Podcast
Paper Talk
Hosted by Sara Kim of Handmade by Sara Kim, Quynh Nguyen of Pink and Posey and Jessie Chui of Crafted to Bloom · EN
The Evolution of Paper Talk…
Our journey began in 2017 when the Paper Talk community took root as a Facebook group, providing a safe haven for paper flower enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and find like-minded artists from all corners of the world. As the community flourished, so did our opportunities to expand and collaborate. The establishment of The Paper Florists Collective led to inspiring multi-day workshops in Seattle and Toronto, attracting makers from across the globe.
Soon after, our commitment to sharing knowledge grew even stronger, giving rise to a weekly podcast featuring leaders and artists from both within and beyond our community. Alongside this, we introduced online education programs like the Paper to Profits Program and Paper X Talk lecture series, dedicated to nurturing paper flower entrepreneurs. Our continuous growth prompted the natural evolution of our name, moving from The Paper Florists Collective to the unified identity of Paper Talk across all platforms.
In 2023, Sara joined us as a new co-host alongside Quynh and Jessie.
Throughout these changes, our unwavering mission remains steadfast: to foster creativity, connections, and growth as artists, makers, and entrepreneurs, united by the love for paper flowers. Join us as we continue to share ideas, stories, and inspire a vibrant community of creatives.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 193: How to Respond to Inquiries: Bridal, Corporate, and Brand Deals
2w ago00:22:09Tap to summarizeYou got the inquiry. Now what? Whether it lands in your inbox from a bride-to-be, a corporate event planner, or a brand partnership manager, how you respond to that very first message can make or break the sale. In this quick but packed episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara break down their real-world strategies for handling three types of client inquiries: bridal, corporate, and brand collaborations. “I try to be as upfront as possible so there are no surprises on both ends. I do not want to be emailing back and forth until I realize I am completely out of their budget.” — Sara From what to include on your inquiry form and when to talk about pricing, to why you should never make free samples and how to present a media kit that lands the deal, the hosts share the frameworks they have built through years of running their own paper flower businesses. “If you cannot do the job, have a list of your maker friends that can. If you refer someone, they can refer you back. It is a two-way street.”- Quynh If you have ever felt nervous about quoting your prices or unsure how to follow up with a potential client, this episode will give you the confidence and the structure to respond like a pro. What You’ll Hear in this Episode: What to include on your website inquiry form to filter serious clients Why response time matters and how it builds trust before the first project even starts When to bring up pricing and the reason for being upfront from the very first email How to use a price sheet to set expectations and protect your time Why you should never create free samples and how to handle sample requests The importance of contracts: deposits, delivery details, and final payment timelines How corporate inquiries differ from bridal work and why turnaround time changes everything Building a referral network and what to do when you cannot take the job How to create and use a media kit for brand collaborations Knowing your numbers and staying confident during negotiations Being flexible with packages without undervaluing your work Unique brand collaboration opportunities beyond physical flower commissions The Best Thing We Bought that Bring Us Joy Quynh: Antique flower frogs Jessie: Floral Genius Hairpin Frogs Sara: Flower frog using air dry clay Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. ----------------------------------------------------- JOIN OUR PAPER TALK MASTERMIND! If you've been running your paper business solo and you're tired of figuring out pricing, marketing, and selling alone, then this is for you. The Mastermind is returning in the Fall 2026 and we saved you a seat! Starting September 8, we are leading a 6-month Mastermind for paper artists ready to build something sustainable. You'll meet twice a month with us and a small group of paper artists tackling the real stuff: pricing, social media, selling your work, newsletters, and building confidence in your business. We’ll have honest conversations, dive into practical strategies, and be with people who actually understand what you're building. Registration begins soon. ----------------------------------------------------- 🎙️ Listen and Subscribe Paper Talk is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! It helps other paper flower artists find our community. Keywords: paper flower podcast, paper flower artist, creative entrepreneur, paper flower business, bridal inquiries, corporate inquiries, client inquiries, brand collaboration, brand inquiries, pricing strategies, contract tips, media kit advice, paper flower community, Paper Talk Podcast
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Ep 192: From Paper Flowers to Paper Lips: Laura Richey on Reinventing Your Creative Business
4w ago00:52:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara sit down with Laura Richey, the Ontario-based artist behind Pucker Up Paper Lips and 2 CLVR Designs. Laura has been in the paper flower world for over 12 years, creating everything from thousands of card stock roses for Lancome to sculptural paper lips that have caught the attention of celebrities including Britney Spears. Laura opens up about how COVID upended her thriving wedding flower business, which had grown to 60 to 100 weddings a year, and how a pair of paper lips sitting in her living room sparked an entirely new creative direction. After a famous lip artist spotted her work on Instagram and invited her to collaborate, Laura’s paper lip art took off in ways she never expected. "Anything 3D grabs attention. Anything that comes off the wall, people seem to gravitate towards." — Laura The conversation covers the realities of running two brands, managing massive production orders as a solo artist, and the physical toll that large-scale paper crafting takes on your hands, back, and mental energy. Laura, Sara, Jessie, and Quynh get into the details that only paper artists understand: how many flowers you can realistically assemble in a day, why Cricut mats wear out faster than you think, and how chopsticks became Laura’s most essential tool. "At this time in my career, it is okay to say no and it is okay to give them your feedback." — Laura They also discuss the challenges of working with marketing companies and event coordinators who often reach out with unrealistic timelines and tight budgets, and why paper artists deserve to be brought into projects early rather than treated as a last-minute addition. What You’ll Hear in this Episode: From wedding florals to paper lip sculptures and how Laura's 12+ year journey in paper flowers took a turn she never saw coming The Instagram DM from a celebrity lip artist that changed everything What it actually looks like to work with major brands and the difference between going through a marketing agency versus landing a direct brand partnership The reality of large-scale production: 600 lips for Too Faced, 4,000 roses for Lancôme, and what it takes to pull that off The physical and mental toll of making the same thing hundreds of times Running two brands when one is your passion and the other pays the bills and what happens when they start pulling in opposite directions Card stock versus crepe paper: why the medium you work in matters more than you'd think The tools Laura can't live without: chopsticks, Cricut machines, vinyl picker tools, and kebab sticks (yes, really) Cricut mat maintenance, buying in bulk, and building a machine workflow that actually holds up under pressure Laser cutters versus Cricut machines Where Laura is headed: teaching, fine art lip sculptures, and a creative practice that's evolving on her own terms Making it work as a maker and a mother — and why your workspace has to go wherever your family needs you Why setting realistic expectations with clients around timelines and budgets isn't just good business but necessary 👉 The Best Thing We Bought that Sparks Joy Quynh: Garden roses from Flower World: Earth Angel, Martha Stewart, Koko Loko Jessie: Deserres Acrylic Gouache Low Viscosity Sara: Daniel Smith Palette Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. Learn more about Laura Laura Richey is the artist behind Pucker Up Paper Lips and 2 CLVR Designs, based in Ontario, Canada. With over 12 years in the paper craft industry, Laura specializes in card stock paper art, from wedding flowers to her signature 3D paper lip sculptures. Her work has been featured in collaborations with major beauty and luxury brands, and her pieces have been reposted by Britney Spears. Instagram: @puckerup_paperlips / @2clvr_designs Listen and Subscribe Paper Talk is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! It helps other paper flower artists find our community. Keywords: creative business website, paper artist marketing, small business SEO, building trust online, email marketing for creatives, website platforms for artists, creative entrepreneur tips, online business credibility
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Ep 191: Your Website is Your Handshake: Building Trust in the Paper Artist Community
Apr 900:34:58Tap to summarizeEver wondered why some creative businesses feel more trustworthy than others? In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara get real about websites, the power of putting your name out there, and why your online presence matters more than you think. "If I go onto your Instagram and I don't see your full name somewhere, there's a lack of credibility there. I'm not going to trust you. I don't know who you are...It's about making a connection with your consumer. And that means, unfortunately, you do have to share more of yourself." - Jessie Sara shares her 16-year website journey, including the struggles of consolidating domains, email providers, and hosting platforms. Jessie opens up about why she needs to see your name before she can trust your business. And Quynh reminds us all that our websites should be living, breathing reflections of our evolving businesses. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in business for years, this conversation will inspire you to take a fresh look at your digital home and make it work harder for you. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why having your name visible builds instant credibility The real cost of not having a website (spoiler: lost customers) Sara's honest account of moving domains and email providers after 16 years How to use blogs and Pinterest for long-term SEO benefits Free and affordable tools for newsletters, graphics, and website management The trust factor: what potential customers need to see before they buy Platform recommendations: Squarespace, Shopify, Etsy, and more Email marketing essentials and why your personal email won't cut it How to keep your website fresh without overwhelming yourself "Google is still a big factor on search engines. So make sure your SEO and that search optimization on your keywords, long keywords that are scattered throughout your website. And one of the best ways to have that is actually having a blog." - Quynh Tools & Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Squarespace (Sara uses this for her website hosting) GoDaddy (Sara uses this for domain registration) Flodesk (Quynh mentions this email newsletter marketing platform) Substack (Quynh mentions this free newsletter platform) Canva (graphic design for newsletters and social content) Drop in Blog (SEO-friendly blog integration) Thinkific (Jessie uses this for learning management platform) Pinterest (search engine for creative businesses) ChatGPT (SEO optimization help) Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. Listen and Subscribe Paper Talk is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! It helps other paper flower artists find our community. Keywords: creative business website, paper artist marketing, small business SEO, building trust online, email marketing for creatives, website platforms for artists, creative entrepreneur tips, online business credibility
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Ep 190: It’s Okay to Walk Away: Margie Keates on Taking a Break from Paper Flowers
Mar 2601:14:36Tap to summarizeShe’s been on the Paper Talk Podcast not once, not twice, but three times now, and for good reason. Margie Keates of The Lovely Ave is one of the paper flower community’s most beloved artists, known for her stunning crepe paper blooms, her gorgeous still life collections, and her warm, genuine presence online. But this episode is different from the ones that came before. In this deeply vulnerable and emotional conversation, Margie shares what happened when the creative fire she had carried for over a decade started to fade and what she decided to do about it. “I kept creating what I thought would sell the fastest, not what I wanted to create because I loved it and was excited about it. And I just got to the end of the year and I’m like, I don’t want to go to work anymore.” - Margie After a year of chasing sales instead of creating from joy, watching her confidence erode with every collection that didn’t land the way it used to, and feeling the slow, painful disconnect from the art she once loved so deeply, Margie made the courageous decision to step away. She closed her shop, took a part-time marketing job at a local clothing company she had modeled for, and gave herself something she had never allowed before: permission to pause. “Who am I when it doesn’t revolve around what I can create? I don’t know yet. But I do know I’m really, really grateful that I get to sit and internally reflect and figure out who I am.” - Margie In This Episode, We Talk About: The slow erosion of creative confidence and how burnout doesn’t always look like what you expect Why Margie only posted six to eight times on Instagram in all of 2025 The rise and fall of her subscription business model, from 70 subscribers at its peak to closing it down How her identity became wrapped up in The Lovely Ave brand and the terrifying question of who she is without it Getting a part-time job after 11 years of full-time artistry and what that transition felt like The overwhelming response from her community when she announced her break (over 100 emails in one day) Considering a rebrand from The Lovely Ave to just Margie Keates Sara’s experience pivoting from bridal accessories to paper flowers after burnout Quynh’s health scare and how it forced her to slow down and reconnect with why she loves paper flowers Jessie’s beautiful reminder that your creative identity follows you into whatever comes next Why using AI as a business tool is something paper flower artists should embrace, not fear Kozo paper: what it is, where to find it, and Quynh’s quest to source it in Japan Finding joy in real flowers, gardening, Pilates, and the simple act of showing strangers your work at a store About Our Guest Margie Keates is the artist and founder behind The Lovely Ave, a Salt Lake City-based paper flower studio known for breathtaking crepe paper blooms and still life wall art. Over 11 years, Margie built a devoted following, a thriving custom order and subscription business, and a reputation as one of the paper flower community’s most inspiring voices. She first appeared on Paper Talk in Season 1, Episode 5, and returned in Season 3, Episode 80, to talk about imposter syndrome. In early 2026, Margie announced she was stepping away from full-time artistry to rediscover herself outside of her creative brand. She currently works part-time in marketing while keeping her studio lease active because she knows this isn’t goodbye. Follow Margie: @thelovelyave on Instagram, www.thelovelyave.com on her website The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Margie: Trader Joe’s flowers Jessie: Pillsbury Grands! Deluxe Cinnamon Rolls with Icing Sara: Trader Joe’s Ranch Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. Listen and Subscribe Paper Talk is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! It helps other paper flower artists find our community. Keywords: paper flower podcast, paper flower artist burnout, creative entrepreneur break, The Lovely Ave, Margie Keates, paper flower business, creative identity, artist mental health, subscription business model, paper flower community, Paper Talk Podcast, creative burnout recovery
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Ep 189: Behind the Lens: How We Photograph and Film Our Paper Flowers
Mar 1200:41:22Tap to summarizeHave you ever wondered how we capture those beautiful shots of our paper flowers? In this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara pull back the curtain on their photography and videography equipment, settings, and creative processes. Sara shares her daily filming routine and why she shoots the same action from multiple angles. Jessie breaks down her camera choices and explains why the person behind the lens matters more than the equipment. And Quynh reveals her favorite affordable tripod and why she upgraded her Canon for her book deal. "Do a B-roll shot list of things that you want to capture because when you're filming, you forget you're thinking you're getting all this." - Quynh Whether you're shooting with an iPhone or investing in professional equipment, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help you showcase your work beautifully. Here’s What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Sara's complete camera setup and why she switched from Canon to Sony The importance of lenses over camera bodies (and which ones to invest in first) How to shoot multiple angles of the same action for dynamic content iPhone camera settings for the highest quality photos and videos Why natural light beats artificial lighting every single time The pre-production process: shot lists, prep work, and planning your day Editing software recommendations: Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Lightroom, and more How to find affordable secondhand camera equipment The best tripods for overhead shots and easy movement Microphone recommendations for clear audio in videos Equipment & Tools Mentioned: Sony cameras (various models) with GM 16-35mm wide angle zoom lens Canon DSLR cameras Fujifilm GFX 50S II (for professional photography) Viltrox 20mm lens (affordable option, around $100) iPhone 16 Pro Max with specific camera settings Rode shotgun and wireless microphones DJI Osmo and DJI wireless remote Greek Geekcraft tripod (extends to 7 feet with magnetic phone mount) Tethering cables for shooting directly to computer Editing Software Mentioned: Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing) Final Cut Pro (video editing for Mac users) Adobe Lightroom (photo editing) Adobe Photoshop (advanced photo editing) Edits app (mobile video editing) Snapseed (mobile photo editing) Capture One (professional photo editing with tethering) 👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Quynh: KraftGeek Magnetic Phone Tripod Jessie: TetherPro USB-C to USB-C Sara: Viltrox 20mm F2.8 Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.
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Ep 188: Finding Your Why Again When Your Art Feels Heavy
Feb 2600:32:55Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the hustle slows down and you're left wondering if you should get a teaching credential instead? In this raw and honest conversation, Quynh, Sara, and Jessie open up about the parts of running a creative business we don't usually talk about: the financial worries, the seasonal doubts, and the struggle to keep going when your energy isn't the same. "I feel like every year it repeats and it always starts in January and sometime in the summer for me when I go through these random moments where I'm like, do I need to go get a part-time job? Do I need to maybe change careers?" - Sara This isn't your typical "boss babe" pep talk. We are three paper artists who've been in business for over a decade, sitting down to have the real conversation about what it takes to sustain a creative life. We talk about the pressure to look perfect on social media while hiding the messy truth, how motherhood changes ambition, and why finding your "why" is the anchor that keeps you from drifting when things get hard. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why January brings existential career questions (and why that's normal) The uncomfortable truth about money conversations in the artist community How to balance motherhood and creative ambition without feeling torn Why your medium isn't your message and what is The power of having people who understand your struggles Writing as a tool for clearing creative space in your mind How to tell if you're moving in the right direction (even when it's not clear) 👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Quynh: You are the Brand by Mike Kim Jessie: Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic by Lisa Congdon Sara: Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. ________________________________________________ JOIN OUR PAPER TALK MASTERMIND! If you've been running your paper business solo and you're tired of figuring out pricing, marketing, and selling alone, then this is for you. The Mastermind is back and we saved you a seat! Starting March 3, we are leading a 6-month Mastermind for paper artists ready to build something sustainable. You'll meet twice a month with us and a small group of paper artists tackling the real stuff: pricing, social media, selling your work, newsletters, and building confidence in your business. We’ll have honest conversations, dive into practical strategies, and be with people who actually understand what you're building. It’s $125/month for 6 months. Pay in full and save $50. Registration closes March 1. 👉 Join the Mastermind now!
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Ep 187: When Beautiful Isn’t Enough: Branding, Identity, and Standing Out as an Artist
Feb 1200:35:08Tap to summarizeIn Episode 187 of Paper Talk, your hosts Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim unpack one of the hardest but most necessary conversations for artists: branding, identity, and growth beyond technical skill. We reflect on what happens when everyone’s work starts to look the same, why burnout often stems from misalignment, and how honest outside feedback can shift everything. We talk about naming our businesses to photographing our work, from showing up consistently to embracing life experience as an asset. “Hard conversations hurt, but they’re usually where the real change starts.” - Sara Whether you’re early in your journey or years in, we hope our conversation offers perspective, encouragement, and a gentle push to evolve your art practice. 👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Quynh: Dungeon Crawler Carl Jessie: Benjamin Moore Paint Colour Samples Sara: Screenprinting workshop Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. ________________________________________________ JOIN OUR PAPER TALK MASTERMIND! If you've been running your paper business solo and you're tired of figuring out pricing, marketing, and selling alone, then this is for you. The Mastermind is back and we saved you a seat! Starting March 3, we are leading a 6-month Mastermind for paper artists ready to build something sustainable. You'll meet twice a month with us and a small group of paper artists tackling the real stuff: pricing, social media, selling your work, newsletters, and building confidence in your business. We’ll have honest conversations, dive into practical strategies, and be with people who actually understand what you're building. It’s $125/month for 6 months. Pay in full and save $50. Registration closes March 1. 👉 Join the Mastermind now!
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Ep 186: The Hand of Nature: Where Floral Mechanics Meet Paper Art with Hitomi Gilliam
Jan 2901:03:12Tap to summarizeIn Episode 186 of Paper Talk, we welcome the incomparable floral designer and educator, Hitomi Gilliam for a deeply thoughtful conversation on floral mechanics, Ikebana, color theory, and what it truly means to make flowers feel alive. Hitomi brings decades of experience in floristry, Ikebana, and teaching to our discussion. In it, she shares how “economy of means” shapes her work, why neutrals like browns and grays quietly hold color stories together, and how mechanics become the bridge between imagination and execution. Together, we explore the powerful overlap between paper flowers and fresh floristry, sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and the idea she calls the “hand of nature.” “Mechanics are the enabler. Without them, the vision stays a sketch.” - Hitomi Gilliam This episode is especially valuable for artists interested in sustainability, Ikebana principles, and designing with intention rather than excess. Learn more about Hitomi on her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! 👉 Join Hitomi and Quynh at their Paper Flower Crown Workshop in April 2026! Sign up before February 15th to get FREE complimentary paper flower supplies. Register here. 👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Quynh: Petite Knit Sophie Hood Pattern Jessie: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Sara: Brown woven scalloped baskets Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs.. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. ------ Join the Conversation! We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.
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Ep 185: To Niche or Not to Niche: Finding Clarity as a Creative
Jan 1500:30:46Tap to summarizeHow niche should you be as a creative? In this episode of Paper Talk Podcast, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim sit down for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about niching down. They reflect on how their businesses have evolved, the challenges of serving multiple audiences, and the clarity that comes from defining who you are truly creating for. “Teaching art and selling art are two very different conversations.” - Jessie Jessie shares her decision to separate her fine art practice from her educational offerings, while Sara reflects on choosing cohesion over complexity within one brand. Together, they discuss branding, price points, audience expectations, and why confusion often leads to disengagement. This episode also offers a glimpse into the kind of real, thoughtful conversations that happen inside the Paper Talk Mastermind. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: What it really means to niche down One brand vs. multiple brands Teaching vs. selling art Audience confusion and clarity Branding consistency The role of feedback and community 👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Quynh: White Plastic Panel Jessie: USB-A to Lightning Charger Cable Sara: Salvo Plant Stand Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs.. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. ------ Join the Conversation! We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.
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Ep 184: Welcome to 2026: Finding Balance Between Art, Business, and Burnout
Jan 100:38:47Tap to summarizeWelcome to 2026! Hosts Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui reflect on the highlights of 2025 and share how they’re approaching the new year with renewed purpose. From their favorite podcast moments to candid conversations about burnout, community, and social media, this episode offers a genuine look at what it means to balance artistry with entrepreneurship. Quynh opens up about personal challenges with her dog Butter’s health and how she’s navigating creative burnout. Sara and Jessie share thoughtful perspectives on how to reconnect with creativity through simple joys, honest reflection, and community support. Together, they explore the evolving world of social media, the importance of defining purpose across platforms, and the grounding power of real connection. “You don’t always have to produce something to feel worthy. Sometimes doing nothing is what you need most.” - Jessie If you’ve ever struggled to find your creative spark again, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: Reflections on our favorite 2025 episodes and lessons we learned How we handle burnout and reconnect with creativity Defining the balance between artist and entrepreneur The evolution of social media and how we use it intentionally Upcoming details on the Paper Talk Mastermind (March 2026 cohort) 👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Quynh: Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag Jessie: Gold Kili Natural Ginger Bag with Lemon Sara: Trader Joe’s Mini Insulated Tote Bag Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs.. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast. ------ Join the Conversation! We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you. Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts. If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.
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