Getting To Know: Misty Bradley of MistyBradley.com and we are the REVELERS
It's hard to know where even to begin with Misty. We first met in the summer of 2016 when we were both members in an online membership organization. We started connecting more thoughtfully through individual conversations, and then I was lucky enough to be included in an intimate group of other truly remarkable female business owners that she created.
With her guidance and leadership, and through the connections that I have made with these women because of Misty, I have no doubt that I am who I am today, and my business is where it is, because of her.
She is a wise soul who has been there for me when I really needed a shoulder to cry on, and also when I needed someone to celebrate with me as I popped the bubbly. Misty gives sage advice, knows when you need a little nudging to help you step into your full potential, and also when to give you the space to figure things out on your own. She's a friend, a confidant, a guide, and a connector.
With her powers combined, she has created a truly sacred space for the other five of us in this group. Yes, we talk business and help each other with those resources, but more importantly, we have become dear friends. Misty brings something truly magical to the table, and I cannot wait for you to get to know a little bit more about her here. If you want a piece of that magic, keep reading to see what new offerings she is getting ready to launch.
You’ve been in the throes of creative pursuits for many years. Can you share with us how all of this exploration finally led you to where you are now with your business of being a Guide + Visionary for creative souls?
Wow! Thinking about this, as a lead singer, I started leading bands when I was a young girl. We musicians can be a prickly bunch, so that was great training for working with creatives of all types. That makes about 30 years of guiding creatives!
I believe creativity makes the world go around or at least makes the ride around more wonderful. I’m convinced that the most powerful, illuminating thing we can create is expansive, glorious lives. For me creativity is the avenue to fill my life and the world with all the things I wish there were more of. It’s also the tool I use to make a living. That’s where I see a big disconnect for people. It’s so easy to become consumed with the work. Your work should fuel your life, not consume it. Don’t forget you are making a living.
It’s the living that I’m obsessed with. It’s our greatest art. I desperately desire to revel in all my glory; to lead a revel-worthy life. But that means learning how to revel in the midst of life’s mess. I know the challenge of juggling relationships, meaningful work, creative exploration, and lots of play. I also understand what it’s like to be a multi-passionate creative. A few of my creative roles are singer/songwriter, photographer, writer, branding strategist, and as a guide + visionary for creative souls. Because I have so many varied creative interests, I know what it’s like to deal with distractions - to wonder if you’re doing the work you are meant to do. Now I’ve learned how to zero in on what will bring me the most joy and make a difference for others. So I’m on a mission to live with a bonfire heart and revel in all life’s messy glory. Because I love company, I want to surround myself with all the revelers and creative magic makers who want it too.
What aspect of your work is the most life-giving for you?
I love creativity and to champion the brave souls who show up for it. I meet the most fascinating people. People with ideas, passion, and talent. I love getting to know creative souls and sharing their gifts with the world. These are the people who move me, inspire me, and sometimes I’m lucky enough to speak into their lives and stand in the wake of their glory.
Was there ever a time when you happily ignored external validation or outside advice about your business so that you could follow the True North that you created for yourself? If so, how did making that choice to follow Your Why impact not only you, but your business?
Unfortunately, I can think of many times I actually let those things stop me in my tracks. As I’ve grown older and wiser, I trust myself more. In 2004, I established Spindrift Creative Development Experience - a program for emerging creatives trying to connect the dots between their talents, callings, and the marketplace. It was unlike anything that anyone around us was doing. It was before the internet had made the world so small and definitely before the rise of the Creative Class. So many people questioned Randy + I, scratched their head, gave us caution… simply put, discouraged us from the work. But I forged ahead and can honestly say that it laid a huge foundation for who I have become.
We’ve been friends for a little over a year now, and one of the very first things that drew me to you was your concept of pursuing a work-life blend, and renouncing the idea of a work-life balance. For those who may not have heard that before, can you explain more of why the pursuit of the blend is so much more important than the balance? Also, how do you incorporate that into your own life?
Work-life balance is a myth. You can only balance something you can make nearly equal. The truth is we can never completely equalize work with all the things we consider the rest of our life. I’m really not even fond of dividing it up into work vs. life. The terminology vexes me. My work is a huge part of my life because my work is one of my many passions. My life is also my work because it needs tending and massaging to make sure that I’m actually living it instead of having life happen to me. I realize we need to label things in order to clarify and most people are familiar with this classification so I don’t get too rattled by it.
So here’s the thing. There are days, weeks, maybe even months where I am in a season of putting more energy into work. Because I never want my family to suffer, this means I pull some late nights and try to flex my work around my family. But other things go lacking. I have to find the right blend that allows for the flexibility to put focus where it is needed yet still not neglect the other most important things. I prefer thinking about it as a blend because it gives so much flexibility for what is needed right then. Sometimes I need to follow a hard and fast recipe, other times I can follow my cravings. More play, less work. A big exciting project, fewer hours to binge-watch Netflix. Chasing a pleasing blend is so much more life-giving than the guilt that came with trying to nail down a perfect balance and constantly failing.
You’re a mom of 3, have a healthy & happy marriage, co-host a podcast with your husband, and also find time to create space for others through your work. What do you do that’s just for you, and how to prioritize that when you’ve got so many other things on your plate?
Water. I have to feel the ease and weightlessness of water and very often. We invested in a giant hot tub and moved to a neighborhood with a pool because I was a mermaid in another life. Honestly, I try to get myself in water nearly every day. It’s why I get depressed when the pool closes on Labor Day every year. I declare that soon I will have a place with my own private pool. I’ll have to have it heated for year-round swimming, I suppose. LET IT BE. As for prioritizing it, well, it’s like a magnet I’m drawn to and I can’t escape. Answering this question makes me realize that I need to carve out a few other things that are just my own. Thanks for the nudge.
Your Momentum MOJO masterclass is a juicy introduction into what it’s like to work with you. Have you found any resounding similarities in struggles or challenges that many of your clients face? If so, what are some of your words of wisdom to help overcome those obstacles?
One thing many of my clients have in common is their lack of confidence on whether they are putting their hands to the right work. This is because they aren’t really sure on what their genius is or where their MOJO lies. So they end up wrestling with all the shoulds, and it drains their energy before they can focus on what is most important to them - their why, their purpose.
I often get asked, “What if I don’t have any MOJO?” One thing I know for sure, you’ve got MOJO. It may be lurking deep inside after years of being ignored, hidden, or simply not exercised. Often when people feel lost or confused it isn’t because they are lacking significance or substance. Rather, it’s because there is so much potential and possibility. The expansive nature of ourselves can often scare us and even confuse us. While we should never lose the wide openness of our potential, in order to move we must choose a direction. That requires the deep soul work of getting to know yourself and choosing what you want most RIGHT NOW. Don’t get trapped by the paralyzing fear that you have to choose your forever thing. You have permission to evolve and shift course. The first few steps you need to take are inward. Soon, you will move confidently toward your desires.
Word on the street is that you’re launching an exclusive service that is part sisterhood, part mastermind. Can you spill a few details about what you’re creating, and what makes you most excited about this offering? Oh, and if people are interested, how do they find out more?
I am SO EXCITED about the REVELinBiz Society! This part mastermind + part sisterhood + secret society offers experiences and deep connections that help you build a biz that feeds your soul and fuels the life you want to live. Think speakeasy vibes with all the biz bestie feels.
I’m taking great care to curate intimate groups so members will be invited by recommendation only. This is definitely built with a focus on relationships and not just filling a program so I can make the dollar bills. After all my experiences with creative entrepreneurs, masterminds, and group coaching programs, I’m approaching this in a way I’ve never seen before. The point isn’t exclusivity, it’s to create the most potent, robust support system curated especially for you. If you’re reading this, and it sounds like something you crave, send me an email because I would love to chat all about it!
Who is currently inspiring you?
I find inspiration in so many places, everywhere I look I can find something that sparks an idea or thought. This list could be an endless montage of my admiration for fascinating people. I’m constantly challenged and motivated by the ladies in the original REVELinBiz - you, Heidi Fiedler, Sarah Crowder, Caitlin Horton, and Jess Whalen. I’m also really fascinated by Alisha Sommer - a writer + photographer and my friend Lindsay Cameron Wilson - a storyteller + cookbook author + host of The Food Podcast.
We all hit rough patches of low motivation, fighting the comparison trap, and overcoming self-doubt. When you find yourself up against that wall, how do you pull yourself out of it?
I usually wallow for a bit, chat it out with Randy, my mom, sister, or friend Rebecca, and my REVELinBiz ladies. Then I dig into inspiration that I’ve captured or look outside of the bubble for something new. This always helps me realize that I’m usually feeling the crunch because I’ve limited myself or my perspective by not bursting that bubble. I work to change my thought patterns and put my hand to something I can get excited about until the funk passes. These days it passes much more quickly because I’ve learned how to tap into my MOJO. Knowing yourself is powerful.
Let’s get dreamy for a minute. If you could take a look at the future, what do you see for not only yourself personally, but also for MistyBradley.com? What do you hope is your legacy?
It would be dreamy to spend my days with a healthy mix of my own creativity - music, painting, photography, etc.; championing other creatives through REVELinBiz Society and the MOJO offerings, enjoying the company of my family and friends, and filling my experience bank. I dream of hosting excursions, retreats, fancy parties and maybe even festivals. I want to create the experiences that I long for and host all the merry band of revelers and creative magic makers. I hope to be remembered as someone who led an illuminating, powerful life and lit the path for others to create their own expansive, glorious lives.
BONUS: Please feel free to share anything else that is coming to the surface or that you’d like to share.
Maggie, you have helped me manifest my own MOJO in so many ways but especially by helping me own my why. Learning to let my why be the driving force and the how be as expansive as I could dream or as narrow as I need has given me so much freedom. Thank you for your wisdom and your friendship and for hosting me here for this conversation. You know I have so much love for you!
Want to know more? Eager to connect with Misty? Here's how:
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Want to work with Misty?
Sign up for Momentum MOJO - a live masterclass series
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