In this episode, I get to sit down with a true creator- someone who sees fashion and art not as a set of rules, but as a fluid, evolving expression of self.

She’s a serif.

A fashion enthusiast.

A creative force.

May I present, Morgan Baldwin. She is an associate creative director for Neiman Marcus, but I'm sure after reading the above you already know she's so much more....

We dive into the power of personal style, the freedom of dressing for yourself (not for others), and how fashion is less about judgment and more about curiosity, inspiration, and confidence. It’s your armor, your energy, your way of taking on the day. And most importantly? You don’t have to dim your light to fit in—because confidence isn’t about intimidation; it’s about lifting the world around you.

Tune in, get inspired, and start wearing + doing + creating + loving what makes your own heart happy.

Where & How to find Morgan:

On Instagram-

@morganrbaldwin

On TikTok-

@morgan_baldwin

On the Web-

MB Design & Illustration

To See More of Morgan's Favorite Inspo-

jaquemus

You may know my next guest as Claire, clairecutshair, or the Vibe Guru behind Glossed Salon in St. Louis- but as she says so herself, the lore of Claire is crazy (the good kind). 

With that in mind, may I present Claire Kampelman- she's not here for the small talk, but she is here to empower others, get you to your healthy + sexy hair prime, and to remind you that different is GOOD. 

Friends it's time to get locked-in to these next 60 minutes as if you're taking your seat in the salon chair. Get ready to hear all the stories, plot twists, and tea about what's ahead for Claire and the Glossed Salon legacy. Many may say it's "just hair", but we all know it's so much more... 

Where & How to find Claire:

On Instagram-

@clairecutshair

@glossedsalon

On the Web-

Glossed Salon

A creative mindset. The hand-in-hand partner to your why.

This is what sets you apart- it's not about who is "more creative" from an artistic standpoint, but rather who can stay curious, open-minded, resilient, take the risks...

Because as Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or can't, you're right.". 

In Chapter 7 we dive into harnessing your creative mindset from overcoming your limiting beliefs (plot twist, we all have them), embracing the fall (oh hi there, failures), cultivating curiosity (spoiler alert- be childlike), and daily practices you can implement to strengthen this invaluable asset. 

One word. One punctuation mark. One heck of an impact. 

Yes, we love when (most of the time) we fill our days doing the work that to us doesn't feel like work, but what do you have to motivate you when it does? Your why. 

So... how do you define such a powerful thing?

Or how do you even find it?

Welcome to Chapter 6. 

Turning the page into a topic you either love or hate- the "T" word... trend.

When is the right time to jump on them or in them? Do you have to?? What's the difference between a trend and a style, and why is everyone trying to be demure right now???

From fleeting fads to groundbreaking movements, let's unravel what makes a trend tick and how they shape and impact the creative landscape of industries + society as a whole. 

Ever wondered why some first meetings feel like magic while others feel more cringe-worthy than your middle school yearbook photo? Welcome to Chapter 4, friends, where we dive into the power of the first impression. From elevator pitches to design choices and what they really mean, I'm here to explore the psychology (and creativity) behind those crucial first moments that can make or break connections.

Because at the end of day, we're here to connect and conquer from the very first page.

Oh Chapter 3 I've been excited for you-

Before we get into hearing interviews and first-hand examples of how the journey for their brand, business, or self has gone, we first need to understand what exactly I'm talking about when I say Plot Twist. Here we unravel the power behind the plot twist—truly the ultimate game-changer in storytelling.

Let's dive into how unexpected twists and turns can leave a lasting impact and transform your narrative (for better or for worse...)

Hitting the most commonly asked question first... get ready to join me as I try to synopsize 34 years of dreams, direction, and plot twists in 20 minutes time. 

I am so beyond excited to introduce you to this next guest. You may know her from her photography business but like I always say, we're all made of stories- and she has some pretty amazing ones to tell (and still to come...). 

May I present, Heidi Drexler: a home-obsessed creator, lifestyle photographer, creative director, color queen, boy mom, and bookshelf style guru just to name a few things... 

Heidi is the brains, imagination, and lens behind Heidi Creative Co., where finally after decades spent capturing brands in their best light, it was time for her to celebrate and share the things that sparked joy and inspire others to find their happy, too.

Truly, friends, I hope you're ready to leave this conversation ready to celebrate your own Era's Tour- using your story as momentum while you thank where you've been, run after what you love, and get excited about where you're going- because you were meant for big beautiful things... Heidi & I say so ;) 

Where & How to find Heidi:

On Instagram-

@heidicreativeco

On the Web-

Heidi Creative Co.

I can't wait for you to tune in to the 'word salad' I got to have with the beautiful mind and soul behind this week's interview. (Don't worry, she explains what that means in this week's episode!)

Yuval Ahlering is a master class example in how to embrace your life's story, stay present, and find purpose in the plot twists. She shares here first with The Creative Plot listeners the big plot twist she just embraced... any guesses??? ... and what she's looking forward to the most.

Her perspectives and food for thought will help you navigate both sides of the coin life throws at you- for example, its ok if its horrible AND its ok if it leads to great things. This next chapter is full of intentiality, the kind of connection that goes so much deeper than words, and the difference we all can make when we listen to ourselves. In the wise words of Yuval, "it may not always work out, but it will always be worth it."  

As we start a new year, this episode is full of reminders to embrace your humanity and find true connection... it's as easy as saying hi (bonus points if it's in line at Trader Joe's.)!

Well, friends, we made it to another New Year!

What was originally intended as a "five for twenty-five" episode focused on your questions, comments, concerns, and plans for approaching this time of change and possibility (a well-curated twenty something minute episode I might add lol) is actually a 9 minute voice memo turned episode recorded while driving in my car. 

Because transparently almost every person who wrote topic ideas, questions, or thoughts to me for this episode were all in alignment on one big thing-

• I want to show up as myself, but how?
• I want to pivot and do what I really feel I'm meant for, but I'm scared...
• How can I take up space?  
• Why do I feel like a straner or my business feel like a stranger to me right now? 

The short answer? AUTHENTICITY. 

As we approach this season I invite you to plot-twist your normal way of thinking/approaching NYE. Let's make many New Year's evolutions, not resolutions.

And you may be thinking, "Sarah what are you even talking about, isn't it basically the same thing?" Nope. The main difference between evolution and resolution is that evolution is a process, while resolution is an intent. 

Evolution: a gradual, consistent process of change that's focused on progress, not perfection.

An evolution is about celebrating the journey and the destination, and it's judgment-free.

Resolution: an intent to find a solution to a problem or conflict. 

Resolutions are often driven by the calendar and can be harsh, rooted in judgment or obligation, and they often focus on all the things we're not.

So with that, I invite you to give yourself 10 minutes to tune into this pep talk, and then as many minutes and moments as you need to enjoy the process of evolving your goals, dreams, and destination in 2025. 

I am so beyond excited to introduce your mind, your ears, your heart, and your eyes to all that this guest has to offer...

May I present, Ciara Martinez: a true creative entrepreneur who's earliest memory of starting a business came at just 5 years old when she saw a gap in the market for our four-legged friends... and her awareness of differentiating yourself, staying aware + inspired, and finding the perfect fit for your business only grew from there! 

Ciara is the founder of The LightBulb Creative, a brand strategy and design agency where confident brands are born. She's fluent in the invisible language of design and effortlessly blends the beautiful and the strategic. 

Truly, friends, I hope you're ready to leave this conversation with renewed inspiration for you + your brand, a new growth task at hand (hello, character boards + reverse journaling!), and goals to make an impression and craft a creative experience. 

(and after you listen, go jump in the parade- iykyk.)

Where & How to find Ciara + The LightBulb Creative:

On Instagram-

@thelightbulbcreative

On the Web-

The LightBulb Creative

I am so beyond excited to introduce your mind, your ears, your heart, and your eyes to all that this guest has to offer...

cue sparkle sound

May I present, Sara Bacon: she believes that becoming our most whole and alive selves is the very best gift we can offer the world. (And she's not wrong!!)

Sara is a Human Design Expert + Inner Voice Coach, the founder of Hi*Def Humans, AND the founder of what's soon to be your favorite way to search vibes and design, Opulist. 

Impressive, right? But the most impressive part of all is how Sara believes not only in herself, but in you and all the dreams you should be (and were born to be!) chasing. She was instrumental in the pursuing of SKC when I had a human design reading done over 3 years ago, and she continues to change lives with this invaluable tool.

Truly, friends, I hope you're ready to leave this conversation with a sparkle in your heart and a renewed energy to find your most authentic self- there's no more spectacular journey than that. 

Where & How to find Sara, Hi*Def Humans, + Opulist:

On Instagram-

@glitter.aka.sara

@hi.def.humans

@opulist

On the Web-

Hi*Def

Opulist

Well, friends, we've made it to Chapter 10- the finale for Season 1 (affectionately the SKC solo soapbox chats...)!

If you couldn't tell from the title it's a bit of a doozy. It's time to go exploring into the mindset that every entrepreneur needs to thrive- one that balances big dreams with the reality of self-doubt, because hi- we're human!

This chapter is all about understanding the differences between inspiration and aspiration, how to harness the power of each, and how to keep an eye out for when you're using these tools against yourself and consequently triggering your Imposter Syndrome.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like you're not quite 'there' or questioned what you're doing and whether you have what it takes to succeed, you’re not alone. It's my hope that together we close this book feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to take on the next season of plot twists side-by-side + dream-by-dream. 

Well, friends, we know the rumors- one is "lonely", "isolated", "out of the loop"....  insert record scratch sound here ;)

Welcome to Chapter 9 where we'll tackle the common myth that being a solo entrepreneur means going it alone. From finding community (virtual, in-person, all community counts!), feeling confident on your own (lonely vibes who?), to exploring thoughtful ways to connect and outsource as a solo business to exceed even your own expectations (teamwork makes the dreamwork), the most important thing here is to quickly recognize and know in your gut these four words-

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

I hear you, friends- sometimes as business and individuals in a world of constant content we're totally overwhelmed with the question of who are we, really?

Chapter 8 is here and we’re diving into a topic that’s close to the heart of every creative: the importance of having a recognizable style. Whether you’re an artist, a photographer, an influencer, or just a human, your unique style sets you apart and helps you connect with + find your people.

And (not to spoil it, but, PLOT TWIST) here’s the thing—it’s completely natural for your style to evolve over time. We grow, we change, so too can (and should) our work.

So let's get to it! We’ll explore how knowing, honing, and finding your style empowers your work, attracts the right audience, and even opens up new opportunities. 

-Shownotes-

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

• When people see your work what are 3 things you hope they think/feel?
• What other business/individual inspires you the most? (This doesn't have to have anything to do with your line of work, just dig in to who you love!)
• What is a piece of you/your story you wish more people knew?
• If you had the opportunity to work with anyone, who would it be?
• What is the outfit you put on and feel the most you in?
• What inspires you most out of these options: fashion, color, music, location?
• What would your themesong be?
• If you were a color palette- what would that look like?
• What 5 words describe your essence?
• Where do you feel most inspired or at home?
• Who is your ideal client?
• What is your dream project (literally- sky's the limit here!)
• What do you want to stand out for?
• What are your influences?
• What do you enjoy creating the most?