Keeping the Joy: Balancing Creativity and Business with Emilie from House of Hobby

This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin sits down with artist and House of Hobby founder Emilie Otto again for a chat about keeping your personal creativity alive while you run a creative small business. They unpack what happens when you take a beloved hobby and turn it into a business — and how to protect the joy when the admin, timelines and “make what sells” mentality creep in.

They explore the very real guilt of “not creating enough,” the shift away from hands‑on everyday skills, and how reclaiming simple lifestyle making—mending, sewing, cooking—can rebalance your week.

Emilie also shares what she delegated first, why teaching fuels her own creativity, and a reassuring reminder that many “creative” businesses are, at their core, events or retail operations — so you don’t have to be wildly arty to run one well.

 

Connect with our guest! Find House of Hobby:
Website: https://www.houseofhobby.net/ 
Instagram: @houseofhobbyau
Facebook: House of Hobby
TikTok: @houseofhobby

Connect with our guest! Find Emilie Otto Art:
Website: https://emilieotto.com.au/
Instagram: @emilieottoart
Facebook: Emilie Otto Art
YouTube: Emilie Otto Art

Creative Business Spotlight:

Kalamunda Art Glass
Website: https://artglasssupplies.com.au/ 

Books Mentioned in the Podcast:
Craft for the Soul by Pip Lincolne 
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert