Your World of Creativity

Today we welcome Victoria Racca, a southern mom, wife, and powerhouse entrepreneur in the beauty industry. She owns The Microblading Institute, a franchised school under the Board of Regents, and BrowSister, an international manufacturer of permanent makeup numbing products. She also helps beauty businesses scale through her Revenue Growth Systems program.

Victoria's Website

@Victoria.glam on Instagram

Victoria on YouTube

Here is a guide to our interview:

1. Building an Empire in Beauty

• Victoria, youve built not just one but two thriving businesses in the beauty industry. What first inspired you to enter this space, and what was the moment you knew you were onto something big?

1. From Microblading to Manufacturing

• Many entrepreneurs focus on either services or products, but youve mastered both. How did BrowSister come about, and what challenges did you face in launching a product internationally?

1. Scaling Through Education

• Your Microblading Institute is franchised under the Board of Regentsan impressive achievement! What was the process of getting it accredited like, and how has it helped you impact the industry on a larger scale?

1. Coaching Beauty Businesses for Growth

• Through your Revenue Growth Systems program, you help beauty professionals scale their businesses. What are the biggest mistakes you see entrepreneurs making, and whats one key piece of advice you give them?

1. Balancing Business & Family

• As a wife and mother running multiple businesses, whats your approach to maintaining balance? Are there any routines or strategies that help you stay grounded while growing your empire?

Sponsor Shoutout:

A big thank you to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters! Listeners, enjoy 10% off your coffee order with the code "Creativity" at checkout at whitecloudcoffee.com.

Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed todays episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the show on your favorite podcast platform. Until next time, keep unlocking your world of creativity!

Groundbreaking jazz artist, John Klemmer is our guest today.

John's Website

@johnklemmersaxophonist on Instagram

John's Facebook page

John's Facebook group

Here's a guide to our interview.

1. Pioneering New Sounds & Genres

John, your career is filled with groundbreaking moments—many credit you with creating the first jazz fusion album, pioneering smooth jazz, and introducing electronic effects into jazz saxophone. Looking back, what was driving your constant push for innovation? Did you ever feel resistance from the industry or audiences when breaking new ground?

I was in Chicago when WNUA Radio launched the Smooth Jazz format, and I remember how your music, alongside artists like Ramsey Lewis, Larry Carlton, Dave Koz, and Richard Elliott, helped define an entirely new listening experience. Did you see the rise of Smooth Jazz coming, or was it a surprise to you how your sound became such a central part of the movement?

2. The Evolution of an Artist

Your music has evolved across many different styles—straight-ahead jazz, jazz-rock fusion, smooth jazz, solo sax, and even New Age music. You’ve said that some people only know you from one era and may not realize the full scope of your work. How do you personally define your artistic identity? Do you see all these phases as part of one larger creative vision? Collaborations?

3. The Art of Reflection & Reinvention

You’ve taken several sabbaticals throughout your career—pausing to reflect, compose, and reimagine your music. In today’s fast-paced digital age, artists often feel pressure to constantly release new content. What advice would you give to younger musicians about the importance of reflection and artistic reinvention?

4. The Intersection of Music & Emotion

Your album Touch became an unexpected worldwide sensation, connecting deeply with listeners on an emotional level. You’ve mentioned that this wasn’t a commercial decision but rather an honest artistic expression. What do you think made Touch resonate so profoundly with people, and how do you approach translating raw emotion into sound?

5. Innovation in a Changing Music Industry

With the rise of digital streaming, independent labels, and new technology, the music industry has changed drastically since your early days at Cadet/Chess and Impulse! Records. As someone who has always been ahead of the curve, how do you see the future of jazz and experimental music evolving? What excites you about where music is headed?

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters—use code "Creativity" for 10% off your next order.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast platform!

Today's guest is Carter Fox, the Soulful Traveling Spaceman Bassman. He's the author of The YouTube/Google Ads Rockstar Approach

He joins us from Philadelphia.

Carter's Website

@carterfoxmarketing on Instagram

Carter on YouTube

Carter's Facebook page

Guide to the Interview

1️ Blending Music & Marketing – Carter, your career bridges both the artistic and business sides of the industry. How did you first realize the importance of marketing for independent musicians? What are some of the biggest mistakes artists make when promoting their music?

2️ The Power of Branding – You emphasize the importance of artist branding. In a crowded music landscape, what are the key elements of a strong artist brand. How can musicians create a compelling identity that resonates with both fans and industry professionals?

3️ Touring & Collaboration Insights – You've toured with legends like Freddie Jackson and collaborated with both major and indie artists. What lessons have you learned from these experiences? How have they shaped your approach to music and business?

4️ Building a Sustainable Career in the Digital Age – With streaming, social media, and evolving tech, the music industry is constantly changing. What are the most effective strategies today for independent artists to build a long-term, financially sustainable career?

5️ The YouTube/Google Ads Rockstar Approach – Your book offers a three-phase plan for musicians to promote their work effectively. Could you break down this framework and share one key tip that any artist can apply right now to improve their reach and engagement?

Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters—get 10% off with the code CREATIVITY at www.whitecloudcoffee.com.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Your World of Creativity on your favorite podcast app!

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of digital art, animation, and AI-driven creativity with a true pioneer—Troy Plota, revolutionizing digital content with Plotaverse Apps, and his latest venture, The Why of AI?

Troy's Website

Troy on YouTube

Troy's Facebook group

Discussion overview:

1.   The Evolution of Digital Art & Animation "Troy, you’ve been at the intersection of art and technology for over three decades. What first inspired you to create tools like Plotaverse, and how has digital artistry evolved since you started?" Follow-up: “What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in getting Plotagraph off the ground, and how did you overcome them?”

2.   The Rise of Plotaverse & Global Impact "Plotaverse has grown into a global creative platform with over 10 million downloads. What do you think has made it so successful, and how have you seen it impact creators around the world?" Follow-up: “Can you share any standout stories of artists or brands that have used Plotaverse in groundbreaking ways?”

3.   AI & The Future of Creativity "You’ve recently launched The Why of AI?—a show dedicated to AI-driven content creation. How do you see AI shaping the future of digital art, and what excites you most about this new era?" Follow-up: “Some artists worry that AI could replace human creativity—what’s your take on AI as a tool versus a threat?”

4.   Innovation & Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry "Technology evolves fast. How do you stay ahead of trends and continue to innovate in such a competitive space?" Follow-up: “What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to build creative tech startups in today’s landscape?”

5.    The Future of Plotaverse & Your Mission "Looking ahead, what’s next for Plotaverse and for you personally? Any exciting projects or new innovations on the horizon?" Follow-up: “You’ve built a powerful community of digital creators. How do you see that evolving in the coming years?”

• Sponsor: a big thanks to White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Enjoy 10% off your order by using the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your discount.”
• Listeners: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us bring more creative voices to the mic.

Today, we’re diving into the world of indie J-Pop with a rising star who’s making waves internationally—Olivia Millin.

Throughout our interview, we hear excerpts of 3 new songs by Olivia.

@Oliviaamillinn on Instagram

Olivia on YouTube

Olivia 's Facebook page

1.    The Fusion of Cultures "Your music beautifully blends J-Pop with Western influences. What first drew you to Japanese music and culture, and how has that shaped your artistry?" Follow-up: "What challenges have you faced in merging these styles, and what do you think makes your approach unique?"

2.    The Journey of Start Again "Your latest album, Start Again, resonates with fans across the globe. What’s the story behind this project, and what emotions or themes did you want to capture?" Follow-up: “Your song Broken Piece of Joy hit #1 in the UK on the iTunes J-Pop charts—how did it feel to see your music connect with an international audience?”

3.    Balancing Music and Academia "You’re not only an artist but also a student, majoring in Japanese Liberal Arts at a top university. How do you balance your academic pursuits with writing, recording, and performing?" Follow-up: “Do you find that your studies deepen your connection to your music, or do they pull you in a different creative direction?”

4.    Musical Influences and Evolution "You’ve mentioned being inspired by artists like Yoasobi, Iris, Atarashii Gakkou, and even Lady Gaga. How have these influences shaped your sound and performance style?" Follow-up: “Looking ahead, how do you see your music evolving? Any new directions or sounds you’re excited to explore?”

5.    The Future & Message to Fans "You’ve accomplished so much at just 20 years old. What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or dreams you’re working toward?" Follow-up: “For young artists inspired by your journey, what advice would you give about staying true to their creative vision?”

A big thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Listeners, you can enjoy 10% off your order by using the code ‘CREATIVITY’ at checkout. Visit whitecloudcoffee.com to grab your discount.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Your support helps us bring more creative voices to the mic.