Artsy Ambition

Summary

You've tried to establish a creative routine a dozen times, and every time it feels like just another thing on your to-do list. What if the problem isn't your discipline—it's that you're thinking in terms of routines when you need rituals instead?

In this episode, Kathleen explores the difference between routines (which are about efficiency) and rituals (which are about meaning)—and why that difference changes everything for your creative practice. You'll discover why lighting a candle before you stitch transforms obligation into invitation, how to create rituals that actually fit your life, and...

Duration: 00:15:49

Summary

Scrolling through Instagram craft rooms with perfect lighting and organized supplies can make you feel like you need a dedicated studio to be a "real" artist. But here's the truth: some of the most beautiful, meaningful creative work happens on kitchen tables, in corners of bedrooms, on couches with kids nearby.

In this episode, Kathleen shares how she's run her embroidery business from her kitchen table for years, why creating in shared spaces actually has advantages you might not realize, and exactly how to set up a functional creative practice in whatever space you...

Duration: 00:16:19

Being touched out is real, exhausting, and rarely talked about in creative spaces. In this episode, Kathleen gets honest about what it's like to maintain a creative practice when you're physically and emotionally depleted—and why creativity might be exactly what you need in those hardest moments.

You'll discover why embroidery can actually help regulate your nervous system when you're overstimulated, what creativity looks like when you're barely holding it together (spoiler: it's messy and imperfect), and how to make creating stupidly easy on your hardest days. This is permission to show up exhausted, to make ugly wo...

Duration: 00:20:17

Summary

The average person picks up their phone 96 times a day. We're scrolling, comparing, consuming—and wondering why we're all so exhausted. In this episode, Kathleen explores why choosing a slow hobby in our fast-scroll world is actually a radical act of self-care, and how slowing down might be the most productive thing you do all week.

You'll discover the science behind why repetitive creative practices like embroidery restore us, how to start even when you feel like you don't have time, and why reclaiming your attention from the endless scroll is one of the mo...

Duration: 00:12:49

Think you need hours of uninterrupted time to be creative? This episode will change your mind. Kathleen shares why waiting for "enough time" keeps you stuck, and how five-minute creative practices can transform your relationship with creativity as a busy mom.

You'll discover six practical rituals that fit into your real life—from passenger seat stitches to scribble drawing play—plus the exact strategies to make them stick. Because creativity doesn't have to be all or nothing, mama. You can be both present with your family and connected to your creative self, five minutes at a time.

Duration: 00:24:52

Feeling the holiday pressure already? Between Pinterest-perfect expectations and everyone else's Instagram highlights, it's easy to feel like you should be doing more. But what if "special" doesn't mean elaborate or expensive — what if it just means heartfelt?

In this episode, Kathleen shares her own journey from holiday burnout to handmade joy, and gives you permission to do the holidays differently this year. You'll learn how to choose meaningful over impressive, presence over perfection, and create holiday magic without the overwhelm.

You'll Hear About:

Why the holiday pressure we feel isn't really about the ho...

Duration: 00:16:16

Feeling stretched too thin? Resentful of commitments you said yes to? This episode is about the boundaries that will change your creative life. Kathleen shares her own journey from saying yes to everything (and burning out) to learning how to protect what actually matters — including her creative time, her family, and her energy.

This isn't about being selfish or unavailable. It's about being intentional. Because every time you say yes to something that doesn't align with your priorities, you're saying no to something that does.

You'll hear about:

Why saying no feels so impossibly ha...

Duration: 00:14:34

After the Sip & Stitch event, Kathleen kept hearing the same question: "How can I make more personalized embroidered gifts?" This episode is the answer. She's introducing new Canva templates designed to take the guesswork out of creating custom embroidered pieces — with seven embroidery-friendly fonts, sizing guides for different apparel sizes (newborn through 4T+), and six adorable embellishments.

But this episode is about more than templates. It's about how learning one skill — hand embroidery — becomes an endless source of meaningful, personalized gifts that people actually treasure. Perfect timing for holiday planning!

You'll hear about:

Why design...

Duration: 00:20:02

Summary

I just hosted my first in-person Sip & Stitch event at Park Cafe, and now I’m sharing all the heartwarming, behind-the-scenes moments from the experience. From the magic of watching strangers become friends over embroidery hoops, to the invaluable teaching insights she gained, to gratitude for the people who make it all possible — this episode is a love letter to community and creativity.

If you've ever thought about hosting a creative workshop or wondered what happens when you gather people around a table with thread and good conversation, this one will inspire you.

Yo...

Duration: 00:19:07

Been away from your embroidery hoop (or any creative practice) and feeling guilty about it? This episode is your permission slip to start again — without the shame, without the pressure, and without believing you're back at square one.

Kathleen shares why stopping and starting is a natural creative rhythm, not a character flaw. She explores how to make peace with the cycle of stepping away and returning, and offers a refreshing new definition of consistency that actually honors real life.

Whether you've been gone for a day, a month, or a year — you didn't start over...

Duration: 00:16:30

Show Notes: Monday through Friday, Kathleen works her full-time marketing job and manages early kindergarten mornings, school pickups, dinner, and bedtime routines. Her weekdays are maxed out. So when does she build her creative business? Weekends. And it's not what you might think.

In this honest episode, Kathleen pulls back the curtain on what it's really like to pursue a creative dream when you're already working full-time and raising kids. This isn't about disappearing every weekend or having superhuman energy—it's about her and her husband trading off parenting time, communicating constantly, and accepting that rest is so...

Duration: 00:21:37

Show Notes: You love sharing your work, but showing your face? That's a whole different story. Kathleen gets it—she could post embroidery hoops all day, but putting herself in front of the camera makes her stomach drop. But something changed when she joined the Gary Vee x Stan Store challenge and heard one directive that shifted everything: "Nothing is more niche than you."

In this vulnerable episode, Kathleen shares her journey toward visibility and why hiding behind your work isn't protecting you—it's holding you back. This conversation isn't about becoming an influencer or posting perfectly poli...

Duration: 00:20:25

"Mommy, can I help?" Those four words can spark instant panic when you're in the middle of your creative work. Do you say yes and risk things getting messy? Or say no and feel guilty? This week while prepping boxes for a sip and stitch event, Kathleen's kids wanted to help—and she had to make a choice.

In this heartfelt episode, Kathleen shares what happened when she said yes to crooked stickers and tiny fingerprints, and explores the beautiful tension between creating and mothering. This isn't about getting it perfect—it's about finding grace in the mess...

Duration: 00:24:56

Show Notes: Do you automatically reach for your phone every time you have a free moment? You're not alone—and it's not your fault. In this episode, Kathleen shares a personal story from a recent road trip that completely changed how she thinks about screen time. Instead of scrolling for hours, she stitched a denim jacket—and the difference in how she felt was remarkable.

This conversation isn't about phone shame or adding one more thing to your plate. It's about noticing what actually makes you feel better and giving yourself permission to choose it. If you've been...

Duration: 00:18:22

Feeling like you're perpetually behind where you "should" be with your creative business? In this vulnerable episode, Kathleen Lyons examines the powerful stories we tell ourselves about being behind — and why they're not actually true.

From the comparison trap of social media to the myth of the straight-line path, discover why the "behind" narrative is stealing your joy and how to rewrite it. This episode will help you challenge imaginary timelines, celebrate your actual progress, and trust that you're exactly where you're supposed to be.

You're not behind. You're becoming.

You'll hear about:

Th...

Duration: 00:15:54

Show Notes: Feeling discouraged because your creative business isn't growing fast enough? In this vulnerable episode, Kathleen Lyons gets honest about almost walking away from her embroidery business because progress felt too slow — and why that would have been a mistake.

From the pressure to achieve overnight success to the hidden wisdom of gradual growth, discover why slow progress might actually be perfect progress. This episode will help you redefine success, embrace your timeline, and find joy in the journey instead of rushing toward the destination.

Your steady, sustainable growth is building something more valuable th...

Duration: 00:18:37

In this episode, Kathleen opens up about her recent craft show experience – from the nerve-wracking prep to the unexpected lessons learned when taking her online embroidery business into the real world.

What You'll Hear:

The decision to apply for her first craft show and why it felt so scaryBehind-the-scenes prep work (spoiler: lots of spreadsheets and Target runs)Real moments from show day – both magical and challengingHow in-person selling differs from online businessUnexpected lessons about pricing, authenticity, and customer connectionEncouragement for anyone considering their first craft show

Key Takeaways:

Start small with local mark...

Duration: 00:13:19

What if your "imperfect" work is exactly what someone else needs to see? In this encouraging episode, Kathleen Lyons challenges the myth that you need to wait until you're "good enough" to share your creative journey.

From her first wonky embroidered mushroom to the transformative power of honest creative sharing, discover why learning in public isn't just brave — it's necessary. This episode will shift your perspective on perfection and give you permission to share the messy, beautiful middle of your creative growth.

Your beginner's work might be the permission slip someone else needs to start th...

Duration: 00:19:02

What if your platform isn't measured in followers, but in the sacred space where you create? In this heart-stirring episode, Kathleen Lyons reframes what it means to have influence and impact as a creative person.

From the rocking chair where she first picked up embroidery to the kitchen tables where generations of women have made beautiful things, discover why your creative space — no matter how small or humble — is a platform worth honoring.

This isn't about building bigger; it's about recognizing the profound privilege and responsibility of the creative space you already have.

You...

Duration: 00:18:26

After getting hacked and nearly losing everything, Kathleen Lyons made a commitment to post on Instagram every single day. But this isn't about hustle culture or following someone else's blueprint for success.

In this honest and encouraging episode, Kathleen breaks down the real reasons behind her daily posting practice, what it's taught her about creativity and commitment, and most importantly — why your version of creative consistency doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

Whether you create quietly in private or share boldly online, this episode will help you find a sustainable rhythm that serves your ac...

Duration: 00:18:07

What happens when your entire business platform disappears overnight? Kathleen Lyons shares the raw, honest story of how losing her Instagram account to hackers became the wake-up call she didn't know she needed.

This isn't just a cautionary tale about online security — it's about the powerful mindset shift that transforms setbacks into setups for something better. From panic and frustration to clarity and purpose, discover how viewing challenges as happening "for you" instead of "to you" can change everything.

You'll hear about:

The exact moment Kathleen realized she'd been hacked (and her immediate reaction)Ho...

Duration: 00:13:09

Show Notes

Ever feel like you’re working so hard but nothing’s clicking yet? Like your creative goals are just out of reach? This episode is your reminder that what feels like burnout... might actually be a breakthrough in disguise.

Kathleen wraps up the launch batch of Artsy Ambition with a heartfelt pep talk for the makers, the dreamers, and the moms quietly building something beautiful behind the scenes.

You’ll hear about:

Why slow progress is still progressThe unexpected signs that growth is happeningHow to know if you’re measuring the wron...

Duration: 00:14:48

In a world that tells us to hustle harder and turn every passion into a business, this episode is your gentle permission slip to just create.

Kathleen shares how hand embroidery helped her reconnect with herself during early motherhood — and how the pressure to “make something of it” almost stole the joy. This one is personal, honest, and a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like your art isn’t valid unless it earns income.

You’ll hear about:

Why it’s okay to create just becauseHow hustle culture sneaks into our hobbiesThe story of how Kathlee...

Duration: 00:12:20

Feeling excited to try embroidery but not sure where to begin? This episode is your friendly starting point. Kathleen breaks down exactly what makes a good beginner project and shares her top picks to help you build confidence and fall in love with stitching — no perfection required.

Whether you’re stitching during nap time or carving out time for a new creative hobby, these projects are simple, fun, and totally doable.

You’ll hear about:

The key features of a beginner-friendly embroidery projectKathleen’s go-to starter picks (including her Stitch Sampler Guide)Tips for avoiding...

Duration: 00:21:04

Ever felt like you’re chasing a dream no one else understands? In this heartfelt episode, Kathleen opens up about the early days of building Artsy Lyons — when embroidery was still just a side project, and polite smiles or confused stares were the norm.

She shares how she kept going when it felt like no one “got it,” and how trusting the vision on her heart made all the difference.

This one’s for the quiet creators, the hopeful mamas, and the ones building something beautiful in the background.

You’ll hear about:

The discou...

Duration: 00:16:49

If you’ve ever found yourself holding back from pursuing a creative dream — this episode is for you.

In this vulnerable conversation, Kathleen shares the fears that almost made her walk away from embroidery, the moment that made her stay, and how choosing to start anyway changed everything.

Whether you’re hesitating to share your art, launch your shop, or simply call yourself a creative — you’ll find honesty and encouragement here.

You’ll hear about:

The doubts that almost kept Kathleen from starting Artsy LyonsThe well-meaning advice that made her second-guess her nicheHow...

Duration: 00:16:53

If you’ve ever said, “I’d love to be creative, but I just don’t have time,” this episode is for you. Kathleen shares how she carves out moments for stitching and creativity in the middle of motherhood, work, and everything else — no perfect schedule required.

This is a real talk guide to making time when it feels like you don’t have any.

You’ll hear about:

Letting go of the myth that creativity requires hours of free timeSimple ways to sneak creative time into your dayKathleen’s personal routines and stitching habitsHow to prote...

Duration: 00:12:58

Think you’re not creative? Think again. In this encouraging episode, Kathleen Lyons challenges the narrow definition of creativity and helps you see how you’re already creating beauty, connection, and meaning — even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush.

Whether you're stitching during naptime or figuring out how to make dinner with what's in the fridge, your creativity is real, valuable, and worth celebrating.

You’ll hear about:

Why creativity isn’t just about art or talentHow motherhood helped Kathleen rediscover her creative identityEveryday examples of hidden creativity3 practical ways to reclaim your creativ...

Duration: 00:05:31

Have you ever felt guilty for spending time on something creative — especially when there’s laundry to do or emails to answer? In this heart-centered episode, Kathleen reframes the idea of creativity as “just a hobby” and explores how hand embroidery became her personal form of self-care.

This episode is a permission slip for any mama who’s ever downplayed her art, pushed it aside, or felt selfish for needing something just for herself.

You’ll hear about:

Why creativity is a form of self-careThe guilt moms often feel when we make time to createKathle...

Duration: 00:03:57

What if success isn’t about going full-time or going viral — but about the legacy you leave behind? In this deeply personal episode, Kathleen opens up about the mindset shift that helped her stop waiting for permission and start creating from a place of purpose, faith, and family.

Episode Notes & Resources: https://www.artsylyons.com/artsy-ambition-podcast/2

Instagram: @‌artsylyons

Online Shop: artsylyons.shop

Duration: 00:04:54

In this heartfelt first episode, Kathleen Lyons shares her journey from childhood creativity to corporate burnout to rediscovering hand embroidery as a mom. Learn how her creative roots, motherhood, and a need for purpose led her to launch Artsy Ambition — a podcast for mamas chasing big dreams through small, intentional steps.

This is a story about coming back to yourself, trusting your creative voice, and building something beautiful one stitch at a time.

Episode Notes & Resources: https://www.artsylyons.com/artsy-ambition-podcast/1

Instagram: @‌artsylyons

Online Shop: artsylyons.shop

Duration: 00:07:16

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of starting your handmade business? You’re not alone — and you don’t need a master plan to begin. In this episode, Kathleen breaks down how to start simple, follow your passion, and take imperfect action toward your creative goals.

Episode Notes & Resources: https://www.artsylyons.com/artsy-ambition-podcast/3

Instagram: @‌artsylyons

Online Shop: artsylyons.shop

Duration: 00:06:04

New to hand embroidery and not sure where to begin — or what tools you actually need to get started? In this episode, Kathleen breaks it all down and shares the exact supplies you need (and which ones you don’t!) to start stitching without the stress or overspending.

Plus, she opens up about her very first embroidery project — a sweet upcycling moment inspired by her kids — and reminds us all that creativity doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful.

Episode Notes & Resources: https://www.artsylyons.com/artsy-ambition-podcast/4

Instagram: @‌artsylyons

Online Shop...

Duration: 00:10:46

Welcome to Artsy Ambition — the podcast for creative moms building bold, beautiful lives alongside their little ones. I’m your host, Kathleen Lyons — hand embroidery educator, digital marketer, and mama of two — and I’m so glad you’re here.

In this trailer, you’ll get a sneak peek at what this show is all about: honest conversations, creative inspiration, and tactical tips to help you pursue your passion, grow your handmade brand, and stay grounded in the joy of making.

Subscribe and join me every week as we stitch together ambition, artistry, and motherhood — one messy, meani...

Duration: 00:01:16