We had the good fortune of connecting with JP Myler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JP, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Throughout my career, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive that set me apart. Early on, I envisioned a path where I would work for small companies, large corporations, and agencies—each one offering lessons I could eventually apply to run my own business. I’ve always pursued creative projects on the side, but in 2023, I made the decision to formally launch my LLC, hoping to create a passive income stream through my art and design work.

However, balancing a full-time job and raising two kids made it nearly impossible to devote the time and energy needed to grow the business, and in that first year, I made $0 in sales. Then in March 2024, after being laid off for the third time in my career, I had a pivotal realization: if I kept finding myself in this position despite being a high-performing individual, maybe it was the universe pushing me toward something bigger. I saw it as a sign to finally focus on my own vision—to build something for myself, to showcase my creativity, and to connect with people in a more meaningful way through my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a multi-passionate creative, which means I want to do everything, and I rarely say ‘no’ to a new challenge. From an early age, I knew I was creative—art was always my favorite subject. The act of using a brush has always felt natural, which explains my early career as a makeup artist and my deep desire to continue painting on canvas, even when my SCAD professors gave me critiques that suggested otherwise.

What sets me apart is that I don’t limit myself to one specific medium or niche. I’m an artist, a painter, a designer, and a brand consultant, and I bring all these roles together in a way that creates something unique. My work is heavily inspired by nature, especially the coast—that’s where my soul feels at peace. Music also plays a big role in my creativity, whether it’s through the titles of my pieces or the motivational rap lyrics that feature in the Creative G Planner I published this year.

The biggest challenge I’m facing right now is balancing it all, especially while maintaining the high standard I want for my brand. As an artist, it’s not enough to just create. You also have to manage content creation, marketing, and trying different channels to find the right audience. That’s the phase I’m in right now—I’m still building my following, and I don’t feel my work has quite reached the right audience yet.

This journey hasn’t been easy, and it’s been full of ups and downs. Just last week, I had a tough moment where I broke down because we were going to have to pull from savings again to cover bills. That’s a vulnerable reality I’m not afraid to share because I know many creatives go through it. But I also trust that something bigger is coming and that the right people will find me and my work. I’m learning, growing, and pushing forward.

I like to think this is just the beginning of my story—you’re catching me in what I call the ‘broke entrepreneur’ phase. It’s a challenging time, but also an exciting one, because I know this is the path where I can create meaningful work, and eventually, make the impact I’m striving for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First up would be the Beltline. We’d rent scooters or bikes and cruise around, taking advantage of the weekday quiet. Stopping by Ponce City Market (PCM) is a must—we’d check out all the small, quirky shops, pick up some Atlanta-inspired art, and enjoy craft cocktails while people-watching at some of the coolest restaurants along the way.

Next, I’d take them to Atlanta Used Furniture for a bit of treasure hunting. We’d have fun imagining how we’d style the vintage finds in our dream homes—it’s one of those places where you never know what you’ll come across.

A Braves game at The Battery is non-negotiable! We’d pre-game by hanging out on the green and then browse the shops in the area. The whole atmosphere at The Battery is a vibe, especially during baseball season.

Toward the end of the week, we’d visit downtown Roswell, which is closer to where I live. We’d spend an afternoon wandering through art galleries and antique shops, sipping on Palomas from Lola’s Tequila and Burger Bar. There are so many great spots to eat there, so we’d let the vibe of the day guide us to whatever restaurant feels right.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man, so many shoutouts.

First, I have to recognize my family and friends who have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. My husband, Justin, has been my anchor. After losing my third corporate job, he provided the steady calm I needed and has fully supported whatever path I choose next. My close circle of friends and family have been my cheerleaders, knowing just what to say to keep me moving forward. They know who they are—too many to list, but they’ve all played a significant role in keeping me grounded and motivated.

When it comes to mentorship, I’ve learned invaluable lessons from the leaders I’ve worked with—both good and bad. Andy McKoski was the first person to take a chance on me, handing me the reins to decorate restaurants fresh out of college with no experience. He saw my creative potential and trusted my vision. He once told me, ‘JP, you’ll never have to ask for a raise,’ and he was right. Another person I owe a huge thank you to is Joseph Szala, who hired me during the pandemic when so many others were laying off staff. He was the first boss I genuinely enjoyed working for, and he taught me so much about running a business and embracing versatility.

My most recent experiences with leadership have been especially impactful. Paige Farrow and Marti Walsh were not only incredible leaders but also change-makers. They recognized the potential in me, built my confidence, uplifted our team, and pushed for transformation in an otherwise outdated company. I still keep in touch with all of these people, which speaks volumes about the relationships we built.

Lastly, a major shoutout goes to the books that have profoundly shaped my perspective. Over the summer, I dove into The Code of the Extraordinary Mind and Buddha and the Badass by Vishen Lakhiani, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, and The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. These books have been transformative, each offering golden insights into creativity, purpose, and entrepreneurship. They’ve not only fueled my creative journey but helped me understand my deeper ‘why.’ I can’t recommend them enough.

Website: https://www.jpmylercreative.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpmylercreative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpmyler/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JPMylerCreative

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jpmylercreative https://jpmylercreative.etsy.com 

Image Credits
JP Myler Creative

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