Championing Creativity and Strategic Growth
With over three decades of experience, I have developed a unique approach that blends strategic insight with a passion for fostering inclusive, sustainable growth within the arts and cultural sectors
My approach is informed by my own lived experiences as a neurodivergent artist, alongside a decade of teaching and mentoring combined with my formal qualifications and continuous learning, including in trauma-informed practices and how to facilitate safer, more inclusive spaces.
Public Speaking & Engagements
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RMIT Swanston St Library Sensory Study Space (2024): Invited to speak at the opening and contributed as a member of the lived experience consultation committee.
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RMIT Library Staff Accessibility Training Videos (2023): Featured in videos discussing the lived experiences of neurodivergent students, used at national conferences.
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RMIT Accessibility in Action Panel (2023): Panel member discussing my lived neurodivergent experience as an RMIT student.
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Phoenix Spirit - Soul Expansion For Life And Business (2021): Guest speaker on "The Creative Cycle, and why creatives often skip the selling part."
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Tea with a Slice-of-life Workshop Series (2020): Presented "The Stories We Tell Ourselves, That We Think Are True."
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Thrive Event, Wellington (2019): Presented "Thriving as a Creative Entrepreneur" alongside a fireside chat and Q&A with award-winning author and entrepreneur Denise Dufield-Thomas.
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More than Rubies Conference, Wellington (2017): Delivered a keynote talk on "Strategies for Thriving as a Creative Entrepreneur."
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Wellington Handmade Festival of Making Conference (2013 and 2014): Delivered interactive workshops on "Making It at Markets" and "The Art of Selling Your Craft."
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Podcast Host, Abundant Artist Podcast (2020): Interviewed successful creative entrepreneurs.
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Podcast Guest, Various Podcasts (2020 - Present): Shared insights on the unique challenges faced by self-employed creatives.
Workshops & Courses
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Small and Micro Business Empowerment Programme
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Refined, and taught this course for Sisterworks, empowering female immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to establish and grow sustainable businesses. Provided mentorship and guidance to participants, focusing on business skills, strategic planning, and the unique challenges faced by creative and cultural entrepreneurs from marginalised communities.
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Abundant Artist Academy
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Created online weekly workshops during COVID lockdowns on topics such as: Social Media as Art. Discover how you can enjoy posting on social media, in a way that works for you and your business; Budgeting, Buckets and Books oh my!
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Time Management for Women
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Created for the Chrysalis for Women Network, with a specific focus on mothers and creative entrepreneurs.
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Bright Ideas into a Successful Business
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A sold-out 6-week business course for Kapiti Women’s Centre. Written for the specific needs of mothers and creative entrepreneurs.
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Strategic Leadership & Cultural Advocacy
I believe in the transformative power of art and culture to shape society and drive meaningful change. My work in cultural advocacy has focused on developing policies and initiatives that support the creative industries, particularly for neurodivergent and marginalised communities. I’ve presented policy recommendations to local governments and led initiatives promoting sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity within the creative sector.
Thought Leadership
As a thought leader, I actively contribute to discussions on the future of the creative industries, exploring how we can create more inclusive and resilient cultural ecosystems.
My public speaking engagements include keynotes and workshops at conferences like RMIT Accessibility in Action panel, the Handmade Festival of Making, More than Rubies Conference, as well as guest appearances on various creative and business podcasts.
These platforms allow me to share insights on creative entrepreneurship, cultural leadership, and the unique challenges faced by self employed creatives.
Empowering Creatives
My advocacy extends to empowering creative entrepreneurs, self employed creatives, and small organisations. Through my consultancy work and educational programs, I’ve mentored countless artists and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of the creative economy.
I am committed to sharing my knowledge openly, supporting others in their creative journeys, and advocating for a creative sector that is inclusive, vibrant, and sustainably supported.