What happens when creativity becomes more than a talent—and begins to shape a business, a healing practice, and a platform for community? In this Builder’s Series episode of The Product Leader’s Edge, KJ Green sits down with Olivia Brown, founder of OliviaGeorgette Studios and a multidisciplinary artist, designer, instructor, and community builder. Olivia shares how she evolved from working primarily in graphic design to embracing traditional art, painting, engraving, teaching, and live creative experiences. She explains why her work became more resonant when she stopped creating what she thought people wanted and began sharing art that felt personal and authentic. The conversation also explores what happened when Olivia realized she had outgrown exhibiting inside spaces created by other people. That realization led her to host her own art shows, design complete OliviaGeorgette experiences, and confidently take up space as an artist and founder. KJ and Olivia also discuss art as a source of healing, the importance of representation, the opportunities and concerns surrounding AI-generated design, and how Olivia used her creative platform to mobilize support for families in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. As Olivia looks toward the next stage of her business, she reflects on the challenges of being the owner, artist, marketer, and event coordinator—and why building a strong team will be essential to scaling OliviaGeorgette Studios. In This Episode * Becoming a multidisciplinary artist * Moving between digital design and traditional art * Creating authentically instead of chasing social media expectations * How art can support healing and emotional release * Representation and creating art that feels like a “visual hug” * The impact of AI on artists, designers, and creative ownership * Recognizing when you have outgrown someone else’s space * Building immersive art shows and community experiences * Using creativity to mobilize support for Jamaica * The realities of scaling a founder-led creative business * Defining success through impact, collaboration, and reach * Taking up space in creative and corporate environments About Olivia Brown Olivia Brown is the founder of OliviaGeorgette Studios and a Caribbean-American multidisciplinary artist, engraver, designer, entrepreneur, and creative facilitator based in New York. Through vibrant artwork and immersive creative experiences, Olivia celebrates self-love, body positivity, culture, and the beauty of Black and Brown communities. Her creative practice includes hand-painted canvases, custom apparel and accessories, murals, engraved keepsakes, and her signature Plant & Paint workshops. Her work is grounded in a belief that art can help people feel seen, create space for healing, and bring communities together. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Introducing Olivia Brown 02:10 – What it means to be a multidisciplinary artist 02:55 – From graphic design back to traditional art 05:46 – Making the personal communal 08:09 – Continued learning, creative evolution, and AI 11:37 – Outgrowing other people’s spaces 14:10 – Representation and art as a visual hug 16:06 – Painting as healing and emotional release 18:45 – Making creative experiences accessible 21:31 – Using art to support Jamaica 28:12 – The challenges of building a founder-led business 30:07 – Olivia’s definition of success 32:44 – Create, Teach, or Exhibit 35:03 – What it means to take up space 39:08 – Where to connect with Olivia Learn More About OliviaGeorgette Studios If you’d like to explore Olivia’s artwork, attend one of her creative experiences, or learn more about OliviaGeorgette Studios, you can connect with her below. 🌐 OliviaGeorgette Studios Website📸 Instagram🎨 Artwork, Workshops & Custom Creations About The Product Leader’s Edge The Product Leader’s Edge is a podcast and publication by KJ Green exploring how founders, operators, and product leaders build products, companies, and careers in the age of AI. Through conversations with builders across technology, startups, media, and consumer brands, each episode uncovers the decisions, tradeoffs, and lessons behind building something that lasts. Continue the conversation: 📬 Solo Star Newsletter 🎙️ The Product Leader’s Edge Podcast 💼 LinkedIn 📺 YouTube 📬 The Product Leader’s Edge Publication This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solostarbykjg.substack.com
