We’re excited to chat with Kimberly Lavon about Creative Calling. Check out our conversation below.
Kimberly, it’s always a great day when we have a chance to connect. Thanks for taking the time to share one of your favorite books with us. What can you tell us about Creative Calling? (Spoiler Alert)
Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis really resonated with me because it’s about something I’ve always believed in—creativity isn’t just for artists or musicians, it’s something inherent in all of us. In the book, Jarvis emphasizes that we all have the ability to be creative, regardless of our profession or background. Creativity is a tool for problem-solving, innovation, and self-expression, and we need to start nurturing it in our everyday lives.
What I love about the book is how it challenges the idea that creativity is something reserved for “special” people. Jarvis argues that creativity is a natural skill that everyone can cultivate, and it’s more about getting started, breaking down those mental barriers, and letting go of the fear of failure. He stresses that you don’t need to wait for the “perfect time” or conditions to be creative, because there’s never a perfect time—it’s about starting now, with whatever you have.
His advice about making creativity a habit and embracing risk really hit home for me. As an entrepreneur and artist, I know the value of trusting your instincts, taking chances, and making the creative process a consistent part of your life. That’s how I’ve approached building my business, Pad Tie, and navigating through some of the challenges in my creative career.
Overall, Creative Calling isn’t just about the act of creating—it’s about shifting your mindset and embracing creativity as a fundamental part of who you are and how you live. It’s a great reminder that creativity isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you develop and practice.
Wonderful, so can you talk to us in more detail about why this book resonates with you?
Creative Calling matters to me because it really challenges the way we often think about creativity—it’s not just about making art or writing, it’s about how we approach everything in life, from solving problems to handling challenges. As someone who’s spent decades in the creative world and built businesses like Pad Tie, I’ve come to realize that creativity is essential in every area of life, not just in traditionally “creative” careers. It’s a mindset, a tool we all have access to, and one that can help us push boundaries and find new solutions to the issues we face.
What resonated with me most in this book was Jarvis’s focus on creativity as a daily practice. As someone who constantly juggles multiple creative projects and struggles with self-doubt, the idea that creativity isn’t about waiting for inspiration but about creating the conditions to make it happen was really freeing. The concept of making creativity a habit, rather than an occasional spark, has been a game-changer for how I approach my work. It reminded me that I don’t need to wait for everything to line up perfectly—I just need to start with what I have and keep going.
The biggest insight that stood out to me was the importance of overcoming fear, especially the fear of failure. I think as women and as entrepreneurs, we’re conditioned to question our value or feel like we need to prove ourselves more than others. Jarvis’s message of trusting your instincts and taking risks hit home because it’s something I’ve had to do time and time again—whether that’s pushing through rejection, navigating the challenges of running a business solo, or stepping into spaces where people might doubt my capabilities.
This book feels incredibly relevant right now because it reminds me that creativity is not just about the outcome, but the process. In a world where it’s easy to get caught up in results or comparison, Creative Calling is a call to embrace the messiness and growth that comes with creating. And for me, that’s been a powerful reminder to stay true to my vision, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.
Can you talk to us about how the topics in the book relate to your lived experience – either professionally or personally?
Absolutely. The topics in Creative Calling really resonate with my own experiences, both professionally and personally. As someone who has spent over 30 years making art and recently launched my own business, Pad Tie, I’ve faced a lot of challenges when it comes to embracing creativity as a consistent part of my life and work.
Jarvis talks about the importance of seeing creativity as a practice, not just a one-time burst of inspiration, and that idea really aligns with my experience. I’ve learned that creativity isn’t just about the finished product—whether it’s a piece of art or a new business idea—it’s about the process and how you approach each step. That’s something I’ve had to remind myself of over and over as I’ve built Pad Tie from the ground up. There are moments when the pressure of running a business, dealing with setbacks, or managing self-doubt can feel overwhelming, but creativity allows me to pivot, problem-solve, and innovate in ways that I might not have imagined when I first started.
The book also talks about overcoming fear, especially the fear of failure, and this hit home in a big way for me. As a woman of color building a business in an environment that often feels dismissive or unwelcoming, I’ve had to face the fear of being underestimated and rejected. That fear sometimes holds me back, but what Jarvis emphasizes—taking risks and trusting your instincts—has been key to pushing through those moments of doubt. For example, when I approached a local art gallery to feature my product, I had no idea how they would respond, but I took the risk of putting myself out there, and now that relationship is helping my business grow. I’ve had to learn that it’s okay to fail, but it’s more important to try and keep creating, even in the face of adversity.
Personally, the book’s emphasis on making creativity a habit rather than waiting for the “right time” is something I’ve struggled with. As someone who is constantly balancing multiple projects and often overwhelmed by the pressure to “get it right,” I’ve realized that the act of creating doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to happen. Jarvis’s message of embracing creativity in the everyday—whether it’s brainstorming ideas, taking small steps, or trusting the process—has really helped me shift my mindset and embrace the messiness of being an entrepreneur and artist.
So, in many ways, the book aligns with what I’ve been practicing for years, but it also pushed me to think deeper about how I can continue to build my creative muscle and not let fear or perfectionism stand in the way of growth. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t an isolated skill—it’s a lifelong journey that connects all aspects of who we are and what we do.
How did you discover this book?
I discovered Creative Calling by pure accident. I had planned to visit my local library to meet with their certified entrepreneurship librarian. When I found out that particular library didn’t have one, they directed me to a nearby location where I could find the support I needed. So, with that information in hand, I wandered over to the creative section to see what books might inspire me. That’s when I came across Creative Calling—the bold text on the cover immediately grabbed my attention, and it was prominently displayed on a special stand. The title alone intrigued me enough to pick it up, and when I glanced at the table of contents, I was hooked. It was one of several books I checked out that day, and while I haven’t finished reading the others, I’ve continued to return to this one. I plan to buy my own copy soon so I can mark it up with highlights, dog-eared pages, and take notes in my process book—my yearly reflection on what’s most important to me at any given time. It’s been a game-changer for sure, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it!
- Website: https://padtie.carrd.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/padtie.co
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kimberlylavon
- Other: https://dot.cards/padtie?e=ZGV2aWNlLWljaXVidHppZ2FsZmt5cmVlbDZlaGMwNDAtYy1n
Image Credits
@kimberlylavonink @padtie.co @jermme
