#CreativeMornings

[creativemorningsvancouver]

For July’s global theme of ‘treasure’ we are honoured to host videographer, storyteller, urban planner and musician, Uytae Lee.

REGISTER

Uytae Lee is the founder of ‘About Here’, a YouTube channel and creative studio dedicated to helping people understand their cities better. In addition to the channel, Uytae produces the CBC series ‘Stories About Here’.

Every month we like to ask our speakers a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career? For me, creativity is about organizing. Combining and rearranging ideas, words, paint, or whatever really into something that’s meaningful to you. In my work, this idea has given me the reassurance that I rarely (if ever) need to come up with something from scratch - I just don’t think the creative process works that way. I research, paraphrase, synthesize, reflect, and (more than anything) take inspiration from others to put something together that feels compelling for me. Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy? I find much of my creative inspiration from talking to people. There’s something about a live, unscripted conversation where you let your ideas collide freely that helps me get out of my head.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person? The creative process requires breaks. Your creativity often works behind the scenes, when you’re taking a walk, distracted, or even sleeping. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck on a project, try stepping away from it for a day or two. When you come back to it, you’ll almost certainly find that your thoughts have refined and organized themselves into something much more coherent and easy to understand. I think it works this way because your memory is very selective for the things that feel most important to you. When you step away from a project, you’re letting your brain subconsciously throw out what didn’t really matter and hold on to what was most important. I wish I knew this when I was younger because it probably would have saved me from dozens of wildly unproductive all-nighters spent trying to hammer out a script while overwhelmed and sleep-deprived.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings? Tony and Taylor from Every Frame a Painting

What fact about you would surprise people? I was part of a ukulele group for several years.

What are you reading these days? Order without design by Alain Bertaut

What’s your one guilty creative indulgence? Cooking videos, they’re so relaxing!

REGISTER

[creativemorningsottawa]

CreativeMornings Ottawa: May 2023

Jane Porter on acceptance and the importance of leading with love

Accepting reality is not always easy. From climate change to social injustice to the decline of democracy, the greatest challenges of our time can seem threatening, overwhelming, or just plain impossible to solve. 

On the CreativeMornings Ottawa stage at Arts Court, Jane Porter invited us to feel the magnitude of these challenges, and to lead with love and compassion. Doing so starts with connection: with ourselves, our communities, and the land we call home. 

Connection is something Jane has consciously cultivated throughout her life. This includes in her community work as co-founder of Impact Hub Ottawa and through convening stakeholders as a sustainability consultant. Today, as an integral facilitator and founder of Bridge Building Group, Jane brings people together to have tough conversations that spark meaningful change and heal divides. 

The journey to acceptance and understanding can be uncomfortable. In her talk, Jane used a photography metaphor to break down her approach:

Zoom out to see the big picture and break free from your existing echo chambers. 

Zoom in and reflect on who you really are and what motivates you. 

Reframe why you do what you do. For example, Jane realized she pursued a career in sustainability because it gave her a sense of connection with others and to the land.

Focus and realize that two things can be true at the same time, depending on who you’re asking and what they’ve chosen to lock their viewfinder on.

Find a tripod to support your passions and purpose. When you feel like you’re on shaky ground, dig deeper into learning and your relationships to find the support you need. 

Finally, Jane suggested it’s time we find a new lens. Western society is oriented around growth mindsets and economic success. There is much to learn from Indigenous worldviews that compel us to think of the next seven generations, and consider the well-being of all our relations, human and otherwise.

The challenges faced by the world are not going to solve themselves. To accept—and act— during this period of existential threats we must first ground ourselves by pausing, getting curious, and finding ways to respond thoughtfully and with compassion for ourselves, our communities, and the planet. 

Thank you to Jane for sharing her personal journey and for providing such food for thought on a Friday morning. You can learn more about Jane’s professional facilitation work on her website or on LinkedIn. Watch Jane’s full talk here.

[creativemorningsmontreal]

May ’s Theme is Acceptance.

Acceptance is the act of surrendering to our reality, without judgment or fear. There are many things in our lives that cause us discomfort or pain. We attempt to change or resist them, to no effect. So we wave a big stick, keeping them at bay like a wounded animal.

Acceptance is weaving into your story what once caused you pain — and still might, to this day. You welcome that creature into your home, tend to its wounds, and feed it out of your hand. Acceptance is knowing that this feral animal lives side by side with your tender house cat of a heart, always.

Embracing what cannot change can help you gather the energy to change what must. Accept these truths: you cannot make another person love or see you. You did not finish everything before the sun set on another day — and you didn’t need to. Every moment will pass, the blissful and the excruciating. It’s the hardest lesson, but one we need the most: the grace to let go. Our Lexington chapter chose this month’s exploration of Acceptance and Robert Beatty illustrated the theme. 

[creativemorningslisbon]

Lessons in Storytelling from ImmigrantFoodie: "Find the things that make you laugh — that's your voice.

On Friday, March 21st, despite the remnants of a major storm that had swept through Lisbon just days prior, our creative community gathered in full force at Impact Hub Penha de Franca for an inspiring session of CreativeMornings Lisbon. The morning was filled with energy, connection, and creativity, setting the stage for a memorable event.

The session kicked off with a lively performance by SwayRow, whose unique blend of funk got everyone in the mood to embrace the day.

Following the music, our brand new hosts, Truth and Laurine, introduced the CreativeMornings concept and their ideas to expand and ehance the events, bringing fresh enthusiasm to the gathering.

We were also delighted to receive a heartfelt video message from the New York Headquarters, wishing our Lisbon team well as we embark on this new stage of our journey.

This month’s global theme was "Parallel," and we couldn’t have asked for better speakers to embody the concept than the brothers Zaciu (”za-choo”), Sergio and Oliver, the creative minds behind ImmigrantFoodie, a popular Lisbon restaurant review handle on Instagram (30,000 followers).

Their presentation took us on a winding journey through their experiences in filmmaking, food, and the immigrant hustle, illustrating how creativity often flourishes in the spaces between different worlds.

The brothers shared their personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth: "Be great at your thing, but never stop learning."

When it comes to unlocking your own innate storytelling capability, they advised, "Find the things that make you laugh - that's your voice. Everyone has one."

What makes your perspective authentic to you can be found in the things that you find funny and entertaining, highlighting the importance of laughter and play in keeping the creative fires burning!

In a world brimming with ideas, they encouraged us not to hold too tightly to a single concept: "Don't cling to one idea. Create more. Let the best rise to the top."

They concluded with a powerful reminder that "Good ideas don't die, they just circle back," reinforcing the notion that creativity is a cyclical process, with timing at play for many of the best ideas. If something doesn't work right now, it doesn't mean it never will. Stick a pin in those ideas and you might just find there's an opportunity for them later!

As the event concluded, it was clear that the Zaciu brothers had left a lasting impression on all attendees. Their insights into the immigrant experience and the creative process resonated deeply, encouraging everyone to reflect on their own parallel paths.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on that grey and rainy morning, demonstrating that even in challenging times, our community comes together to celebrate creativity and connection.

We look forward to our next gathering and the stories yet to be shared!

[creativemorningsderby]

We're taking a break for Easter this month and we'll be back in action on the 16th May 2025.

[creativemorningsphoenix]

Our theme for April is “Crossroads”. It was chosen by our Wroclaw chapter in Poland and illustrated by Joanna Gniady.

We all reach turning points in life that change the course of our destiny. Should you continue straight? Or turn left? There’s no map that shows where the consequences lead. In folklore and mythology, crossroads represent a gateway between our mortal coil and the supernatural realm. An in-between place of transition, where anything can happen next. How do you decide which way to go? There’s no wrong choice. Only different journeys to where you’re meant to be.

[creativemorningsportland]

#CMcrossroads

Our theme for April is CROSSROADS.

We all reach turning points in life that change the course of our destiny. Should you break up or give your relationship another chance? Accept that job offer or strike out on your own? 

What’s the best way to go? Continue straight ahead? Or turn left? When you’re faced with a crucial decision, there’s no map that shows where the consequences lead. And sometimes, you only recognize a crossroads when you see it in the rearview mirror. 

No wonder that in folklore and mythology, crossroads represent a gateway between our mortal coil and the supernatural realm. An in-between place of transition, where worlds collide, and anything can happen next. 

Legend has it that the greatest blues guitarist in the world, Robert Johnson, met the devil at the crossroads of two dirt roads at midnight and struck a bargain to trade his everlasting soul for masterful skill. But there was no deal with the devil. In reality, he practiced like hell.

So, how do you decide which way to go next? Just pick what feels right. Because there’s no wrong choice. Only different journeys to where you’re meant to be.

This theme was chosen by our Wroclaw chapter in Poland, illustrated by Joanna Gniady, and is presented by Adobe.

[creativemorningscharleston]

Hailey Lowe Fennell is a Psychic Medium and the founder of House Guest, a podcast devoted to making connection—both spiritual and human—simple, accessible, and grounded in real life.

Through private readings, group sessions, and intentional rituals, Hailey helps people connect with loved ones who have passed, guides, and their own souls. Her sessions offer clarity, direction, and a sense of being deeply supported—even (and especially) during life’s hardest moments.

Hailey’s style is down-to-earth. She believes psychic connection doesn’t require elaborate rituals or a perfect state of mind—it can happen in a quiet moment over coffee, during a walk, or while lighting a candle at the end of a long day. Her work is rooted in the idea that connection should fit into your life, not the other way around.

What sets her apart is the way she blends the sacred with the everyday. Whether she’s guiding a corporate team-building experience or helping someone navigate grief, Hailey’s readings are practical, heartfelt, and often surprisingly funny. She’s known for helping people reframe dark thoughts without fear, invite in support with ease, and feel more at home in their lives.

[creativemorningsminneapolis]

Our theme for April is Crossroads. It was chosen by our Wroclaw chapter in Poland, illustrated by Joanna Gniady, and is presented by Adobe. Save the date for Friday, April 25 and more event info here.

[creativemorningswro]

99 miesięcy czekania… i w końcu jest! 🥳

Po kilku latach cierpliwego czekania Wrocław wreszcie wybrał temat dla globalnej społeczności CreativeMornings. W kwietniu cały świat mówi o CROSSROADS – słowie, które łączy w sobie zarówno dosłowny, jak i metaforyczny wymiar wyborów, zmian i punktów zwrotnych.

Przez cały miesiąc oczy wszystkich 248 miast z 70 krajów będą zwrócone na Wrocław. To nasz moment! ✨

Co oznacza „crossroads”?

crossroads noun

1. (miejsce, gdzie krzyżują się drogi) skrzyżowanie, rozdroże

• They met at the crossroads outside the city. – Spotkali się na skrzyżowaniu poza miastem.

2. (punkt decyzyjny, przełomowy moment w życiu) punkt zwrotny

• She felt like she was at a crossroads in her career. – Czuła, że stoi na rozdrożu swojej kariery.

3. (miejsce spotkania kultur, idei, wpływów) skrzyżowanie kultur

• The city has always been a crossroads of different traditions. – To miasto zawsze było miejscem spotkania różnych tradycji.

⸻

Naszym tematem na kwiecień są więc skrzyżowania, rozdroża i punkty zwrotne - CROSSROADS.

Temat został wybrany w globalnym głosowaniu CreativeMornings spośród kilku propozycji przygotowanych przez nasz wrocławski oddział – takich, które najlepiej oddają charakter naszego miasta, mają szerokie znaczenie i kryją w sobie inspirujące historie. Zwycięski temat zilustrowała Joanna Gniady, a jego globalnym partnerem jest Adobe.

W życiu każdy z nas dochodzi do punktów zwrotnych, które mogą zmienić nasz los. Zakończyć związek czy dać mu jeszcze jedną szansę? Przyjąć ofertę pracy czy pójść własną drogą?

Która ścieżka jest właściwa? Iść prosto przed siebie czy skręcić w lewo? Gdy stajemy przed kluczową decyzją, nie mamy mapy, która pokaże nam konsekwencje naszych wyborów. Czasem dopiero patrząc wstecz, uświadamiamy sobie, że staliśmy na rozdrożu.

Nie dziwi więc, że w folklorze i mitologii rozdroża symbolizują bramę między światem śmiertelników a tym, co nadprzyrodzone. To miejsce przejścia, gdzie światy się ścierają, a przyszłość pozostaje nieznana.

Legenda głosi, że największy bluesowy gitarzysta wszech czasów, Robert Johnson, spotkał diabła na skrzyżowaniu dwóch dróg o północy i zawarł z nim pakt – wymieniając swoją duszę na niezwykłe umiejętności. Ale nie było żadnej umowy z diabłem. W rzeczywistości po prostu ćwiczył jak opętany.

Więc jak wybrać właściwą drogę? Po prostu podążaj za tym, co wydaje się słuszne. Bo nie ma złych wyborów. Są tylko różne ścieżki prowadzące do miejsca, w którym masz się znaleźć.

[creativemorningsvirginiabeach]

The eloquent @valenptree shared her stories of Parallel life experiences at the last CreativeMorning, Creative Mornings Virginia Beach . #griefandgraditude was just one example. The complete video by Chris Lane Video is coming soon! Thanks to the 80 people who joined us at The Garage VB in the ViBe Creative District!

[creativemorningsvancouver]

We are quite excited to host chef, restauranteur, 
author, and activist, Meeru Dhalwala, who will share her compelling story of creativity through the lens of June’s global theme ‘reverie’.

Register

Meeru moved from Washington, D.C. to Vancouver in February 1995 and has since been cooking and running the kitchens and menus at Vij’s and Rangoli restaurants. Vij’s has been hailed by the New York Times as “easily among the finest Indian restaurants in the world.” (Rangoli closed after 17 years in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Meeru also wrote all three award-winning Vij’s cookbooks.

In 2021, Meeru created a small community business built from her learned ethics in the food industry: My Bambiri (baby) Foods. My Bambiri sources from BC organic farmers and sells on income-based pricing: three price options based on a family’s specific finances. She has also partnered with Food Stash Foundation to sell My Bambiri at their markets for low-income families who face many economic and social barriers. In October 2022, Meeru relaunched her annual international food fair called “Joy of Feeding” that is held at the UBC Farm Centre for Sustainable Food Systems.

Meeru holds a MSc in development studies from Bath University, UK, and brings her passion for humanity into her business and cooking practices. She is one of Vancouver’s most prominent promoters of women in business, climate change and sustainability, and healthy-elegant cooking. She proudly sits on the Board of Directors for the Green Party of Vancouver. For her professional and community work, Meeru has received honorary doctorates from both University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

Every month we like to ask our speakers a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career? I imagine and then come up with ideas. Lots of ideas, of which most aren’t realistic, but contribute to the final ideas that I/we can execute. I love the process of ideas popping or slowly coming to form in my head. I love the crazy ideas that are impractical and the ideas that could make stories if I were a novelist. I say the word “IDEA!” in the Vij’s kitchen and staff stops whatever we’re doing, get excited and hear the “IDEA!” Half of them result in all of us just laughing b/c while even saying it, I realize it’s not practical or just sounds silly coming out. My kitchen staff doesn’t rely on me to run the daily kitchen—cooking, ordering, loading, prep, etc.—but they rely on me for my “IDEA!” And if I love my idea, I don’t let it go.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy? From running in my neighborhood—not any neighborhood or trail. Running is combination of my familiar surroundings and my body igniting me—my brain is dancing while my body is doing all the physical work. Whatever is on my mind—whether my family, trying to save some aspect of the environment, imagining being dead, imagining my comfort place on this earth, a work issue, coming up with recipes, etc.—it’s done with abandon while I’m running. Within 10 minutes, I lose myself in imagining, pondering…and daydreaming about my past in relation to today.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person? Find a solo activity during which you feel abandon and…yes, lose yourself in reverie! I run. All those times when I was crying or stressed about my home life or school life, if I had gone out running and released that stress energy, the weight would have lightened and so many windows would have opened. Doesn’t have to be a physical activity—it can be knitting or drawing.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings? George Eliot or Graca Machel. Intellectually attuned and gracefully passionate, brave women. Middlemarch is still relevant as a compelling storyline and observation on humanity’s social concoctions. Women and children’s rights activist Graca Machel was the First Lady of Mozambique at an important and crucial time. Her husband (the President) was assassinated via a plane crash. Later, she became the First Lady of South Africa, as wife of Nelson Mandela.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? Fly to Vancouver from Washington D.C. to meet a guy I was talking on the phone with for a month (back in 1994) and, after spending 5 days with him, deciding to marry him asap. I left my hometown, friends and career in human rights and economic development to move to Vancouver. It resulted in a new and completed unexpected career, two beautiful children and 17 years of marriage. I don’t know how, but I grabbed the confidence in love before it escaped in the form of common sense.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be? My partner is a dry suit (meaning he dives in cold waters) scuba diver and travels to all waters of the world to dive, take photos. His “comfort place” in this world is the silence and being solo under water—complete opposite from mine. He lies there with his camera, watches and waits for creatures to swim, fully in zen mode. This level of silence and alone-ness intimidates and fascinates me. I would LOVE to turn myself into an invisible and weightless being, and be on his shoulder while he does this. I would not want to disturb his zen. For me, this would be like magically living in a dream.

What are you proudest of in your life? Giving motherhood my all, by which I don’t mean just love. The most important moment of my life so far is when I first looked down at my newborn and felt/saw the look in her wide eyes, settling on her mom’s face. I call this “Newborn Eyes”. Newborn Eyes are the energy of my personal life. I’m proud of fully and honestly engaging with my two daughters as humans and not as my extensions. I’m proud of calling them out on their shit and not worrying if they like me or not, or if they’ll rebel. I’m proud that I never stopped being me for the sake of being a mother.

If you could do anything now, what would you do? Have each human above the age of, say 6, in this world watch the animated documentary film “Flee” for its subject matter and b/c its engrossing storytelling. I want all of us watching at the exact same time so we are aware of sharing this experience together, as one. So, a bit of magic or super sci-fi high tech required here. Some of the bravest and most loving people in this world are “refugees” and “migrants”. These are labels for some, but for me they are my mom and dad.

What books made a difference in your life and why? The Employees by Olga Ravn. This book is potentially our real future with real humans co-existing with AI types of humans. It’s beautifully written. It’s a very short book and I read it twice in a row.

Register

[creativemorningsbasel]

Parallel– our topic in March 2025

What a wonderful Friday morning with Matylda Krzykowski, who shared the inspiring story behind CIVIC.   We listened to Matylda, immersed in a beautifully designed, versatile space, with a heavenly blue floor and lush green plants 🌿, but more importantly surrounded by awesome people.🧡 CIVIC is far more than just physical space—it serves as a dynamic platform for a multitude of creative events happening in parallel, all with the aim of fostering meaningful connection. Did you know that CIVIC is open to the general public? We learned that the true power of community lies in freedom, a sense of belonging… and a good dose of humor. We take these thoughts and feelings with us. Thanks to Bäckerei Kult and London Tea and Coffee B for our breakfast! We also had a 30 second pitch by Michelle and Tonie from Mimi’s Kombucha, and we had a pleasure to taste a first batch of this marvelous refreshment. See you soon, in April! 📷 Images: Dirk Wetzel 📹 Video: Marcello Keller

[creativemorningsglasgow]

MEET RACHAEL ARNOLD, OUR MARCH 2025 SPEAKER

With over 20 years' experience at the cutting edge of developments in the arts and creative sectors, Rachael Arnold is a trusted advisor, a respected entrepreneur, and a sought-after voice for thousands of creatives worldwide. Her current work includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Creative Entrepreneurs Club - a global membership community that connects, upskills, and empowers creative freelancers and businesses - and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 

CM Glasgow: What do you think about when you consider this month's theme of PARALLEL?

Rachael: The first thing that comes to mind is the idea of a parallel universe. Sometimes I need to choose which one I’m in: sometimes it's in a crazy place and other times it's in a sensible place. I think it's true that two things can be correct at once, whether they’re contradictory or not. And when you get used to that idea you start to feel a lot happier; a bit more humble, a bit quieter, a bit more engaged in what you do.

People used to talk about ‘what hill are you going to die on, what mountain are you going to climb?’. I'm not in that space anymore. I'm quite leisurely canoeing down a river somewhere, and there's two sides: there's the left bank and the right bank, and my life is both of those things at the same time. 

I choose calm and I choose chaos at the same time. I choose light and I choose dark at the same time. I also feel very strongly that you can embrace contradictory things if you're kind and considerate and you're doing the right thing. I like to see everything from every angle.

CM: What motivates you day to day?

Rachael:  Everybody around me in the Creative Entrepreneurs Club inspires me. I find that I have a privileged position where I get to spend my time with extraordinary people, and extraordinary people inspire me. And very often, those extraordinary people don't know how brilliant they are. 

I love to see the potential in people, and I get excited by the fact that I can help and support and engage with them. I'm inspired by people that get stuff done. I think there's so many people in the world that care and have the ability to be kind and have the resources to do different things and make things possible. And I'm really motivated by that. I like spending time with people that just get shit done and get shit done for the right reasons. 

I think given the fact I've had a cancer journey, I've been incredibly inspired by the care and attention that people in the NHS have given over to their lives, the dedicated lives of service. I'm impressed by that. 

I get inspired by people that make a choice to be good and kind and interesting, who are focused and selfless, and they deliver that. 

CM: What's a typical day like for you?

Rachael: I don't have a typical day. I think most people that work in the creative industries or are entrepreneurial work this way. I do have a routine, though. That helps me get organised because I have various things to contend with. 

Every morning I get up at six and I spend a couple of hours getting organised for the day ahead. I live on a beach – which is amazing – so I always go for a walk on the beach. I make sure my children and I have a good breakfast (I eat 150 grams of protein a day so I'm very specific about breakfast!)

I also tend to be very specific about what days I have meetings. Typically I’ll have two days full of meetings alternating with three no-meeting days. I'm somebody who doesn't like structure, believe it or not. That's all my ADHD-neuro-spicy-dyslexia coming in. But I do like knowing what I'm doing – I like to have a plan.

I can jump between many different things. I could be talking to young people about the complexities and the inspiring parts of the creative industries. I could then jump to speaking to the Scottish or UK government at ministerial level about why arts, creativity, culture is important. I could then jump to a business that might not be in the creative space: I work with a lot of commercial businesses, helping them be more creative and social. 

I could then be doing one-to-one support sessions with composers, dancers, studio engineers, actors or other musical theatre professionals in my role as Creative Entrepreneur in Residence at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 

So a typical day for me starts with routine, but the most important thing is that my head is clear so that every single person I'm having an interaction with gets the best version of me. 

CM: Tunnocks Tea Cakes or Caramel Wafers?

Rachael: Caramel wafers all day long, and in fact, I'd steal to get caramel wafers!

CM: Lastly, if you could describe Glasgow in one word, what would it be?

Rachael: Audacious. 

*********

Rachael will be our speaker on Friday, March 28th at 8:30am at ALT's offices at McLellan Works on Sauchiehall Street. Tickets include breakfast and are free but space is limited. Get yours here!

[creativemorningslisbon]

Lessons in Storytelling from ImmigrantFoodie: "Find the things that make you laugh — that's your voice."

On Friday, March 21st, despite the remnants of a major storm that had swept through Lisbon just days prior, our creative community gathered in full force at Impact Hub Penha de Franca for an inspiring session of CreativeMornings Lisbon. The morning was filled with energy, connection, and creativity, setting the stage for a memorable event.

The session kicked off with a lively performance by SwayRow, whose unique blend of funk got everyone in the mood to embrace the day.

Following the music, our brand new hosts, Truth and Laurine, introduced the CreativeMornings concept and their ideas to expand and ehance the events, bringing fresh enthusiasm to the gathering.

We were also delighted to receive a heartfelt video message from the New York Headquarters, wishing our Lisbon team well as we embark on this new stage of our journey.

This month’s global theme was "Parallel," and we couldn’t have asked for better speakers to embody the concept than the brothers Zaciu (”za-choo”), Sergio and Oliver, the creative minds behind ImmigrantFoodie, a popular Lisbon restaurant review handle on Instagram (30,000 followers).

Their presentation took us on a winding journey through their experiences in filmmaking, food, and the immigrant hustle, illustrating how creativity often flourishes in the spaces between different worlds.

The brothers shared their personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth: "Be great at your thing, but never stop learning."

When it comes to unlocking your own innate storytelling capability, they advised, "Find the things that make you laugh - that's your voice. Everyone has one."

What makes your perspective authentic to you can be found in the things that you find funny and entertaining, highlighting the importance of laughter and play in keeping the creative fires burning!

In a world brimming with ideas, they encouraged us not to hold too tightly to a single concept: "Don't cling to one idea. Create more. Let the best rise to the top."

They concluded with a powerful reminder that "Good ideas don't die, they just circle back," reinforcing the notion that creativity is a cyclical process, with timing at play for many of the best ideas. If something doesn't work right now, it doesn't mean it never will. Stick a pin in those ideas and you might just find there's an opportunity for them later!

As the event concluded, it was clear that the Zaciu brothers had left a lasting impression on all attendees. Their insights into the immigrant experience and the creative process resonated deeply, encouraging everyone to reflect on their own parallel paths.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on that grey and rainy morning, demonstrating that even in challenging times, our community comes together to celebrate creativity and connection.

We look forward to our next gathering and the stories yet to be shared!

[creativemorningsseattle]

Eugenie Jones is an award-winning, Seattle-based vocalist, composer, producer, and legacy activist that has been contributing transformational music in Jazz since 2013.

Creating six highly acclaimed albums, she has received accolades from critics around the world, including the New York City Jazz Record. Jones has twice received the Earshot Jazz Vocalist of the Year Award, been inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame, and is the first vocalist to receive the Earshot Jazz Recording of the Year Award.

With an extensive career in marketing communications and nonprofit work, she has received the International Jazz Journalist Association's Jazz Hero Award and founded Music for A Cause, producing African American music legacy events like the Jackson St. Jazz Walk.

Jones has released six acclaimed albums. Her new album Eugenie currently ranks #4 on Jazz Week's Top 50 Chart.

Preview her music at: https://eugeniejones.bandcamp.com/music

Location: Gensler | 1200 Sixth Avenue, Suite 500 Seattle, Washington United States 98101

Date & Time: Mar 28, 2025 • 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM PDT