Sheer Creativity
Step into the chill vibes of Sheer Creativity, your go-to laid-back podcast about creatives for creatives! Immerse yourself in dynamic conversations, insightful interviews, and performances, all centered around the creative experience. With me, Laraya, as your guide, we'll blend special guests, personal development nuggets, and engaging creative content to inspire and motivate you on your artistic journey.
Mon, May 20, 2024
Adventures in Sustainability with Multi-Disciplinary Artist Jakia Fuller
Sustainability is a complex topic in the realm of creativity, especially in fashion. I didn’t understand the depths of meaning the word sustainability has until I spoke with today’s guest, Jakia Fuller. Jakia is a multidisciplinary artist and clothing designer based in New Mexico. In this episode, we discuss...the current fashion “sustainability” space (do sustainable brands have flaws? should we buy from fast fashion brands?)developing your eco-friendly values as a creativeand cultivating a ...
Mon, May 06, 2024
🏃🏽♀️ Why I Left the Social Media Streets
I deleted my personal & creative Instagram accounts in December 2023, leading to a limited social media presence in 2024. Leaving social media has been a journey of realization for me. It also presents challenges as a creative because I have to be more intentional about sharing my creations with the world. In this episode, I share my evolution through social media platforms and some of the revelations I've experienced six months post-social.Grab Amelia Hruby's FREE Leaving Social Media To...
Mon, March 25, 2024
⏪ REWIND: Learn about Creativity Counseling with Cindy Cisneros
Hey y'all! I wanted to share a rewind back to an episode you might have missed last season. Did you know that creative counseling is a real practice within the mental health sphere? Last year for Mental Health Awareness month, I had a great conversation with Cindy Cisneros, a Creativity Counselor, where we discussed her experiences in creativity counseling, ways to pave your creative journey, finding balance, and more. Take a listen! If you're interested, you can connect with Cindy through he...
Mon, February 12, 2024
Building a Six-Figure Business without Social Media: A Chat with Amelia Hruby
As social media changes to more "media" than "social" elements, many have chosen to leave social media platforms. But how do you leave when social media is your main avenue for marketing your creative ventures or your small business? In this episode, I chat with writer, teacher, and founder of Softer Sounds Amelia Hruby about her journey building a six-figure business after leaving social media. Through her success, I hope that every creative who feels disillusioned by social media knows that...
Mon, January 29, 2024
Hello Again with Artist & Designer Gabi Zuniga
This episode features artist and graphic designer Gabi Zuniga, owner of the multi-disciplinary creative studio known as Studio Gab. Gabi is a freelance graphic designer and a resident artist at the Magnolia Art Xchange in Ocala, Florida. We discuss her creative processes, her penchant for creating art about Black joy, creating in overtly conservative areas, and her upcoming debut art show entitled Hello Again. Gabi's Newsletter: https://thestudiogab.substack.com/Gabi's Website: https://w...
Mon, September 04, 2023
Normalizing Black Boy Joy with Creative Brenten Jomar
This episode is for all my creatives out there, but there are gems specifically for Black men. There aren't many spaces curated for the holistic health of Black men, so 757-based creative Brenten Jomar has decided to create these spaces in his city and beyond. Brenten founded the Black Boy Joy Fest, including the Black Men Heal Yoga classes that encourage Black men to release anxiety and embrace stillness. In this episode, you'll learn about Brenten's creative journey, hopes for the future, a...
Mon, August 21, 2023
The Power of Stories with Screenwriter Billyne Piquion
Without great writers, we wouldn't have great TV shows or films. In this episode, I speak with screenwriter Billyne Piquion about her creative writing journey, which progressed from writing stories to watching them unfold on screen. Billyne is a graduate student at Texas Southern University, an accomplished screenwriter with two short films in post production, and a poet with a poetry collection entitled Black Free Me.Learn more about Billyne and read her work: https://www.queenbillyne.com/Re...
Mon, August 14, 2023
Confessions of a Creative: Preparation, Mistakes, and Approaching the End of Season One
Often your greatest challenge as a creative won't be starting a new project; it will be preparing for new projects. As an introspective person, I'm constantly thinking about past decisions and how I can use mistakes and new discoveries to propel me forward. Join me in my thought process! Also, tune in to hear more about the season finale coming up on Sept. 4, and what comes after. SHEER CREATIVITY LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheercreativity/ Follow/like the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheercreativity Newsletter: https://laraya.substack.com/ Follow Laraya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larayarochelle/ Read Laraya's poetry: https://www.amazon.com/words-wanderer-collection-Laraya-Billups/dp/057899996X
Mon, July 31, 2023
Creating a Coming of Age Podcast with Host Justin Alexander
In today's episode, I talk with new podcaster Justin Alexander about the One Way Vision podcast, what excites him about creativity, and more.One Way Vision Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onewayvisionpodcastWant to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection
Mon, July 17, 2023
Reflections on Q2: Inconsistency, Finding Soul Work & Gaining Clarity
Soooo, if you're a devoted listener of Sheer Creativity, you noticed that the podcast hasn't been dropping consistently on Mondays recently. Honestly, Quarter 2 of 2023 has been filled with notions of leaving social media, questions surrounding my passions, and hopes to find clarity. Is this a journey you can relate to as a creative?Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative...
Mon, July 10, 2023
Therapy, Motherhood, and Writing (Oh My!) with Author Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman
After a career in the National Guard, Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman realized she wanted more control over her schedule, which led to the creation of her publishing company, Z House Publishing. In this episode, Nathelie and I discuss the influence of therapy on her new guided journal for Black women, Dear Beautiful, the impact of motherhood on her creativity, self-funded creation hacks, and more.Follow Nathelie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/authornatheliezetrennenorman/Nathelie's website: https:...
Mon, June 12, 2023
Freedom: Spoken Word & a PSA to Stop Playing Yourself in these Creative Streets
Today I'm sharing my newest piece, Freedom, about my natural hair journey. I performed this piece at an open mic recently, and in this episode, I share tidbits of wisdom I gained from stepping out of my comfort zone. Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection
Mon, June 05, 2023
Unlearning Fear: Evolving Past Perceptions and Accepting New Challenges
Everyone has their own fears. Fears for creatives can be unique because sharing our interests and our work with the public can be a vulnerable experience. In this episode, I analyze my own relationship with fear from school age to now, and I share solutions to press forward as a creative in the public sphere.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and...
Mon, May 15, 2023
Thriving on the Road Less Traveled with Artist & Jewelry Maker Sandra Uche
Choosing a creative path is always a daunting task, but Sandra Uche is grateful to be thriving on the road less traveled. In this conversation, Sandra shares her journey from corporate to creative, leaving behind her education in public health and starting a jewelry business. SUPPORT SANDRAPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandraauche/Jewelry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nneala.co/Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/gue...
Mon, May 08, 2023
Black Travel, Relocation, Networking & More with Alieshia's Adventures
We love seeing Black women traveling! Listen to Alieshia from Alieshia's Adventures talk about starting her travel YouTube channel, her experience relocating to Atlanta, balancing the many aspects of her brand, and more! Watch Alieshia's Adventures on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlieshiasAdventuresListen to the Millennial Thoughts Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millennial-thoughts/id1341002595Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a futur...
Mon, May 01, 2023
Caring for Your Creative Personality featuring Creativity Counselor Cindy Cisneros
We're starting off Mental Health Awareness month with a bang! Did y'all know creative counseling was a real practice within the mental health sphere? Listen to this conversation with Creativity Counselor Cindy Cisneros as we chat about her origins in creativity counseling, paving your own creative journey, finding balance, and more!Connect with Cindy: https://www.creativelyllc.com/Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the...
Mon, April 24, 2023
Image: Behind the Poem, Unlearning Comparison, and Making Time Proud
People on Sheer Creativity's Instagram page asked for another spoken word performance! In this episode, I perform my poem "Image" from my poetry collection Words from a Wanderer. This poem leads into further conversation about comparison, self-worth, and the idea of making time proud of how we spent it. Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text! Support the Show. SHEER CREATIVITY LINKS Read Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and Wander Check out Laraya's website Order Laraya's poetry collection
Mon, April 17, 2023
Encouraging Affirmations for the Creative Soul
Sometimes the cure to our creative struggle is realizing the power of ourselves. This episode is full of affirmations to help you see the greatness of your creative journey and in yourself as a person. Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOrder Laraya's poetry collection
Mon, April 10, 2023
Thoughts on the Tennessee Three: Creativity as Activism, a Spoken Word Performance, and Mental Health Priorities as Creatives
Today's episode is a heavy yet necessary topic: creativity as activism. When two Black Democratic lawmakers were expelled from the House of Representatives in Tennessee for joining a peaceful anti-gun violence protest, I began to reflect on the ways I have used my creativity as activism. In this episode, I share a poem I wrote during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement (TRIGGER WARNING: death) and I share my thoughts about how to care for your mental health as a creative activist. Read In Remembrance of Black Love Read Tiana Clark's essay New Ways of Surviving: Writing Through a Global Pandemic Watch Justin Pearson's In the Well speech Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text! Support the Show. SHEER CREATIVITY LINKS Read Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and Wander Check out Laraya's website Order Laraya's poetry collection
Mon, April 03, 2023
Being an Indie Author: Writing & Publishing My Book through Amazon, Dealing with Critiques and Regrets
Publishing my debut poetry book Words from a Wanderer has been one of my greatest achievements thus far, but being an indie author has its challenges. In this episode, I talk about the "making of" my poetry collection, regretting publishing on Amazon, and dealing with critiques from readers.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out L...
Mon, March 27, 2023
Reflections on Q1 of 2023: Doing vs Being, Triumphs & Future Fears
Quarter One of 2023 is officially over on Friday, March 31. As creatives, this is the time to reflect over what goals we’ve achieved thus far and what adjustments we can make to reach our fullest capabilities. In this episode, I get real about my future goals for this podcast and beyond. Hopefully this helps you not feel alone in your journey toward pressing past your fears. Order Laraya's poetry book Words from a Wanderer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/words-wanderer-collection-Laray...
Mon, March 20, 2023
Creed III: Challenging Societal Norms through Art
Today's episode involves me gushing about the impact of the film Creed III! Tune in as I discuss my intial thoughts about the film, and how this particular piece of art challenges societal expectations about Black mental health and Black brotherhood. Watch Jonathan Majors' interview on NPR Podcasts : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzU4GJii6Dg Order Laraya's poetry book Words from a Wanderer on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/words-wanderer-collection-Laraya-Billups/dp/057899996X SHEER CREATIVITY LINKS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheercreativity/ Follow/like the podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheercreativity Newsletter: https://laraya.substack.com/ Follow Laraya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larayarochelle/ Read Laraya's poetry: https://www.amazon.com/words-wanderer-collection-Laraya-Billups/dp/057899996X
Mon, March 13, 2023
Brittany Renee: The Graceful Dancer
This Sheer Creator is acquainted with multiple disciplines. Brittany Renee is a dancer, choreographer, poet, and content creator from Kentucky. In this conversation, Brittany and I talk about her choreography process, blending dance with poetry, pandemic woes, and her most notable creative projects.Watch Brittany's poem Black Bouquets on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2z5EXoUP7I&t=35sListen to The Black Girl Project on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/agents-...
Mon, March 06, 2023
Frustrated with Art: Rediscovering Your Passion and Reason for Creating
I'm always learning from everyday adventures. Tune in to hear me talk about my frustrating experience skiing for the first time, and what lessons I learned about my creativity. Hopefully, it helps you be patient with your creativity and reignites your passion for your craft.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck out Laraya's websiteOr...
Mon, February 27, 2023
Lina Simpsonn: The Multi-Talented Photographer
Lina Simpsonn is a woman of many talents, including photography, creative direction, graphic design, and more! Learn more about her journey into freelancing, her hidden skills, and her advice for individuals seeking a creative career. Follow Lina and book her through her Instagram page @linasimpsonn.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCh...
Mon, February 20, 2023
Lacroy "Atlas" Nixon: The Community-Minded Spoken Word Poet
Lacroy "Atlas" Nixon has been writing and performing slam poetry for seven years, and it all began in a high school English class. After years of honing his craft and publishing his poetry collection God and His Humor in 2021, Lacroy founded the Slam Connection in Williamsburg, VA to teach other high school students poetry while focusing on community engagement. Follow Lacroy on Instagram @atlasnixon and keep up with the Slam Connection on Instagram @slamconnection.Want to share a comment wit...
Mon, February 13, 2023
Frances Marie: The Visionary Children's Author
Frances Marie is an author dedicated to Black representation in children's books. Her debut book, Spending Time with Mommy, is available now on Amazon! The book follows Skye's fun adventures with her mom while learning lessons about natural hair care, plants, and healthy living. Follow Frances Marie on Instagram @authorfrancesmarie.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative ...
Mon, February 06, 2023
Sunbrown: The Spontaneous Love Poet
Sunbrown is an ATL based poet who enjoys writing about romantic, platonic, and internal love. In this conversation, we dive into how Sunbrown discovered that she was a poet, how her writing process works, and how she embraced her purpose of writing about love and exploring its many definitions. Support Sunbrown's poetry on her Instagram page @lovesunbrown.Order Sunbrown's debut poetry collection, Even Love Loves You: https://www.lovesunbrown.comWant to share a comment with me regarding a curr...
Mon, January 30, 2023
Sydney Blondell: The Advocate Indie Author
Sydney Blondell is an indie author with almost 6 published books under her belt. She's an advocate for disability representation informed by her own experience with POTS, which she writes about as her character Sloan in her novel The Stars in my Heart. Support Sydney by following her Instagram @sydneyblondellauthor.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wis...
Mon, January 23, 2023
Bunmi Abari: The Fashion-Forward Photographer
Our Sheer Creator on today's episode is Bunmi Abari. Bunmi is a VA based photographer with multiple interests including fashion and film. Tune in to hear about how Bumni's passion for photography started on Tumblr, how his first photoshoot went, and how his feature in Culture Icon with Monie Richardson (see episode two) helped validate him in his craft. Follow Bunmi on Instagram @kid.august and follow his business page @sunofaugust.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode o...
Mon, January 16, 2023
Adrianna Hayes: The Gifted Spoken Word Poet
Our Sheer Creator on today’s episode is Adrianna Hayes. Adrianna is a spoken word poet, podcast co-host of On My Motha, and a mom to Cairo. Make sure you follow Adrianna on her Instagram poetry page @sincerely_adrianesha and follow the On My Motha Podcast on Instagram @onmymothapodcast_. For new and expectant mothers out there, tune into On My Motha on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the s...
Mon, January 09, 2023
Monie Richardson: The Confident Creative Director
Our Sheer Creator on today’s episode is Monie Richardson. Monie owns Frugalistic Eyes, a styling company devoted to making you look fly while keeping money in your pocket. Monie is a stylist and creative director with a unique view of fashion. She’s recently been published in Prazzle magazine and Culture Icon. You can support Monie by following her on both her social media platforms on Instagram: @moniemadeit and book your own appointment to be styled @moniestylingWant to share a comme...
Sun, January 01, 2023
Laraya Rochelle: The Authentic Podcast Host
On this intro episode, find out more about the origin of Sheer Creativity and the podcast host Laraya Rochelle. Laraya is a published poet of Words from a Wanderer, available now on Amazon. She also owns Sheer Creativity, a creative agency devoted to supporting creatives and coordinating events.Want to share a comment with me regarding a current episode or a future episode/guest? Send me a text!Support the showSHEER CREATIVITY LINKSRead Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and WanderCheck o...
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