Answering The Call of Creativity with Katie Smetherman Holmes Mind Grow Radio Podcast
In this episode of The Storyteller Series Podcast, host Stephanie Kathan sits down with visionary brand strategist and founder of Brand Studio Creative, Katie Smetherman Holmes. Known for blending artistry with strategy, Katie shares her personal journey from aspiring baker to award-winning branding expert. With warmth, honesty, and a touch of stubborn determination, she opens up about finding her purpose, embracing emotional intelligence, and rewriting the rules of success.
THE POWER OF A SINGLE CONVERSATION TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Katie’s creative journey wasn’t straightforward. In college, she found herself at a crossroads, torn between a “safe” hospitality degree and her love for art. It was a heart-to-heart with her godmother that shifted everything. Her godmother not only listened but also helped her uncover a career path she hadn’t even considered: graphic design. That moment of compassionate guidance became a turning point, leading Katie toward her true calling.
“Ignore everybody, listen to what’s inside of you, and what truly is your passion, your drive.”
– Katie Smetherman Holmes
Katie isn’t dismissing the value of outside opinions, but she’s urging creatives to trust their inner compass over societal expectations. Her message is clear: your career should feed your spirit, not just your bank account. Listening to your instincts, especially when others doubt you, can be the most powerful career move you ever make.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS A CREATIVE SUPERPOWER
Katie credits much of her success to developing emotional intelligence. She has learned from mentors who modeled empathy, connection, and authenticity in client relationships. One game-changing piece of advice was to treat networking as “making friends” rather than a business exchange. This allowed Katie to build genuine connections that fueled her creativity and also strengthened her business relationships. Her approach reminds us that creativity thrives when it’s rooted in human connection.
REWRITING THE RULES OF SUCCESS
Katie’s story is one of defying the conventional roadmap. When faced with skepticism about her choice to pursue the arts, she leaned into her natural stubbornness and used it as fuel to prove the doubters wrong. Today, she maintains her passion through monthly self-check-ins, a deep love of learning, and surrounding herself with inspiration, from books and art to conversations with other creatives. She emphasizes slowing down, staying curious, and creating a physical environment that sparks ideas.
Katie Smetherman Holme’s journey is living proof that answering the call of creativity can lead to extraordinary and unexpected results. By blending passion with emotional intelligence and pairing it with the courage to rewrite the rules, she has built a career that is not only successful but deeply aligned with who she is. Her path reminds us that creativity is not just about making something beautiful; it is about showing up authentically, trusting your instincts, and daring to share your voice even when it feels vulnerable.
Her story is an inspiring reminder that the world is craving more genuine, creative voices, and yours could be one of them! Your power to stop into your own brilliance, challenge the status quo, and create something that matters.
XOXO, Katie
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