Sometimes we look at BIG WINS for ourselves and others (comparison-itis) and we forget that it was actually a lot of small steps that got us and them~ there.

Unexpectedly my business growth hit a surge of momentum right when this pandemic started here in the states.

And I say "unexpectedly" because while I wholeheartedly expect to grow in the success I envision for myself as an Artist and Creative Business Coach (especially after putting my full intention and focus on learning and up-leveling these past 2 years), but I certainly didn't expect the momentum to hit during such a stressful and yes, I'm going to say it ~ especially uncertain, unprecedented time.

When I photographed these flowers - the arrangement I made during our virtual floral design + painting with Alyssa Van Guilder of Apotheca Flowers - I didn't realize that the title of the beautiful cookbook "Small Victories" by Julia Turshen would be so clearly visible.

Now my new symbol, the arrangement and the photography~a gentle reminder that even in incredibly surreal times, progress can happen.

It can often feel like you're just moving along, slower than you'd like…taking one step in front of the other, and all of a sudden what you've been working towards just clicks into place.

It's a desire and a dedication to accomplishing a whole bunch of "small victories" that lead to those turning points. 

And it's in those turning points when the journey that came before starts to make a whole lot of sense.

If your view of your next step, let alone bigger vision is feeling hazy, especially right now, just a quick note to remind you, you got this. You really do.

And yes, I am seriously considering a side gig as floral designer. 

My newest passion...I heard the L.A. flower market has re-opened…

Happy Mother's Day ❤️

 Today's wish and special podcast episode is dedicated to all the Women who are struggling on their journey to Motherhood.

To all the couples and singles who wish to be parents, and aren't yet sure how their prayer of starting their family will be answered.

You are not alone. I see you, I understand, I celebrate you today.

Today I released part 1 of a new podcast series sharing my personal story with fertility, and my journey to motherhood.

My hope and intention is that by sharing my story, it may provide some support, comfort, encouragement and knowledge for you, or anyone you know who's currently trying to become a parent and finding it harder than they planned.

You are warriors.

 Much love

xo Marisa

You can listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of my Fertility Story below

Hello Friends!

I've been thinking about bringing back the Creative Thursday blog and hello, there's no time like the present.

It feels like the perfect timing since my Art business truly began when I started the practice of daily painting. Creative Thursday was born out of a desire for my creativity when I was working a 9 to 5 job and having just celebrated my 13th year as a Working Artist, I'm feeling the desire to commit to a daily practice again.

In light of global events inspiring so much inward time at home, now is the time.

Want to join me in a movement of making Art and sharing beauty for 30 days? ✨
How are you doing out there? Are you in panic or aware but not afraid. 🖤
I haven’t addressed anything related to the health scare that is happening by choice. If you notice I almost never address mainstream media topics on my social channels, because most of them are wrapped in so much fear, I can't & I won't take it in or spread it.
Every day I am growing in my dedication to a consistent practice of choosing the tone to my day- who and what information I invite into my world. And I am fiercely protective of it. I spent one too many years being reactive instead of proactive. Allowing the outside world to determine my mood and tone of my day is not something I accommodate anymore.
I'm a business owner, an entrepreneur, a human. I've been through cycles, and seasons, wins and losses. I know I am resourceful and that within problems are solutions, possibilities and opportunities for something better to be born.
I jumped on a live video last Thursday and I posted it to IGTV expressing my thoughts on what it means to be an Artist especially during times like these. ❤️
Please never underestimate the value of the gifts that you have as an Artist to share.
Imagine if everyone stopped sharing the beauty they create in all different kinds of expression, what would the world feel like without it.
We need it more than ever. If you are a Maker, and Artist please share your gifts during this time especially ~and if you'd like to join us in a 30 day challenge I invite you to use the hashtag #stockpilebeauty named by Corri Sheff to share your creations with us.
One of the most effective ways I set the tone to my day is through creativity. My business aside, making Art is one of the most important tools I have to feel grounded, find joy and connect with my heart. And to share, with the intention of bringing light and beauty to you today, there's nothing better.
I know in one small way I can make a difference. ❤️

Get ready to reignite your creativity! to feel energized and inspired! to be reminded of your unique gifts, and re-connected to why you chose this brave path as an Artist, and continue to share your work and journey with the world.

I'm telling you now, you're going to LOVE this episode with Artist, Illustrator, Painter, and Mentor, Nicholas Wilton, especially my loyal Creative Thursday listeners ~ keep your art supplies nearby because you're immediately going to want to grab your paint brushes and canvas and make some art.

Be sure to join Nicholas for his free Art Workshop starting February 14th, 2020.

Join the Waitlist for the Free Workshop

Find all things Nicholas Wilton:

https://www.art2life.com

http://www.nicholaswilton.com

on Instagram: @nicholaswilton

The choices in my life that I am the most thankful for are when I didn't wait for the "right time", but instead listened to the call of my dreams and decided it was time.

As I venture forward on what I shared with you in last week's podcast, this is a personal message from me to you.

Join the waitlist for The Creative Outliers, re-opening in October 2019

https://www.creativethursdaycourses.com/creative-outliers-waitlist 

Are you ready? To commit to this life filled with work you love and by work you love ~ I mean working for yourself. No, maybe you're not ready to turn your passion into the self-employed life because it absolutely can also be fulfilled in a job with the best kind of boss, but if you are ready to take your work into your own hands? then this episode is for you! As you can imagine, this conversation is much deeper than a podcast episode but these 4 tips will kickstart your commitment.

Join me next Thursday to take the conversation further

"How to Grow Your Income so that You will Have More Time to Make your Art" creativethursdaycourses.com/moreincome

Get your pen and paper ready, because you're going to want to take notes, and listen back a couple of times. Alina generously shares what became more than a podcast episode, but a Class on Marketing and Finding Your Right Customers. This episode may dramatically change your perspective on Marketing. How you market your business will never be the same.

Join me today, 3 pm PT, for my very first Creative Roundtable and Masterclass "Finding Your Right Customers" where Alina is my special guest.

http://bit.ly/creative-roundtable

Today, March 28, is the LAST day to join us in the Creative Outliers 

http://bit.ly/thecreativeoutliers 

You can find all things Alina at

Alina.work 

Listening to this episode will not only make you want to be a better business owner, artist, and designer, but you'll want to be a better human. Ashley's story will inspire you in so many ways, especially reminding all of us to step out of our bubbles and experience the world with more compassion. I know you are going to love my conversation with Ashley G and the story of her new venture Shop Poirier.

You can find all things Ashley G. and Shop Poirier here

www.ashleygoldberg.com

www.shoppoirier.com

@ashleygoldberg

@shoppoirier

Today, 3/7/19 I'm celebrating 12 years of making a living as a working artist! In this episode, I share more of the story behind the significance of this day, what lead me to that moment of making a consistent living with my art, plus my 7 best lessons, tips, and advice for growing a sustainable creative business.  

No More Excuses! "Cue the Confetti!!!!" Join me for a special conversation (and celebration of the 100th Creative Thursday episode!) with Illustrator and Designer Helen Dardik. One of my very first podcast guests, Helen returns to catch up on life, creativity and work 11 years later. She shares her secrets to success on life as a Working Artist, from how your tribe will find you, what it takes to grow a huge Instagram following, why it's not only about talent, why you MUST show your work even if you're scared and why being slightly discontent leads to you to more happiness.

This episode is brought to you by Helen and my Painting Workshop coming to Los Angeles this December; Opera Florals and Character Blues. Join us for one day or the whole weekend.

http://bit.ly/helenmarisapaint

You can find all things Helen Dardik 

@helen_dardik