Paper Talk

In Episode 187 of Paper Talk, your hosts Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim unpack one of the hardest but most necessary conversations for artists: branding, identity, and growth beyond technical skill.

We reflect on what happens when everyone’s work starts to look the same, why burnout often stems from misalignment, and how honest outside feedback can shift everything. We talk about naming our businesses to photographing our work, from showing up consistently to embracing life experience as an asset.



“Hard conversations hurt, but they’re usually where the real change starts.” - Sara



Whether you’re early in your journey or years in, we hope our conversation offers perspective, encouragement, and a gentle push to evolve your art practice.



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Jessie: Benjamin Moore Paint Colour Samples

Sara: Screenprinting workshop

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.

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JOIN OUR PAPER TALK MASTERMIND!

If you've been running your paper business solo and you're tired of figuring out pricing, marketing, and selling alone, then this is for you. The Mastermind is back and we saved you a seat!

Starting March 3, we are leading a 6-month Mastermind for paper artists ready to build something sustainable. You'll meet twice a month with us and a small group of paper artists tackling the real stuff: pricing, social media, selling your work, newsletters, and building confidence in your business.

We’ll have honest conversations, dive into practical strategies, and be with people who actually understand what you're building.

It’s $125/month for 6 months. Pay in full and save $50. Registration closes March 1.

👉 Join the Mastermind now!

In Episode 186 of Paper Talk, we welcome the incomparable floral designer and educator, Hitomi Gilliam for a deeply thoughtful conversation on floral mechanics, Ikebana, color theory, and what it truly means to make flowers feel alive.

Hitomi brings decades of experience in floristry, Ikebana, and teaching to our discussion. In it, she shares how “economy of means” shapes her work, why neutrals like browns and grays quietly hold color stories together, and how mechanics become the bridge between imagination and execution. Together, we explore the powerful overlap between paper flowers and fresh floristry, sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and the idea she calls the “hand of nature.”



“Mechanics are the enabler. Without them, the vision stays a sketch.” - Hitomi Gilliam



This episode is especially valuable for artists interested in sustainability, Ikebana principles, and designing with intention rather than excess. Learn more about Hitomi on her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!



👉 Join Hitomi and Quynh at their Paper Flower Crown Workshop in April 2026! Sign up before February 15th to get FREE complimentary paper flower supplies. Register here.



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: Petite Knit Sophie Hood Pattern

Jessie: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Sara: Brown woven scalloped baskets

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.

How niche should you be as a creative? In this episode of Paper Talk Podcast, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim sit down for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about niching down. They reflect on how their businesses have evolved, the challenges of serving multiple audiences, and the clarity that comes from defining who you are truly creating for.



“Teaching art and selling art are two very different conversations.” - Jessie



Jessie shares her decision to separate her fine art practice from her educational offerings, while Sara reflects on choosing cohesion over complexity within one brand. Together, they discuss branding, price points, audience expectations, and why confusion often leads to disengagement.

This episode also offers a glimpse into the kind of real, thoughtful conversations that happen inside the Paper Talk Mastermind.



Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

What it really means to niche down

One brand vs. multiple brands

Teaching vs. selling art

Audience confusion and clarity

Branding consistency

The role of feedback and community



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: White Plastic Panel

Jessie: USB-A to Lightning Charger Cable

Sara: Salvo Plant Stand

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.

Welcome to 2026! Hosts Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui reflect on the highlights of 2025 and share how they’re approaching the new year with renewed purpose. From their favorite podcast moments to candid conversations about burnout, community, and social media, this episode offers a genuine look at what it means to balance artistry with entrepreneurship.

Quynh opens up about personal challenges with her dog Butter’s health and how she’s navigating creative burnout. Sara and Jessie share thoughtful perspectives on how to reconnect with creativity through simple joys, honest reflection, and community support. Together, they explore the evolving world of social media, the importance of defining purpose across platforms, and the grounding power of real connection.



“You don’t always have to produce something to feel worthy. Sometimes doing nothing is what you need most.” - Jessie



If you’ve ever struggled to find your creative spark again, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone.



Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

Reflections on our favorite 2025 episodes and lessons we learned

How we handle burnout and reconnect with creativity

Defining the balance between artist and entrepreneur

The evolution of social media and how we use it intentionally

Upcoming details on the Paper Talk Mastermind (March 2026 cohort)



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: Trader Joe’s Mini Canvas Tote Bag

Jessie: Gold Kili Natural Ginger Bag with Lemon

Sara: Trader Joe’s Mini Insulated Tote Bag

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.

In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara sit down with Karina Golindo, the creative mind behind Crafty Kari, to talk about the intersection of crafting, content creation, and entrepreneurship. From sublimation to YouTube tutorials, Karina shares how her creative journey began with a Cricut during lockdown and evolved into a thriving business and online community.



“Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Just start. Mistakes are how we learn.” - Karina



Hear how she balances motherhood, content creation, and managing her small business, all while staying true to her love for making. Karina also opens up about networking as an introvert, shifting between short-form and long-form content, and the lessons she’s learned from building her creative career one project at a time.



Here’s what you’ll hear in this Episode:

How to balance being a maker, content creator, and business owner

Why community and collaboration are vital for growth

Tips for creating consistent content without burnout

How to embrace imperfection and just start



👉 Follow Karina to learn more about her amazing journey and craft business

Instagram @craftykari_

YouTube at Crafty Kari

Website Crafty Kari.



👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: Trader Joe’s Dried Figs Dipped in Chocolate

Jessie: Reusable Water Balloons

Sara: Costco’s Pumpkin Pie

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.