Pollen is a podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs - just like you! I'm Diana, a multi-passionate creative business coach and the founder of Diana Davis Creative. On this show, we're serving you a little woo with a healthy dose of strategy to support you on your entrepreneurial journey. After running a six-figure photography business and experiencing major burn-out, I decided to ditch the hustle and do things my way. This show is the place to turn to for all of the best tips for running your successful creative business. My guests and I share the real, nitty-gritty stories of creative entrepreneurship and our unique paths to success. If you're ready to land your dream clients, make money running a business that lights you up, and live a life that you love, you're in the right place. Tune in every week for new episodes and get ready for the inspiration and motivation you've been looking for.
Listen to episodes
60 recent
July 31, 20261 hr 6 min
The Secret to Becoming Magnetic w/ Ashley B Jones ✨🧲
In this episode. I’m joined by Ashley B. Jones for a conversation about becoming the version of yourself you actually love being. We explore what it means to embrace your uniqueness, let go of who you think you’re supposed to be, and build a life that feels deeply aligned. We also talk about confidence, self-discovery, meaningful relationships, and why authenticity isn’t just good for your personal life. It’s magnetic in every area of your life and business. Follow Ashley here! 🌈 Ready to build a personal brand that’s just as magnetic as your authentic self? HUMAN will help you uncover what makes you unforgettable so you can create content, attract opportunities, and build a business that’s rooted in you , not someone else’s blueprint. We talk about: What it really means to become your favorite self Why self-discovery is the foundation for confidence Letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be Embracing the qualities that make you different How authenticity creates magnetic energy Building confidence through self-acceptance Creating meaningful relationships through vulnerability The importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your growth Why personal growth and business growth often go hand in hand Choosing joy over perfection Ways to plug in 🌈 HUMAN: The Personal Brand Accelerator — A self-paced program to help you build a magnetic, aligned brand that feels like you. Go at your own pace while unlocking major clarity. Learn more. 💡 1:1 Coaching — Private coaching to get clarity, strategy, and aligned action in your creative business. Apply here. 🛝 Recess for Creatives — The community playground where collaboration and connection fuel your business. Two live calls a month and an amazing crew of creatives. Join here. ☎️ Follow me on Instagram @dianadaviscreative for behind-the-scenes and creative biz inspo.
April 24, 202612 min
I Started Running My Business Like a Farm and Everything Changed 🐄🌻
IN THIS EPISODE… This one is practical, grounding, and a completely different way to think about your business. In this solo episode, we talk about what it looks like to tend to your business daily. The rhythms that keep it alive. And why showing up consistently, even for the unglamorous stuff, is what actually builds something sustainable. We also talk about diversifying your income streams — so one bad harvest doesn't take everything down with it. And underneath all of it: how to infuse soul into your strategy. Not just your branding. The actual decisions you make every day. If you've ever felt like your business is running you instead of the other way around… or like you're busy but not really building anything… this one's for you. --- WE TALK ABOUT - Why your business is more like a farm than a machine - Daily chores — what consistent tending actually looks like - Seasonal planning and working with your business cycles - Diversifying income streams to protect against risk - How to stop doing outdated things on autopilot - Infusing soul and authenticity into your strategy (not just your aesthetic) - Building something sustainable as a creative entrepreneur --- WAYS TO PLUG IN ⚡️ Gemini starts April 30th! — a six-month mastermind for multi-passionate creatives ready for their next level of expansion. Apply here! 💡 1:1 Coaching — Private coaching for clarity, direction, and aligned action in your business. 🛝 Recess for Creatives — your playground for community and connection, with two calls a month and an incredible group of creatives who get it. ☎️ Follow me on Instagram @dianadaviscreative for behind-the-scenes, inspiration, and creative biz thoughts.
April 14, 202655 min
Scaling Sounds Cute Until You’re In It with Sam Schmidt 💅
In this episode… This one is honest, layered, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build and evolve a business, specifically a social media agency and coaching business. I sit down with Sam Schmidt to talk about her journey from being a geography teacher in the U.S. Virgin Islands to building a business in social media, coaching, and community. We unpack what it looks like to grow something really successful in real time. The identity shifts that come with it. And the moments where you realize you’re not the same person who started. We get into the realities of building a business while you’re still figuring it out. Pricing your work. Attracting clients. And learning how to navigate growth without a perfect roadmap. We also talk about community. Why she created her membership, The Loop. What makes a space actually feel alive. And the challenge of maintaining connection and engagement as things grow. This is a conversation about evolution, personal branding, and building something that reflects who you are… not just what you think it should look like. If you’ve ever felt like you’re growing faster than your business can keep up with… or your business is asking you to become someone new… this one’s for you. We talk about: Sam’s journey from teacher to social media manager to coach The evolution of identity as your business grows Pricing your services and learning your value over time Client acquisition and building momentum What social media management actually involves Building and maintaining a team Why she created her membership, The Loop What makes a community feel active and engaged The role of personal branding in attracting the right people Letting your business reflect your personality and lived experience Get in Sam's world here! Ways to plug in ⚡️ Gemini starts April 30th! — a six-month mastermind for multi-passionate creatives ready for their next level of expansion. 💡 1:1 Coaching — Private coaching for clarity, direction, and aligned action in your business: [link] 🛝 Recess for Creatives — your playground for community and connection, with two calls a month and an incredible group of creatives who get it: [link] ☎️ Follow me on Instagram @dianadaviscreative for behind-the-scenes, inspiration, and creative biz thoughts
February 17, 202634 min
Six Figures, a New Relationship, and Redefining Ambition 💰❤️
Launching a podcast is easy. Saying you’re going to show up every week and actually doing it? Not so much. This year I told myself I’d be consistent. I’d treat this like the real thing. I’d build momentum instead of flirting with it. And then… I didn’t. Entrepreneurship has a funny way of exposing the gap between who you say you’re becoming and who you actually are when no one’s watching. It doesn’t just test your strategy. It tests your discipline. Your ego. Your identity. In this episode, I’m not pretending I nailed it. We’re talking about missing goals without spiraling. About ambition without self-abandonment. About what happens when you break six figures and realize the external milestone didn’t magically fix your internal world. I’m also sharing why I built Gemini, a six-month mastermind for multi-passionate creatives. Real conversation, real accountability, and real proximity to other people building brave things. Because here’s what I know now: You don’t grow into your next level by consuming more information. You grow into it by becoming someone who can hold it. And that process? It will ask you to shed identities. The “I’ll start when I’m ready” version of you. The “I should have this figured out by now” version of you. The one who wants success without being seen. This episode is about the gap between intention and action. About money. Pressure. Relationships. Identity shifts. And why building a business is really about building the capacity to be the person your vision requires. If you’ve ever missed your own standard and wondered what that says about you… this one’s for you. Ways to plug in ⚡️ Join the Gemini Mastermind waitlist. 💡 1:1 Coaching — Private coaching to get clarity, strategy, and aligned action in your creative business. Apply here 🛝 Recess for Creatives — The community playground where collaboration and connection fuel your business. Two live calls a month and an amazing crew of creatives. Join here ☎️ Follow me on Instagram @dianadaviscreative for behind-the-scenes and creative biz inspo.
December 14, 2023Episode 1334 min
S2 E13 Revitalize Your Energy Around Getting More Clients 🌟👩💻💡
The podcast is back after a little hiatus and it feels so good! Let's talk about clients and when we feel like they're just not out there. We've all had moments of feeling like we're speaking to the void, no one wants to pay us, and we should just give up, but we're going to talk through that in this episode. You'll get both mindset shifts and some tactical strategies for expanding your view on working with clients, renewing your energy around putting yourself out there, and a new perspective on your business. Plus get a long overdue life and business update from Diana! Check out the show notes for this episode: dianadaviscreative.com/post/s2-e13 More Ways to Plug In: Step into a space where you can thrive and transform your life when you join us at the Ecuador Retreat ! Achieve the life, career, and clients you've always wanted (and fully deserve!). Join Camp Clarity ! Grab one of the 2 available spots in the mastermind course, Ascend to help expand you and grow your business. Find your community with us when you join the waitlist for the DDC Community ! Connect with Diana: Check out the Website Connect on LinkedIn Follow along on Instagram Enjoyed this episode? Pollen is a podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs—just like you! If you enjoyed this episode of Pollen Podcast, subscribe and help us spread the word by sharing it! Your dream life is there for you to take — and you can help others find lives they can love too. Leave a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning in to this podcast, we'd appreciate it if you wrote us a review. You can also share it to help other creative entrepreneurs and freelancers. Have any questions or want to leave a suggestion? Come say hi on the 'gram, @dianadaviscreative ! You can also subscribe to my newsletter for travel updates, learn about special projects, and get tips and tricks for the creative entrepreneur life! Thanks for listening! Stay tuned to my website for more episode updates and other exciting programs and resources!
April 22, 202559 min
S2 Ep 35 What No One Tells You About Owning a Retail Biz w/ Kelly Geiman 🛍️🌴
In this episode. I sit down with creative entrepreneur and retail shop owner Kelly Geiman to explore what it really takes to open a brick-and-mortar biz in the age of algorithms. From a fashion career in New York to founding Union in Venice, California, Kelly's story is full of heart, hustle, and human moments. We talk about community, creativity, trusting your gut—and what happens when you build a business that feels like art. We talk about: The transition from fashion to entrepreneurship How to run a retail shop without losing your mind (or your soul) Why community is everything—especially during hard seasons The behind-the-scenes of owning a physical space How to use social media without letting it run your life The power of storytelling through curation And what it really means to lead with authenticity Plus, I share more about HUMAN: The Personal Brand Accelerator —starting May 1st. If you're tired of the algorithm hamster wheel and ready to build a business rooted in you , this is for you. (Details inside the episode!) Ways to plug in 🌈 HUMAN starts May 1st — This is the program to build a personal brand that magnetizes clients without chasing trends. DM me "HUMAN" on Instagram to join for $347 before the price goes up. 🛝 Recess is the best place on the internet. Try it out for 3 months for just $165. ☎️ Follow Diana on Instagram here. Key Episode Takeaways ✅ Owning a shop is about more than sales—it's about story ✅ Community can carry you through the toughest seasons ✅ Your business should reflect who you are , not just what you do ✅ Social media doesn't need to feel performative ✅ Intuition is a strategy (and a damn good one) ✅ Creative curation can build connection and loyalty ✅ There's no one-size-fits-all path to success ✅ You get to design a business that feels like home Episode Chapters 00:00 – Meet Kelly & the story behind Union 07:41 – Community support through hard times 10:43 – From fashion industry to entrepreneurship 16:42 – The real side of owning a retail shop 23:59 – Manifesting the perfect retail space 29:38 – Making intuitive business decisions 35:47 – The power of gut instincts 36:51 – Creating a space that tells a story 45:01 – Navigating retail logistics + overhead 51:00 – Using social media with authenticity 54:53 – Lightning round: Inspirations, dreams, and what's next
September 29, 20251 hr 0 min
The Future of Creative Careers: The Playbook on Community, Freelance + AI with AIGA 🎨🤖🛝
In this episode. I'm joined by Lee-Sean Huang and Giulia Donatello from AIGA to explore the future of creative careers. We dig into why community matters more than ever, the opportunities that come from conferences, and the shifts happening with freelancing, agency life, and AI. Whether you're just starting out or you're seasoned in the design world, this conversation is packed with insights for building a sustainable and connected career. ✨ Special Giveaway Alert! ✨ Share this episode on Instagram by Friday, October 3 . Tag @dianadaviscreative and @aigadesign , and include your biggest takeaway from the episode. You'll be entered to win two free tickets to the AIGA Design Conference in LA, October 9–11 . 🎟 Conference details here. 👉 Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 4 . We talk about: The free resources AIGA provides for designers at all stages Why community is essential for creative professionals The networking magic of conferences Freelancing vs. agency life — and what you learn from both The evolving impact of AI on design and creativity Building a portfolio that opens doors Why authenticity in networking matters How participating in events can fuel inspiration Translating creative ideas into real results Ways to plug in 🎨 AIGA Design Conference — October 9–11 in Los Angeles. Learn more here . 💡 1:1 Coaching — Private coaching to get clarity, strategy, and aligned action in your creative business. Apply here 🌈 HUMAN: The Personal Brand Accelerator — A self-paced program to help you build a magnetic, aligned brand that feels like you . Go at your own pace while unlocking major clarity. Learn more 🛝 Recess for Creatives — The community playground where collaboration and connection fuel your business. Two live calls a month and an amazing crew of creatives. Join here ☎️ Follow me on Instagram @dianadaviscreative for behind-the-scenes and creative biz inspo.
December 2, 2022Episode 3427 min
E34 How to Pursue Your Entrepreneurial Dream + Support Yourself Along the Way 💡💰
We all have this ideal picture of what being an entrepreneur looks like. To many, this is quitting your job, becoming your own boss, and immediately finding success through grit. But the reality is not always smooth-sailing. Having an "all or nothing" mindset can put an end to the dreams you're pursuing. Sometimes, taking on work you don't want can get you closer to where you want to be. In this episode of The Pollen Podcast, Diana talks about how to support your entrepreneurship dream realistically. Yes, alignment and energy are important, but you won't get there by waiting for things to work out. You have to work hard and work smart , even if it means taking on jobs you don't necessarily want. So don't quit your job just yet — it can be your stepping stone toward the career that really aligns with you. 🏃♀️ Listen to this episode to learn why pursuing your entrepreneurship doesn't mean you have to quit your job! Create your own creative entrepreneurship story of clarity, professional confidence, and profit. Join Diana's 90-day group course Camp Clarity and learn everything you wish you already knew, like how to land dream clients, harness the power of social media, and make the money you deserve. Learn more here . 🔥 Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: How to make genuine connections that don't feel solely transactional. Find out how to pursue a fully-aligned career without having to quit your job. Learn how taking on work you don't necessarily want can support your entrepreneurship dream. 📘Resources E29 Keeping a Creative Outlet + Pursuing a Full-time Career with Rolanda Evelyn 👗🌀 Achieve the life, career, and clients you've always wanted (and fully deserve!). Join the waitlist for Camp Clarity ! Want your creative business to go even further? Sign up for ASCEND, a four-month immersive mastermind experience for elevated entrepreneurs who are ready to scale their next mountain. Join the waitlist here . ⛰️ Want to have one-on-one coaching support from Diana? Check out the brand new Voxer Coaching Container . Attract your dream clients with my free masterclass! Access other courses from the Diana Davis Creative Connect with me: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram 🎧Episode Highlights [01:33] Connecting, Not Transacting Diana is currently in Tamarama in Sydney, Australia. By sharing where she's at and what she's doing in life, she's been able to connect with so many people. Going into situations with the intention of connection and not transaction is huge. Authenticity thrives in pure connection. Tune in to the full episode to hear about the connections Diana made during her stay in Australia! [07:36] Being Open on Social Media Your followers are real people who most likely found you through something else. Tag accounts and include the location when you're sharing things that you're doing on social media. It might get you a new connection or client. Reaching out to your followers is a huge and easy thing to do. It's about putting yourself out there first, following through, and following up. [09:44] Diana Davis: " People don't want to just follow you. They want to be connected with and not sold to. " Business is like dating — you have to keep the seed planted, the garden watered, and nurture the connection. [10:59] Having a Day Job to Support Your Entrepreneurship Career There is no shame in having another job while pursuing entrepreneurship. Quit your job if you feel it is right, but be aware that there's no shame in working somewhere that isn't 100% aligned with you to make ends meet. There is an in-between period where you want to do entrepreneurship full-time, but it's not quite working yet. Think of your entrepreneurship career as a baby that's just learning how to walk. You can't ask it to run a marathon immediately. [16:05] Knowing When to Say 'No' Being able to say 'no' to work that you still love to do is a privilege. Sometimes, you have to be grateful for the job you have because it's paying the bills. The financial stress it relieves can then help you flourish in your aligned work. Stay aligned with what you're doing, but analyze your situation. [19:55] Diana Davis: "Take the job at the brewery, take the job at the coffee shop, take the photography job that you don't necessarily love, but you're still able to use your skills, and you're still able to make new connections. And most likely, the universe is putting that thing in front of you as a stepping stone." You don't need to feel ashamed for having to get an 'actual job' to support your dream. It's part of the process. You'll get to your dream, but you won't get there by just sitting and wishing for everything to align and work out. You have to co-collaborate with the universe. [22:28] Being Smart about the Things Coming through Your Door Success for many creatives is when people finally start hiring them for their style. Getting your name out there may require doing stuff you don't necessarily want to do. But it could lead to various opportunities to finally take the work you truly desire. [23:46] Diana Davis: "Let's still work hard for what we want. Yes, alignment. Yes, energy. But you know, that's apparent too when we go and say, 'Hey, I'm willing to go work at a brewery part-time to make my dream happen.' That's energy and alignment too." It's about being smart and creative about the work you take on instead of always saying 'no.' You have to get in tune with both your feminine and masculine sides to reach a place of alignment. You have to have riverbeds to support a river. Otherwise, you're a lake. Enjoyed this Podcast on Supporting Your Entrepreneurship Dream? Doing entrepreneurship full-time is THE dream for many of us. But unfortunately, the reality of getting there is not as easy as we'd like it to be. You can't just risk it all and go all in with no safety net to fall back on. Instead, you have to work smart. Sometimes, that means taking on work you don't necessarily want. So don't quit your job just yet — it might be just what you need to get where you dream of being. Pollen is a podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs — just like you! If you enjoyed this episode of Pollen Podcast, subscribe and help us spread the word by sharing it! Leave a review and share it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoyed tuning in to this podcast, we'd appreciate it if you wrote us a review. You can also share it to help other creative entrepreneurs. Have any questions or want to leave a suggestion? Come say hi on the 'gram @dianadaviscreative ! You can also subscribe to my newsletter for travel updates, learn about special projects, and get tips and tricks for the creative entrepreneur life! Connect with me on Linkedin: Diana Davis Creative . Thanks for listening! Stay tuned to my website for more episode updates and other exciting programs and resources.
August 9, 2023Episode 854 min
S2 E8 What Creative Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Building a Brand with Giulia Previati 👩💻 🎨
Hey Pollen! Joining us for today's episode is creative brand expert, Giulia Previati ! This conversation will surely help you grow as a creative entrepreneur! Branding is all the ways your business presents itself to the world. It's how you tell your story, connect with your audience, and stand out from the competition. As a creative entrepreneur, it's vital to build a brand that is aligned with you and your creativity. You'll find that building your brand is more than just picking colors. It's about your brand feeling, strategy, visual identity, and more. It's about honing in on your message and delivering a promise to your audience. Don't know where to start? Tune in to this episode to learn more about what branding is for a creative entrepreneur like you! CHECK OUT THE GROUNDWORK CLUB SIGN UP FOR THE COMMUNITY WAITLIST JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR ASCEND APPLY TO CAMP CLARITY SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER DIANA DAVIS CREATIVE ON INSTAGRAM POLLEN PODCAST FULL SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES
April 19, 20222 min
Welcome to Pollen!
Welcome to Pollen, the podcast for Creative Entrepreneurs just like you. My name is Diana Davis and I am a multi-passionate creative business coach and the founder of Diana Davis Creative. Are you ready to land your dream clients, make money running a business that lights you up and live a life that you love? Yes?! Then you are in the right place. This show is the place to turn to for all of the best tips for running your successful creative business. I am SO happy you're here. Press play here for a sneak peek of what to expect on the show! Follow me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dianadaviscreative/ To learn more, check out my website here: https://dianadaviscreative.com/
Is this your show?
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.
