How to Cultivate a Creativity Mindset for Success with Tracy Matthews
By Darla LeDoux, Founder of Sourced™ and Author of the books Shift The Field and Retreat and Grow Rich

Are you feeling stuck in a rut, unsure of how to tap into your creative potential? It’s easy to lose sight of what makes you unique when routine takes over—but imagine what could happen if you truly unleash your hidden talents.

In this episode, business strategist and designer Tracy Matthews shares her powerful journey of reinvention and the role creativity plays in unlocking our true purpose. Tracy openly discusses overcoming past traumas, managing the fear of change, and developing a framework to unleash our creative force. 

Tune in to discover practical tips and mindset shifts that can help you activate your own creative transformation!

• The power of vulnerability and authenticity in business.
• How to navigate the challenges of reinventing oneself and one’s business.
• The importance of tapping into your creativity.
• Ways to overcome fear and self-doubt when pursuing a new direction.
• Learning from failures and setbacks.
• How to build a supportive community to help you through transitions.
• Inspiration to fully embrace and express your unique gifts and talents.

• [02:05] Launching a Jewelry Business 
• [03:45] Creating the Desired Brand Effect 
• [06:03] Overcoming Rejection and Feedback 
• [09:31] Importance of Brand Name 
• [11:41] Believing in Yourself and Your Potential 
• [15:00] Taking Small Steps to Build Momentum 
• [19:09] Navigating Transitions and Reinvention 
• [24:19] Learning to Turn Trauma into Opportunity 
• [32:42] How to Manage Energy During Transitions 
• [37:29] Lessons from Setbacks and Challenges 
• [41:54] Why You Need to Trust Your Inner Knowing 
• [45:33] The Power of Creativity in Life and Business 
• [48:32] Channeling Boredom into Creativity

Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions, checking off endless to-do lists, and chasing numbers that somehow leave you feeling empty? 

As a business owner, it’s easy to fall into this routine. 

But what if unlocking your true potential lies in connecting with your creative side? 

Let’s dive into the inspiring story of Tracy Matthews, a jewelry designer turned business strategist, to uncover how embracing creativity can open doors you didn’t even know were there.

Reinventing Yourself: Embracing Vulnerability and New Beginnings

Imagine building a thriving brand, seeing your work in stores all over the world, and feeling like you’ve finally made it. Now, picture watching it all crumble during the 2008 market crash. That’s exactly what happened to Tracy. But instead of seeing it as the end, she saw it as a new beginning.

Tracy turned her setback into a powerful journey of reinvention. She started a new jewelry line, focusing on custom, heirloom pieces that held deep meaning. Through this, she found her true passion—helping other creatives build successful, purpose-driven businesses. 

Reinvention isn’t always easy, but it’s where the magic happens. Tracy’s story reminds us that sometimes, the toughest moments are just doorways to something better.

Authenticity as Your Superpower: Creating a Brand That Resonates

Think about the brands you truly connect with—the ones that feel like they “get” you. Chances are, they’re authentic, a little raw, and totally unapologetic about who they are. That’s because people crave connection, not just another product. Success today isn’t just about what you sell, but about who you are and how you share that with the world.

So, instead of hiding behind a polished façade, embrace your quirks, your stories, and even your vulnerabilities. It’s this authenticity that allows you to stand out and create a brand people feel loyal to. In a world of polished surfaces, a touch of realness goes a long way.

Unleash Your Creative Force: Tapping into Abundance

If there’s one thing Tracy learned on her journey, it’s that creativity isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. Creativity is where ideas are born, where solutions emerge, and where abundance flows. When we allow ourselves time to be creative, whether that’s through journaling, painting, or just daydreaming, we’re fueling every part of our business and ourselves.

Maybe it’s been a while since you last let yourself be fully creative. Start small. Block out a bit of unstructured time in your week to just explore. You’ll be surprised at the fresh ideas and perspectives that come to you when you make space for them.

Navigating Transitions with Compassion and Curiosity

Even the most successful entrepreneurs face moments of transition, and it can be scary to step into the unknown. Maybe you’ve built something great, but now it’s time to shift, to let go of what no longer serves you and step into something new. Tracy’s advice? Approach this time with compassion and a willingness to experiment.

It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right away. Give yourself permission to try new things, to take small steps. Remember, reinvention is a journey, not a race. 

Your Unique Gifts are Your Superpower—Don’t Hide Them

Do you ever feel like you’re a little different? Maybe you see things from a unique angle or have ideas that others just don’t get. That’s not a flaw—it’s a superpower. Tracy encourages everyone to fully embrace what makes them unique because, honestly, that’s what the world needs. Your perspective, your gifts, and your creativity can bring something truly special to the table.

So don’t dim your light or try to fit into a mold. Show up as your full, authentic self. The right people—the ones who truly appreciate you—will be drawn to that.

It’s Time to Unleash Your Creative Force

Your business isn’t just about reaching financial goals or checking off tasks; it’s an extension of who you are. When you tap into your creativity, honor your story, and trust in the journey, you’re setting yourself up for a business (and a life) that feels true to you. 

What are you waiting for? Your unique gifts, your creativity, and your authenticity are the keys to building something extraordinary.

Let Tracy’s story inspire you to take that first step. Start exploring, experimenting, and allowing yourself to dream. The possibilities are endless when you unleash your creative force!

Tracy Matthews is a business strategist, designer, best-selling author (The Desired Brand Effect), and host of the Thrive By Design Podcast and The Creatives Rule the World Podcast (coming soon). Founder of Flourish & Thrive Academy and Creatives Rule the World, Tracy has helped over 9,000 creatives awaken and bring their creative force energy front and center to grow thriving brands. She’s been featured in notable media, including The Today Show, Elle, InStyle, and Entrepreneur.com. Her newest podcast, Creatives Rule the World, will launch in 2025.

Check out some resources on Tracy’s website 

Follow Tracy on Instagram

Grab Tracy’s free guide 3 Steps to Activate Your Vision to clarify your vision and align with your creative purpose.