In this episode UK-based artist Kristi Kazar shares how leaving a corporate consulting career after burnout led her to rebuild her life through art. Now a mixed-media painter and mother of two, Kristi creates symbolic works inspired by nature, identity, and the life lessons that shape us.

In this conversation, Kristi opens up about balancing motherhood with building a creative business, the unseen work behind becoming an artist, and the inspiration behind her Book of Life Lessons paintings.

We explore:

• Leaving a corporate consulting career after burnout
• Balancing motherhood with building an art practice
• The “unseen work” that happens before success becomes visible
• Finding meaning and inspiration in everyday life and nature
• Creating her Book of Life Lessons series
• Building connection with collectors through storytelling and social media

Key Quotes
“You didn’t come this far just to come this far.”
“Art forces you to slow down and reflect in a world that moves too fast.”

Connect with Kristi:
Website: https://kristikazar.com
Instagram: @kristikazar

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

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/

In this inspiring episode, I chat with the incredible Yosymar Vásquez, an artist, teacher, and certified instructor in sacred geometry and numerology. Yosymar shares how her journey with mandalas began during a challenging time in her life and evolved into a powerful creative and healing practice.

Yosymar is the creator of Vivencia del Mandala, a program that guides students from beginners to advanced levels in mandala painting within 90 days. Combining sacred geometry, numerology, and the meditative art of mandalas, Yosymar has helped countless people reduce stress, spark creativity, and uncover profound self-discoveries.

We explore:

• How mandalas can be a meditative and transformative creative outlet.
• The fascinating connection between sacred geometry, numerology, and personal growth.
• How art can foster healing and create lasting positive change.
• Practical advice for balancing creativity, life, and purpose.

If you're curious about the deeper meaning behind mandalas and their potential to change lives, this episode is not to be missed.

Discover more about Yosymar by visiting her at:

• Website: dotmandalasforfun.com
• Instagram: @dotmandalasforfun

You can find Sanchia Marshall at:

Visit artbysanchia.com to see art

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

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

In this episode, dive into the emotive and inspiring world of Carmel Jenkin, a talented artist whose journey has been defined by resilience and a deep connection to her craft. Carmel’s work captures the beauty and struggle of the female form, exploring themes of vulnerability and strength through her drawings and paintings.

Carmel’s creative path began during a challenging period in high school, and her art became a refuge as she navigated loss and personal growth. Over the years, her journey has evolved through art school, motherhood, exhibitions, and adapting to the ever-changing digital landscape.

In this conversation, Carmel reflects on the emotional connection to her art, the impact of stolen works, and how she balances creating while navigating life’s demands. She also shares her love-hate relationship with social media, the importance of finding your own style, and how she approaches the challenges and joys of being an artist.

Join us as we explore Carmel’s story of persistence, creativity, and the power of art to heal and inspire.

Discover more about Carmel by visiting her at:

• Website: carmeljenkin.com
• Instagram: @carmeljenkin

You can find Sanchia Marshall at:

Visit artbysanchia.com to see art

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

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

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Patrick Devonas, a classically trained artist whose work focuses on themes of suffering and the human condition. Together, we explore how embracing the darker, more difficult parts of life can elevate the creative process and lead to profound artistic insights.

Patrick shares his personal journey through art, from studying the old masters to integrating his own experiences with suffering into his work. We also discuss the role of storytelling, how vulnerability fuels creativity, and why facing hardship can ultimately lead to greater meaning in both life and art. This conversation is raw, reflective, and a testament to the transformative power of art.

About Patrick Devonas:
Patrick Devonas is an artist and sculptor deeply rooted in classical art traditions. His paintings often reflect themes of myth, suffering, and the search for beauty amidst life's challenges. Drawing from his experiences with Jungian psychology, Patrick’s work transcends simple aesthetics to explore deeper emotional and philosophical questions. He has been featured in exhibitions worldwide and is known for his striking ability to capture the human condition in its rawest form.

What We Cover:

• Patrick's background and his artistic influences
• How suffering and beauty are intertwined in his work
• The role of vulnerability in the creative process
• Insights into his techniques and storytelling approach
• How Patrick views the connection between mythology and modern life
• Overcoming artistic challenges and staying authentic in one's work

Discover more about Patrick and his work by visiting:

• https://www.patrickdevonas.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/patrickdevonas

You can find Sanchia Marshall at:

Visit artbysanchia.com to see art

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

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

In this episode, step into the beautiful world of Frederike, an artist, storyteller, and adventurer who finds inspiration in the magic of everyday moments. As the creator behind ‘A Traveler of Worlds,’ she explores both the physical and emotional landscapes of life, capturing them through her unique art, photography, and thought-provoking videos.

Frederike transitioned from a bustling city to the tranquil Norwegian countryside, fulfilling a long-held dream. This beautiful change rejuvenated her spirit, providing a fresh perspective that fuels her creativity and personal growth. Her work is deeply influenced by her love for nature, the universe, and the unseen connections that weave through all our experiences. Her journey revolves around embracing vulnerability and curiosity, whether she’s painting the beauty of the natural world, sharing personal stories, or delving into spiritual reflections.

Currently, Frederike is focused on expanding her artistic expressions through her YouTube channel, where she invites her audience to explore creativity, mindfulness, and the mysteries of the universe. Each video blends visual storytelling, introspection, and inspiration, encouraging viewers to find beauty in their own lives.

When she's not creating, Frederike enjoys immersing herself in nature, reading poetry, or simply sitting under a starry sky, pondering the vastness of it all.

Join us as we explore her journey, using sensitivity as a superpower and her love for creating videos and growing a YouTube channel. Together, we discuss the beauty in hardships and embracing the synchronicity of your unique path.

Discover more about Frederike by visiting her at:

• YouTube: Frederike’s Channel
• Instagram: @atravelerofworlds
• Discord: Join Frederike's Community

You can find Sanchia Marshall at:

• Visit artbysanchia.com to see art
• Join the newsletter: http://artbysanchia.com/newsletter