We had the good fortune of connecting with Joan Goodspeed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joan, how do you think about risk?
I’m getting more comfortable with risk. Is it because I’m getting older and I have a better baseline knowledge? Or is it because I’ve learned no one knows what they are doing? There is comfort in both of these, but I think it’s only part of the puzzle. There is no handbook for creative work, we are all doing our best-guess path. I am the person that will see to my success, writing my own guidebook. That can feel isolating, but exhilarating as well. By surrounding myself with supportive people and asking for help – yikes! – I’m able to get pushed or comforted when each is needed. Frequently at the same time. And I’m trying to change my perspective on the dropped out stomach rollercoaster feeling from terrifying to wow isn’t this exciting. Ultimately I know my purpose is to help and inspire people. So it comes down to this – to reach people and help them I need to keep creating.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This is such a challenging time to be creative with daily life adding on so many stressors it is hard to center and create. I’m also in a period of growth in my creative business. Even though I have evidence my creativity will boom and my business will grow after this season of what feels like dormancy and strife, I’m having trouble trusting the flow. It feels terrifying to lean into the feeling of discomfort and when I voiced this discomfort to a friend – fellow creative Sienne Josselin – she asked what would I lose if I stopped creating? That simple question brought up so much emotion, what if I stopped?! I wouldn’t be able to help people! Because of this conversation I put a sticky note on my computer that says “where can I help” to remind me of the good my creative work can do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve lived in Long Beach for longer than I’ve lived in my childhood hometown, so I totally love this city. Breakfast at Colossus on 2nd
Then a walk down the street to see the cute shops
Zip over to 4th street to check out the cute shops there and say hi to Jhoanna at Bel Canto books
Lunch at Seabirds
Afternoon on the water whale watching or at the Aquarium
Picnic dinner at Skyline park to watch the sunset.
Ideal day, let’s go, grab your sunscreen and let’s make this happen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Aileen Holmes is my quiet cheerleader. When I was feeling down she told me she is personally invested in my success. I carry that with me ALL THE TIME now.

Instagram: @breaknremake

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOhexBb29dNc2vH4TrqrhIQ

Image Credits
Nik V Photography

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