One of the greatest challenges for aspiring creative entrepreneurs? Limiting our scope to a single area of expertise. We tend to dabble in many different creative realms, and it can feel impossible to limit our self-expression to just one thing. So, is there a way to collect all your passions under one umbrella and design a business that affords you the freedom to explore multiple creative outlets?

Athena Calderone is the entrepreneur behind Eye Swoon, an award-winning lifestyle brand and online destination for food, décor and lifestyle advice. Athena is an interior designer, chef and entertaining expert, and Eye Swoon serves as a unified voice for her many creative pursuits. Athena’s work has been featured in Elle Décor, Harper’s Bazaar and Bon Appétit, among many other publications, and her book, Cook Beautiful, is a James Beard award winner.

Today, Athena joins me to explain how she found purpose and a social outlet in cooking and interior design. She describes how sponsorships became her first revenue stream, discussing how her work with brand partnerships evolved from simple product placement to the design of a creative vision. Athena also offers insight around reaching out for collaborations, sharing her gratitude for the education she received from people she admires. I ask Athena about making time for creativity when faced with the demands of running a business, and she reveals her struggle to maintain a consistent self-care routine as a busy entrepreneur. Listen in to understand Athena’s take on prioritizing—as opposed to striving for balance—and learn how she built a brand that gives her license to be more than just one thing!

What You’ll Learn

Athena’s evolution from one-woman-show to a team

The challenge of making time for creativity in your business

Why Athena still does her own social media management

The best online tools to help you plan your Instagram feed

Why Athena thinks about priorities rather than balance

Connect with Athena

Eye Swoon

Eye Swoon on Instagram

Connect with Beth

Beth’s Website

Beth on Instagram

Beth on Pinterest

Beth on Twitter

Local Milk Blog

Local Milk on Facebook

Email [email protected]

Resources Mentioned

Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone

Buvette

Jean-Georges

Wooden Spoon Herbs

Chairish

1stdibs

Planoly

PLANN

Snug

Johnny Miller

Review Raw Milk on iTunes

Twitter Mentions