Fail Big, Laugh Loud: Real Talk with Canadian Artist & Co-Owner of Artwrk.caAggie Armstrong
If you’re not failing, you’re not pushing hard enough. Every misstep is a lesson—and honestly, the best stories come from the mess. - Brandi This episode is bold, loud, hilarious—and full of truth. Brandi Hofer sits down with Canadian artist and Co-Owner of Artwrk.ca Aggie Armstrong for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the highs and lows of creative collaboration. They dive into the messy middle of artistic success, how failure teaches us the most, and why reclaiming your voice (and your time) is non-negotiable. Expect big laughs, real talk, and a couple f-bombs (but in the most friendly Canadian way). Whether you’re in your studio or stuck in self-doubt, this episode will shake you up in the best way. You've totally got this! It's time to claim your creative power! 2 Powerful Takeaways: Collaboration won’t always be perfect—and that’s okay. Failure in creative partnerships is part of the process. Learn, grow, and carry on.You are allowed to ask for what you want. Stop shrinking. Get bold. Be unapologetic about your creative needs and goals. This one’s for the wild-hearted creatives—if you’re ready to laugh, feel seen, and get fired up to keep going, tune in now.
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33:34
Leap Into the Shed: Creativity, Gut Instinct & Growth with Jessie Founder of Jessie's Art Shed
You don’t have to know everything before you start—going all in teaches you more than planning ever could. - BrandiJoin me on Colour Me Happy with Jessie Whealy, founder of Jessie’s Art Shed in Oxfordshire. What started as art classes in her parents’ shed in 2015 has blossomed into a vibrant, walk-up art studio teaching hundreds weekly. In this episode, Jessie and I talk gut instincts, creative flow, and how embracing the unknown opened up her path. If you’re hesitating to begin—or thinking everything must be perfect before you leap—this conversation will remind you that your creative ability unfolds as you go.Trust Your Gut and Begin: You don’t need a perfect plan—making that first move, however small, is far more powerful than overthinking or waiting.Learn by Doing: Every step in your creative journey reveals new solutions. Let problem-solving be your teacher, not a barrier.If you’re ready to feel inspired, energized, and empowered to start—or restart—your creative life, you won’t want to miss this.
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29:59
Art Dates & Advocating for Yourself with Billie Rae Busby
Even when life feels like too much, showing up to create can be the thing that saves you. – Brandi This week on Colour Me Happy Podcast we sit down with artist and Canadian Artist Billie Rae Busby to talk about why creating—no matter the chaos of life—is essential to fuelling joy and balance. We dive into the transformative power of setting aside time for “art dates,” and how these moments of creative play often become catalysts for personal and professional breakthroughs. The conversation ends on a powerful reminder to advocate for yourself—because no one else will. This episode is an uplifting, real-world look at how art isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. 2 Creative Tips from the Episode: Make time for regular art dates. Creative play without pressure often leads to unexpected clarity, healing, and new career opportunities. Take yourself out on an Art Date!Advocate for your work and your worth. Don’t wait to be discovered—speak up, show up, and ask for what you deserve. Tune in to this inspiring episode with Billy Rae Busby and let it remind you that creativity isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you claim. Listen now on Colour Me Happy wherever you get your podcasts.
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51:25
Growing Through Practice, Not Perfection - With Rebecca Founder & Educator of Studio Sprout
You don’t need to wait until everything is perfect to start. You just need a little courage, a little structure, and the willingness to get messy.— Rebecca In this empowering episode, Brandi Hofer sits down with Teacher Rebecca, founder of Studio Sprout, to talk about the transformative power of process-based art education. They dive into Rebecca’s journey—from teaching in-person to expanding her creative classroom online—and explore how embracing mess, flexibility, and structure can unlock true artistic freedom. Together, they tackle the fear of failure, societal pressure on creatives, and what it really takes to build a sustainable art practice.Start Before You’re Ready:Fear of failure is part of the creative process. Rebecca encourages artists to take imperfect steps forward—building confidence through action, not waiting for the “right” time.Balance Structure with Freedom:Creativity thrives with both boundaries and exploration. Rebecca’s philosophy blends gentle guidance with open-ended play—perfect for both young learners and emerging artists. Check Out Our Collaboration! We’re thrilled to announce our creative partnership: Painting Animal Portraits with Studio Sprout. This project combines Brandi’s portrait techniques with Rebecca’s playful, child-centered approach to art education. It’s perfect for families, classrooms, or anyone looking to bring joy and expression into their creative practice.
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39:45
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
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