Name: Elaine Coombs
Company Name: Elaine Coombs Fine Art
Website: http://www.elainecoombs.com
Twitter: @ElaineCoombs
Facebook: http://artist.to/elainecoombs/

Note from Jenn: Elaine Coombs is an amazingly talented painter from the San Francisco Bay Area. I feel so calm and centered whenever I see her majestic landscape paintings of beautiful trees. It’s like being right there hiking in the forest breathing in the fresh air. I had the pleasure of having Elaine in a teleclass a couple of years ago and it’s been cool to see her business continue to flourish. Below Elaine shares a bit about her creative process when she paints and the importance of having an accountability buddy in her business. Very inspiring! (All images in this post courtesy of Elaine Coombs).

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

I am a fine artist – painter.  I sell my paintings through galleries nationally in New York, San Francisco, San Diego and Seattle.  My work is derived from a fascination with the rhythms, colors and patterns of the natural world.   Local and national forest environments inform and inspire my acrylic paintings.  Luscious studies of light laden trees depicted by thousands of dots of color create a pixilated surface that blurs the line between the abstract and representational painting genres.

How has the Right-Brain Business Plan helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?

Creating the RBBP helped me to get organized and focus my efforts on expanding my business.  As a solopreneur, there were a lot of aspects it seemed I didn’t have time to address.  Having a visual plan (which now hangs in my studio), has helped me keep a clear focus on the future, including all of the aspects that will work together to achieve my future goals.  Looking at it inspires me everyday.

What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?

I have already set up an accounting system and keep track of my income and expenses on a monthly basis. I can run reports when needed and it is easy to see whether I am reaching my financial target either quarterly or year to date.

I have reached my goal of sending out submission packets to new galleries across the United States and Canada, along with local and regional museums, in an effort to create more visibility for my paintings.  As a result, there are two new galleries that now carry my work, and I have been featured in several group shows.  Approaching new art venues is something I rarely made time to do in the past yet is extremely important to the growth of a professional artist’s career.

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

To create my paintings, I work from small photographs taken on walks in local and regional forest environments.  Choosing the spot to photograph is intuitive and emotional – it just has to feel right.  After that initial connection with the place, I will go back into the studio and choose several photos as source material for my work.  Then I choose the size that I will paint it in and the material (canvas or paper).  Generally the more complex the image, the larger the painting.  But the most intuitive part of the process for me is in the act of painting itself.  Although I use a photograph as my basis, it is the translation of that photograph into paint, into the dots of color that are the signature of my style that is the most intuitive.  I also think that it is this aspect that creates the most dramatic effect in my work.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your Right-Brain Business Plan in terms of what it’s made out of or how you made it?

The plan is a hanging wall piece made up of 6 panels hung in two rows, adjoined by ribbon.  Each panel contains collaged words and imagery that represent my goals regarding a particular subject.  A final seventh panel exists in the form of a small clipboard that is independent from the rest.  I use this to keep track of my immediate goals and action steps and can be easily modified.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I wanted to mention that since our class, I have been corresponding with an accountability buddy – fellow artist Michelle Casey, first on a weekly basis and now on a monthly basis. Via email we share our current progress toward our goals and accomplishments while providing feedback and support for the other persons efforts.  This has been a wonderful tool that has greatly aided in the momentum of pursuing my plan.  It has created a much-needed support system and cheering section for my business that I was craving.  Not enough good things could be said about the positive aspects of having a creative cohort like Michelle, who knows all your dreams and plans and is happy when you succeed.

Although challenging at times, I really enjoyed creating this plan.  It serves as an inspiring testament to all of the aspects that go into creating a successful creative career in the arts.  I am proud of myself for what I have already accomplished and look forward to a bright future.  Thanks Jenn!

Creative Resources

Click here for more information about Elaine Coombs.

Click here for Right-Brain Business Plan™ e-Course and the Right-Brain Business Plan e-Book.

Name: Tori Deaux
Company Name: The Circus Serene
Website: http://www.CircusSerene.com
Twitter: @ToriDeaux

Note from Jenn: Yippee! The circus has come to town! And that means we get wonderful wit and wisdom from the brilliant Tori Deaux of The Circus Serene. Tori provides creative entrepreneurs with practical and spiritually-minded advice for running your business and your life. Reading Tori’s work is truly a treat. You will laugh, you will find yourself in her tell-it-like-it is honesty, you will be moved to action, and you will feel seen in all of your quirky uniqueness. Grab some peanuts and popcorn and get ready to for a dose of magic from ringmaster, Tori and her fabulous Right-Brain Business Plan!

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

The Circus Serene! There’s going to be a lot going on (what else would you expect from a circus?) including a mix of products that are in development, but the “center ring” of  the Circus is a website offering spiritual yet practical advice for running your business and your life.  There will be juggling and fear-taming, sideshow freak-outs, anxiety-defying acts of biggification, and an elephant-sized dose of calm, all plonked down right in the middle of life’s chaotic center ring.  What isn’t unique about that?

How has the Right-Brain Business Plan helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?

When I first came up with this-circus-of-a-business-idea, I knew it required a playful, experimental tone.  I wanted a  roadmap to follow as I set things in motion, but was afraid that a traditional, straight-laced plan would make the business feel traditional and straight-laced, too, hindering the sense of playfulness.

Taking the Right-Brained approach to business planning helped me form a map and goals that are every bit as clear as in a traditional plan, but also keep me on an appropriately quirky path for the Circus.  Outside of that?  I was surprised by all the new creative ideas the planning process spawned.  I mean, I’m usually pretty creative, right? But as I cut, painted and pasted together images for my visual plan, I came up with new product ideas, a better understanding of my right and perfect people, and how the financial end could be not only do-able, but fun!

What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?

Well, let’s see… I’ve designed and launched the site, I’m creating regular, engaging content, and am working steadily on product development. There’s always so much more to do than I expect, but it’s definitely getting there. I’ve also re-invigorated my activity in social media, and I’m building a network of lovely and helpful creative cohorts (plus a few circus clowns!). And I actively talk about the Circus to others, managing to create a bit of a fan-base before the site even launched. That’s a Pretty Big Deal for social-media-shy me!

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

I’ve never really thought of it in terms of creative intuition, but I try to crawl inside the heads of my readers, understand where they are coming from, what they need to hear, how I can present a message in a new and creative way.  That means understanding not just how words affect the message, but the impact of images, pacing, all sorts of things. There’s really so much involved that a detailed, left brained approach gets bogged down, so I guess I’m pretty dependent on creative intuition after all.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your Right-Brain Business Plan in terms of what it’s made out of or how you made it?

There’s nothing dreadfully unique about how  my plan is constructed,  but building a physical, tactile representation of an online business has been really eye-opening.  It makes it so much more *real*  – not quite brick-and-mortar real, but close enough.

As my RBBP continues to develop, I want to keep building on that  “realness”, and incorporate as many senses as I can, using miniature doll house lights for movement, singing cards to provide sound, and maybe a popcorn or cotton candy scented air freshener, if I can find one!

What’s your vision for your business?

To provide an oasis of entertaining sanity  for over-stimulated, overwhelmed creative entrepreneurs. Oh, and there will be plenty of popcorn. And applause.

What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?

Exploit your quirkiness! Put it on display, let it have a place in your business.  You don’t have to shout it out like a side-show barker, being quietly quirky is just fine, too.  Just don’t try to iron out your uniqueness so that you look like everyone else out there.  That’s not what your future customers are looking for – or they wouldn’t be looking for *you* in the first place.

So that’s what I want to say:
Exploit your quirkiness!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Well, actually, yes….  I have this odd habit of approaching everything in my life as an art project; it can be frustrating at times, because I fuss over things in a sometimes-not-so-productive way. My Right-Brained Business Plan has given me an outlet for that – a functional, productive ongoing outlet that actually helps me, instead of hindering.  I’m not sure that makes sense to anyone outside of my head, but… it’s a really, really good thing.  Maybe someone else will relate to that, I don’t know..

Creative Resources

Click here for more information about Tori Deaux.

Click here for Right-Brain Business Plan™ e-Course and the Right-Brain Business Plan e-Book.

Name: Mary Darling
Company Name: Mary Darling, Consultancy & Bali Wellness Journeys
Website: http://www.MaryDarling.com
http://www.BaliWellnessJourneys.com
Twitter: @marydarling and @baliwellness

Note from Jenn: Does “Eat, Pray, Love” have you itchin’ to go to Bali? Well, Mary Darling and her business Bali Wellness Journeys has just the thing for you! Their mission is to “share all the ‘best kept secrets’ of Bali with a journey of discovery and awakening designed to send you home more aware of the possibilities for a wellness based lifestyle.” Nice! And check out Mary’s lovely pics of the paradise she currently calls home. As a corporate refugee, Mary has ventured into several different businesses which help her maintain the freedom and flexibility she loves. Her international endeavors are a testament to following your dream!

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

We actually have a few businesses ~ a Consultancy that creates creative connections to develop concepts and businesses within the Spa and Hospitality areas. Supporting our passion, we started Bali Wellness Journeys, which creates new pathways to health and wellbeing. In addition we operate a tiny rental residence at the Arizona / Mexico border. Our business(es) are unique because we are corporate refugees ~  I loved my corporate work and learned so much but there was always an element missing, perhaps the freedom to run with an idea or the lack of flexibility in scheduling; we work with visitors to the island offering  more choices and options than just another massage by exposing them to a wide range of wellness offerings. Our consultancy assists hotels and spas by focusing on the consumer ~ to their needs which are not necessarily spoken or always easily recognizable. So, I believe we want to cause a shift in paradigm thinking to develop a business.

How has the Right-Brain Business Plan helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?

In its simplicity, I leapt at the opportunity to go through the Program since for years I struggled with articulating my thoughts in a numbers focused format – I use PowerPoint, flipchart paper, colored markers, etc. to get my thoughts together so I can present them ~ the Plan validated me and that I was not loony.

What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?

Initiating the Bali Wellness Journeys at the same time while taking the Program gave me momentum to move forward and to keep moving forward. Plus, I learned more about effective tools to assist potential clients in articulating their own unique vision ~

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

Creative Intuition? I am learning to give my brain a rest, create some ‘blue sky*’ thinking opportunities; For example, I no longer read while standing in lines, I wake up slowly with my green tea vs. coffee so my sub conscious can hover, and observe more around me when driving, flying, or other rather mindless activities. Usually, some new idea or new thought will come crawling into my brain and then I let it simmer … then take my pens and start writing it – not drawing but just get the unconnected thoughts out so I can see them clearly. Yesterday, I woke up thinking about Warm Stone Massage rocks, for no particular reason, then the ‘lightbulb’ idea:  we could create an income opportunity for a village here to collect the rocks, resell them while telling a story about the Balinese traditions of Full Moons and the Rocks’ energies being refreshed 1x monthly. My Business partners love the idea.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your Right-Brain Business Plan in terms of what it’s made out of or how you made it?

Simply stated, I printed the documents (it’s a visual thing), used my highlighters to illustrate certain resonating points, and then made them happen ~ I was rather envious of the beautiful, thoughtful creations though then realized we each have a gift and to express that gift is a unique opportunity for us as individuals … not as a group project.

What’s your vision for your business?

My vision is to continue to overcome fear of being non corporate, to inspire others to think and act like a customer, and to create some paradigm shifts for spa and wellness businesses. Our journeys open up visitors to entire new path to reducing stress, preventing illness, enjoying spa experiences, investigate complementary or alternative therapies, eat better food, be more conscious of living, and enjoy more fully a visit to the world’s largest wellness resort’. Lastly, our business in Nogales is a perfect home for an offshore business since it is the USA but still close enough to appreciate the wonder of different cultures.

What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?

No excuses ~ Be persistent ~ Make it fun ~ There is a market for what you are selling, be clear as to your audience. Exceed Customer Expectations ~ both internal and external customers. Reduce.Recycle.Reuse.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

A friend recommended the site and the program ( no clue as to who or how she knew) ~ without thinking twice I thought, ‘wow’ this is perfect and where has something like this been all my life!’ Thank you for being there when I needed the push and encouragement.

Creative Resources

Click here for more information about Mary Darling.

*Blue Sky thinking is a concept from the book ~ Cool Down, Getting Further by Going Slower, Steve Prentice.

The next Right-Brain Business Plan™ e-Course starts on September 20th.

Name: Marlies Venier
Company Name: Love This Place
Website: http://www.LoveThisPlace.ca
Twitter: @marliesvenier

Note from Jenn: Once you take a look at the pictures of Marlies Venier’s gorgeous oceanfront vacation rental home/retreat space below, you will fall in love with this place! Can’t you just picture yourself enjoying a nice cuppa tea on the cozy couch while you soak up the beauty of a stunning seaside view? Ahhhh. Inspiration and rejuvenation at it’s finest. Thanks, Marlies!

Read on to find out how Marlies gets inspired in her business and what words of wisdom she has for creative entrepreneurs.

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

My business is a luxury oceanfront vacation home on 11 acres in British Columbia. I have created a place for artists and entrepreneurs to come and find inspiration, as well as a place for families to share and reconnect with one another where there is plenty of space for children to run and play in a natural setting. Apart from the property, I can arrange extra amenities such as spa services, catering, yoga teachers and retreats.

How has the Right-Brain Business Plan helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?

The Right-Brain Business Plan helped my confidence soar. It gave me (a right-brain person) the tools I needed to get my creativity flowing in the right direction. I was able to get my vision out of my head so that it could manifest itself and come to life. I loved the vision board work. Seeing my own vision come to life was magic. Who thought doing a business plan could be so inspiring and fun!

What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?

I have already surpassed my immediate goals. My business is up and running, my site is live and has had hundreds of hits, and I have had four summer bookings since launching at the end of June. I am now working on developing and organizing retreats for others at Love This Place, such as workshops for women on self-realization, health, money and relationships. I want women to design a life they love, simply and effortlessly. Sharing and helping other creative, innovative women help themselves realize their full potential in life thrills me. Life coach training here I come! Looks like I will be repeating the RBBP process again soon!

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

I have always needed to follow my heart and my passions. I have never lasted long doing work that felt like work. I am a self-realization junkie. Until recently, my creative intuition has always been a strong unknown force. I now give my creative intuition (another name for this is my authentic self) the faith it deserves to take me in the right direction. My creative intuition lets me know when it is time to step up my game, to push and challenge myself, to get out of my head, to let go of the fears and judgments I create so that they do not stop me from doing all I am meant to do.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your Right-Brain Business Plan in terms of what it’s made out of or how you made it?

The vision board exercise that I did on canvas was eye opening, and the amount of time I spent writing my vision out on paper has moved me to another place in my life. I love to paint and get messy, so creating a business plan in a creative and artistic way was so much fun. Watching it all come together was awesome and made me very proud. For me, the RBBP course allowed me the freedom I needed to not give up when I felt overwhelmed. I could just go and make a mess and call it work!

What’s your vision for your business?

The vision I have for my business is to create a place that attracts dynamic and interesting people and families from all over the world. I want Love This Place to be a destination both physically and emotionally — a place “to go to.” I also desire it to be profitable. I am excited to see what creative ideas come from my heart to market and share what this beautiful place has to offer.

What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?

Take the Right-Brain Business Plan course! Utilize your authentic self. She or he is there to guide you and help you create the business you desire. Get out of your head and into your heart. Success is waiting for you!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Thank you, Jennifer, for developing such a unique and interesting course. Cheers to my forum of women who shared the process of doing the RBBP course at the same time. I wish you all much success in your businesses. You are all Rock Stars!

Creative Resources

Click here for more information about Marlies Venier.

Listen to Jennifer chat about the creative goal-setting on Tuesday, September 7th at 11:30am on eWomenNetwork’s Success Institute TeleSeries.

The next Right-Brain Business Plan™ e-Course starts on September 20th. Grab your spot now – the early bird special ends on September 7th.

Name: Tracey Asai
Company Name: Tracey Asai Designs, LLC
Website: http://www.traceyasaidesigns.com/
Twitter: @weddingflips

Note from Jenn: Tracey Asai is a wedding flip flop and accessory designer and an extremely dedicated and generous entrepreneur. Tracey participated in my last e-Course (and I mean fully participated!). She took every assignment to heart and spent hours each week researching, reflecting, visioning, taking action, and sharing her process. I was lucky enough to see her Right-Brain Business Plan in person and  was blown away by how detailed, thorough, and inspiring her plan is. It’s hard to really tell from the pics, but she made a large accordion book out of folders. The covers are decorated with her vision boards and Perfect Customer Portraits and the inside pockets contain her research, numbers, action plans, and more. Tracey’s commitment to her business success reminds me to just keep putting one foot in front of the other (and it helps if that foot is wearing one of her stylish designs!).

(Shoe photos courtesy of Tracey Asai Designs)

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

Handcrafted wedding footwear and accessories.

How has the Right-Brain Business Plan helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?

1) It has helped me create a long-term vision, see my business realistically in the present.

2) I am now able to generate my SMART goals faster and more successfully.

What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?

Creating a new bridesmaid collection, hiring a housekeeper (part of my cohort clan), steps closer to re-working my wedding flip-flop collection using eco-friendly material, and landing a new supplier who ignored me for years! I will even be moving into a larger work space in a few months time.

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

It is the beginning of all ideas and course of action.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your Right-Brain Business Plan in terms of what it’s made out of or how you made it?

I have made the book very versatile in many respects, to allow for any changes, additions or evolution of my big vision.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Did I mention how much I loved this course and learned so much? 🙂

What’s your vision for your business?

To become the go-to “dream to wear” shoe source for brides, along with specialty accessories.  Continue a manufacturing presence in the USA, even if I outsource some collections.  To own the real estate where my business/shoe factory is housed. To keep a stellar reputation for unique, beautiful product, and excellent customer service.

What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?

Do a business plan first!  It will save you loads of money and time in the long run.  There is nothing better then a plan of action.  If you are like I was and find yourself procrastinating on this crucial step in creating a business plan, and/or are scared to do it, I highly recommend the RBBP.

Creative Resources

Click here for more information about Tracey’s shoes.

Listen to Jennifer chat about the Right-Brian Business Plan™ on Wednesday, September 1st at 9am on BlogTalk Radio.

The next Right-Brain Business Plan™ e-Course starts on September 20th. Find out more or sign-up now. Early bird special ends on September 7th.

(painting by Jennifer Lee)

NOTE: This first appeared as a guest post on Way of the Happy Woman.

As a creative entrepreneur and life coach, I’m always integrating my many passions to better support me on my path.  Two of my passions, yoga and creativity, serve as cornerstones for helping me bring more authenticity and awareness into my work.  In my yoga teacher training, It’s Yoga founder Larry Schultz shared, “Ashtanga is a science of sequencing poses using bandhas, breath and movement to create change.”  Besides describing the practice of yoga, Larry’s philosophy also resonated with me as a meaningful way to approach running a creative business (and living my life, for that matter).

As I grow my business I’m stringing together a series of small steps to create positive change.  Bandhas, breath and movement help me consciously flow through the entrepreneurial world with more intention and ease.

How can these yogic elements help you off the mat and in your business?

• The bandhas are specific energy locks in the body.  Engaging your bandhas connects you to your core strength and keeps you stable so you can stretch and move safely.   The other week, I injured myself by overextended in a backbend without fully engaging my bandhas.  I strained myself moving into a vulnerable position because I neglected to stay connected to my core.  In business, bandhas are your core mission.  What are you taking a stand for in your work?  What will ground you as you challenge yourself to move beyond what you think you’re capable of?  When I lose sight of my mission or compromise my core, I find myself overextended and overwhelmed.  Aligning to my mission keeps me strongly rooted in what matters most to me and to my business.

• The breath connects mind, body and spirit.  Larry would say, “Breath is food for the spirit.”  Pranayama, or exercising breath control, helps you stay present and focused.  When the mind wanders in yoga, you bring your attention back to your breath.  Off the mat, many of us juggle so many balls that we can get distracted from our mission or disconnected from ourselves.  If breath is food for the spirit, how are you feeding your spirit in your business?  How do you stay inspired and connected to your own innate creativity?  What keeps you present and focused?  For me, inspiration and breath show up by giving myself plenty of white space to develop new ideas, to reflect on what’s working or not working and to practice self-care.  What will breathe new life into your business today?

• In Ashtanga yoga, poses are linked together through fluid movement accompanied by breath and engaging the bandhas.  The vinyasa practice can be quite rigorous and yet it has a graceful flow as one asana leads to the next.  Being in business can be demanding.  There’s a lot to get done and usually with limited resources.  In the midst of these challenges, how do you maintain a graceful flow in your business?  What actions can you take to connect the mini-milestones that make up your business plan?  If you find yourself stagnant or stuck, what can you shift to move forward?  What helps me move forward is identifying small steps and taking them one at a time.  I have the big picture in mind, but I know it’s the culmination of taking all those small steps that will help me manifest my vision.

Yoga philosophy offers many insights into bringing more conscious intention and ease into your creative business and your life.  Trust that the ancient wisdom of integrating the bandhas, breathe and movement can help you access core strength, focus and flow.  And from there, you can create powerful, positive change on and off the mat.

Namaste!