10. Flowers Die and We Still Plant Them with Cheryl Walpole Tiku

What happens when the career you were promised doesn't show up as promised — and you have to build one from scratch?In this episode of The Creative Collective, our art therapy podcast and creativity podcast, we talk with Cheryl Walpole Tiku, a licensed art therapist who started her career in product development at Ralph Lauren before training at Pratt Institute and spending nearly two decades across hospitals and private practice in New York. She's now the editor and co-author of a new book that says something most people in helping professions feel but rarely admit out loud — that following your calling can make life harder, not easier.In this episode, we discuss:What Cheryl noticed inside a fast-moving, image-driven fashion job that eventually pushed her to walk away from itThe disorienting creative block she hit early in her art therapy training — and how she found her way backWhy she and a grad-school friend built an entire international art therapy program in Namibia, because the one they wanted didn't exist yetWhy she believes you don't have to sell — or even finish — what you make for it to countThe creative groups she's started for women entrepreneurs and founders, and what she's noticed about high achievers and creative accessHow a vintage etiquette book became one of her go-to creative practices, and why "keep your dignity" is the only line she left visibleResources & Links:Cheryl Walpole Tiku — Instagram @the_line_between_studio, thelinebetweenconsulting.comThe Business of Art Therapy (Routledge) — out nowChery's Substack: The Line Between StudioMake sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ or visit our ⁠website⁠ to learn more. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, you can apply ⁠here.⁠ You can find Allie on ⁠Instagram⁠ or her ⁠website⁠, and you can find Emily on ⁠Instagram⁠ or her ⁠website⁠ to learn more about all they do and stay connectedYou can find Austin on ⁠Instagram⁠ for all of your podcasting and musical needsIf you enjoyed this episode, follow along and share it with someone who could use a little more creativity in their life.And this is your reminder that you don't have to be an artist to benefit from creativity. You're welcome, as you are, in this creative community.