Wellness For Makers

In this episode, I chat with Jeff Caplan, founder of Craft Optics, to explore how seeing your work more clearly can completely transform the way you feel while creating. We talk about the real challenges so many creatives face, hunched shoulders, neck pain, eye strain, and the fatigue that comes from working on tiny, meticulous details. Jeff shares what inspired him to create Craft Optics and how improved visibility can instantly support better posture, reduce tension, and help you create for longer without the aches and pains. Whether you're a jeweler, fibers artist, or any kind of crafty maker, this conversation will help you rethink the connection between vision, ergonomics, and your creative longevity. It's an inspiring look at how the right tools can support both your creativity and your well-being. Tune in to learn why Craft Optics has become a game-changer for so many artists and makers and why it's one of my suggested tools for transforming the creative workflow!

I am so excited for you to hear this conversation with Holly Zajur, wellness educator, potter, yoga instructor, and host of the How the Wise One Grows podcast. 💫 Holly has this wonderful way of blending creativity and wellness so they feel like one beautiful, flowing practice. In our chat, we reflected and explored how taking care of ourselves can completely transform our creative energy. In this episode, we dive into: How her creative and wellness journeys first intersected (and why that changed everything) Using creativity as a powerful tool for healing, balance, and self-discovery Simple, doable tips for getting unstuck when you feel creatively blocked The role mindfulness plays in keeping your creative spark alive Holly’s gentle, encouraging wisdom is such a refreshing reminder that when we nurture our well-being, our creativity can truly flourish. So grab your tea, settle in, and enjoy this inspiring conversation with Holly. Connect with Holly:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyzajur/ Retreat: https://www.hollyzajur.com/wavesofcreativity Podcast: https://www.howthewiseonegrows.com/  

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Madeline Arcio, founder of the Hand Titan. Madeline is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in pro sports massage. Madeline has worked with Olympic rugby teams to top-performing pros, she’s helped athletes heal, recover, and perform through massage, muscle education, and targeted trigger point work. But Madeline’s not just supporting elite athletes, she’s also a dedicated educator, teaching at her local college’s massage therapy program. And now, she’s channeling her deep expertise into something new: the Hand Titan: a self-massage tool designed to help people relieve hand pain and tension anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re an artist, a maker, a writer, or a creative who uses your hands in repetitive motions every day, this tool is crafted with you in mind. Madeline’s mission is to bring relief to more people than she could ever reach with her own hands and through this conversation she is ready to help creatives keep doing what they love, with less pain and strain!  Let’s dive in.  Maddie is offering you 10% off with the promo code: MISSY10  website: https://thehandtitan.com instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehandtitan/  

When Did You Start Ignoring Your Pain Signals? In this episode, we’re chatting about something we’ve all experienced, ignoring the signals our bodies send us, all because hustle culture taught us to push through. But what happens when we do that? We end up running into burnout or injury. So, when did you start tuning out those pain signals, and why? Let’s take a moment to explore how these habits formed and how we can start listening to our bodies again. It’s time to take your power back so you can keep creating for years to come, with ease and longevity. Join the 6 month Mindful Maker Membership:  https://www.wellnessformakers.com/mindful-maker-membership Or start small and get the Neck & Shoulder Releif Movement Class Pack (3 Week Series): https://www.wellnessformakers.com/neck-class-pack Follow & Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessformakers/

I’m so excited to introduce you to Sarah Mac, the author of The 6-Figure Creative and someone who truly embodies the intersection of creativity, wellness, and abundance. Sarah is a Creative Brand Strategist and Money Mindset Coach who’s here to help you scale your brand to 6+ figures without burning out. Sarah blends mindset work, astrology, and soulful business strategy to support you in scaling your creative business while staying aligned with your values and well-being. Her approach empowers you to rewrite your money story, tap into your unique gifts, and build a business that feels aligned, joyful, and sustainable. If you’ve ever doubted whether your creative work can be both fulfilling and financially abundant, this conversation is your reminder that the world not only needs your creativity, it desires it. So let’s dive in and explore what’s truly possible for you. Follow Sarah:  https://www.instagram.com/sarahmacmagic/ https://www.instagram.com/creativemagicclub/ Work with Sarah:  https://withsarahmac.com Want to dive deeper? Check out Sarah’s podcast, where she interviews me about three movement practices to spark creativity and ease aches and pains. Listen here: Podcast Link  

Rebecca Mezoff, author of the bestselling book, The Art of Tapestry Weaving, loves nothing more than helping new tapestry weavers untangle the mystery of making images with yarn. Rebecca has a background in Occupational Therapy and in this episode she shares how her journey with OT shifted her perspective in the weaving studio. She shares some great tips that you are not going to miss! So let’s dive in!

I am so excited to share that this is Wellness for Makers’ 50th Podcast episode! Thank you all for tuning in week after week. For sharing episodes with your friends, family, students, and co-workers. It truly means so much to me! I am so honored to be able to have the opportunity to share so many incredible conversations that leave you feeling inspired to improve your studio practice.  With that being said, I am so honored to introduce today’s guest to the show, Serafine Lilien. As a graphic designer, Serafine developed a repetitive strain injury resulting from excessive work with a computer mouse. She retrained as an ergonomist. And then went on to create ErgoArts. Which combines her two passions art and ergonomics! She has more than 20 years of hands on experience as a professional ergonomics consultant for companies of all sizes, and individuals working from home. She has helped injured employees return to work and has guided companies into compliance with OSHA standards. This conversation is not one to be missed, so let’s get started! 

I’m so excited to introduce my friend Raïssa bump to the show! Raïssa is a talented contemporary art jeweler and the founder of Reset. Her mission with Reset is to educate others to be attentive to their body’s signals and provide them with practical self-tuning techniques so they can continue creating. Raïssa and I clearly have a shared passion for educating others about wellness and our friendship grew through many collaborations which we will talk about in this episode.

We often know what we should do. How many times has your body told you to readjust your posture, stretch, drink a glass of water, or take a nap, and you ignored it? How many times have you powered through pain or strain to get something done? We often know what we can do to care for ourselves now but we ignore the signals our body sends us until the signal gets louder and louder. But why?

I am so excited to introduce this week’s guest to the show. Andrea Lui is a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy (OCS), and is skilled in treating a variety of patients with acute and chronic pain. Andrea is passionate about patient education and empowering her patients to help themselves.  I found Andrea through her instagram page @TheKnittingPT. She began noticing that there were very little resources available to knitters, crocheters, and crafters alike on how to take care of their bodies. She was inspired to put out short videos with information on stretches, strengthening exercises, and information on how to care for your body.  No matter what type of maker you are, I know you will get a lot out of today’s conversation. So let’s dive in!

Over the past year and a half I have secretly been working hard on a project that I am so excited to finally share with you. I wrote a book with you in mind! Dive in to this week's episode to learn more about my new book Wellness for Makers: A Movement Guide for Artists. 

Critical Smiths is Back! We have the dynamic trio of Lucy Derickson, Jane Marsching, and Julia Giangrande on the podcast! In today's conversation we dive into a very special research project conducted by Julia following the life cycle of Jewelry Pickle. Listeners are invited to consider how their materials impact the environment and their health moving forward. 

There is always fear that our favorite thing can be taken from us and Leah and Grace's profound story reminds us of this.  Throughout the episode we talk about the immense importance of listening and cultivating a relationship with your body. Especially as life continues after injury and trauma, how do we sustain our most important connection with our body? Even through all of the profound, traumatic moments, on their journey they still manage to incorporate joy and happy dances into every day. Their cards and art reflect the wonder of life and the ability to always shine a light. 

In this powerful episode with the honorable Susanna Barkataki, we unpack the roots of yoga, cultural appropriation, and how yoga connects to social justice. We learn how we can combat the erasure of people from whom sacred traditions come from. Susanna is the author of Embrace Yoga's Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice.  She supports practitioners to lead with equity, diversity, and yogic values while growing thriving practices and businesses with confidence.

Heidi Lowe is a life long artist, a jeweler, an educator, and life and business coach! She is also an incredible friend and mentor. Heidi is the owner of Heidi Lowe Gallery. I worked as a summer intern for Heidi while I was in grad school and I seriously loved every moment. Not only did I learn more about running a gallery, business, and living a life as a jeweler, It also inspired me to dive deep and do some inner work. Heidi always asks the best questions to help identify what is holding you back in your creative journey. She teaches makers like you how to do the inner work required to create the financial freedom you desire. 

The Artist Hustle is Real! So why is there such a disconnect when talking to loved ones about what we do? Feeling supported is often apart of our emotional well-being and mental health. Dive in to this episode, to hear my story and get a Missy Pep Talk! Because let's face it, you're amazing and deserve one! xo 

The Artist Hustle is Real! So why is there such a disconnect when talking to loved ones about what we do? Feeling supported is often apart of our emotional well-being and mental health. Dive in to this episode, to hear my story and get a Missy Pep Talk! Because let\'s face it, you\'re amazing and deserve one! xo \r\n

emiko oye is a Japanese American artist who creates bold and colorful jewelry with repurposed LEGO® - from her emikooreware ready-to-wear line, to one-of-a-kind, conceptual work inspired by haute couture, art history, David Bowie, Nonviolent Communication and Mindfulness.   Once the 2020 pandemic hit, she pivoted to put full focus on her wellness offerings and creating community, as the collective need for ease and how to deal with the unsurmountable barrage of stressors was palpable. Empowering others to find their inner stillness and build resilience with these mind-body self-care tools feels of utmost importance as is her driving force.   She is certified in Relax and Renew® Restorative Yoga (Level 2), Forrest Yoga (300+hrs), Monnier Method Hatha Yoga (200 hrs). She has trained extensively with Ana Forrest (Forrest Yoga), and continues to study with Sue Hitzmann (MELT), Judith Hanson Lasater (Restorative Yoga, Experiential Anatomy), and Oren Jay Sofer (Nonviolent Communication).   Emiko is hosting a Well-Being Gathering virtual event + Stand with Asian Americans fundraiser! They have a matching donor who will match up to $1K of what they raise. https://emikooyoga.com/wellbeing-gathering Facebook link: https://fb.me/e/7YGzMs65I   AAPI Links: Standwithasianamericans.com StopAAPIhate.org Asian Americans Advancing Justice

emiko oye is a Japanese American artist who creates bold and colorful jewelry with repurposed LEGO® - from her emikooreware ready-to-wear line, to one-of-a-kind, conceptual work inspired by haute couture, art history, David Bowie, Nonviolent Communication and Mindfulness.   Once the 2020 pandemic hit, she pivoted to put full focus on her wellness offerings and creating community, as the collective need for ease and how to deal with the unsurmountable barrage of stressors was palpable. Empowering others to find their inner stillness and build resilience with these mind-body self-care tools feels of utmost importance as is her driving force.   She is certified in Relax and Renew® Restorative Yoga (Level 2), Forrest Yoga (300+hrs), Monnier Method Hatha Yoga (200 hrs). She has trained extensively with Ana Forrest (Forrest Yoga), and continues to study with Sue Hitzmann (MELT), Judith Hanson Lasater (Restorative Yoga, Experiential Anatomy), and Oren Jay Sofer (Nonviolent Communication).   Emiko is hosting a Well-Being Gathering virtual event + Stand with Asian Americans fundraiser! They have a matching donor who will match up to $1K of what they raise. https://emikooyoga.com/wellbeing-gathering Facebook link: https://fb.me/e/7YGzMs65I   AAPI Links: Standwithasianamericans.com StopAAPIhate.org Asian Americans Advancing Justice

emiko oye is a Japanese American artist who creates bold and colorful jewelry with repurposed LEGO® - from her emikooreware ready-to-wear line, to one-of-a-kind, conceptual work inspired by haute couture, art history, David Bowie, Nonviolent Communication and Mindfulness.   Once the 2020 pandemic hit, she pivoted to put full focus on her wellness offerings and creating community, as the collective need for ease and how to deal with the unsurmountable barrage of stressors was palpable. Empowering others to find their inner stillness and build resilience with these mind-body self-care tools feels of utmost importance as is her driving force.   She is certified in Relax and Renew® Restorative Yoga (Level 2), Forrest Yoga (300+hrs), Monnier Method Hatha Yoga (200 hrs). She has trained extensively with Ana Forrest (Forrest Yoga), and continues to study with Sue Hitzmann (MELT), Judith Hanson Lasater (Restorative Yoga, Experiential Anatomy), and Oren Jay Sofer (Nonviolent Communication).   Emiko is hosting a Well-Being Gathering virtual event + Stand with Asian Americans fundraiser! They have a matching donor who will match up to $1K of what they raise. https://emikooyoga.com/wellbeing-gathering Facebook link: https://fb.me/e/7YGzMs65I   AAPI Links: Standwithasianamericans.com StopAAPIhate.org Asian Americans Advancing Justice