Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, r...
The Heart of Email Marketing: Jessica Suggs on Writing That Connects and Builds Trust
Margo is joined by talented writer, editor, and marketing strategist Jessica Suggs. With 19 years of experience in copywriting and a background as Director of Media Services for a top faith-based media agency, Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge about the enduring power of email marketing. These days, she helps entrepreneurs and authors craft messages that sound like them—with services spanning from brand voice development to full-scale book editing and publishing support. As a wife, mom of two, and creative business owner, Jessica is no stranger to balancing big ideas with real-life connection. Margo and Jessica discuss: Why email is still one of the most powerful marketing tools How to develop and maintain a strong, authentic brand voice The magic of welcome sequences and consistent, heartfelt communication Transitioning from a corporate career to creative entrepreneurship Building connection and community through words How AI can enhance—not replace—human messaging Tips for balancing work, creativity, and motherhood The value of mastermind groups and creative support systems Get 50% off your Flodesk Subscription by visiting www.flodesk.com/c/tantaustudio Join the Greater Goods Alliance: A small group virtual mentorship, mastermind community, and in-person retreat for product-based business owners with Lisa Congdon & Emily McDowel (Applications Closing 3/28) https://thegreatergoodsalliance.com/ Connect with Jessica: www.jessicasuggsmarketing.com https://www.facebook.com/jessicasuggsmarketing https://www.instagram.com/jessicasuggsmarketing/ Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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1:09:11
Shifting Into Yourself: Self-Renewal, Creative Awakening, and Deep-Rooted Healing With Lacy Young
Margo is joined by transformational coach, team support facilitator, and organizational specialist Lacy Young for an honest and heart-expanding conversation about healing, creativity, and stepping into your zone of genius. For over 15 years, Lacy has guided women through radical self-discovery, creating spaces where they can embrace deep healing, foundational belief work, and personal autonomy. She blends soul-level healing with practical business wisdom, helping high-performers and founders step into their most powerful and joyful work. But before she could hold space for others, Lacy had to embark on her own healing journey—one that led her to confront deep-rooted suffering, redefine what it means to be whole, and ultimately transform her approach to both life and work. Margo and Lacy discuss: Lacy’s personal healing journey—how she went from being in deep pain to holding space for others, and what she learned about the power of radical permission The necessity of filling your own cup first and why prioritizing self-healing isn’t selfish but essential The creative awakening happening now—how art, expression, and creative play are unlocking something crucial in our collective healing and remembering Finding and tending to the roots of suffering—why traditional self-improvement often focuses on symptoms, and how Lacy helps people go deeper The shift in her work toward founders and high-performing teams—why she’s drawn to supporting leaders in creating aligned, sustainable success Why women supporting women is more important than ever—the power of collective healing and what it looks like in action How to right-size “Big Things”—shifting overwhelming life challenges into manageable, joyful transformations Connect with Lacy: https://shiftwithlacy.com/ http://www.instagram.com/lacyannyoung https://insighttimer.com/ShiftWithLacy Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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53:47
Sketchbooks, Storytelling & The Business of Illustration with Mike Lowery
Margo is joined by illustrator, author, and sketchbook enthusiast Mike Lowery, a New York Times Best-Selling Illustrator whose work spans over 80 books, greeting cards, magazines, and even food trucks. Known for his playful, humor-infused drawings, Mike shares his creative journey and insights into the business of illustration. In addition to making books, Mike is an avid sketchbook-keeper and has taught classes worldwide, including more than 30,000 students in-person and online, and encourages others to join him in starting a daily drawing habit and in the business of illustration. Margo and Mike discuss: How Mike’s childhood passion for drawing superheroes in a Filipino grocery store led to a career in illustration The moment he received his first check for his art (and why he still keeps it) His love for humor in art and how it shaped his path in children's book illustration The importance of maintaining a consistent sketchbook practice for creativity and career growth How to build a portfolio that speaks directly to potential clients by focusing on project-based ideas The evolving role of social media for artists and how he approaches it today Finding inspiration through travel, daily life, and keeping curiosity alive Teaching and encouraging others to start a daily drawing habit The intersection of art and business—how to navigate the industry and create a sustainable career Connect with Mike: www.gettingpaidtodraw.com www.mikelowery.com www.instagram.com/mikelowerystudio Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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1:15:07
Contentment Over Content: Brigida Swanson on Growing a Creative Business Without Social Media
Margo is joined by Brigida Swanson, a botanical artist, product designer, and the founder of Yardia, to discuss creativity, business contentment, and forging your own path as an artist. Brigida shares her journey from teaching middle school art to building a thriving product business—without relying on social media. Her nature-inspired watercolor stationery and home goods celebrate identity, belonging, and a deep connection to place, all created from her backyard garden studio in Seattle. Brigida opens up about redefining success on her own terms, the decision to leave Instagram and TikTok, and the unexpected creative doors that opened as a result. Whether you're an artist, maker, or small business owner, this conversation will inspire you to explore new ways of marketing and growing your work—while staying true to what brings you joy. Margo and Brigida discuss: Leaving Social Media – Why Brigida walked away from Instagram and TikTok and how she continues to grow her business without them. Business Contentment – Shifting from a traditional success mindset to one rooted in sustainability and fulfillment. Managing Comparison – Softening the inner critic and embracing a more supportive creative process. The inspiration behind Her Plant Companion Tarot deck Her upcoming Contentment Over Content workshop, helping product-based business owners market beyond social media. Connect with Brigida: https://yardia.co/ https://plantcompaniontarot.com/ https://contentmentovercontent.com/ Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
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1:02:30
Independent Filmmaking Without Hollywood’s Permission: Courtney Daniels on Forging Your Own Path
Margo is joined by independent filmmaker and writer Courtney Daniels to discuss the joys and challenges of creating outside the Hollywood studio system. Courtney shares her journey from writing spec scripts as a receptionist at Warner Brothers to producing her own feature films, including What Other Couples Do. She opens up about the power of not waiting for validation, making films on a budget, and turning her latest screenplay, A Blind Date in NYC, into a short novel. Together, they explore the freedom of independent creativity and why success comes from taking action rather than waiting to be chosen. Margo and Courtney discuss: The freedom of independent filmmaking outside Hollywood Why waiting for validation hinders creativity How Courtney made her first feature film on a shoestring budget Tips for affordable filmmaking and getting started with minimal resources Turning a screenplay into a book: A Blind Date in NYC Overcoming fear and embracing the creative process Film festivals as stepping stones for indie filmmakers Building daily creative habits to stay inspired The importance of manufacturing surprise in storytelling Connect with Courtney: https://courtneydanielsfilms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/courtneydanielstoyou/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-daniels-9abb0864 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQFenMHq7I8 https://www.amazon.com/What-Other-Couples-Michael-Friedman/dp/B00QLZRLKK https://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-You-Courtney-Daniels/dp/B0CJJZ9VTG Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry
Windowsill Chats is a podcast for artists and creatives who are curious about what it's like to live, work & walk a creative path. You'll find honest stories, refreshing tips, artistic business advice and real conversations with global artists & makers just like you. Host Margo Tantau, a 30+ year Creative Director, Product Designer & maker, is a cheerleader for your success. Come grab a cuppa & join her in her sunny windowsill.
Netherlands