Artist and paintmaker Connie Vartiainen shares how a simple curiosity about making her own paints transformed into Shimmer Drops Paint, a thriving business creating handmade watercolors with mesmerizing shimmer and colour-shift effects. From thirteen years as an art teacher to full-time entrepreneur and mum, Connie opens up about the experimental process, balancing motherhood with business, and staying authentic online.

We explore:

• How discovering watercolour after her first child sparked a creative revolution
• The technical magic of working with automotive pigments in watercolour
• Transitioning from teaching to full-time paint making during COVID
• Her quarterly subscription boxes with exclusive, limited-edition colours
• Why AI shouldn't take away what makes us human
• Building community online without showing your face

Key Quotes:
"I was testing one evening and saying to my husband, 'Oh my God, this is so good. This paint is so good. It's so buttery and smooth.' I was not expecting it to be that good because I thought if it doesn't turn out well, I might just give it to the kids. But I was like, 'Oh no, I'm keeping this as mine.'"

"Just make it exist first and then make it good later. You've got to go through that ugly stage."

Connect with Connie:
Website: shimmerdropspaint.com
Instagram: @shimmerdropspaint

More from Sanchia: artbysanchia.com | Newsletter | @artbysanchia

In this episode I get to sit down with the amazing Kim Morrison. She is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, former elite athlete, aromatherapist, coach, and the founder of Twenty8 Essentials. Kim has such a grounded, real-talk way about her. She opens up about her journey, from a tough childhood, to setting a world record in ultra-marathon running, to building a wellness brand straight from the heart.

In this conversation, Kim shares:

• Her personal story of resilience and triumph over trauma
• How she fell in love with aromatherapy and oils
• Why she started her own brand instead of joining MLM companies
• The importance of daily rituals and how they support mental health
• Her honest take on success, burnout, self-worth, and energy management
• Why movement, nature, and strength training are non-negotiables for vitality
• How to reconnect with your passion when you arefeeling lost
• Practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, and overwhelm
• What it really means to stay in your lane and live in alignment with your values

Standout Quotes:
"Life doesn't happen to you. It happens through you."
"Your body is not your enemy. It's your best friend trying to talk to you."
"There’s no such thing as work-life balance. There are just seasons, and we navigate them with intention."
"You can't be vital and creative if you're not taking care of your physical body."

Discover more about Kim by visiting her at:

• Website: www.kimmorrison.com
• Aromatherapy & Self-Care Products: www.twenty8.com
• Performance Nutrition: www.blackcurrantperformance.com
• Instagram: @kimmorrison_28
• Podcast: Self Love Podcast (check out my guest appearance on Episode 304)

You can find Sanchia Marshall at:

Visit artbysanchia.com to see art or listen to more episodes

Join the newsletter: http://artbysanchia.com/newsletter

Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbysanchia/

This episode features California-based artist Rachel McDaniel, the creative behind RMarie Artistry. Rachel shares how her artistic path has unfolded—from childhood competitions to college critiques, through the challenges of corporate life, motherhood, grief, and rediscovery. With honesty and warmth, she opens up about how art became both a lifeline and a joyful calling.

We chat about her transition from calligraphy to landscapes, navigating commissions, staying grounded through movement and humour, and her spiritual connection to creativity. Whether you’re an artist, a parent, or someone craving a more meaningful creative life, Rachel’s story will inspire you to trust the slow unfolding of your own path.

Listen in as we explore:

• Why Rachel returned to art after becoming a mum

• How grief and anxiety reshaped her creative journey

• Building a business through commissions and trust

• Balancing humour, vulnerability, and professionalism on social media

• Her love for creating meaningful, personal art

• Reclaiming identity beyond motherhood

Discover more about Rachel by visiting:

• Website: http://rmarieartistry.etsy.com/
• Instagram: @rmarie.artistry

You can find Sanchia Marshall at:

Visit artbysanchia.com to see art or listen to more episodes

Join the newsletter: http://artbysanchia.com/newsletter

Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbysanchia/