Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson: A Creative Collective Podcast
Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson: A Creative Collective Podcast
Podcast Description
Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a podcast from Creative Collective that amplifies the voices and stories of women entrepreneurs who are members of the Creative Collective. In each episode, host Mikki Wilson sits down with a woman business owner from the Creative Collective community to explore her unique journey, what drives her, and where she's headed next.
Local economies thrive when women's authentic experiences are shared and celebrated. That's why this podcast goes beyond polished success stories to explore the real challenges, unexpected pivots, and genuine moments of inspiration that shape the entrepreneurial paths of Creative Collective members.
Our guests share candidly about:
Their unexpected paths to entrepreneurship and business ownership
The "messy middles" are rarely seen on social media or marketing materials
How the Creative Collective community supports women's business journeys
Navigating the unique challenges women face in building creative enterprises
Finding their authentic voice and leadership style in their industries
Whether you're a woman entrepreneur yourself, a supporter of women-owned businesses, or simply curious about the women behind local creative enterprises, this podcast offers honest insights into what it really takes for women to build something with intention and heart in today's business landscape.
Produced By:
Randyll Collum produces this podcast for Peabody TV in partnership with Creative Collective. Creative Collective is a business support program that provides modern resources, strategy, and connections for small businesses and creators, because building something meaningful doesn't mean you have to do it alone.
Learn more at creativecollectivema.com.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
This podcast focuses on the journeys of women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the challenges and triumphs they face in building their businesses. Topics include unexpected paths to entrepreneurship, navigating the 'messy middles' of business, community support from Creative Collective, and finding authentic leadership styles. Specific episodes reflect on personal stories of women who have succeeded in creative industries, highlighting the importance of genuine connections.
Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a podcast from Creative Collective that amplifies the voices and stories of women entrepreneurs who are members of the Creative Collective. In each episode, host Mikki Wilson sits down with a woman business owner from the Creative Collective community to explore her unique journey, what drives her, and where she’s headed next.
Local economies thrive when women’s authentic experiences are shared and celebrated. That’s why this podcast goes beyond polished success stories to explore the real challenges, unexpected pivots, and genuine moments of inspiration that shape the entrepreneurial paths of Creative Collective members.
Our guests share candidly about:
Their unexpected paths to entrepreneurship and business ownership
The “messy middles” are rarely seen on social media or marketing materials
How the Creative Collective community supports women’s business journeys
Navigating the unique challenges women face in building creative enterprises
Finding their authentic voice and leadership style in their industries
Whether you’re a woman entrepreneur yourself, a supporter of women-owned businesses, or simply curious about the women behind local creative enterprises, this podcast offers honest insights into what it really takes for women to build something with intention and heart in today’s business landscape.
Produced By:
Randyll Collum produces this podcast for Peabody TV in partnership with Creative Collective. Creative Collective is a business support program that provides modern resources, strategy, and connections for small businesses and creators, because building something meaningful doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
Learn more at creativecollectivema.com.
About This Episode:
In this episode, Mikki sits down with Amber Newbury, founder of Die With Your Boots On, and Laurie Moran, the shop’s Program Director. Together, they explore the evolution of a Salem-based boutique that’s redefining goth fashion, size inclusivity, and self-expression—with a whole lot of heart and humor.
From corporate burnout and pandemic pivots to kiddie pool job interviews and drag shows in-store, Amber and Laurie share the deeply personal and often hilarious journey of building a business that’s as bold as its name. Whether it’s helping someone try on a dress for the first time or watching a kid save up birthday money for a tote bag, Die With Your Boots On is about more than clothes—it’s about confidence, community, and showing up exactly as you are.
Key Moments:
“I wanted to make the outside match the inside.” — Amber on reclaiming identity after leaving corporate life
Laurie shares how their creative partnership grew from friendship to full-on collaboration
A real talk breakdown on size inclusivity, pressuring vendors for extended sizing, and saying goodbye to those who don’t deliver
Why DWYBO isn’t just a store—it’s a safe, stylish space for weirdos, queerdos, and everyone in between
How Salem helped them feel less like outsiders—and inspired them to build a home for others like them
About the Speakers:
Mikki Wilson is your host, a team member of Creative Collective and the founder of Dot Connector Consulting, where she works with women to amplify their value, voice, and visibility with intention.
Amber Newbury is the founder and co-owner of Die With Your Boots On, a goth-forward fashion boutique and bold retail brand focused on alternative style, size inclusivity, and creative freedom.
Laurie Moran is the Program Director at Die With Your Boots On, where she leads events, partnerships, and plus-size advocacy while channeling her creative background into community building and vendor engagement.
📍 Visit in-person:
Die With Your Boots On – 9 Church Street, Salem, MA
The Salem Mortuary (their sister store) – 77 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
🕒 Hours: Open daily, 11AM–6PM
🛍️ Shop Online: https://diewithyourbootson.com
📲 Social: @DieWithYourBootsOn1
Host Credit: Hosted by Mikki Wilson, founder of Dot Connector Consulting
Production Credit: Produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV, your community media center serving the residents and businesses of Peabody and the North Shore area.
Learn more at https://peabodytv.org/
Sponsor Credit: Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry
Organization Credit: A Creative Collective podcast. Creative Collective is a business support program that provides modern resources, strategy, and connections for small businesses and creators, because building something meaningful doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
Learn more at creativecollectivema.com
Disclaimer
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