How do you know when you should keep going in pursuit of your wildest dreams, or throw in the towel and walk away? This is one of my most personal episodes yet, and I share with you the 3 questions I ask myself when I reach obstacles or a crossroads and have to decide which path to choose. I talk about some of the hardest, darkest parts of my 11 year career, things I’ve never talked about publicly before. These are the times I was so sure I had to stop chasing my dreams of being a pet photographer and choose a more stable path. How did I know I had to keep going? I also talk about how to know it’s actually the right time to quit by sharing about the rise and fall of my defunct kimchi business, and why it’s ok - no, essential - TO QUIT when you have to! This is the season finale, folks! See you back here in February 2020. In the meantime, keep in touch with me on Instagram, in the Facebook Group, and keep your brains and spirits filled with goodness by checking out some of my favorite podcasts and books at my website. Until next time my friends, put something great out there!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! Get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here    

Creativity School

Lesson 44 - The Right Time to Quit with Grace Chon

How can we forever change the course of our life by listening to our inner nudges and "following the feeling?" Our guest this week has a story that exemplifies everything we discuss on this show, and the magic that unfolds when you listen and take action! This week on Creativity School, I’m talking to Kimothy Joy, a watercolor and pen illustrator passionate about creating artwork that uplifts and empowers women and girls. Kimothy shares how she went from feeling lost, broken, and disconnected from herself to discovering her love of watercolor painting. In a very short amount of time, her work went from simply living on her dining room table, to being seen at Women’s Marches all around the world, to then being published in her book That's What She Said: Wise Words from Influential Women. Listen to learn why it’s so important to play and do the things that make you curious, how to begin to listen to the little nudges that are telling you what to do, and how to get into your flow to let your creative path unfold. We also talk about THE SECRET to creating your best work from the inside out, and how most people get this all backwards! If you need a dose of magical inspiration this episode is for you!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! Get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: The importance of playing and doing what makes you curious The roadmap to finding what your creative calling is How to listen to the nudges and learn to distinguish between your wise inner voice and your critical monkey mind How to get into your flow and allow your creative path to unfold Developing an abundance mindset The formula for creating from the inside out       CONNECT WITH KIMOTHY: Website | Instagram | That’s What She Said   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 43 - Following Your Intuition and Creating from the Inside Out with Kimothy Joy

What are the Akashic Records and how can you use them as a tool to reconnect to who you are and manifest your unique creative expression? This week on Creativity School, I’m talking to my teacher Helen Vonderheide, Elite Certified Akashic Records Teacher and Practitioner. Helen gave me my Beginning Practitioner Certification, and I’m thrilled she’s here to teach us all about what the Akashic Records are, and how we can use them to illuminate our path, manifest our creative greatness, and receive the outcomes we desire. Helen also gives an Akashic Record reading for all of us, so stay tuned until the end to hear the beautiful message she shares. If you want to learn all about the Akashic Records, keep an open heart and mind as you listen because this episode was made especially for you! ✨   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! Get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: What are the Akashic Records? What it’s like getting information from the Records Why you don’t need to be psychic or have special gifts to access the Records How to use the Records for manifesting creativity and the outcomes we want Helen’s Akashic Record Reading for all of us!!       CONNECT WITH HELEN: Website | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 42 - Manifesting Your Creativity Through the Akashic Records with Helen Vonderheide

With so much content out there, how can we create brand messaging that actually stands out in a memorable way and reach the right audience for our creative business? This week on Creativity School, Rachael Kay Albers is here to teach us how to create epic, unforgettable brand messaging and content through humor, connection, and fun! Rachael is a Creative Director and Lead Designer at RKA Ink, and the host of her business sketch comedy show Awkward Marketing. Rachael uses comedy and characters like Brad the Braggy Bro and Carie the Copycat to teach small business owners how NOT to approach their content and marketing. Rachael shares with us the 5 Marketing Archetypes that can make people feel icky and awkward, and how to start identifying the brand values you want to share by first identifying the ones that make you feel blech. She also shares why it’s SO important to create content as a small business owner, why entertaining your audience through your messaging is the holy grail of content, and why we should bring lightness and fun into our message. If you want to learn how to create brand messaging and content that stands out, this episode is for you!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! Get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.     Mentioned in this episode:  How Rachael’s business sketch comedy show Awkward Marketing got started How to bring humor into your brand without trying to be laugh out loud funny How to discover your brand values by by tapping into the things you are NOT about How to find your arch nemesis and turn it into your superpower Why it’s important to create content for your business       CONNECT WITH RACHAEL: Awkward Marketing | Instagram | Website   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 41 - Authentically Craft Brand Messaging That Stands Out with Rachael Kay Albers

We’re often told to find our zone of genius and hone in on one area of expertise, but what if you have more than one creative calling? Can you still be successful with your creative talents when everyone else is niching down? This week on Creativity School, D’Ana Joi Spencer, multi-passionate creative extraordinare, is here to tell us why we should celebrate having multiple creative talents and fully own all of them. If you’re naturally curious, interested, and talented at a lot of different things, why should you have to choose? D’Ana walks us through how to focus and stay productive when you have multiple creative passions, how to manage all your projects without burning out, and how to pivot through your gifts without judgement or shame. She also shares how to grow your confidence in owning all your amazing talents and gifts. If you're a multi-passionate creative and need tools for how to navigate life while creating all the things that excite you, this episode is for you!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: Why you don’t have to niche down and choose just one topic of expertise to be successful How to know when to stick with a creative project or pivot Why you shouldn’t feel shame or guilt about letting go of a creative passion How to focus on multiple creative passions without burning out Why its important to say no to yourself and not be tempted by shiny object syndrome How to prioritize your creative projects and know which one to put more energy into – Download D’ana’s free Finding Focus Workbook How to start growing your confidence in owning all of your talents and gifts Creativity School #33 - Discover Your Unique Purpose with Human Design     CONNECT WITH D’ANA JOI: Blog | Shop | Membership | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 40 - Celebrate Being a Multi-Passionate Creative with D’ana Joi Spencer

We know that meditation can help you reduce stress and anxiety, among many other health benefits, but can meditation actually help you become more creative? The answer is YES! And through some simple and effective techniques, it doesn’t require thought shaming and rigid postures to get there. This week on Creativity School, Brad Gantt, meditation teacher and creative director, talks to us about how meditation can help rid our internal clutter, get us into a flow state, and allow us to journey deeply into our well of untapped creativity, accessing parts of ourselves that have always been there. If you' think you can’t meditate because you’re unable to sit still and quiet your mind, or you just don’t have the time, this episode is for you. Listen to find out how meditation can be an easy way to clear out your mental junk, reduce accumulated stress, and unlock your creative potential!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: How a panic attack led Brad to seek meditation How meditation can help us build a resilience to stressful situations The importance of simply being How meditation can help us see things with complete clarity How meditation can help the creative process and make the creative process more enjoyable How meditation is like a treadmill for an out of shape mind and requires consistency to see the best results Why you don’t need to spend a lot of time meditating to see the benefits of it     CONNECT WITH BRAD: Website | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 39 - Unlock Your Creative Potential Through Meditation with Brad Gantt

How can we begin to embrace vulnerability as our greatest strength, rather than a weakness? This week on Creativity School, I’m speaking to BJ Williams about breaking stigmas surrounding mental health and being vulnerable, particularly for black men in America who are 20% more likely to experience mental illness than the general population. BJ is the creator of a video series called Can I Be Vulnerable?, which encourages black men to face and normalize their vulnerability and mental health. BJ talks about how the series got started completely unplanned, when he shared his own raw and vulnerable video talking about his background and going to therapy. As a result, many men began sharing their own stories and Can I Be Vulnerable? was born. Listen to find out why destigmatizing mental health and speaking openly about the things that make us vulnerable is so important, and why it’s essential to learn healthy emotional intelligence. BJ also shares how he deals with negativity online, and how a lack of resources can lead to great creativity and innovation. Listen to feel inspired and embrace your own vulnerability as a superpower!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: What happened after BJ shared a video of himself being extremely raw and vulnerable Dealing with negativity online especially when what you make is so personal and raw Deciphering constructive criticism vs trash talking Breaking generational curses and learning healthy emotional intelligence The importance of embracing vulnerability and emotional intelligence How a lack of resources allows for great creativity BJ’s advice on how to get started on your own creative project     CONNECT WITH BJ: Instagram | CIBV Instagram | CIBV YouTube   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 38 - Embracing Vulnerability as your Greatest Strength with BJ Williams

This week on Creativity School, my guest Monica Lo and I have an open minded discussion about cannabis and it’s incredible power as a wellness tool for maximizing your creativity and promoting physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Monica is a photographer and creative director working to change the public perception of cannabis users. She’s also the creator of Sous Weed®, a blog dedicated to using cannabis as a superfood ingredient as opposed to merely a psychoactive additive. Our conversation is all about normalizing and destigmatizing cannabis, and how to use it for more than recreational purposes. I ask her ALL the questions in this episode, like the difference between indica and sativa, how to use cannabis for productivity and creativity, how cannabis can aid in your physical healing and spiritual growth, and more! Whether you’re canna-curious, ready to come out of the canna-closet, or a bonafide canna-lover, you’ll learn so much in this conversation!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: The history of cannabis in traditional Chinese Medicine and how it dates back 3,000 years How a back injury led Monica down the path of learning about cannabis as a healing and wellness tool How healing herself led Monica onto a whole new career path Using cannabis to cultivate your creativity The difference between indica, sativa and hybrid Edibles vs smoking Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing using cannabis Are certain people more suited for cannabis?     CONNECT WITH MONICA: Website | Sous Weed | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 37 - The Creative and Healing Power of Cannabis with Monica Lo

What if you have a burning desire to make something that you need to see exist in the world, but you don’t have any experience and the thought of creating it terrifies the crap out of you? Do you run away or do you answer the call? My guest Jane Gahng decided to confront all her fears, and make it anyway! Jane is an illustrator and lettering artist, and she shares her story about how she saw a need for an in-person conference celebrating Asian American/ Pacific Islander women and despite her fears, insecurities and lack of experience, decided to create it herself. We talk about the process of making something massive in scale and completely beyond your comfort zone, and why Jane felt it was so important to push beyond her fears and create a community for people to feel represented, included and empowered. Jane also shares the visualization techniques she uses to overcome her self doubt and gets back up when she feels knocked down, and how this experience has grown her belief in herself and what she’s capable of. Listen to feel inspired and push past your own blocks to make what is calling you to be made!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: The importance of pivoting and evolving The process of making something massive in scale and completely beyond your comfort zone How to overcome self doubt through the power of visualization Manifesting what you want by focusing on the feeling you want How to achieve your goals by asking for help How to keep yourself accountable when you’re scared by sharing what you’re doing with others Get your tickets to Unveil Our Story!     CONNECT WITH JANE: Website | Instagram | Unveil Our Story   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 36 - Make What You Need to See in the World with Jane Gahng

Do you have a creative project you really want to work on, but put it off because you just don’t have the time for it? Then today’s episode is just for you! My guest Jake Kahana says nobody taught us how to work, and he wants to change that.   Jake is an artist and teacher helping people thrive in a world overrun with distractions by leading them in unlearning bad habits and replacing them with new, better ones.  He’s also the king of side projects and the co-founder of Caveday, a company dedicated to teaching people how to maximize their productivity. Fast Company even referred to Jake and his co-founders as “Procrastination Nannies.” But it’s not just about doing more work in less time– Jake says it’s about improving the quality of your life by improving the quality of your work. This conversation completely changed the way I work. In fact, I edited this episode more efficiently than ever before, thanks to all the juicy, research backed techniques Jake shares with us. In this episode, Jake shows us how to unlearn the bad habits we’re all used to, and how to recreate our own mini Caveday at home. As someone who is highly creative with multiple side projects, he also shares some great insights about how to be more creative.   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: How nobody has ever taught us how to work, and why we need to be taught how to work with structure and research based techniques How to structure your work so you can get into flow  The right kind of break to take so you can go back to work more energized (and it’s not checking emails and social media!) Why multitasking actually makes your work quality worse The ONE THING you can take away from this interview to do better work (and it improves your IQ!) Jake’s advice on how to work at a demanding day job and still have time for your side projects Why every creative outlet doesn’t need to be a business idea   Resources: Attention residue: Why focusing on multiple tasks can kill your work performance Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies Elizabeth Gilbert on distinguishing between hobbies, jobs, careers, and a vocation Glennon Doyle - Don’t Carpe Diem Fast Company - Procrastination Nannies are Now a Thing   CONNECT WITH JAKE: Website | Caveday | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Best Of - Get Stuff Done Without Distractions and Bad Habits with Jake Kahana

How can you be a badass creative entrepreneur and make money doing what you love? This week on Creativity School, I talk to Jennifer Perkins, a creative content designer and crafter for places like HGTV and DIY Network. Jennifer has worked in the creative industry as an author, editor, and television host, for over 20 years, and she’s also the host of Creative Queso, a podcast all about the business of being creative. If you want to learn more about how to make money with the things you make, how to overcome the discomfort of self promotion and do it without turning people off, how to network when you hate networking, how to prevent boredom in your creative work, AND SO MUCH MORE - tune in because you’ll love this episode!   * * *   WE ARE STARTING CREATIVITY SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS! Want to have a conversation with me about whatever you need help with? Have a burning question you want answered? Send me all your questions on Instagram (@thegracechon) or email me (grace @ grace chon . com)!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: The importance of having multiple streams of income How to prevent yourself from getting bored of your work when you turn it into a business Overcoming the discomfort of promoting yourself and your work How to network when you hate networking Why having ADD in your creativity should be something we embrace My episode on Jennifer’s Podcast Creative Queso Goal Digger Podcast     CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: Website | Creative Queso | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 34 - The Business of Being Creative with Jennifer Perkins

This week on Creativity School, I talk to Laura Olsen, a creative coach that helps people define their message and get it online using a variety of tools, including Human Design. If you’ve never heard of Human Design before, you’re about to get a crash course on how this tool gives you an overview of the mechanics of how you operate, and “is the owner’s manual that we didn’t get at birth.” By learning our Human Design type we can gain a deeper understanding of who we really are, and remove all the baggage of who the world tells us to be. As Laura says, truly compelling creativity comes from a deep place of inner knowledge. And the more we know about ourselves, the more we can create better work. Listen to learn more about your purpose and living in alignment with your Human Design! * * * WE ARE STARTING CREATIVITY SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS! Want to have a conversation with me about whatever you need help with? Have a burning question you want answered? Send me all your questions on Instagram (@thegracechon) or email me (grace @ grace chon.com)!   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: What is Human Design The 5 Human Design Types - Manifestor, Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, and Reflector How Human Design can help you uncover who you really are and how you operate in the world Celebrities and famous figures and their Human Design Types   CONNECT WITH LAURA: Website | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 33 - Discover Your Unique Purpose using Human Design with Laura Olsen

I HAD SOME TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THIS EPISODE AND AM RELEASING IT AGAIN IN CASE YOU HAD TROUBLE LISTENING THE FIRST TIME. How funny that the episode about not being perfect, came out... not perfect. Enjoy!   * * *   How do we finally let go of perfectionism and experience the magic that unfolds when we create with complete freedom? This week on Creativity School, we dig into how perfectionism is poison and not something to be proud of with Carrie Brummer. Carrie is a visual artist and has had work displayed in The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She’s also an art educator, and the founder of Artist Strong, a community that supports people by giving them the permission to be creative and the tools to develop their unique voice. We talk about how it took a life threatening health experience for Carrie to finally let go of the need to create art that was perfect, and in the process discovered the incredible things that can happen in your life and work when you let go and create without pressure. Carrie shares actionable steps we can take to release our need for perfection, how to let go of the myth of talent, and how to trust your intuition when creating your work.   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: How Carrie entered the world of art education despite her parents and teachers telling her it wasn’t practical to pursue a career in the arts How a life threatening health experience was a catalyst for her to let go of perfectionism and the need to please others in her work The negative side of perfectionism The myth of talent and how to develop your talent   CONNECT WITH CARRIE: Website | Artist Strong | Facebook   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Rerelease - The Magic of Letting Go of Perfection with Carrie Brummer

We often hear about how necessary it is to hustle, grind and work until we’re exhausted and burned out when starting a new business. But is it possible to build a successful business by intentionally growing it slow and without the pressure to grow as quickly as possible? This week on Creativity School, I talk to Jessica Gonzalez, a beekeeper and the founder of Happy Organics, a wellness company that provides honey and CBD products for the body and mind. Jessica shares her journey to accidentally starting her company during a time when she was burned out and exploring the things that made her happy after quitting a tech company she founded. She began helping her father with his bees when he got diagnosed with terminal cancer, and developed honey and CBD products to help with his pain and anxiety. When people started asking to buy them, she had a business. Jessica shares how she was able to keep her company going through the devastating loss of her dad, how her incredible pain became her purpose, and how she’s been able to successfully grow her company slowly and at her own pace by being focused on her values and the bigger picture.     **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: How Jessica began helping her father with his bees when he got diagnosed with terminal cancer How she was able to start Happy Organics while experiencing the devastating loss of her father How to create transformation in your life without experiencing something painful or devastating Why she grew her business slow and without a plan The importance of letting yourself feel bad   CONNECT WITH JESSICA: Website | Instagram   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 32 - The Slower You Grow: Building a Business at Your Own Pace with Jessica Gonzalez

How do we finally let go of perfectionism and experience the magic that unfolds when we create with complete freedom? This week on Creativity School, we dig into how perfectionism is poison and not something to be proud of with Carrie Brummer. Carrie is a visual artist and has had work displayed in The Smithsonian and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She’s also an art educator, and the founder of Artist Strong, a community that supports people by giving them the permission to be creative and the tools to develop their unique voice. We talk about how it took a life threatening health experience for Carrie to finally let go of the need to create art that was perfect, and in the process discover the incredible things that can happen in your life and work when you let go and create without pressure. Carrie shares actionable steps we can take to release our need for perfection, how to let go of the myth of talent, and how to trust your intuition when creating your work.   **Today’s episode is brought to you by Audible! If you want to get started with a free audiobook download and 30 day free trial head over to at www.creativityschoolpodcast.com/audible.   Mentioned in this episode: How Carrie entered the world of art education despite her parents and teachers telling her it wasn’t practical to pursue a career in the arts How a life threatening health experience was a catalyst for her to let go of perfectionism and the need to please others in her work The negative side of perfectionism The myth of talent and how to develop your talent Grace on Carrie's Series "How to Be an Artist"     CONNECT WITH CARRIE: Website | Artist Strong | Facebook   CONNECT WITH CREATIVITY SCHOOL: Thank you so much for listening! Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and connect with me online! Instagram | Twitter | Facebook If you have any questions or comments for the show, click here

Lesson 31 - The Magic of Letting Go of Perfection with Carrie Brummer

Welcome to Creativity School, the podcast all about how to tap into your creative potential and put your greatness out into the world! If you feel a calling to do something, make something, or be something more and don’t know how to start or need some motivation to keep going, this is the show for you. Each week, we’ll dive deep into conversation with crazy creative people who are already out there doing amazing things, so you can learn how to do the same. I’m your host, Grace Chon, an internationally acclaimed animal photographer and author, and I believe everyone is creative! I know you can find more fulfillment and joy in life by adding your special something to the world, so let’s get your gifts out there.

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Creativity School

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