life and share about it."

5. Creativity Beyond Business
   19:55
   "Creativity is not just about building a portfolio. It's about who we are as the creatives."

Final Thoughts

Episode 18 of Art + Audience offers a compelling narrative on how personal growth and authentic living can significantly influence and enhance an artist's professional journey. Stacie Bloomfield's story of purchasing a historic church serves as a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, investing in one's passions, and the profound impact of living creatively.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace authenticity, pursue personal projects, and integrate their creative lives with their business endeavors to foster deeper connections and sustainable growth.

Stay Connected:
For more updates and to follow Stacie’s journey with the Bloom House, visit stacybloomfield.com and follow her on Instagram at @leverageyourart.