Magic Made

Megan Holly & Chrissy Sherry

A safe space where we call out to inspire creatives, makers, and healers to break through blocks and boldly craft lives and businesses that are messy yet intentional. We dig deep to unearth the depths of us as humans in order to really soar to the best versions of ourselves. Where love grows, hardships are worked through, & life, creativity, (and business) can find a way to feel celebrated! Love what you are hearing here? Come hang out in my fun, supportive communities! Facebook & Instagram Handles: meganhollycreates

  1. 4d ago

    How to Stop Panicking & Trust the Season You’re In

    What season are you in right now? Maybe business is booming and creativity feels effortless. Maybe everything feels quiet, uncertain, uninspired, or painfully slow. Or maybe you’re somewhere in between, trying to figure out what the heck is changing. In this episode of Magic Made, Megan and Chrissy are talking about the seasons of creative business, entrepreneurship, and life, and why a slower season doesn’t automatically mean something has gone wrong. We live in a culture that loves the hustle. More clients. More content. More growth. More productivity. KEEP GOING. But just like nature moves through winter, spring, summer, and fall, our businesses, creativity, energy, and lives move through seasons too. And every season asks something different of us. We’re diving into how to recognize when it’s time to push forward and when it’s time to rest, why change can feel so uncomfortable even when it’s completely natural, and how to stop attaching a negative story to every lull, pivot, or uncertain chapter. We also talk about burnout, navigating hard life seasons while running a creative business, surrendering control, affirmations and mindset, finding magic in the mundane, and the simple reminder Chrissy returns to during difficult chapters: Nothing lasts forever. Megan also shares the “10 seconds at a time” mentality that has stuck with her for years and how tiny moments of courage, movement, or simply noticing a little glimmer of magic can help us move through seasons that feel especially heavy. Because your winter doesn’t erase everything you created during your summer. Your pause doesn’t mean you failed. And you don’t need anyone else’s permission to be exactly where you are. 00:00 The Seasons of Creative Business02:31 Why Hustle Culture Makes Slow Seasons Feel Wrong05:08 Are You Ignoring the Signs to Slow Down?07:51 Why Change Feels So Uncomfortable10:46 Every Season Serves a Purpose12:58 What Can a Hard Season Teach You?15:55 Why Is Rest So Hard?18:08 Nothing Lasts Forever20:09 Getting Through Hard Seasons 10 Seconds at a Time21:57 Using Mindset & Affirmations to Keep Going24:13 Finding Magic in the Mundane26:22 Stop Asking “Why Is This Happening to Me?”28:09 Is It Happening TO You… or Just Around You?30:05 Remember What You’ve Already Survived31:28 Give Yourself Permission to Own Your Season33:49 A Reminder for Whatever Season You’re In 🎧 IN THIS EPISODE: • Navigating slow seasons in business• Hustle culture and the pressure to always be productive• Recognizing when your body is asking you to slow down• Creativity, burnout, rest, and entrepreneurship• Why change feels uncomfortable• Learning to trust different seasons of life• Finding meaning without forcing a story onto everything• Using affirmations and mindset during difficult seasons• Finding magic in ordinary moments• Giving yourself permission to rest• Moving through uncertainty 10 seconds at a time• Separating your worth from your productivity• Trusting that a slow season isn’t forever 💫 A QUESTION FOR YOU: What season are YOU in right now? Winter? Spring? Summer? Fall? Or some weird fifth season that doesn’t have a name yet? Tell us in the comments. What feels good about this season, and what is challenging you? There is no “best” season to be in. Sometimes simply naming where we are helps us stop fighting it. ✨ ABOUT MAGIC MADE Magic Made is a podcast about creativity, confidence, business, movement, personal growth, and finding a little more magic in the everyday. Join Megan and Chrissy for honest conversations about building creative lives and businesses while still being very real humans figuring it out along the way. If this episode gave you the reminder you needed today, subscribe to Magic Made, leave us a comment, and share it with someone who might need permission to stop pushing and trust the season they’re in. #CreativeBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SlowSeason #Burnout #CreativeEntrepreneur #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #HustleCulture #MagicMadePodcast

  2. Sep 22

    Why Movement Changes Your Brain, Mood, Energy & Creativity

    What if movement wasn't about burning calories, changing your body, or forcing yourself through another workout? What if it was about feeling more alive? In this episode of Magic Made, Megan and Chrissy are talking about the power of movement and why moving your body can impact so much more than physical fitness. From dance and yoga to walking, stretching, running, or simply moving around your kitchen, movement can become a tool for reconnecting with your body, shifting your energy, clearing your mind, building confidence, and getting your creativity flowing again. Megan shares how returning to dance later in life changed her relationship with her body, confidence, and what she believed she was capable of. Chrissy shares how running and yoga helped her discover a clearer, calmer mind and a deeper connection between movement, creativity, and presence. Together, we explore why movement doesn't have to look impressive to matter, how easy it is to become disconnected from our bodies, and why doing something as simple as taking a walk, stretching on the floor, dancing to one song, or trying something new can create momentum far beyond the physical. We also talk about movement and mental health, aging, confidence, creativity, energy, body image, getting out of autopilot, and the stories that convince us we're too old, too stiff, too tired, too out of shape, or simply "not the kind of person" who does certain things. Because maybe the goal isn't to move your body so you can change it. Maybe it's to move your body so you can experience it. ✨ IN THIS EPISODE:• Why movement is about much more than exercise or fitness• The connection between movement, mood, energy, and creativity• How dance and yoga help us feel grounded and present• Movement as a tool for confidence and self-trust• Why small amounts of daily movement still matter• Returning to movement as we get older• Getting out of autopilot and challenging your body and brain• Letting go of judgment around what movement "should" look like• Finding a form of movement you actually enjoy• How physical momentum can spill into creativity, business, and everyday life• Challenging the stories that tell us what our bodies can and cannot do 00:00 Why Movement Is About More Than Fitness01:06 Megan's Lifelong Relationship With Dance04:07 Finding the Movement That Makes You Feel Free05:02 Movement, Energy & Creativity07:16 Why It's So Easy to Stay Stuck08:00 Movement, Mental Health & Brain Health09:33 Discovering What Your Body Is Capable Of10:29 Returning to Movement as You Get Older13:54 Why Movement Matters for Your Body16:05 Stop Treating Your Body Like Something to Fix17:26 How Movement Builds Confidence & Creativity19:24 Small Daily Movement Makes a Difference20:41 What Stories Are Keeping You Stuck?22:04 Simple Ways to Move More Every Day22:54 Get Off Autopilot & Challenge Your Brain24:14 If You Don't Move It, You Lose It27:20 Stop the Stories That Keep You Stagnant27:35 Movement Creates Energy & Momentum29:15 Movement Is for EVERY Body29:47 How Are You Celebrating Your Body? 💭 YOUR TURN:How are you already celebrating your body through movement? And what's one way you'd love to move, play, stretch, dance, explore, or challenge yourself a little more? Tell us in the comments. We want ideas too! If this episode gave you the nudge you needed to get up, stretch, dance around the kitchen, take the long way home, or try something new, like this episode and subscribe to Magic Made for more conversations about creativity, confidence, movement, entrepreneurship, and finding a little more magic in everyday life. #Movement #MentalHealth #Confidence #Creativity #MindBodyConnection #Dance #Yoga #PersonalGrowth #CreativeEntrepreneur #MagicMadePodcast

  3. Sep 15

    How to Grow a Creative Business: What Actually Worked for Us

    Want to grow your creative business, find more clients, and build real momentum without spending a fortune on marketing? In this episode of Magic Made, Megan Holly and Chrissy Sherry are sharing the creative business growth strategies that actually worked for them, including the scrappy, free, imperfect things they did when they were first getting started. Whether you're building your creative business on the side of a 9-to-5, trying to land your first few clients, or years into entrepreneurship and feeling a little stagnant, this conversation is packed with practical ways to get moving again. 0:00 – How to Grow Your Creative Business2:13 – The FREE Tool We Used to Find Clients5:08 – Build a Business Community Around You7:28 – Our Social Media Engagement Strategy10:01 – Organic Growth vs. Paying for Reach12:21 – Stop Obsessing Over the Algorithm14:09 – Why Some Content Suddenly Takes Off16:03 – Going Viral Isn't Always a Good Thing18:02 – You Don't Need a Huge Following20:49 – How Community Helped Grow Our Businesses22:07 – New Entrepreneurs: Say YES24:40 – Pricing Your Creative Services26:20 – Contracts, Boundaries & Learning to Say No27:45 – How You Actually Find Your Niche28:40 – The #1 Thing: Keep Your Momentum31:04 – What Growth Really Looks Like32:28 – When Business Starts Feeling Overwhelming34:01 – Stop Thinking Success Is for Other People35:03 – Your Challenge: Rip the Band-Aid Off We’re talking about: ✨ Using Facebook groups and social media to find clients for FREE✨ Why community and networking can change the trajectory of your business✨ Building organic social media growth without obsessing over the algorithm✨ Why a smaller, engaged audience can be more valuable than thousands of random followers✨ When new business owners should SAY YES more often✨ Pricing, raising your rates, contracts, and learning through experience✨ How working with different clients helps you discover your niche✨ Why consistency and momentum matter more than finding the “perfect” strategy✨ Letting your business evolve as you discover what you actually want to create You don't need 100,000 followers, a massive marketing budget, or a perfectly mapped-out business plan to start building something meaningful. Start where you are. Use what you have. Find your people. Keep creating momentum. 💬 YOUR TURN: What would help you feel like you're moving forward in your business right now? Drop it in the comments. You never know who might have the connection, resource, encouragement, or idea you need. And if this conversation helped you, subscribe to Magic Made for more conversations about creativity, entrepreneurship, confidence, movement, and building a life and business that actually feel like YOU. Resources & Links:Listen to the full audio podcast on episodes Spotify, Apple and Transistor or anywhere you listen to podcast To connect with Chrissy: www.instagram.com/chrissysherryconsciouscreator Would you like to work with Chrissy: christina.marie.art@gmail.com Want to get some coaching from Megan! Book a time with her here: bit.ly/MeganHollyCoaching Need Megan for a speaking opportunity, email her at: meganholly@artisticphoto.org Join Megan's Radiant Reflections creative email list: https://mailchi.mp/artisticphoto/radi...

  4. Sep 8

    The Secret to More Abundance? We've Got You!

    What if the thing creating more abundance in your life isn’t working harder...but actually having more fun? In this episode of Magic Made, Megan and Chrissy are talking about abundance, flow, creativity, and why stepping away from constant hustle can sometimes open the door to more opportunity, clarity, confidence, and connection. And no, we’re not talking about abundance as just money. We’re talking about the kind of abundance that shows up when you feel grounded, inspired, present, creative, and connected to your own life again. From DIY projects and painting furniture to slowing down, walking meditations, gratitude, time with your kids, and simple moments of play, we explore the unexpected ways we personally get back into flow. We also get into the pressure entrepreneurs and creatives feel to always be productive, the panic that can hit when work slows down, and why grinding harder isn’t always the answer. 00:00 What If Abundance Was a Hot Glue Gun?00:41 Abundance Is More Than Money01:45 Megan’s DIY “Flow State”03:17 Chrissy’s Way Back Into Abundance05:06 Trusting the Process06:18 Stop Making It Bigger Than It Is07:00 Change Your Space, Change Your Energy07:52 The Power of Being Present09:00 Simple Grounding Practices10:24 Why Creativity Feels So Centering11:23 The Problem With Trying to Do Everything13:03 Scrolling vs. Creating13:47 When Opportunity Shows Up Unexpectedly14:20 Stop Gripping for the Next Client15:19 How to Keep Your Momentum16:40 Why Hustle Isn’t Sustainable17:07 Permission to Let Go19:29 “I Am Most Abundant When I’m Having Fun”20:30 How to Create More Fun in Your Life21:55 Gratitude as an Abundance Tool22:20 You Do Have Time for Play24:00 Presence Can Be This Simple25:18 Don’t Put Fun on Your To-Do List26:00 Your Invitation to Create More Flow Sometimes, the shift comes when you stop gripping so tightly. In this episode: What abundance really means beyond moneyWhy creativity can help you get back into flowThe connection between fun, trust, and opportunityHow slowing down can actually help you move forwardWhy presence is one of the most underrated tools for creativesThe problem with constant hustle and grind cultureWhat to do when business feels slowWhy making time for fun is not “wasting time”Using gratitude to shift your mindsetHow simple moments can create more grounded energyWhy Megan believes she is most abundant when she is having fun and creating for fun If you’ve been feeling stuck, overworked, uninspired, or like you’re forcing every next step, this episode is your permission slip to loosen your grip a little. 💬 Tell us in the comments: What helps YOU get back into flow? Maybe it’s painting. Dancing. Walking. Gardening. Playing with your kids. Rearranging your space. Collecting cicada shells. Whatever it is, we want to hear it. If this resonated, please subscribe for weekly confidence, inspiration, and a community of creatives, makers, helpers, healers (& hit the 🔔 to never miss an upload). Resources & Links:Listen to the full audio podcast on episodes Spotify, Apple and Transistor or anywhere you listen to podcast To connect with Chrissy: www.instagram.com/chrissysherryconsciouscreator Would you like to work with Chrissy: christina.marie.art@gmail.com Want to get some coaching from Megan! Book a time with her here: bit.ly/MeganHollyCoaching Need Megan for a speaking opportunity, email her at: meganholly@artisticphoto.org Join Megan's Radiant Reflections creative email list: https://mailchi.mp/artisticphoto/radiantreflections

  5. Aug 18

    The Advice That's Keeping You Stuck

    What if some of the advice you've been faithfully following is actually the thing keeping you stuck? In this episode of Magic Made, Megan and Chrissy are unpacking the best, worst, and downright limiting advice they've picked up throughout life, business, and their creative careers. From being told you have to look a certain way to be taken seriously, to the infamous "niche down" rule, we're talking about what happens when helpful guidance quietly turns into a cage. Because advice can be valuable. Mentors can change our lives. Experts can teach us incredible things. But that doesn't mean every rule, strategy, or piece of wisdom belongs in every season of your life. We get into creative freedom, authenticity, personal branding, finding your niche, breaking business rules, trusting yourself, and knowing when it's time to take an old piece of advice and lovingly show it the door. CHAPTERS:00:00 The Advice That's Keeping You Stuck01:16 Why We Take Advice So Literally03:17 You’re Allowed to Break the Rules04:15 The Business Advice That Kept Megan Small06:25 Being Yourself IS the Differentiator09:17 Who Are the “Business Police?”12:01 The Best Creative Advice Chrissy Ever Got13:35 The Power of Three18:02 The Worst Advice: “Niche Down”20:03 When Your Niche Starts Feeling Like a Cage21:49 Why Creators Get Stuck on Social Media24:29 When Advice Kills Your Creativity27:08 Advice Is an Invitation, Not a Cage In this episode: Why we take advice from experts so literallyThe business advice that kept Megan playing smallWhy being yourself can actually become your differentiatorChrissy's surprisingly useful "Power of Three"Why "niche down" isn't always the answerThe danger of creating for an algorithm instead of yourselfWhat happens when business advice kills creative joyHow to decide which advice is actually right for YOUWhy advice should be an invitation, not a cage You don't have to throw away every rule or stop listening to people who know more than you. You just get to decide what stays. 💬 YOUR TURN: What's the best advice you've ever received...and what's a piece of advice you're really glad you stopped following? Tell us in the comments. We have a feeling there are going to be some GOOD ones. 👀 If this resonated, please subscribe for weekly confidence, inspiration, and a community of creatives, makers, helpers, healers (& hit the 🔔 to never miss an upload). Resources & Links:Listen to the full audio podcast on episodes Spotify, Apple and Transistor or anywhere you listen to podcast To connect with Chrissy: www.instagram.com/chrissysherryconsciouscreator Would you like to work with Chrissy: christina.marie.art@gmail.com Want to get some coaching from Megan! Book a time with her here: bit.ly/MeganHollyCoaching Need Megan for a speaking opportunity, email her at: meganholly@artisticphoto.org Join Megan's Radiant Reflections creative email list: https://mailchi.mp/artisticphoto/radi...

  6. Aug 11

    When Self-Improvement Becomes Self-Rejection

    What if constantly trying to become your "best self" is actually making it harder to love the person you are right now? We're big believers in growth, healing, learning, therapy, and becoming more of who you want to be. But in this episode, we're asking a harder question: When does self-improvement stop supporting you and start becoming self-rejection? We talk about the endless hamster wheel of healing, self-help books, wellness advice, comparison, courses, experts, fitness goals, and the sneaky belief that happiness is waiting somewhere in the future. "When I lose the weight..." "When I heal this..." "When my business reaches this level..." "When I finally fix this part of myself..." But what happens to the version of you who's here right now? In this episode, we're talking about finding the middle ground between staying stuck and constantly treating yourself like a project that needs fixing. We unpack self-trust, personal mission statements, comparison, anxiety, listening to your own needs, and learning how to pursue growth without abandoning yourself in the process. We talk about: • Self-improvement vs. self-rejection• Why there's no finish line for healing• The "I'll be happy when..." trap• How comparison fuels self-abandonment• Knowing your WHY before chasing another goal• Why every expert doesn't have your answer• Trusting yourself again• Finding the healthy middle ground between growth and acceptance• Loving who you are while still wanting more for yourself 💬 Tell us in the comments: What's something that helps you feel grounded in who you are right now? 00:00 Stop Trying to Be Your Best Self 00:30 Is Self-Improvement Actually Self-Rejection? 02:30 The "I'll Be Happy When..." Trap 04:10 When Growth Becomes Toxic 05:10 The Great Canoe Detour 😂 07:10 Why Are You Trying to Change? 09:00 Growth or Punishment? 11:05 When Wellness Advice Goes Too Far 12:35 The Self-Help Hamster Wheel 15:00 What's Your Personal Mission Statement? 17:10 Are You Abandoning Yourself? 18:25 Comparison Changes Everything 19:20 Learning to Trust Yourself 21:10 Loving Yourself AND Wanting Growth 22:50 Stop Looking for All the Answers 24:00 Nobody Is the Expert on YOU 25:50 "You're Broken. Let Me Fix You." 27:45 The Two Extremes of Self-Growth 28:45 Megan's Relationship With Anxiety 30:00 Finding Your Healthy Middle 31:15 You Don't Need Fixing If this resonated, please subscribe for weekly confidence, inspiration, and a community of creatives, makers, helpers, healers (& hit the 🔔 to never miss an upload). Resources & Links:Listen to the full audio podcast on episodes Spotify, Apple and Transistor or anywhere you listen to podcast To connect with Chrissy: www.instagram.com/chrissysherryconsciouscreator Would you like to work with Chrissy: christina.marie.art@gmail.com Want to get some coaching from Megan! Book a time with her here: bit.ly/MeganHollyCoaching Need Megan for a speaking opportunity, email her at: meganholly@artisticphoto.org Join Megan's Radiant Reflections creative email list: https://mailchi.mp/artisticphoto/radiantreflections

  7. Aug 4

    The Death of Human Creativity? Art with Heart

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but is it making creativity better... or making everything look the same? In this episode, we're diving into the infamous "AI flyer" that seems to be taking over social media and why it's become a surprisingly emotional topic for artists, photographers, designers, and creative entrepreneurs. This isn't an anti-AI conversation. We use AI ourselves and believe it can be an incredible tool. But there's a difference between using technology to support creativity and replacing the human heart behind it. We explore why energy matters in art, why community is more valuable than convenience, and why the future of creativity depends on people continuing to create with intention. In this episode: • Why creatives are pushing back against AI-generated artwork • The difference between using AI as a tool vs. a replacement • Why photographs and artwork carry human energy • The importance of community over convenience • How creativity creates connection • Why originality still matters in business If you're an artist, entrepreneur, photographer, maker, designer, or simply someone who values human creativity, we'd love to hear your thoughts. 👇 Would you rather have something handmade or AI-generated? Tell us why in the comments!  If this resonated, please subscribe for weekly confidence, inspiration, and a community of creatives, makers, helpers, healers (& hit the 🔔 to never miss an upload). Resources & Links:Listen to the full audio podcast on episodes Spotify, Apple and Transistor or anywhere you listen to podcast To connect with Chrissy: www.instagram.com/chrissysherryconsciouscreator Would you like to work with Chrissy: christina.marie.art@gmail.com Want to get some coaching from Megan! Book a time with her here: bit.ly/MeganHollyCoaching Need Megan for a speaking opportunity, email her at: meganholly@artisticphoto.org Join Megan's Radiant Reflections creative email list: https://mailchi.mp/artisticphoto/radiantreflections

  8. Jul 28

    ADHD Isn't Holding You Back. You're Using It Wrong.

    ADHD doesn't have to be something you constantly fight against. In this episode, we're sharing our own experiences of being diagnosed later in life, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and the practical tools that help us work with our brains instead of against them. From brain dumps and movement to alarms, reward systems, and learning to trust ourselves, this conversation is all about embracing the way your mind naturally works instead of trying to force it into someone else's system. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, artist, or simply someone trying to understand your brain a little better, we hope this episode helps you see your ADHD through a new lens. In this episode we cover: • Why ADHD can become a creative superpower • The surprising reason movement helps focus • Brain dumps that quiet racing thoughts • Using alarms as a productivity tool • The reward system that actually works • Learning to trust your own brain • Practical ADHD strategies for creatives We'd love to know... What's one ADHD tool that's changed your life? Drop it in the comments! 00:00 ADHD: Hindrance or Superpower? 01:15 The books that changed how we see ADHD 05:25 Understanding your own brain 07:00 Brain dumps for racing thoughts 08:20 Why alarms changed everything 10:35 Movement is medicine 14:00 Hyperfocus & distraction 17:30 Creating systems that actually work 21:45 The reward system for ADHD brains 24:00 Learning to trust yourself 26:20 Leaning into your strengths 29:15 Your brain isn't broken If this resonated, please subscribe for weekly confidence coaching and creative branding energy (& hit the 🔔 to never miss an upload). Like this video if you want more confidence-based branding tips. Comment below: What part of your brand feels most not you right now? Let’s talk about it. Need me for a speaking opportunity, email me at: meganholly@artisticphoto.org Resources & Links:Visit my website for branding coaching and upcoming workshops: meganhollyartist.com Listen to the full audio podcast on episodes Spotify, Apple and Transistor or anywhere you listen to podcast Want to get some coaching from me! Book a time with me here: bit.ly/MeganHollyCoaching Join my Radiant Reflections creative email list: https://mailchi.mp/artisticphoto/radiantreflections

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A safe space where we call out to inspire creatives, makers, and healers to break through blocks and boldly craft lives and businesses that are messy yet intentional. We dig deep to unearth the depths of us as humans in order to really soar to the best versions of ourselves. Where love grows, hardships are worked through, & life, creativity, (and business) can find a way to feel celebrated! Love what you are hearing here? Come hang out in my fun, supportive communities! Facebook & Instagram Handles: meganhollycreates