Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion into a profession? Join us this week as we chat with our guest, artist and sustainable fashion advocate, Laura Madden. Laura gives us an inside look into her remarkable journey, starting from her transition from fitness to art. She reveals how she went from making art for herself to selling it, and how the belief of others played a pivotal role in boosting her confidence to pursue her passion professionally.But it's not all about art creation and selling. A significant part of our conversation revolves around the often overlooked topic of energy management and balance for creatives. Laura and I dive into the physical and mental demands of creating art, the crucial importance of rest, and learning to say no. We also echo the significance of solitude for sparking new ideas and highlight a fascinating study suggesting that our brains need downtime to be more creative. Because, let's face it, as artists, keeping our passion and creativity alive in the long run is what matters the most.We also venture into the challenging parts of running a successful art business. We discuss the power and pitfalls of platforms like Instagram, the vitality of in-person networking, and the sometimes frustrating need for external validation. Laura opens up about her successful use of reclaimed materials in her art, earning her well-deserved recognition for promoting sustainability. As Laura shares her aspirations to take her business to the next level, we hope this conversation inspires you, fellow artists, to make your bold moves and achieve your aspirations too.Learn more about Laura in her Instagram and website. Support the show