In one of my most memorable conversations on the Behind the Design podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Nicole Goldfarb, the vibrant artist and CEO of Nixie from Venice, California, and a creative spirit who previously worked as a graphic designer for Oprah Daily.

Our conversation showcased the true essence of living and working creatively. Tune into Episode 106 of Behind the Design to hear more from Nicole.

It’s not just about what you create; it’s also about infusing every day with intention, detail, and authenticity. By embodying these principles, we craft a life that’s not just productive but meaningful and vibrant.

Throughout our chat, Nicole and I acknowledged how the rhythms of creativity don’t always fit neatly into our schedules. Inspiration needs space to breathe, and we both saw the importance of acknowledging when our creative currents ebb. This way, we sidestep the risk of burning out and instead, give ourselves permission to recharge and return renewed.

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Make Space for Creative Breaths

Make it a point to schedule regular intervals where you disconnect from work, allowing yourself to experience life and seek new sources of inspiration—be that an afternoon in a park or a quick doodle session.

Nicole finds her muse in the ebb and flow of daily life and the wonders of New York City—something that I could relate to. The world around us is filled with sparks waiting to ignite our creativity if we are open to them.

Defining Your Creative Niche

Our conversation veiled into the minutiae that bring us immense joy—a perspective that is often overlooked. Whether it’s the hardware you choose for a cupboard or the way you organize your desk, there’s an art to celebrating the small things that can make everyday life feel extraordinary.

For me, this meant replacing mundane items around my workspace with things that spark joy, like a beautifully designed mug for my morning coffee or a plant in a colorful pot that brings life to my desk.

The Art of Networking

Our own fortuitous meeting and Nicole’s story involving Oprah highlighted one undeniable truth: The magic happens when we put ourselves out there. Networking isn’t just about professional gain; it’s also about forming genuine connections that can enrich our lives in unexpected ways.

Instead of approaching networking as a transaction, approach it with the mindset of learning and sharing. This has continuously opened doors to opportunities I never anticipated.

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I invite you to dive into Nicole’s colorful universe by following her on Instagram and TikTok @Nixieincolor, and if you’re seeking more on brand strategy and lifestyle design, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for resources engineered to help craft your dream life and business.