Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amitoj Kaur. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Amitoj, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping my creativity alive has never been about one singular source of inspiration or a lightning-bolt moment of genius. It’s about the life I’ve intentionally built—a blend of structure and spontaneity, purpose and play. I’ve come to realize that my creativity thrives when I balance multiple identities, stay curious, create with purpose, and make space for reflection. It’s this intentional approach that keeps my ideas fresh, my passions alive, and my spirit energized.
First and foremost, my creativity stems from the different roles I play in my life. I’m a podcaster, a full-time member of a corporate social media team, a part-time student, a business owner, and a storyteller. Each of these roles brings a unique perspective and challenges me in different ways. My part-time embroidery business allows me to experiment with tactile, visual art—bringing designs to life with my hands. Podcasting, on the other hand, is my outlet for storytelling and deep conversations. It’s where I get to explore topics that matter to me, like personal growth and navigating adulthood. Writing has also been a key part of my creative process. The act of putting my thoughts into words gives me space to reflect and express myself authentically. Juggling these roles may seem overwhelming to some, but for me, it’s what keeps my creative energy flowing. Each identity feeds into the next, giving me a constantly evolving lens through which I view the world.
Another key to keeping my creativity alive is staying curious and reflective. I’ve always found meaning in experiences—whether it’s my memories from my alma mater Miami University, my personal growth journey, or the life lessons I share through my podcast. Reflection is where my best ideas are born. I don’t rush through life; instead, I make space to look back and understand how my past shapes my future. This self-awareness grounds my creativity. It gives me a foundation to build on and allows me to see connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. By staying open to learning and evolving, I keep my ideas fresh and relevant.
One of the ways I protect my creativity is by blending structure with play. I’ve built a lifestyle that allows me to balance my 9-to-5 job, part-time studies, and podcasting with time for self-care, social connections, and fitness. It’s this structure that gives me the stability I need to thrive creatively. When my mind and body are healthy, I’m more energized and inspired. At the same time, I allow room for play and experimentation. My passion projects—like my podcast and my writing—are my playgrounds. They give me a space to try new things, share stories, and connect with others. This balance between structure and play keeps me grounded while also allowing my creativity to flourish.
Perhaps what keeps me most creatively inspired is the purpose behind everything I create. I’m not just creating for the sake of it. I’m creating to connect, inspire, and help others grow. My podcast isn’t just about sharing stories—it’s about fostering conversations that matter. My embroidery business isn’t just about making products—it’s about bringing joy to my customers through art. Even my upcoming launch party, tied to my 25th birthday, is more than just a celebration. It’s a way to mark an important milestone in my life through creative expression. Everything I create has meaning, and that purpose keeps me motivated.
I also keep my creativity alive by dreaming big while staying grounded. I have ambitious ideas, like pitching a Miami-themed podcast to my alma mater, but I also take practical steps to make them happen. I know that creativity isn’t just about coming up with ideas—it’s about executing them. It’s about turning dreams into reality. That’s why I’m actively seeking funding and partnerships for my podcast and turning my personal milestones into opportunities for creative expression. It’s about finding ways to make my creative work sustainable and impactful.
In the end, keeping my creativity alive is about living a multifaceted, intentional life. It’s about staying curious, reflective, and open to learning. It’s about creating with purpose and balancing structure with play. Most importantly, it’s about understanding that creativity isn’t a one-time spark—it’s a practice, a way of living, and a mindset that I choose to nurture every day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I wear many hats—podcaster, creative, storyteller, entrepreneur, and part-time student. Each of these roles reflects a different part of who I am, but together, they shape a creative, purposeful life that I’m deeply passionate about. I love sharing stories, building connections, and creating spaces where people feel seen and inspired. Whether it’s through my podcast, my embroidery business, or my writing, my goal is always to bring meaning and joy to the people I reach.
One of my biggest projects right now is my podcast, Glow Up and Grow up with Ami where I explore themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and navigating early adulthood. It’s a space for honest conversations about life’s transitions, challenges, and triumphs. I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to foster connection, and this project is a way for me to give back to a place that has shaped so much of who I am.
Alongside my podcasting work, I run a part-time embroidery business with my equally creative mother. This venture started as a creative outlet and has grown into a meaningful way to share art with others. I create custom designs that tell stories—whether it’s a piece that commemorates a special moment or something that brings a little joy into someone’s day. It’s another way for me to connect with people and bring something tangible and beautiful into their lives.
Right now, I’m also preparing for an exciting milestone: my 25th birthday, which will double as my book launch! Writing this book has been a deeply personal journey, and I’m thrilled to share it with the world. The party will be a celebration of both my personal growth and my creative work—a perfect way to mark this chapter of my life.
What makes my work special is that it’s all rooted in authenticity and connection. I don’t create just for the sake of creating; I do it with intention. Whether it’s a podcast episode, a custom embroidery piece, or a written story, I’m always thinking about how my work can make someone feel seen, heard, and valued. Creativity, for me, is about fostering those moments of connection.
As I move forward, I’m excited to keep growing these projects and exploring new ways to tell stories and connect with others. I believe that creativity is a lifelong journey, and I’m committed to nurturing it in every part of my life. There’s so much more to come—new podcast episodes, collaborations, and maybe even more books down the line. I’m excited for what’s next, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story with others along the way.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I can point to three key qualities that have been most impactful: empathy, the ability to reframe failure, and adaptability.
Empathy has been a guiding principle in everything I do. Whether I’m creating content for my podcast, working on my embroidery business, or writing, I always strive to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. Empathy allows me to see the world from different perspectives and create work that resonates with people. For those early in their journey, my advice is to practice active listening and approach conversations with curiosity and an open heart. Building empathy is about truly seeing people, hearing their stories, and understanding their experiences.
The second key quality is reframing failure. Failure is inevitable in any journey, but I’ve learned that it’s how you respond to it that matters most. Instead of seeing failure as a setback, I view it as a learning opportunity—a chance to grow, pivot, and try again. For those starting out, I recommend embracing failure as part of the process. Ask yourself, “What did I learn from this?” and “How can I apply this moving forward?” Reframing failure helps build resilience and keeps you moving toward your goals.
The third quality is adaptability. Life and creative journeys rarely go as planned, and being able to adapt to change has been essential for me. Whether it’s shifting priorities, exploring new ideas, or navigating unexpected challenges, adaptability has allowed me to stay open to new opportunities and keep growing. For those just beginning their journey, I encourage you to stay curious and flexible. The path won’t always be linear, and that’s okay. Being adaptable means staying open to change and ready to seize the unexpected moments that come your way.
Ultimately, these three qualities—empathy, reframing failure, and adaptability—have shaped who I am and how I approach my work. Developing these skills is a continuous process, but it’s one that can lead to deeper connections, more meaningful work, and a greater sense of purpose.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
When I was in high school, someone once called me a “jack of all trades, but master of none.” It was meant as a criticism, implying that I couldn’t excel if I spread myself too widely. My response? “Just because you feel like you cannot have it all does not mean I cannot.”
That mindset guides me to this day. I believe we don’t have to choose between leaning into our strengths or becoming well-rounded. We can do both. Focusing only on strengths can be limiting, while growth often comes from improving in areas, we aren’t naturally strong in. For example, public speaking didn’t come naturally to me, but I pushed myself to develop it, and now it’s one of my most valuable skills. To the point, where I was my university’s student commencement speaker at my own graduation.
I didn’t grow up in a household where people gathered, my folks were busy with opposite work schedules, so our meals were simple and convenient. I have now grown to love cooking, particularly baking/cooking from scratch. My home as an adult, is one where people often gather- and I have grown to love hosting. This process has taught me planning, patience, the importance of following directions closely, presentation, event planning, etc. In return, I have received community, a love for cooking, and a better health as a result. Not to mention, the overlap these skills will give me in the workforce.
Ultimately, being well-rounded isn’t about being mediocre at everything—it’s about continuously growing, adapting, and embracing all parts of who you are. It’s about refusing to let others define your limits and recognizing that we’re capable of more than we often realize.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/glow-up-and-grow-up-with-ami/id1715315569
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amiikaurr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitoj-kaur/
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