What if your creative practice wasn’t a side note, but the reason you get out of bed? We sit down with Hara Allison—graphic designer, photographer, and founder of Dream Studio—whose mantra “make love and make art” is both a rallying cry and a roadmap. She talks candidly about living with incurable cancer, why she declined more chemo after it stole a year, and how choosing creativity brought her back to herself.
Hara opens up about trauma, responsibility, and the moment she began to parent the “little Hara” within. We dive into mirror work, inner child care, and the practical ways self compassion turns down the volume on perfectionism. From there, we trace her return to photography: a 60-day self-portrait lighting experiment that transformed fear into freedom. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by gear or technique, you’ll love her “lighting made simple” philosophy and the reminder that play beats pressure.
Community sits at the heart of Hara’s work. We explore the real challenges of getting people to show up, the difference between holding space and being a safe space, and why collaboration outlasts competition. Along the way, we talk body image myths, the trap of social media highlight reels, and the clarity that comes from facing mortality with peace. The result is an episode that feels like a breath: grounded, generous, and brimming with creative courage.
Press play to reconnect with your why, remember your worth, and rediscover the joy of making. If this moved you, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review so more creatives can find the conversation.
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