Paper Talk

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.

In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim dive into the art and philosophy of creating your own paper flower templates. What begins as a practical discussion quickly blooms into a conversation about creativity, confidence, and the evolution of each artist’s personal style. They explore how templates serve as both a foundation and a springboard, and how learning from others can give you structure, but learning from nature gives you freedom. The hosts reflect on their early years when few templates existed, the role of technology like iPads and AI in documenting and improving designs, and why embracing imperfection makes your flowers truly yours. “Templates give confidence, but real mastery comes from experience, skill, and time.” - Jessie Whether you’re new to paper floristry or refining your craft, this episode is an invitation to experiment, observe, and grow. What You’ll Hear in this Episode: How to transition from using templates to designing your own Finding confidence in imperfection Using technology (Procreate, Canva, ChatGPT) to organize and elevate your creative process How selling your templates can lead to new income streams The joy and discipline of revisiting flowers over time 👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Quynh: Triangle Ruler set Jessie: Manual Balloon Pump Sara: Free People Sonix Beaded Phone Charm 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.

When we think of paper flowers, we often imagine something small, intricate, and realistic. But what happens when you scale that beauty up tenfold? In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui explore the bold, beautiful world of large paper flowers and the practical realities that come with going big. Listen to this Episode to learn: Why large flowers require careful structural planning How to price and protect your work (and yourself) The importance of weather, shipping, and storage considerations Creative ways to include large flowers in your business offerings Creating giant paper flowers is both an artistic and logistical challenge. As Quynh shared, even the smallest miscalculation can cause a flower to droop or collapse. “I watched one of my large flowers start to wilt before my eyes,” she said. “I had to go back and rewire it.” Wiring each petal, reinforcing the base, and using durable materials are essential steps for any large-scale project. For Sara, the biggest lessons came from experience. “Even when my flowers stood perfectly in my studio, they would tip over at outdoor events. Wind, heat, and humidity change everything,” she explained. Over time, she realized that offering large flower installations professionally required more than artistic skill, it required business planning, insurance, and honest client communication. Jessie agreed, adding that the paper flower business side of things can’t be ignored. “It’s not just about making the flower,” she said. “It’s about managing logistics, installation, and liability. Once you step into larger projects, you’re responsible for safety and presentation.” So, what should artists know before offering giant paper flowers for events or retail displays? Structure Comes First - Use strong wiring, test every connection, and consider how gravity will affect your flower over time. Hanging or standing pieces should be tested for at least 24 hours before installation. Communicate Clearly with Clients - Set expectations about weather sensitivity and handling. As Sara put it, “Treat paper flowers like real flowers—they’re beautiful but fragile.” Plan for Storage and Transport - Large flowers take up significant space. Think about storage, dust protection, and packaging. If you must ship, factor in both the size and fragility—shipping costs can quadruple quickly. Protect Your Business - Event venues often require liability insurance, especially for installations. “Even if you’re just setting up a backdrop,” Jessie noted, “you need coverage in case something happens.” Start with One Big Bloom - If you’re new to large-scale work, start small. Make one flower for yourself. It’s fun, forgiving, and will teach you about scale, structure, and creativity. Despite the hurdles, large flowers remain a showstopper. They command attention, tell stories, and redefine what paper art can be. Whether they’re adorning a wedding ceremony, retail window, or photo backdrop, these flowers remind us that art can bloom in any size. As Quynh summed it up beautifully, “Paper flowers can bloom in every size. The key is knowing how to make them stand tall.” 👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20 Quynh: PVC Pipe Cutter Jessie: Shark Bite Garden Valve 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 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.