Who I Am

Photo collage of Stevie, with colourful shapes overlaid

Hey, I'm Stevie

I'm a Creative Instigator with a heart of gold, a pocketful of mischief-making, and a deep belief in the power of connection.

I offer a non-judgemental listening ear, heaps of encouragement, and creative mentoring without the business jargon.

I can help you to:

make informed decisions about your creative path
connect to support instead of going it alone
find your way back to authentic expression

My Why

My path to Creative Instigator has been meandering. I've run taco stands at festivals, invented the perfect hangover smoothie, founded neighbourhood cafes, co-created projects for social change, delivered care packages, transformed old buildings into beloved community spaces. I've worked in teams, managed events, run businesses. I've been a pot-washer, been a waiter, been a business partner, been a supervisor, been a boss. I've pivoted, called time, dug deep, begun again.

This isn't a story of being "self-made" - quite the opposite. At every stage, the biggest joy within work for me has been the moments with others... solving problems, generating ideas, using our skills, preparing food for each other, making each other laugh. There is nothing like the flow of being in good company and understanding what you have to offer.

Running a small business through the pandemic taught me the importance of solidarity with like-minded kin, and of slowly building networks that go beyond schmoozing and social media likes... real connection, really seeing each other in our differences, really supporting each other with resources, feeling part of something bigger together.

Along the way, I've learned that:

1. we need help to make things happen and find our way. Not just practical help painting walls and running events, but emotional support from people who believe in the deeper purpose of what we create in the world

2. we can tap into our creativity and act from there at any point in our life, even if we've drifted far away from where we thought we might be. We are all infinitely creative, we just express it in different ways

3. of everything I've done, the single most FUN part has been helping people with their personal and vocational development, and getting to watch the incredible ripple effects within their lives and their communities

What's a Creative Instigator, anyway?

You know that friend you have, or wish you had. The one who'll keep you company in your big creative dreams, and also keep you grounded enough to actually make those dreams happen. Who'll lovingly call you in when you need more help than you're asking for. Who values your creativity enough to keep you accountable to it. Who always has an idea of where to try next or who to get in touch with or where to begin. Who has the energy and passion to support you to fly.

That's my role.

As Creative Instigator, I mix mentoring, consultation, project management, marketing, coaching, signposting, and connection to community & peers... in whatever dynamic and unique combination you need to get your motivation back, your resources ready and your project kick-started.

I believe there is no one route towards the life you want.

Making mistakes is part of the deal.

3 Lightbulb Moments that changed my approach to creativity

How we Instigate Change, Together

When we work together, it's all about courage, initiative and self-expression. You might be needing collaboration, direction, inspiration, supportive community, or something else. Creativity doesn't have to become stuffy or scary once it interfaces with the world. I love supporting people to get to the heart of what your project means to you.

My approach is patient, respectful and easy-going. I won't judge the decisions you've made in your past. We'll start from the understanding that whatever you did, you were doing your best. Together, we'll look forwards with inspiration from here.

I bring counselling skills, lived experience, compassion and empathy to every conversation we share.

I'll support you to make plans, to make calls, to make moves small and big, that align with the changes you want.

Let's Create from Integrity

I'm a deep believer in the value of diversity, and am committed to active inclusion as a way of life. This is where the mischief-making comes in, using the privileges of the identities I hold to instigate change. The past five years have taught me what it means to be a good ally - whether that's really listening to what people say they need, creating accessible public spaces for people with marginalised identities, or advocating for their inclusion in the spaces I get to be in.

And as someone who parents a child with additional needs, I'm always aware of the bigger picture - of the importance of care and of how much change and learning and awesomeness is possible when we listen to the needs of everyone.

Part of our work together might be helping you to realign with that part of yourself that doesn't want to perpetuate harm, that wants to do things differently.

This is the politics of my community-building and approach to creativity: when we lean into support and offer it to others, we can find ways to live that feel fulfilling, authentic to who we are, connected to others, and full of purpose for the times we're in.

Always Learning

BA Hons Marketing Management, Napier University, 2003

25 years working in Hospitality

15 years as a small business owner

10 years experience in strategic planning, stakeholder relationships, project management, neighbourhood consultation, community engagement & outreach.

Year 1 HNC in Counselling, and An Introduction to Counselling Skills, Fife College

Carbon Literacy Course, Climate Action Fife

And in case you're wondering about that perfect smoothie invention...

Thanks for stopping by. Now you know a little about me, you might have an idea of how I could support you.

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