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#018: Beyond the Lone Artist: How Connection Transformed Creative Entrepreneurship for Marissa Heyl
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In a world that often celebrates individualism, Marissa Heyl's creative entrepreneurial journey reveals something profoundly different: the extraordinary power of community. As program manager for SMU's Social Impact Lab and founder of multiple successful ventures, Marissa shares how connection has fueled her ability to pivot through life's greatest challenges.
The spark that ignited Marissa's path came during a transformative college trip to India, where she witnessed how traditional craft served as both cultural preservation and economic empowerment for women artisans. This experience eventually led to Symbology, her sustainable clothing line that's thrived for twelve years by connecting conscientious consumers with skilled artisans worldwide.
What makes Marissa's approach remarkable is her resilience. After losing her job during the 2009 recession, opening a boutique right before the pandemic, and facing personal challenges including her mother's early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis, she consistently found ways to adapt by leaning on community support. From women's circles to university networks, these connections provided not just emotional sustenance but practical pathways to innovation.
Marissa offers two pieces of golden advice for aspiring creative entrepreneurs: first, develop a minimum viable product without waiting for perfection (especially important for women socialized to aim for flawlessness); and second, seek help from your network. "Most people genuinely want to help others succeed," she notes, reflecting on lessons learned through global travels and building businesses from scratch.
Her current focus—creating spaces that promote play, connection, and creativity in corporate environments—stems from a deep belief that "all flourishing is mutual." By designing workplaces that foster belonging and joy rather than extraction and individualism, Marissa continues challenging us to reimagine what's possible when we create together. Connect with her work through SMU's Art Boost conference or reach out to join a community redefining success through collaboration rather than competition.
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Chapters
1. #018: Beyond the Lone Artist: How Connection Transformed Creative Entrepreneurship for Marissa Heyl (00:00:00)
2. Advice on Creative Entrepreneurship (00:01:39)
3. From Anthropology to Fashion Entrepreneurship (00:08:08)
4. Building Resilience Through Community (00:17:28)
5. The Power of Pivoting in Creative Business (00:27:33)
6. Developing Products That Resonate (00:38:09)
7. Creating Spaces for Play and Innovation (00:47:38)
8. Final Thoughts on Creative Connection (00:53:23)
21 episodes
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