hello soul, hello biz contributors!

Beth and I are thrilled to announce the amazing people who will be contributing to The Business Soul Sessions e-course (Starts soon!). They are highly influential business and thought leaders, but most importantly they're just real people running successful businesses that are thriving both in soul and profit. Each contributor offers invaluable insights and advice in the e-course by way of juicy audio discussions, interviews, and contributions to mini masterclasses on effective strategies when it comes all things thoughtful (creative thinking, innovation, personal soul missions, business culture, and more) AND practical (marketing, PR, money, pricing, time management, income streams, longevity, and more).

I have been blown away by their contributions and CANNOT wait to share with our students their wisdom, their insights, their knowledge and their humor.  Take a look at who's in (pinch me!):

Jo Packham , publisher of Where Women Create

Jo Packham, the creator/Editor-in-Chief of Where Women Create, has been a leading innovator in the handmade publishing market for more than 30 years. A successful entrepreneur with her own publishing company, WWC PRESS (an imprint of Sterling Publishing), she is currently partnering with Stampington & Company to produce the best selling magazines: Where Women Create — Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women, and Where Women Cook, The Heart & Soul of Cooking. Jo has personally authored more than 40 titles, including her best selling titles: Where Women Create, Where Women Create: Book of Inspiration, Where Women Cook: Celebrations which features 25 of the country's top chefs, and soon to be released, Where Women Create: Book of Organization. Jo is co-founder of The Creative Connection Event.

Stacy Julian, founder of Big Picture Classes

Stacy Julian is life enthusiast, a recognized leader in the scrapbooking industry and the visionary founder of Big Picture Classes. The author of several books and the founding editor of Simple Scrapbooks magazine (2002 - 2009), Stacy is a passionate and sought-after speaker and trainer, presenting across the nation and abroad. Stacy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University and is a certified professional teacher with the Craft and Hobby Association. Stacy is married to Geoff and together they are the parents of five children. They are at home in Spokane, Washington. Visit stacyjulian.com to learn more about Stacy's crazy life.

Tim Jahnigen, founder of One World Futbol, inventor, music producer, lyricist

One World Futbol co-inventor Tim Jahnigen has a long track record as a creative problem solver. He has created and developed systems and technologies with patents pending in a diverse range of industries, from construction and banking to science and medicine. Recently, Tim created, co-developed, and pioneered the first infrared warming and therapy systems for animals for scientific and surgical applications as well as for the home. This award-winning technology is being used in labs, universities, hospitals, and homes from Singapore to Paris, at the National Institutes for Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. military to improve procedures, outcomes, and humane practices. Tim, an award-winning lyricist and music producer, is one of the producers of Sting's bi-annual Concert for the Rain Forest at Carnegie Hall. For the last nine years, he has also been a songwriting partner to multi-Grammy Award winning producer, songwriter, and musician Narada Michael Walden.

Dave  Kiersznowski, Co-founder/owner of DEMDACO

Dave is founder and co-owner (with his wife, Demi) of DEMDACO, a wholesale gift company founded in 1997, headquartered just outside Kansas City, and best known for its Willow Tree line of inspirational sculptures. After receiving a bachelor's in manufacturing engineering from Boston University, Dave earned an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. His more than 20 years of involvement in the gift industry includes experience in wholesale, direct selling, and Asia-based sourcing and production. He and Demi, parents of three, serve on the boards of various arts and educational organizations.

Lilla Rogers, founder of Lilla Rogers Studio

Lilla Rogers steers the ship at Lilla Rogers Studio, an international art agency representing 38 artists in textile, apparel, gift, housewares, editorial, children's books, advertising, etc.  Clients include Crate & Barrel, Blue Q, Poketo, IKEA, Target, Warner Bros., New York Times, Levi's, Godiva, Barneys New York, and hundreds of others. She has lectured internationally at venues such as ICON: the Illustration Conference, Printsource NY, the Creative Connection Event, colleges and corporations, and is frequently interviewed for her expertise as an agent, trendsetter, and artist. She has just launched her newest business:  Ruby Violet by Lilla Rogers, a 100-sku craft line for Prima Marketing which consists of a delightful colorfest of vintage-kooky jewelry kits, rubberstamps, scrapbooking papers, cuffs, and amazing embellishments.

Nancy Soriano, editorial strategist

Nancy Soriano is an editorial strategist who has worked in media and publishing for 20 years. A sought-out expert, speaker, and consultant, Nancy embodies the female American consumer and how she lives her life. Nancy was the editor in chief of Country Living Magazine for 10 years, with a monthly circulation of 1.6 million readers, where she built the magazine into a multi-platform brand to include branded books, the Country Living Fair, licensed home furnishings, special interest publications, Country Living broadcast specials with A+E, DIY Network and the Style Network, and digital. She then went on to co-found, The Creative Connection Event, a 3-day crafting and social media extravaganza. Recently, Nancy was Community Leader|Publishing Director for Craft @ F+W Media where she acquired new talent for books while transforming a traditional book business and experience into online communities of ecommerce, flash sale site, online learning and communities, events, and ebooks. She is a frequent guest on Good Morning America and Martha Stewart Sirius Radio as well as a speaker at Etsy and VK Live where she outlines the process of launching a creative business based on your passion and how to take that business to the next level. Today, Nancy consults on content creation, editorial strategy, community building, business and product development, social media marketing and e-commerce for media and design companies. An avid home cook who can usually be found baking in her kitchen weekend mornings and preparing for Sunday night dinner with family and friends, Nancy lives with her husband, son, and dog Violet in a 1924 Tudor Cottage.

Jennifer Louden, author

Jen Louden is a personal growth pioneer who help launch the self-care movement with her first book The Woman's Comfort Book. She's the author of five more books on well-being and personal wisdom that have inspired more than a million women in 9 languages. Jen has been a regular columnist for Body & Soul magazine, a radio show host on Martha Stewart's network, and a spokeswoman for companies like Real Networks and SC Johnson, and sat on Orpah's couch.  She mentors creative people who want to change the world to get on with it. She believes self-love + world-love = wholeness for all. Visit Jen at http://JenniferLouden.com.



Tracey Clark, photographer, author, teacher, and the founder of Shutter Sisters

Tracey Clark is a photographer, author, teacher, and the founder of Shutter Sisters, the online collaborative photo blog for women who love taking pictures. With a creative career spanning 20 years, Tracey brings her experience, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to everything she does; from shooting to writing to speaking and teaching. Tracey guides women on their own photographic journeys through her many classes at Big Picture Classes and has written three books; Expressive Photography: A Shutter Sisters Guide to Shooting From the Heart (Focal Press), Waiting for Baby , and Baby of Mine (Chronicle Books). Her fourth title Elevate the Everyday, a Photographic Guide to Picturing Motherhood (Focal Press) is due out in Spring 2012. Discover more at www.traceyclark.com.



Ingrid Liss, Creative Director for Demdaco

Ingrid Liss is currently the Creative Director for Demdaco, a leading wholesale company specializing in giftware, holiday and home décor.  With an emphasis on 'lifting the spirit', the Demdaco everyday giftware and Silvestri holiday brands bring unique artistry and meaningful products to market.  Ingrid directs the combined efforts of leading independent licensed artists as well as a talented in-house staff of designers and product developers. Working in partnership with craftsmen and factories overseas, Ingrid helps facilitate the interpretation of artists' designs for manufacture and importing.   Formerly the Vice President of Design and Trend for Midwest of Cannon Falls, Ingrid brings over 20 years of industry experience in product development to her position. Ingrid is also the busy mom of two beautiful teenage girls who keep her laughing and on her toes.

Willo O'Brien, founder of WilloToons

Willo O'Brien has made a career out of creativity. As an artist, entrepreneur, social supercollider, and self-described geek for over a decade, Willo has a passion for empowering fellow creatives. Willo shares her expertise advising startups, coaching creative small business owners and speaking at events around the country. In 2011, she premiered WilloToons Connect, a video series featuring fellow successful artists whose craft has evolved into a business. With an emphasis on self-care at every stage, the goal is to empower people to find and follow their passion, while creating the business of their dreams and successfully balancing the two.

Melody Ross, Co-Founder of Brave Girls Club, instructor of SOUL RESTORATION online courses

Melody Ross is one of the most well-known names in the art and design community. From her original company, Chatterbox, to her current endeavors with Brave Girls Club, Melody has always been known for her unique, soulful art; her positivity in the face of adversity; her hard-earned wisdom; and her loving, free spirit. In 1997, at the age of 25 started a worldwide product design & publishing business called Chatterbox, where she authored and published 15 books, manufactured and sold thousands of products that have become collectors items, and won countless awards for product innovation. In 2009, Melody stepped away from Chatterbox to start Brave Girls Club, a worldwide organization that combines art with life skills to help women create the lives they want to live.  Melody also now licenses several product lines in arts and crafts, books and now home decor including an extensive gift line with Demdaco and a new fabric line with Blend.

Liv Lane, founder of Choosing Beauty, Inc

Liv Lane uses her creative superpowers to illuminate the good in every day while helping women ignite their passions and purpose. Liv believes we were all born to shine; with a unique combination of business expertise and uncanny intuition, she lovingly mentors women who long to light up their lives. Emerging from a three-year struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and severe postpartum depression, Liv started her Choosing Beauty blog in 2006. Orginally created as a personal healing project, it quickly gained a global following, generating enough opportunities and creative adrenaline to catapult Liv out of her comfy corporate PR gig and into the full-time, soul-stirring adventure of crafting an artful life – working as a blogger, speaker, mixed media artist, broadcaster and creative consultant for crazy-cool clients ranging from blossoming bloggers to behemoth brands. Liv also has extensive expertise in radio; she spent nearly 10 years on-air {both locally and nationally} and created a successful radio promotions company in 2003 that continues to serve hundreds of radio stations and major U.S. consumer brands. In early 2011, she launched the How To Build a Blog You Truly Love e-course. Liv lives in Minnesota with her husband Brad, their two young boys, one crazy dog and an army of invisible angels.



Jessica Swift, artist + designer

Jessica Swift is a full-time artist and surface pattern designer (a one-woman show!) who believes that our childhood dreams and obsessions are the key to knowing the work we're meant to do as adults.  She remembers creating posters as a kid, filling large bubble letters with vibrant, hand-drawn patterns and decorating every surface she could get her hands on. Twenty some years later, Jessica's childhood fascination with color and pattern continues. From licensed products to objects made in her own studio, Jessica's eponymous brand of surface designs and vibrant gift/home products is centered around her daring use of color and quirky & fun pattern sense. Her aim? To elicit happiness, play, and light-heartedness in the world through her work. Jessica grew up in Boulder, Colorado, earned a BFA from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and 2 cats. Her work can be seen on her website: http://www.jessicaswift.com, in her etsy shop: http://www.jessgonacha.etsy.com, and on her blog: http://www.jessicaswift.com/treasuring/.



Susannah Conway, photographer, writer and the creator of the Unravelling e-courses. 

Susannah Conway is a photographer, writer and the creator of the wildly popular Unravelling e-courses. She holds a HND in photography and a first-class degree in journalism, and spent many years in London working as a journalist before her world shattered with the sudden death of her partner in 2005. Returning to the south coast to heal in solitude, Susannah rediscovered her true calling though her passion for photography and writing; setting up her own photography business in 2007 she began teaching self-awareness workshops locally that used the camera as a tool for healing, drawing on everything she'd learned on her grief journey. That class evolved into the Unravelling e-course — launched in January 2009 — soon followed by a sequel, Living in My World in 2010 and her newest offering, Photo Meditations, in 2011. To date her courses have attracted over 3,000 participants from 40 countries around the world. A Polaroid addict and very proud aunt, her first book, This I Know: Notes on Unraveling the Heart (Globe Pequot Press), launches in June 2012. Co-author of Instant Love: How to Make Magic and Memories with Polaroids (Chronicle Books, 2012), she helps women reconnect to their true selves, using photography as the key to open the door. You can read more about her shenanigans on her blog at SusannahConway.com.

Rachael Taylor, designer, textile artist, and founder of Rachael Taylor Designs

Rachael Taylor is an internationally-acclaimed surface pattern designer and textile artist, she has a large number of prestigious clients around the globe along with securing a number of licensed ranges sold worldwide. She also runs and manufactures her own successful product label in the UK. Her works decorates the world and you can find her work products areas such as stationery through to home-wares and fashion. Rachael creates 'patterns to make you happy' her zest for life & colour really comes through in her designs and brand. In 2009 she was awarded the title of 'The Happiest person in Britain'. Her patterns are spontaneous as Rachael loves to draw with her right & left hand and sometimes even with her eyes closed. This way her patterns are unique & full of energy, she takes inspiration from everything around her & a lot of her motifs come from her own mood & personality. Her designs are regularly featured in the press and has been featured on television; along with with being published in six design books in the past two years. Rachael is also the co founder of the brand new e-course 'The Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design' which has attracted an international audience and a number of esteemed contributors. In the course Rachael shares her design expertise and industry insider knowledge and experience to help others get into and succeed in the exciting world of surface pattern design. The young designer has achieved so much in such a short time span after graduating from The University of Leeds in 2005. Rachael is originally from the Wirral, Merseyside; she now lives and in Leeds, UK with her partner and husky dog Alfie. Her design studio is also based in Leeds, where she connects with her international clients via the web. Her work can be seen on her website: http://www.rachaeltaylordesigns.co.uk/, and on her blog: http://rachaeltaylordesigns.blogspot.com/. Her ecourse can be found here:http://dowhatyouloveforlife.com/pattern/

Alessandra Cave, photographer + film producer

Alessandra Cave is a photographer and film producer, who has worked in arts and entertainment for over 20 years. Originally from Brazil, she moved abroad when she was only 17 years old to build the life of her dreams. She studied dance, photography, illustration, film and advertising, and after gaining an MA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, she embarked on a successful career of over 10 years, producing visual effects for commercials and motion pictures. Her projects have been widely acclaimed and awarded, and she worked on well known titles such as: The Matrix, Hellboy, Charlotte's Web, Spiderwick Chronicles, A Christmas Carol and the Twilight series. In that exciting yet very demanding job, Alessandra lead crews of 200+ artists, worked on sets and locations overseas, managed multi-million dollar budgets and collaborated with some really amazing directors. But after making a few too many effects-driven movies, Alessandra's need to express her own vision grew stronger, and in 2009, she started her own photography business, offering both her producing and artistic skills to her clients. Inspired by the way her images created a real sense of growth and opportunity for small and indie businesses, she also began teaching product photography workshops to help crafters and artists improve their exposure and sales. Alessandra is passionate about empowering others to follow their creative passion. Her highly anticipated e-course "Shoot your Craft" will launch in 2012. She is also the creator of the popular wanderlust blog Gypsy Girl's Guide, and she is a regular contributor at Shutter Sisters, an inspiring community of women photographers.

Tara Reed, artist and founder of ArtLicensingInfo.com

Tara Reed is an artist and serial entrepreneur who never tires of learning and trying new things.  Starting her art career designing in the scrapbooking industry, she branched out into the wider world of art licensing in 2004.  Tara's company, Tara Reed Designs, Inc. has art featured on a variety of products worldwide - from quilting fabric to garden flags, dishes, kitchen textiles, craft supplies and more.   Armed with a degree in Marketing from Penn State University, sales experience and a passion for art, she learned the business of licensing through trial and error.  She now shares what she has learned through her blog and eProducts at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com.   Tara is on the advisory board of SURTEX - the premier art licensing industry trade show and speaks and teaches about art licensing on a regular basis. Tara is also the author of two eBooks for any artist in business:  "How to Be a Press Friendly Artist" helps creative minds of all kinds learn the ins and outs of getting free publicity - from how to write a press release to who to send them to and publishing them online.  In addition, she created a goal setting system for artists and creative minds - The Goal Wheel for Artists.  Based on the color wheel it helps artists focus and move their creative businesses forward while leaving plenty of time to work from inspiration. Tara Reed lives in Portland, Oregon with her son Kyle.  When not creating art for licensing or blogging about the business, she can be found renovating a 1923 Craftsman home with her soon-to-be husband Craig.  Tara firmly believes that if you can see it, you can create it - follow your dreams and amazing things will happen!

Amy Barickman, Author of Vintage Notions, Founder/Owner of  Indygo Junction and The Vintage Workshop, Creative Arts Entrepreneur

Amy Barickman, founder and owner of Indygo Junction and  The Vintage Workshop is a leader in the sewing, needle arts and retail crafting industry. Her recent endeavors include Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun (September 2010) and Hankie Style (2009). Amy founded Indygo Junction in 1990 to publish and market sewing books and patterns and to showcase the work of leading sewing and craft designers. Amy's knack for anticipating popular trends has led her to discover more than 35 innovative artists and designers. Through Indygo Junction, Amy has published nearly 1000 pattern titles, sold over two-million pattern titles, licensed craft kits and fabric lines with top fabric, fashion & novelty companies, published 80 books that have sold at stores throughout the U.S. and internationally. Amy also founded The Vintage Workshop in 2002 to create products that allow crafters online access to timeless vintage artwork, which may be printed on fabrics. Her digitized vintage designs are available to download from her website at www.thevintageworkshop.com and on CD. Amy's book, Amy Barickman's Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Needlework, Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun, was the logical next step for her, as she continues her quest to provide women with imaginative and inventive ideas that show them how to use their talents and skills in the best way possible. Amy and her work have received much acclaim in the news media, including on home and fashion shows and in magazines and industry periodicals. In addition, Amy had the recent honor of being named one of Country Living magazine's prestigious Creative Women Entrepreneurs. She has made television appearances on HGTV's"The Carol Duvall Show," and Public Television's "America Quilts" and is a regular guest on the PBS series "Sewing with Nancy."

Jennifer Lee, founder of Artizen Coaching and author of The Right-Brain Business Plan

Jennifer Lee is the founder of Artizen Coaching and author of  The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success  (New World Library, 2011). Her bestselling book has helped thousands of entrepreneurs around the world grow their businesses authentically and creatively.Before pursuing her own passions full-time, she consulted for ten years for companies such as Gap Inc., Accenture, Sony, and HP, helping leaders and organizations manage change. She grew her coaching business in her spare time, and in 2006 Jennifer made the leap from corporate America to entrepreneurship after realizing she needed to stop living her own dream on the side. Jennifer has been featured in Whole Living, Entrepreneur, Family Circle, Cloth Paper Scissors Studios, and Choice magazines. She received her coaching certification and leadership training through the prestigious Coaches Training Institute and is a certified yoga instructor and a certified Expressive Arts Facilitator. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her creative, rather left-brain husband and their adorable beagle mix.


Hazel Burton, illustrator and entrepreneur

Hazel Burton, is enthusiastically ready for life part 3 !  After drawing horses and ponies for the last seven years as the creator/designer of Sugar Cubes Ponies, an online gift company for girls who love ponies, she's ready for a change. Post-divorce and creatively re-inspired she's enjoying an indulgent journey of discovery. Loving the freedom of photoshop and getting messy with real paints and paper Hazel would like to pursue a career in Illustration. Hazel is about to launch an exciting new company with her sister Shelagh based in the French Alps. 'do something daring' will be especially for women who want to wake up their sense of adventure, get out of their comfort zones and do something 'that scares them so much they'll realise just how powerful they really are.' Hazel lives in an old, rented farmhouse with her 3 teenagers, and a bunch of pets, including chickens in the beautiful Shropshire countryside. She spends as much time as possible on a dance floor and will one day make it to Argentina to practice her Tango properly.  Hazel has provided all the beautiful illustrations for this course. See more of her work here.


Celeste Shaw, founder of Chaps restaurant + bakery

Celeste Shaw is a Spokane, Washington businesswoman, entrepreneur, and contributing writer for several magazines. Her highly successful restaurant CHAPS, opened in 2006 to immediate critical acclaim, garnering the region's "Top Table Award" in only its second year of operation. CHAPS annually receives acknowledgement from the food industry and voting patrons as "Best" in breakfast and family restaurant categories. Not simply content with the success of CHAPS, Celeste expanded it adding her bakery called "Cake" to complement the restaurant. CHAPS is now considered a  "must visit" destination for the area, as underscored and featured on the Food Network's "Diners Drive Inns and Dives"© in November 2010. Celeste also opened a boutique shop "PINK" a salvage, architectural, antique shop with dear friends in Spokane Washington. Ralph Lauren, Eddie Bauer and Nordstrom are just a few many shoppers who frequent the eclectic store. Celeste is extremely proud of her country girl, Montana roots and heritage, where as a teenager she excelled in track, being selected as one of the youngest members of the 1980 U.S. Summer Olympics Team before the Games were boycotted. By education and training, she has a Degree in nursing, specializing as an Intensive Care Unit Nurse, having been voted "Nurse of The Year," and traveling worldwide with pediatric surgical trauma teams. She is the proud mother of boys.
Celeste's architectural, artistic, culinary, and decorating talents are not only on display at CHAPS, but have been featured nationally in several publications and books. Take a peek into her delicious restaurant here, or connect on Facebook here.



Leigh Standley, artist and founder of Curly Girl Design


Kari Chapin, author of The Handmade Marketplace


Arina Isaacson, master storyteller and professional theatrical clown



Rachael Hibbert, artist and bookkeeper


 Now is your time.Come join us and be a part of something remarkable!It all starts 1/16.