Standout Creatives: Business, marketing, and creativity tips for solopreneurs launching their ideas
Kevin Chung
Recent Episodes
What if the story you’ve been holding onto is the one someone else has been waiting to hear?
Marc Cordon and I had a great conversation about the upcoming Book Summit. It will be a creative space built for writers, not-yet-writers, and anyone who feels a tug to put their story into the world. If you’ve ever felt like your experiences aren’t “big enough,” or you’re nervous about sharing something personal, this conversation might shift something for you.
We talk about why storytelling is such a powerful form of liberation, how writing in community can dissolve fear, and why personal stories, especially the ones about transition, liminality, and rebirth, resonate universally.
We also dig into the anthology we’re creating together, the therapeutic nature of writing, and the collaborative energy that makes this summit feel different from anything else.
This episode is an invitation to stop waiting for permission and start exploring the story that’s already living inside you.
If you are interested in coming to the Book Summit. It is this Saturday December 13th at 1pm ET. You can read all about it here.
Highlights
Stories are a form of freedom
Writing isn’t just an art. It’s a way to reclaim your voice.
“Books, storytelling… that’s the new form of freedom and liberation.”
Everyone is a storyteller (even if you don’t believe it yet)
You don’t need a title to begin. You only need curiosity.
“Everybody is a writer and a storyteller.”
Community makes your writing stronger
When you share in a circle, something shifts in you and in the people listening.
“The fact that we can all hear and experience these stories together is what really makes it powerful.”
Feedback forms connection
When people lean in to your story, you can feel it.
“It’s really cool to see people at the edge of their seats leaning forward when it comes to you and your story.”
Specific stories create universal resonance
The more personal you get, the more people see themselves in your words.
“The more specific you are… the more people will say, I see myself in your story.”
Creation is a transformation
Something magical happens when you start with nothing and end with something only you could have made.
“There’s an ebullience that happens when you leave with something you created.”
Closing Reflection
If you’ve been telling yourself you’re not a writer… consider this your gentle interruption.
You don’t need a polished story.
You don’t need a plan.
You just need a spark.
And if you’re feeling that nudge, the Book Summit and the Story Circle are the places to explore it. These spaces are designed to help you uncover your voice, shape your story, and feel supported every step of the way.
If you’re curious about writing a book someday… come.
If you want to share a personal story but don’t know where to start… come.
If you want community, feedback, and a little creative courage… come.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Let’s see what unfolds when you step into a room where your story is already welcome.
Links
What if the thing that makes you feel “different” in business is actually the thing that makes you magnetic?
In this special conversation, I sit down with Aicila from the Business as Unusual, where we talked about what it’s like to build a business as an introvert. If you’ve ever felt drained by networking, overwhelmed by visibility, or unsure how to show up without feeling fake… this one will feel like a deep exhale.
We talk about what it really means to be an introverted creative in a world that wants you to be “on” all the time. The pressure. The awkwardness. The energy dips.
But also the parts we don’t talk about enough: the power of authenticity, the ease that comes from true connection, and how collaboration can actually give introverts energy when it’s rooted in trust.
This episode is an invitation to stop forcing yourself into strategies that don’t fit, and to start building your creative business in a way that feels like you.
Highlights
You’re not broken — you’re wired differently, and that’s a strength
Many creatives are introverts, and the business world wasn’t built with you in mind.
“Creatives are often introverts.” — Aicila
Authenticity makes networking tolerable — even enjoyable
When you stop performing, conversations get easier.
“Authenticity leads to genuine connections.” — Aicila
Relationships matter more than the transaction
Networking isn’t a sales funnel — it’s a human one.
“Networking isn't just about sales.” — Kevin
Energy awareness is a form of self-trust
You get to honor your limits without apologizing for them.
“Energy management is crucial.” — Aicila
Collaboration doesn’t have to drain you
When you’re with the right people, co-creation feels nourishing.
“Co-creation fulfills introverts.” — Aicila
Your lived experience is your creative advantage
AI can help, but it can’t replace your perspective.
“AI lacks the human touch.” — Kevin
Authenticity lands because it’s human
When you show up as yourself, your work resonates more deeply.
“Presence enhances creative impact.” — Kevin
Real success is built on reciprocity
Positive, generous relationships carry you further than any strategy.
“Positive relationships drive success.” — Kevin
Closing Reflection
If you’ve ever felt like you had to push, perform, or “be more extroverted” to succeed… this conversation is your permission slip to stop.
You just need to learn how you work best and build from there.
If you want support creating a book or creative business that honors your energy, I'm here to help. Sign up for a free consultation at TheStandoutCreatives.com.
Let’s build something that feels true to you.
What if growing your business didn’t require grinding harder, but actually slowing down, tending to your nervous system, and building something that feels human and sustainable?
Heidi Weiland is a holistic business coach and strategist who went from burned-out freelance web designer to someone helping entrepreneurs blend smart strategy with real self-care.
Her work sits at the intersection of nervous system support, authentic marketing, and human-centered business.
In this episode, she shares the turning points, hard lessons, and gentle reminders that helped her rebuild her business from the inside out.
From Burnout to Real Balance
Heidi’s story starts where so many creative businesses hit a wall: doing everything, being everything, and pretending it’s fine until it isn’t. Burnout pushed her into yoga, deep self-care, and eventually a whole new way of supporting clients.
“I got to a point where I was just so burned out. I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
Try this: Check in with your body before you check in with your to-do list.
Bonus: List three tasks draining your energy right now. What can be paused, delegated, or simplified?
Human-Centered Business Isn’t Optional
For Heidi, business work is human work. Your energy, your nervous system, your values are all the foundations.
“Business should be human-centered. We are the foundation of everything we do.”
Try this: Before taking on a new project, ask: Does this support the version of me I’m becoming?
Bonus: Rewrite one boundary that needs strengthening in your business.
Authenticity as the Strategy
One of my favorite things about Heidi is how simple she makes authenticity feel. It's not a branding exercise or a persona. It's just… you.
“I’m me and that’s enough. That’s great, actually.”
Try this: Notice a moment today where you filtered yourself. How would it feel to soften that filter?
Bonus: Share something real with your audience this week: a story, a lesson, a moment.
Blending Smart Strategy with Nervous System Support
Heidi’s approach is part intuitive, part tactical. She’ll talk funnels, then ask what your body is telling you. She’ll map your plan, then help you regulate so you can actually follow through.
“Blend strategy with nervous system support.”
Try this: Before planning your week, take three deep breaths and let your shoulders drop.
Bonus: Choose one strategic task and break it into the smallest next step. Your body will thank you.
Energy + Task Alignment
This is where so many creatives get stuck. You can do the work. But should you?
“What is sucking your energy? Are there tasks outside your zone of genius that we can shift?”
Try this: Highlight everything in your business: green for energizing, yellow for neutral, red for draining.
Bonus: Delegate or delete just one red task this week.
Relationships, Referrals, and Being a Real Human
Heidi builds her business the same way she lives her life—through genuine connection.
“Referrals are just what I call being in the world.”
Try this: Reach out to one person you appreciate in your creative circle.
Bonus: Share your work in one community space where you already feel comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Burnout is often the doorway to a more honest business.
- Human-centered business leads to sustainable growth.
- Authenticity is your greatest marketing strategy.
- Your nervous system matters as much as your strategy.
- Alignment comes from knowing what energizes you.
- Relationships build stronger businesses than algorithms ever will.
Ready to Grow Your Business Without Burning Out?
Heidi’s journey is such a good reminder that you don’t have to choose between success and self-care. You can build something meaningful, aligned, and fully yours without sacrificing your wellbeing.
If you’re ready to grow your creative business with more clarity and ease, book a free strategy session at TheStandoutCreatives.com. Let’s make your business feel more like you.
What if finding your creative voice wasn’t about adding more to your plate, but about slowing down, listening inward, and allowing yourself to realign with what feels true?
Britta Buchanan is the founder of Aligned and Undefined, where she helps spiritually conscious creatives reconnect with their authentic voice and creative flow.
After leaving her career as an elementary school teacher, Britta began guiding others through Human Design and the Akashic Records, helping them align with their soul’s blueprint and create from a place of authenticity and ease.
In this episode, Britta shares her journey of transition, transformation, and learning to trust her intuition—plus what it means to see creativity not just as something you do, but as a way of being.
The Power of Transition and Transformation
Britta talks about leaving behind a career that no longer fit and stepping into entrepreneurship with an open heart. For her, it wasn’t a sudden leap—it was a series of small, honest realizations.
“I always knew it wasn’t going to be a lifelong thing for me.”
Try this: Reflect on an area of your life or business that feels like it’s shifting. What truth are you ready to admit to yourself?
Bonus idea: Write down one small step that would bring you closer to what feels more aligned.
Creativity as a Way of Being
Britta believes creativity isn’t limited to art—it’s how we think, connect, and move through life.
“Creativity is a way of being, it’s a way of thinking.”
Try this: Approach your next decision or conversation like an act of creation. What’s possible if you treat it as a canvas?
Bonus idea: Start a short daily ritual—five minutes to sketch, write, or simply imagine freely.
Aligning with Your Soul’s Blueprint
Using Human Design and the Akashic Records, Britta helps people understand who they are at their core.
“Human Design is really great for that, but so are the records.”
Try this: Look up your Human Design type or journal about what alignment feels like in your body.
Bonus idea: When something feels off, pause and ask, “What would feel lighter right now?”
Living with Authenticity
At the heart of Britta’s work is the belief that when you show up as yourself, you naturally attract what—and who—is meant for you.
“When you show up as you, you attract the people that are for you.”
Try this: Notice moments where you filter yourself out of fear. What would it look like to speak or create from full authenticity instead?
Bonus idea: Reach out to someone who sees the real you and thank them for holding that space.
Quick Recap
- Change starts with honesty and self-trust.
- Creativity isn’t something you do—it’s something you are.
- Alignment begins when you listen to your own energy.
- Authenticity attracts the right people and opportunities.
Ready to Explore Your Own Alignment?
Britta shows that your creative path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You just need to come home to yourself and create from there.
If you’re ready to take your own creative business to the next level—without losing yourself along the way—book a free strategy session with me.
Let’s make your next chapter feel aligned, grounded, and uniquely yours.
What if the secret to impactful design isn’t talent or aesthetics, but responsibility to your community, the planet, and the people you’re building for?
As the co-founder of Reny, a certified B Corp agency, Ben Rennie has built his career around using design as a force for impact. The agency now works with global brands like Patagonia, Google, and Nike. But that wasn’t the starting line.
Ben started as a self-taught designer, shaping his craft over time while developing a worldview anchored in responsibility, sustainability, and community.
From Grassroots to Global Reach
What began as a personal practice turned into a studio and eventually, a full-scale agency operating on a global level. Reny didn’t grow because it chased trends. It grew because it stayed grounded in purpose, credibility, and long-term thinking.
Ben learned early on that visibility matters but alignment matters more. The work had to stand for something.
“Design should make you feel something or change something.”
Actionable Insight: Start with a clear vision, but be willing to evolve. Consistency over time is what creates traction in creative businesses.
Bonus: Spend 10 minutes today identifying one small creative habit you can repeat weekly. Pick something so simple you can’t avoid doing it.
Creative Control as a Business Strategy
A big part of Reny’s staying power comes from creative autonomy. Instead of relying on outside permission or gatekeepers, Ben built the platform around ownership: of ideas, of impact, and of the process itself.
That choice wasn’t just aesthetic. It was strategic.
“Design isn’t just about things that look good. It’s about the impact they make.”
When you control the work, you control the integrity.
Actionable Insight: Identify one area of your creative process where you can step into full ownership even if it makes you uncomfortable.
Bonus: Look up one independent designer or creative studio you admire and note how they control their platform.
Building a Brand People Notice
Work this intentional doesn’t spread by accident. Rennie put in the reps through strategic marketing, community-building, positioning, storytelling, and showing up where the right audience gathers.
Actionable Insight: Commit to being visible. Start small: post, publish, share, and see what resonates.
Bonus: Engage with at least 5 people in your audience this week. Not “posting at them” but actually interacting with them.
Balancing Work While Building the Vision
None of this happened overnight. There were years where the agency grew in the margins — nights, early mornings, pockets of time between responsibilities. Creative entrepreneurship is a long game, and Ben understood that early.
“It’s a long-ass marathon, not a sprint.”
That mindset of patience + forward motion became their competitive advantage.
Actionable Insight: Block out a small, consistent window of creation each week.
Bonus: Use a single 20–30 minute session to plan your one creative priority for the week.
What Ben’s Journey Teaches Us
- Passion might start the work, but persistence finishes it.
- Design is both a craft and a lever for change.
- Creative control requires boundaries and leadership.
- Brand recognition is earned through consistency and clarity.
- Growth comes from being visible, not waiting to be discovered.
Bringing It All Together
Ben didn’t wait for permission. He built his own lane — project by project, conversation by conversation, collaboration by collaboration. His story is proof that you don’t have to jump early to land big. You just have to stay committed long enough for your work to matter.
Want help growing your own creative business?
If you’ve been sitting on an idea: a creative project, a business, a new direction, but don't know where to start, I'm offering a free strategy session to help get you on track.
Just sign up at TheStandoutCreative.com