Creative Mamas Unplugged

A discussion of support systems and how life for Meg is not about balance or doing it all but rather discovering ways that work for her (2:43), liberating yourself from doing the balance and finding out what brings you joy from work to volunteering, we don’t have to supermom it, share the load (9:56), Meg’s retreats, like the one in Bali happening soon, are about finding out what revitalizes you, what’s your meditation style and to being more of that generosity and kindness that’s Care Bear-ish into all our lives (15:01).
 
Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Meghan Sylvester
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Meg
Instagram @meghansylvester
Website https://megsylvester.com
Bali Girls Trip, October 2025 @ https://www.tourhero.com/en/epic-adventures/indonesia/kindred-souls-in-bali-with-meg-sylvester-863135
 
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Extended Summary:
In Part 2 of our uplifting conversation with speaker, author, and soulful creative Meg Sylvester, we explore what it really means to honor our needs, step into our radiance, and release the pressure to “do it all.” Meg shares her own journey of overwhelm, spiraling, and slowly learning to ask for rest and support without justification. We get a dose of her calm guidance as she reminds us that prioritizing ourselves is not selfish — it’s liberating. From questioning the idea of balance to redefining what actually brings us joy, Meg talks about saying no, ditching the superhero role, and showing up with confidence (even if we haven’t volunteered at school). She reframes meditation as witnessing rather than silencing the mind, and encourages us to find practices that truly fit us. With her signature warmth, Meg shows us why she’s led so many people through transformational experiences — not by offering all the answers, but by being a mirror and holding space. Oh, and yes — she gives us permission to savor compliments and be more like Care Bears, because radiance is our superpower.

Lynzy’s journey of dance, choreography, visual art, singing/songwriting and motherhood (2:53), Lynzy shares about her hit song “A Scary Time” (14:18), the importance of you being you in the public eye and also just for yourself and your family (21:58).
Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Lynzy Lab
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Lynzy
Instagram @lynzylab
Lynzy’s Art on Instagram @lynzymakesartthings
Lynzy’s Art on Redbubble @LynzyLab
 
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Lynzy Lab is a Texas-based dancer, choreographer, visual artist, singer/songwriter and mother. She currently serves as associate professor of instruction for the school of Theatre, Dance, and Film at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. At the early age of 17, Lynzy became the youngest principal dancer to sign with the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company in history, and she performed and taught with the prestigious professional company for seven full seasons. In 2014, she relocated to Central Texas and began dancing with Verge Dance Company, a nonprofit Austin-based contemporary company, until the company’s closure in 2017. Lynzy has also been a proud member of the resident faculty at The Performing Arts Project since its inception in 2012.
Some of her other dance performance credits include Texas Contemporary Weekend at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston, The Pink Ribbon Project, Liz Lerman’s Hallelujah Project, The Grier School Gala in Pennsylvania, The Commissioner’s Ball for the 2004 Super Bowl, Pink! The Musical, industrials for Walmart, Levi’s Jeans and Paul Mitchell, Fort Worth Dance Festival, Intercoiffure Hair Show at the Waldorf Astoria, and APAP Conference in New York City. Film credits include her appearance as a featured dancer in Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some!!, and the role of “Ballet Mistress” for the feature film Be Not Afraid, for which she was also the choreographer.

Lynzy has taught and choreographed for numerous schools, conventions, intensives, and pre- professional and professional dance companies all over the nation, including Manhattan Dance Project, Heifetz International Music Institute, Exclamation Dance Company, Houston Met Too, Sole Discretion, Lindsmir Productions, West University’s Performing Company, and International Ballet of Houston where she signed on as Resident Choreographer in 2012 and held the position until the company relocated to Dublin in 2015. Her choreography has since been performed throughout Europe.
In October of 2018, Lynzy’s home video recording of her original song “A Scary Time (for Boys)” went viral with over a hundred million views across YouTube and other social media platforms, landing her several public speaking and performance opportunities, including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The MAKERS Women Conference in Los Angeles, the Orange County Women’s March, the TEDxWomen conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, the International Women’s Day Celebration at SXSW, the podcast #TheSweatLife, a collaboration between MAKERS Women and lululemon. She was featured in InStyle Magazine’s Badass 50 issue, alongside such notable women as Michelle Obama and Viola Davis. Her work has also been featured in many online publications including TIME Magazine, The Washington Post, Vanity Fair, Jezebel, and Oprah Magazine. In November, just before the primary elections, A Scary Time (for Boys) was self- published with the help of Jody Gerson, CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group. It can now be streamed or purchased on all music streaming platforms.
In 2023, Lynzy headlined her first gallery art show, Something Shiny, at Mid Main Gallery indowntown Houston, Texas. Her work can be views on Instagram at @lynzylab and@lynzymakesartthings.

Meg talks about her sudden spiritual awakening when she was a young mom (5:26), How human design has helped her appreciate her inner guidance system, and release shame (17:57), Meg talks about travel retreats she created for women who crave intentional travel (24:04).
Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Meg Sylvester
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Meg
Instagram @meghansylvester
Website https://megsylvester.com
Bali Girls Trip, October 2025 @ https://www.tourhero.com/en/epic-adventures/indonesia/kindred-souls-in-bali-with-meg-sylvester-863135
 
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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
EXTENDED SUMMARY:
In this episode, Meg Sylvester joins Cher and Shelly for a deeply personal and empowering conversation about reclaiming pleasure, parenting with intuition, and redefining feminine power. Meg shares how her work with women has evolved from offering structured templates to guiding others with intuitive support and spiritual insight. Her own spiritual awakening over a decade ago sparked a major life shift—away from a fast-paced, pleasure-seeking lifestyle and into a deeper connection with her truth. Initially, this journey led her to an extreme disconnection from physical pleasure, but a sexual reawakening helped her reconnect to her body, reclaim joy, and heal from the guilt instilled by her Catholic upbringing. She powerfully reframes pleasure not as indulgence, but as a source of personal power and vitality. Cher shares her own parallel journey of rediscovering her sensuality through movement and creativity, emphasizing the magnetic energy of feminine presence—even in ordinary moments like shopping at Trader Joe’s. Together, they explore the sacredness of sensuality, the joy of “flirting with life,” and the everyday magic of kitchen dancing. The conversation also dives into intuitive parenting, with Meg reflecting on the different energies her three children bring and how Human Design has helped her honor each of their unique needs. Cher and Shelly echo the importance of understanding each other's energetic makeup, not only in parenting but in all relationships. This episode is a celebration of embodied joy, intuitive living, and the liberating power of embracing your true self.
MORE ABOUT MEG:
A vibrant hype girl for the modern generation, passionately guiding women from the exhausting healing hamster wheel straight into the empowering embrace of pleasure, purpose and play.
Meg Sylvester stands as a luminous figure in the realm of self-love and empowerment, inviting her audience into a vibrant world of joy and authenticity. Married for nearly 20 years and a mother of three, Meg has navigated the complexities of marriage and motherhood while redefining her relationship with pleasure, purpose and prosperity.
Her journey from viewing pleasure as frivolous, shameful, and a waste of time to embracing it as a powerful, essential aspect of life has shaped her unique approach to supporting her global community in tapping in to deeper levels of satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Meg passionately believes that pleasure is our power source, a transformative force that can turn us on tto life and open up limitless possibilities.
As a writer, speaker, retreat facilitator  and dedicated pleasure coach, Meg skillfully blends deep, transformative insights with light-hearted, engaging storytelling and guidance to help others feels safe, supported and seen. She offers a refreshing perspective on living authentically and compassionately. Her dynamic presence not only encourages but actively demonstrates the joy of embracing life’s multitude of phases and facets.
Meg is here to help women find their own authentic pleasure in a relatable and compassionate way. She is a magnetic guide for anyone seeking to infuse their journey of self-discovery with laughter, joy, and boundless enthusiasm. Whether you're looking to enhance your relationships, rekindle your self-love, or simply turn on to life, Meg Sylvester is your dedicated ally on this transformative path.
Meg Sylvester is a multi-passionate creative, speaker, author, and facilitator whose vibrant, soulful presence has inspired thousands around the world through her events, retreats, content, and teachings. Known for her unique blend of playful, profound, soul-led storytelling and facilitation, she’s the trusted go-to for globally recognized brands and events. Meg has led transformative experiences with beloved brands like Free People, Proper Hotel, and Aviator Nation, and inspired audiences at SXSW, Day Breaker, Life is Beautiful festival and beyond. She also partners with wellness pioneers and nonprofits focused on mental health and education to uplift communities. Meg has been featured on Good Morning America, Sunrise Australia, Austin Woman Magazine, iHeart Radio, and more.

Arthur Gourounlian Part 2: on Family, Purpose, and Creativity: Chasing Dreams, Breaking Patterns
“There is no age to start a business” Arthur shares that he started successful businesses in his 40’s (11:58 ), how he encourages his daughter to stand up for herself and the principles he teaches his daughters to lead them down the right path (24:48), and Arthur encourages us to try anything with nothing to lose (36:55).  
 
Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Arthur Gourounlian
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Arthur
THE AG LOOK
Death Becomes Him by BDG
TIKTOK @arthurgourounlian
Website: Arthur Gourounlian
Instagram: @gourounlian
Facebook: @arthurgourounlian
Vimeo @arthurgourounlian
 
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Extended summary:
In Part Two of our inspiring conversation with Arthur, we explore what it really means to live fearlessly and authentically. Arthur opens up about the personal philosophy that guides his life: you can try anything, just do it. We talk about tuning out judgmental voices, building self-trust, and the freedom that comes from asking for help when you need it.
Arthur shares how this mindset has shaped not only his career but also his role as a father. Alongside his husband Brian, he’s raising two daughters with a beautiful mix of wisdom passed down from his own mother and values rooted in his current belief system. He talks about parenting with intentionality and teaching his children resilience, empathy, and confidence.
We talk about Arthur’s journey into entrepreneurship…. through perseverance, countless trials, and an unshakeable belief in his vision, his businesses and ideas not only launched—they flourished. His story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to start something new.
This episode is full of heart, wisdom, and gentle reminders that the life you want might be on the other side of simply deciding to try.
 
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
-How to ignore judgment and move forward anyway
-The parenting philosophies Arthur and Brian live by
-Lessons passed down from Arthur’s mother that still guide him today-How Arthur started a successful business in his 40s—fearlessly-The value of persistence, asking for help, and learning through action

“Doing the inner work just gets you closer to this original blueprint, your soul essence blueprint.”
 
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Our children’s wisdom, sharing that we, as parents, don’t have the answer, this is what scares me, this is what makes me mad, and how that gives our children a stronger foundation to  interact with life (2:04), Julie shares about psychic school and how those teachings help to educate others about how to tap into your own self-knowledge (12:06), how as humans we are meant to interact and be in a community and as women to embrace our soft power (17:48), encouraging our children to have their own belief systems and to be able to argue for their opinions (28:42).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Julie Nguyen
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Follow Julie: 
Instagram @jujulove_nguyen
Podcast The Spiritual Shitshow Podcast
Website www.NuminousWisdom.com
 
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Extended summary:
In this episode of Creative Mamas Unplugged, we’re joined by our radiant friend Julie Nguyen — movement artist, intuitive guide, trauma-informed somatic practitioner, and mama. Julie shares her powerful journey from performance to presence, offering insight into what it truly means to live and parent from a place of authenticity. We talk about the importance of letting our children see all parts of us — not just the polished, put-together version — and how honoring our intuition is less about mysticism and more about connecting with our inner truth. Julie also opens up about a life-altering shift that brought unexpected clarity and freedom, reminding us that the inward journey is where real transformation begins. Together, we explore the rise of the divine feminine, the strength in softness, and the deep wisdom that lives within us all. This is a heartfelt, grounding conversation about showing up fully — as women, mothers, and creators — and embracing the beautiful mess of becoming.

“Every child needs love” (2:25), Arthur shares how his love for life has him shine, be positive, confident in this world and make life beautiful from his time as a refugee to going out and having all his successes (11:23), Arthur’s and Brian’s inspirational focus to always make time for their kids but also to work hard for their children (35:38).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Arthur Gourounlian
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Arthur
THE AG LOOK
Death Becomes Him by BDG
TIKTOK @arthurgourounlian
Website: Arthur Gourounlian
Instagram: @gourounlian
Facebook: @arthurgourounlian
Vimeo @arthurgourounlian
 
Follow Us 
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Facebook @creativemamasunplugged
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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Arthur Gourounlian is a Creative Director, Choreographer, Professional Dancer, and Author. He is also a judge on Dancing With The Stars Ireland. In March 2023, Arthur and his husband Brian released their documentary on RTÉ One. Brian and Arthur’s Very Modern Family encapsulates their journey with surrogacy in Ireland. In October 2023, Arthur released his first book, Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian’s Modern Family: Births, Marriage, Deaths and Everything in Between, which was a number-one bestseller. In 2025, Arthurtook part in High Road Low Road on RTÉ One alongside Donal Skehan. Arthur was born in Armenia in 1980, but his family was forced to flee when he was just 13 years old as a result of his country's war with Azerbaijan and sought asylum in Belgium. Arthur initially trained as a barber before travelling across Europe working as a dancer in nightclubs.
Arthur has a successful career as a back-up dancer for musicians including, One Direction, Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Girls Aloud, Beyoncé, P!nk, Pussycat Dolls, Bananarama, Will Young, Kylie Minogue and Cheryl. As a creative director, he has worked on campaigns for some of the most recognisable brands in the world including Christian Louboutin, Diesel, Puma, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Mary Kay, Walkers Crisps, and Coca-Cola. In 2019, he appeared as the Armenian judge on The World's Best alongside host, James Corden and main judges, Drew Barrymore, Faith Hill and RuPaul. Later that year, Arthur and his husband, Brian Dowling appeared on a charity special of Ireland's Fittest Family where they finished in third place, earning €1,000 for charity. Arthur Gourounlian and Brian Dowling Gourounlian created the Death Becomes Him podcast in 2020. When Brian lost his mum, Rosie, in 2018, it changed his outlook on life. Grief is a complicated journey, and Brian is joined by his nearest and dearest as they grow to understand death through open conversation, humour, and honesty. The number one podcast has four seasons to date.
Management info@nkmanagement.ie

“Your intuition doesn’t scream—it whispers”
 
Julie invites us all to connect to our physical selves and we go on an exploration of what it means to follow our intuition, what does our intuition sound like and how do we recognize it (1:42) a discussion of what self-love is (11:13) Julie shares her journey (12:59), and the fun of experiencing life with her child, dance, Reiki, bubbling up and grounding oneself (22:50).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Julie Nguyen
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged
Follow Julie: 
Instagram @jujulove_nguyen
Podcast The Spiritual Shitshow Podcast
Website www.NuminousWisdom.com
Follow Us: 
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Facebook @creativemamasunplugged
Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
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Extended Summary:  
In this episode of Creative Mamas Unplugged, we are joined by the radiant Julie Nguyen, a movement artist, intuitive, trauma-informed somatic practitioner, and beautiful mama. Julie shares her journey of learning to trust her intuition, emphasizing that it’s not something we chase but something we allow. We explore the soft power of the divine feminine energy, the importance of listening to our hearts over our minds, and how to prioritize self-love in our busy lives as mothers. Julie offers practical insights on how to reconnect with ourselves and create space for joy amidst the chaos. This conversation is a beautiful reminder of the wisdom we all carry within, and we are honored to have Julie in our lives. Tune in for a dose of healing, authenticity, and inspiration.

“Let it happen”
 
How we overcome toughness with the idea of “let it happen” and by following our curiosity (1:32), new moms multi-tasking work and baby (8:24), Yumi shares about sleep, time by herself and reading comics (17:32)
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Yumiko Takeshima
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Yumiko
YUMIKO brand https://www.yumiko.com/
Instagram @yumiko
Costume Design at Nationale Opera & Ballet https://www.operaballet.nl/en/yumiko-takeshima
Youth America Grand Prix https://yagp.org/yumiko-takeshima/
 
Support Us via Patreon @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Extended  Summary : 
In this inspiring conversation, Che sits down with dancer, designer, and entrepreneur Yumiko Takeshima to explore the delicate balance between motherhood, creativity, and career longevity. Yumiko shares her journey of building a global dancewear brand while raising a family, reflecting on the importance of setting healthy boundaries, carving out time for self-care, and learning to say no without guilt. Together, they dive into the evolving definitions of success, the courage it takes to slow down in a fast-paced world, and the power of community in sustaining both artistic and personal growth. This honest and heart-centered discussion offers wisdom for anyone navigating the complexities of motherhood, creative life, and self-preservation
Born in Asahikawa, Japan, to parents who owned a small Kimono business, Takeshima began dancing at the age of four in Sapporo, Japan. At the age of 14 she left home to study ballet with Miharu Ishikawa and the San Francisco Ballet. She was a solo dancer with Universal Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Feld Ballet NY, Dutch National Ballet and the Dresden Semperoper Ballet. Yumiko Takeshima was awarded the gold medal at the Serge Lifar International Ballet Competition in 1996. 
 
In early 2002 she launched YUMIKO dancewear and the YumiGirl Network. Her dancewear was also used in the 2010 film "Black Swan", among others. 
 
Since 2002, Takeshima has continued to develop her made-to-order line, as well as a ready-to-wear line, of high quality, great fitting, and beautifully designed dance and fitness wear for women and men. In addition, since moving to Amsterdam, Netherlands, Takeshima has designed costumes for numerous choreographers, most notably David Dawson and William Forsythe and has been praised in the press not only as a dancer, but also for designing some of the most elegant, simple, and aesthetically beautiful dance costumes in the European dance world. Some costumes Yumi has designed for include:
The Human Seasons (2013) David Dawson for the Royal BalletOpus.11 (2013) David Dawson for the Semperoper Ballett5 (2013) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettOverture (2013) David Dawson for the Dutch National Balletday4 (2012) David Dawson for the Dutch National BalletApollo (2012) George Balanchine for the Semperoper BallettDido & Aeneas/DnA (2012) Darrel Toulon for Opera GrazBach, Handel, Berio Pas de Deux (2012) William Forsythe for the Semperoper BallettKiller Sweet (2012) Jorma Elo for the Royal Ballet of FlandersRun For It (2012) Martin Lawrance for the Scottish Ballet timelapse/ (Mnemosyne) (2011) David Dawson for the Dutch National BalletGolden Partita (2011) Jorma Elo for the Basel Ballet Switzerland
Kings 2 Ends (2011) Jorma Elo for the Scottish BalletA Sweet Spell of Oblivion (2010) David Dawson for the Semperoper Ballett (re-design)dancingmadlybackwards (2010) David Dawson for the Norwegian National BalletThe Third Light (2010) David Dawson for the Royal Ballet of FlandersRed in 3 (2010) Jorma Elo for the Scottish BalletFaun(e) (2009) David Dawson for the English National BalletThe World According to Us (2009) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettSuit Murder (2008) Jorma Elo for the Finnish National BalletGiselle (2008) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettOn the Nature of Daylight (2007) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettA Million Kisses to my Skin (2007) David Dawson for the English National Ballet (re-design)The Second Detail (2007) William Forsythe for the Semperoper BallettA Sweet Spell of Oblivion (2007) David Dawson for the Royal Ballet of FlandersThe Disappeared (2006) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettThe Gentle Chapters (2006) David Dawson for the Dutch National BalletReverence (2005) David Dawson for the Mariinsky (Kirov) BalletSolitaire (2004) Annabel Lopez Ochoa for the Dutch National BalletMorning Ground (2004) David Dawson for the Dutch National Ballet00:00 (2004) David Dawson for the Dutch National BalletThe Grey Area (2002) David Dawson for the Dutch National Ballet
A Million Kisses to my Skin (2000) David Dawson for the Dutch National Ballet
 
Yumiko Takeshima has danced the principal roles in all of the classical repertoire as well as the choreographies by J. Cranko, J. Neumeier, H. Lander, B. Cullberg, F. Ashton, W. Eagling, T. Tharp, R. van Dantzig, G. Balanchine, H. van Manen, C. Bruce, P. Lacotte, A. Messerer, J. Kylian, W. Forsythe, M. Graham, D. Dawson and many others. She created roles in Giselle, Psychic Whack, A Million Kisses to my Skin, The Grey Area, 00:00, Morning Ground, The Gentle Chapters, Das Verschwundene | The Disappeared; On the Nature of Daylight;  The World According to Us ( all - D. Dawson); Donna Elvira/Don Giovanni, Voice, Derde Symfonie (K. Pastor); Frank Bridge Variations; Six Piano Pieces (H. van Manen); Solitaire (A. L. Ochoa); Meditation & Variation on La Sylphide (D. Byrd); Subliminal Instant, Spazio Tempo (J. Godani); Even The Angels Fall (Redha); Access all Areas (Redha, A. Page); La Fille mal Gardée, Endymion Variations (R. Tobias); Spiegels Bevriezend (T. Van Schayk).
Yumiko Takeshima was featured in The Grey Area In Creation/ D. Dawson (Documentary – 2004) the Dutch National Ballet (Amsterdam); Kinno A-Sama, Ginno A-Sama (Documentary-2006) Japan TV; Giselle, fritten-film (Germany, 2008)

"It is a reinvention"
Invite to reach out to Cher, single moms, creatives, we need each other (00:55), Cher on pushing away our fear during divorce, gratitude for our children and staying close with them during this next chapter (1:46), Cher, the girls and curtains story (5:17), discussion of whether through the divorce it is a rebirth and or a reinvention (9:13).
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Us 
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Yumiko’s global fame and a discussion of travel and bringing our kids with us when we travel (1:52) Cher and Yumiko reminisce traveling with Yumiko’s husband Mark through Spain, and how Yumiko’s and Mark’s child enjoys life with the YUMIKO business (8:02)   Yumiko shares about her transition from being a prima ballerina to having the worldwide YUMIKO brand (13:08).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Yumiko Takeshima
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Yumiko
YUMIKO brand https://www.yumiko.com/
Instagram @yumiko
Costume Design at Nationale Opera & Ballet https://www.operaballet.nl/en/yumiko-takeshima
Youth America Grand Prix https://yagp.org/yumiko-takeshima/
 
Follow Us 
Instagram @creativemamasunplugged
Facebook @creativemamasunplugged
Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
Spotify  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
Amazon Music  @CreativeMamasUnplugged  
YouTube  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
iHeart Radio  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Extended  Summary : 
In this inspiring conversation, Che sits down with dancer, designer, and entrepreneur Yumiko Takeshima to explore the delicate balance between motherhood, creativity, and career longevity. Yumiko shares her journey of building a global dancewear brand while raising a family, reflecting on the importance of setting healthy boundaries, carving out time for self-care, and learning to say no without guilt. Together, they dive into the evolving definitions of success, the courage it takes to slow down in a fast-paced world, and the power of community in sustaining both artistic and personal growth. This honest and heart-centered discussion offers wisdom for anyone navigating the complexities of motherhood, creative life, and self-preservation
Born in Asahikawa, Japan, to parents who owned a small Kimono business, Takeshima began dancing at the age of four in Sapporo, Japan. At the age of 14 she left home to study ballet with Miharu Ishikawa and the San Francisco Ballet. She was a solo dancer with Universal Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Feld Ballet NY, Dutch National Ballet and the Dresden Semperoper Ballet. Yumiko Takeshima was awarded the gold medal at the Serge Lifar International Ballet Competition in 1996. 
In early 2002 she launched YUMIKO dancewear and the YumiGirl Network. Her dancewear was also used in the 2010 film "Black Swan", among others. 
Since 2002, Takeshima has continued to develop her made-to-order line, as well as a ready-to-wear line, of high quality, great fitting, and beautifully designed dance and fitness wear for women and men. In addition, since moving to Amsterdam, Netherlands, Takeshima has designed costumes for numerous choreographers, most notably David Dawson and William Forsythe and has been praised in the press not only as a dancer, but also for designing some of the most elegant, simple, and aesthetically beautiful dance costumes in the European dance world.
Costumes designed for:
The Human Seasons (2013) David Dawson for the Royal BalletOpus.11 (2013) David Dawson for the Semperoper Ballett5 (2013) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettOverture (2013) David Dawson for the Dutch National Balletday4 (2012) David Dawson for the Dutch National BalletApollo (2012) George Balanchine for the Semperoper BallettDido & Aeneas/DnA (2012) Darrel Toulon for Opera GrazBach, Handel, Berio Pas de Deux (2012) William Forsythe for the Semperoper BallettKiller Sweet (2012) Jorma Elo for the Royal Ballet of FlandersRun For It (2012) Martin Lawrance for the Scottish Ballet timelapse/ (Mnemosyne) (2011) David Dawson for the Dutch National BalletGolden Partita (2011) Jorma Elo for the Basel Ballet Switzerland
Kings 2 Ends (2011) Jorma Elo for the Scottish BalletA Sweet Spell of Oblivion (2010) David Dawson for the Semperoper Ballett (re-design)dancingmadlybackwards (2010) David Dawson for the Norwegian National BalletThe Third Light (2010) David Dawson for the Royal Ballet of FlandersRed in 3 (2010) Jorma Elo for the Scottish BalletFaun(e) (2009) David Dawson for the English National BalletThe World According to Us (2009) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettSuit Murder (2008) Jorma Elo for the Finnish National BalletGiselle (2008) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettOn the Nature of Daylight (2007) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettA Million Kisses to my Skin (2007) David Dawson for the English National Ballet (re-design)The Second Detail (2007) William Forsythe for the Semperoper BallettA Sweet Spell of Oblivion (2007) David Dawson for the Royal Ballet of FlandersThe Disappeared (2006) David Dawson for the Semperoper BallettThe Gentle Chapters (2006) David Dawson for the Dutch National BalletReverence (2005) David Dawson for the Mariinsky (Kirov) BalletSolitaire (2004) Annabel Lopez Ochoa for the Dutch National BalletMorning Ground (2004) David Dawson for the Dutch National Ballet00:00 (2004) David Dawson for the Dutch National BalletThe Grey Area (2002) David Dawson for the Dutch National Ballet
A Million Kisses to my Skin (2000) David Dawson for the Dutch National Ballet
 
Yumiko Takeshima has danced the principal roles in all of the classical repertoire as well as the choreographies by J. Cranko, J. Neumeier, H. Lander, B. Cullberg, F. Ashton, W. Eagling, T. Tharp, R. van Dantzig, G. Balanchine, H. van Manen, C. Bruce, P. Lacotte, A. Messerer, J. Kylian, W. Forsythe, M. Graham, D. Dawson and many others. She created roles in Giselle, Psychic Whack, A Million Kisses to my Skin, The Grey Area, 00:00, Morning Ground, The Gentle Chapters, Das Verschwundene | The Disappeared; On the Nature of Daylight;  The World According to Us ( all - D. Dawson); Donna Elvira/Don Giovanni, Voice, Derde Symfonie (K. Pastor); Frank Bridge Variations; Six Piano Pieces (H. van Manen); Solitaire (A. L. Ochoa); Meditation & Variation on La Sylphide (D. Byrd); Subliminal Instant, Spazio Tempo (J. Godani); Even The Angels Fall (Redha); Access all Areas (Redha, A. Page); La Fille mal Gardée, Endymion Variations (R. Tobias); Spiegels Bevriezend (T. Van Schayk).
Yumiko Takeshima was featured in The Grey Area In Creation/ D. Dawson (Documentary – 2004) the Dutch National Ballet (Amsterdam); Kinno A-Sama, Ginno A-Sama (Documentary-2006) Japan TV; Giselle, fritten-film (Germany, 2008)