On this week’s episode, I sat down with Justin Shiels, a creative futurist, author, and founder of SoCurious. He creates joy-centered art, analog experiences, and creative practices rooted in self-love and nervous-system care. His work helps people slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with what it means to be human in a digital world.

In this episode - Justin shares how he went from being a creative director - a profession he decided on when he was just 8 years old to founder of So Curious where he emphasizes authenticity, community building, and the power of joy in business. We discuss practical strategies for launching a creative business, the importance of iteration, and how to stay true to your purpose amidst challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Rapid Fire Questions

02:47 The Neurodivergent Experience and Community Engagement

05:45 Beliefs About Success and Personal Growth

08:46 The Journey of Becoming an Artist

11:57 Creative Direction and Its Challenges

14:41 Navigating Toxic Work Environments

18:00 The Turning Point: Health Scares and Career Decisions

20:45 Resetting Life and Priorities

23:55 Fears and Challenges in Entrepreneurship

30:28 The Journey to Authenticity

33:04 Launching So Curious: A New Beginning

35:38 The Power of Joy in Business

39:24 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth

43:18 Creating Unique Greeting Cards

46:44 Building Community Through Art

50:24 Revenue Streams and Business Strategy

52:47 The Importance of Iteration in Business

59:10 Vision for a Stationery Empire

01:03:14 The Emotional Impact of Greeting Cards

In this episode of A Bright Idea Podcast, I share my personal experience with being laid off and emphasize the importance of having a backup plan. I discuss mindset shifts, the value of side hustles, and practical tips for financial resilience during career transitions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

02:52 Personal Experience with Layoffs

06:13 The Importance of Backup Plans

08:48 Reframing the Narrative of Entrepreneurship

11:58 Protecting Your Peace with Multiple Income Streams

In this episode of the Bright Idea Podcast, Amber Key interviews Alex Perez, the founder of Papi Cuisine, a unique food brand that merges cultures through Afro-Latin fusion cuisine. Alex shares his journey from humble beginnings in Baltimore to building a successful restaurant and product line. He discusses the importance of storytelling, social media, and community engagement in growing his brand. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced during the pandemic, the mindset shifts required for entrepreneurship, and the definition of wealth beyond monetary success. Alex emphasizes the importance of following one's calling and the impact of fear on decision-making, encouraging listeners to take action despite their fears.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Papi Cuisine and Alex Perez

05:20 The Vision Behind Papi Cuisine

09:48 Baltimore's Unique Food Scene

13:10 Identifying Gaps in the Market

15:03 The Journey from Home Cooking to Business

19:08 The Role of Social Media in Growth

29:02 Transitioning to a Nationally Recognized Brand

29:44 Building a Flavorful Foundation

34:07 Navigating the Pandemic's Challenges

39:39 Mindset Shifts in Business

45:09 Defining Success and Future Aspirations

53:35 Wealth Beyond Money

57:19 Learning from Mistakes

01:00:01 Overcoming Fear to Chase Dreams