Artsy Ambition

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...

"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...

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...

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.

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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...

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:

Key Takeaways:

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...

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...

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...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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...

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

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

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

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...