Ep 180: Holiday Prep for Creatives: How to Stay Ahead and Inspired
In this festive episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui share their best tips for preparing your creative business for the busiest time of the year. From managing orders and planning downtime to hosting workshops, packaging ideas, and navigating Black Friday sales, this episode is packed with holiday wisdom.
We discuss how far in advance to plan seasonal events, the importance of scheduling rest, and creative ways to offer gift cards, ornaments, and small-batch paper flower gifts. We also reflect on the power of presentation, and how thoughtful packaging, gift wrapping, and collaborations can elevate your brand.
“Plan your holiday launches six months in advance. Start marketing early and work backward from shipping deadlines.” - Jessie
Whether you’re decorating your tree with handmade blooms or preparing your online shop for holiday traffic, this episode will help you head into the season feeling ready, inspired, and balanced.
Here’s What You’ll Hear in this Episode:
When and how to plan your holiday workshops and pop-ups
Ideas for packaging and giftable presentation
Offering gift cards, digital products, and special holiday sales
Social media strategies for festive content
How to balance business and personal time during the holidays
Tune in and start your holiday prep early—your future self will thank you.
------ Join the Conversation!
We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you.
Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.
If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.
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Ep 179: Defining the Creator: Artist, Influencer, or Marketer
In this episode of Paper Talk Podcast, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim sit down with Francis Zierer of Creator Spotlight to explore one of the most fascinating questions in today’s digital world: What is a creator?
Francis shares how his definition has evolved, drawing from his work at Beehive and hundreds of interviews with creators across industries. Together, we explore the blurred lines between artist, influencer, and marketer, and why understanding these labels matters for personal identity and business growth.
“My definition of a creator is someone who creates digital media, grows an audience beyond who they know in real life, and monetizes that work in some way.” - Francis Zierer
Here's What You'll Hear in this Episode:
Francis’s three-part definition of a creator: create, grow, sell.
Why newsletters are the most powerful owned platform.
How marketing skills are essential for creators today.
The difference between content creation and influence.
Personal reflections from Sara, Jessie, and Quynh on how they identify in their own businesses.
Whether you’re an artist, influencer, or entrepreneur, this conversation will give you clarity on how to position yourself in the creator economy.
Learn more about Francis:
Francis Zierer is a writer, podcaster, and researcher covering the creator economy.He is the editor of Creator Spotlight, beehiiv's newsletter and podcast cataloguing how creator businesses grow and monetize — from independent, newsletter-based journalists to lifestyle YouTubers to the strategists and entrepreneurs serving them all.Alongside Dirt Media's Daisy Alioto, he is also a co-host of Tasteland, a podcast featuring creative takes on media, marketing, and technology.
👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20
Quynh: Uni-ball One P
Jessie: Little Hotties Hand Warmers
Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs.. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.
------ Join the Conversation!
We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you.
Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.
If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.
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Ep 178: Why Every Creative Should Give an Artist Talk
In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim explore the value of artist talks: those special moments when artists step out from behind their work and share the story, process, and heart behind their creations.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as educating your audience in what we do. You’ll be surprised at how curious people are.” - Sara
Here's what we dive into:
What an artist talk is and why it matters
How sharing your process builds trust and educates your audience
Tips for pricing and preparing for talks
Personal stories about overcoming nerves and finding your voice
Why talking about your art sparks inspiration, confidence, and connection
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, you’ll leave this episode with practical encouragement to share your work more openly and confidently.
“The more you practice and talk about your art, the more naturally it comes and the less uncomfortable it feels.” - Jessie
👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20
Quynh: These are not the ones from Costco but they are just as yummy!
Jessie: Notability
Sara: Trader’s Joe Cruciferous Crunch Collection
Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs.. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.
------ Join the Conversation!
We'd love to hear from you! Share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you.
Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.
If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.
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Ep 177: Building Real Community Beyond Followers
In Episode 177 of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim open up about what it truly means to build community as artists. While follower counts and viral videos can feel validating, they share why authentic connections, through workshops, newsletters, stories, and everyday conversations, are what sustain and grow a creative business.
“Viral videos are great, but they don’t necessarily attract the most loyal followers. It’s the repeat names I see in my sales that remind me of true community.” - Jessie
You’ll hear Sara’s perspective on how her most meaningful opportunities came directly from workshop students, Jessie’s reflections on balancing different audiences and maintaining authenticity, and Quynh’s stories of unexpected collaborations that blossomed from in-person connections.
“Community is when you give special attention to the person—through real DMs, emails, or conversations—that’s where I see the people who become students and buyers.” - Sara
Together, they explore how community shapes not only business but also personal fulfillment. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn social media followers into real supporters, or how to nurture a group of people who truly understand your work, this episode is for you.
“Our community feels like our children. We want to give them tools to grow stronger and avoid the mistakes we made.” - Quynh
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Ep 176: The Legacy of Aleene’s Tacky Glue with Tiffany Windsor
Aleene’s Tacky Glue has been a household name for generations of makers, but do you know the story behind the gold bottle? In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Windsor, daughter of Aleene Jackson, to celebrate the 75-year legacy of Aleene’s and the community it continues to inspire.
Tiffany takes us back to her mother’s early years, from opening a florist shop at just 20 years old, experimenting with flower-making, and eventually working with a chemist to create a glue that would transform the craft industry. From wood fiber flowers to bread dough clay, to the innovation of over 60 glue formulas, Aleene’s has always been about one thing: empowering people to create.
“When people can share in community, there is nothing better. It’s not about me—it’s about everybody creating together, sharing our ups and our downs.” - Tiffany Windsor
Here's what we also talk about:
The importance of storytelling and marketing in growing a creative business
How Aleene gave women opportunities to start home businesses in the 1940s and 50s
Practical glue tips for paper flowers and mixed media (including Tiffany’s “hot glue + tacky glue” trick!)
Building community today through Tiffany’s Cool2Craft YouTube channel and live pajama parties
Why showing up consistently, even when only a handful of people are watching, is the secret to growth
🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear Tiffany’s stories, tips, and encouragement. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Aleene’s or just discovering it, you’ll be reminded that the glue we use is more than a tool. It’s part of our creative legacy.
👉 Resources & Links
Find Tiffany at Cool2Craft on YouTube and Facebook
Learn more about Aleene’s Tacky Glue at aleenes.com
Join the Paper Talk community at papertalkpodcast.com
👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20
Quynh: Pop Mart Nyota I am the Seasons Series Figure
Jessie: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
Sara: Camera Lens Cap Keeper and Leash
Paper Talk is supported by our community of readers and listeners. When you click on our affiliate links, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com, Shareasale, or similar affiliate marketing programs.. This commission goes directly into the maintenance of this website and our podcast.
✨ JOIN OUR PAPER TALK MASTERMIND! ✨
Building a creative business can feel isolating, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our Paper Talk Mastermind offers a warm, supportive circle where artists and makers come together to learn, share, and grow. Over six months, starting September 16, 2025, we’ll meet twice a month on live calls, giving you a chance to receive personalized feedback and inspiration. Inside our private online hub, you’ll find replays, resources, and a community cheering you on. Guided by three creative entrepreneurs (us!) who’ve been where you are, this Mastermind is designed to help you gain momentum with clarity, confidence, and encouragement.
Registration closes September 14.
👉 Join the Mastermind now!
The Evolution of Paper Talk…
Our journey began in 2017 when the Paper Talk community took root as a Facebook group, providing a safe haven for paper flower enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and find like-minded artists from all corners of the world. As the community flourished, so did our opportunities to expand and collaborate. The establishment of The Paper Florists Collective led to inspiring multi-day workshops in Seattle and Toronto, attracting makers from across the globe.
Soon after, our commitment to sharing knowledge grew even stronger, giving rise to a weekly podcast featuring leaders and artists from both within and beyond our community. Alongside this, we introduced online education programs like the Paper to Profits Program and Paper X Talk lecture series, dedicated to nurturing paper flower entrepreneurs. Our continuous growth prompted the natural evolution of our name, moving from The Paper Florists Collective to the unified identity of Paper Talk across all platforms.
In 2023, Sara joined us as a new co-host alongside Quynh and Jessie.
Throughout these changes, our unwavering mission remains steadfast: to foster creativity, connections, and growth as artists, makers, and entrepreneurs, united by the love for paper flowers. Join us as we continue to share ideas, stories, and inspire a vibrant community of creatives.
Ireland