Crumbs, Burnout & Knowing Your Worth – A Real Talk with Canadian Collage Artist & Designer Jessa Dupuis
“We’re not cleaning the floor—we’re just putting on slippers and showing up anyway. And that’s enough.” — Brandi HoferJoin us for a raw, hilarious, and deeply relatable conversation with Canadian collage artist and designer Jessa Dupuis—back for her second appearance on Colour Me Happy! We laughed so much our cheeks hurt, but we also went deep on what it really means to balance motherhood, creativity, and business.From showing up in slippers because the floor’s covered in kid crumbs, to making bold moves like turning down work and setting new boundaries, this episode is all about embracing imperfection, knowing your worth, and fiercely protecting your energy.We dive into:Career burnout and what it taught usSaying no (finally!)Downsizing work to make space for what mattersCreative fulfillment vs. energy drainsThe emotional magic of feeling genuinely valuedThis one’s for anyone juggling too much, craving permission to slow down, or just needing a laugh with friends who get it. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to “have it all together” to make powerful, inspiring moves.Tips From the EpisodeSet limits before burnout sets them for you.Don’t confuse busy with valuable—choose alignment over hustle.“No” is a complete sentence—and a powerful one.You’re allowed to be messy and magical at the same time.Choose work that fuels your creativity, not drains it
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56:01
The Antidote to Perfectionism with Arooj Chaudhry: Reclaiming Your Creativity
“The antidote to perfectionism is consistency.” – Arooj ChaudhryIn this powerful and grounding conversation, Brandi Hofer sits down with psychotherapist and artist Arooj Chaudhry to explore how creativity can be a form of resistance, healing, and reconnection with self. Together, they unpack the myth of perfectionism and how it leads to burnout and creative paralysis. Arooj offers deeply rooted wisdom on shifting our mindset, embracing the “ugly stages” of the process, and showing up with consistency. Whether you’re a visual artist, writer, parent, or simply a creative spirit at heart, this episode will inspire you to honour your soul’s need to create—without apology or perfection.Two Takeaway Tips:Create Without Judgment: Let go of the idea that your creativity needs to look or be a certain way. As Arooj says, the “ugly stage” is where the magic often begins—keep showing up.Use Art as a Return to Self: Feeling burnt out or disconnected? Slow down. Disconnect from the noise, and reconnect with your inner world or the natural world around you. That’s where creativity is waiting.Arooj Chaudhry is a psychotherapist and artist passionate about redefining creativity and healing through self-expression. Her work centers on helping people reconnect to their innate creative spirit as a tool for resistance, soul reclamation, and personal transformation.
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31:15
Spark Change: The Power of Your Creativity & Community
“When you tap into your creativity and use it to uplift others, you’re not just making art—you’re sparking a ripple effect of real, empowering change.”In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Patty from the Spark Foundation to explore how creativity and volunteerism create real, measurable change. From mindset shifts to meaningful action, we discuss how giving back to your community—especially through your unique creative gifts—can uplift others and fuel purpose in your own life. Backed by powerful statistics and insights from Melinda Gates’ research, we uncover how supporting women and children leads to lasting impact. Tune in to learn why organizations like Spark Foundation are vital to community wellbeing and how you can get involved—whether by volunteering, attending their May Market on May 30th, or simply showing up in your community.2 Takeaway Tips:Volunteer with your gifts: Use your time, skills, and creativity to connect with your community. It builds connection, purpose, and joy.Support programs that support others: Uplifting women and children creates exponential positive impact in any community. Find your local Spark.
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Seasons of Creativity with Canadian Artist Vikki Drummond: Rest, Rise & Reignite Your Inspired Life
“In a world that rewards constant output, choosing a creative life can feel radical—but it’s also freeing. This conversation with Vikki reminded me that we’re not here to simply produce, but to feel, imagine, and build lives that reflect our true selves.”In this soulful episode, Canadian artist Vikki Drummond joins us to talk about what it means to live a truly creative life—beyond productivity, beyond hustle. We explore the natural seasons creatives move through: times of deep inspiration and growth, and times where boundaries and rest are vital. Vikki shares how tapping into your creative gifts can be a way out of the industrialized mindset of “more, faster, now”—and into a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and sustainable. We also dive into how emotional intelligence is a creative superpower, giving artists the ability to reflect, connect, and inspire. This episode is an invitation to honour your inner pace, trust your talent, and redefine what success means on your own terms.3 Tips from the Episode:Rest is not a break from creativity—it’s a necessary part of your process.Creativity is a path to personal freedom; don’t let old systems define your success.Your emotional depth is a gift—use it to connect, create, and lead with intention.
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Tiny Steps, Big Magic: Patience & Creative Affirmations with Juliana Naufel
“Even a small task is a part of something bigger—you’re a working cog in the beautiful, creative machine of your life.” – BrandiIn this honest and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Juliana Naufel—artist, affirmation advocate, and founder of Phototrouvée Magazine, who splits her time between Brazil and NYC. Juliana opens up about the power of gentle affirmations, creative slow seasons, and what it means to truly trust the process.We talk about:Affirming your journey when things feel stuckLetting go of pressure and embracing slower growthTaking small but meaningful steps toward your biggest dreamsIf you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure—this episode will remind you that you are exactly where you need to be. Tune in for a grounding conversation filled with warmth, wisdom, and permission to grow at your own pace.To Do:Write down one daily affirmation that reminds you you’re moving forward, even in rest.Celebrate the tiniest wins—those are proof you’re still in motion.Use quiet seasons to plant seeds. Don’t rush the bloom.Reframe slow progress as intentional progress.
Discover how to see the everyday ordinary as extraordinary by following your creative passions! Expect raw and authentic conversations—just like sitting down for coffee with an old friend, as we share inspiring stories and explore how creativity can impact community. We celebrate the triumphs, trials, of a creative life and delve into topics like women's health, parenthood and business.
Don't miss out on our new book, "Colour Me Happy - See Your Everyday Ordinary as Extraordinary," available now on Amazon. Let's embrace our creativity together!
Ireland