Creatives Like Us

Angela Lyons

Creatives Like Us is a podcast dedicated to opening up the conversation and amplifying the voices of underrepresented creatives, especially people of colour.
Hosted by graphic designer Angela Lyons, this podcast is all about breaking down barriers and showing that a successful career in the creative industry is possible for everyone. Through open conversations with inspiring creatives, Angela creates a platform for stories that challenge the status quo and provide insight, encouragement, and practical advice. Creatives Like Us is here to empower and uplift the next generation of diverse talent, whether you're a student, graduate, or exploring a new career path.

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Top 10 Creatives Like Us Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Creatives Like Us episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Creatives Like Us for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Creatives Like Us episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Introducing Creatives Like Us

Creatives Like Us

10/22/24 • 1 min

Creatives Like Us is a podcast dedicated to opening up the conversation and amplifying the voices of underrepresented creatives, especially people of colour. Hosted by graphic designer Angela Lyons, this podcast is all about breaking down barriers and showing that a successful career in the creative industry is possible for everyone.
Through open conversations with inspiring creatives, Angela creates a platform for stories that challenge the status quo and provide insight, encouragement, and practical advice. Creatives Like Us is here to empower and uplift the next generation of diverse talent, whether you're a student, graduate, or exploring a new career path.

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Contact Information
This podcast is hosted by Angela Lyons of Lyons Creative.
If you have any questions or suggestions or would like to be featured on this podcast, please email [email protected]
You can follow and connect here:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Podcast website
Instagram - Creatives Like Us Podcast
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Produced by award-winning media and marketing specialist Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub
Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
The opinions of our host and guests are their own.
If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe with the podcast provider of your choice or leave us a Google Review here. Thanks!

Poetry in Motion: From Sound Systems to Storytelling & Spoken Truths

Creatives Like Us

04/10/25 • 27 min

In this episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela interviews performance poet Adisa, also known as The Verbaliser. Adisa shares his creative journey, beginning with his early involvement in Jamaican sound system culture and moving into poetry as a more meaningful and mature form of expression. He talks about being inspired by his father’s love of music and the discipline it taught him, as well as the importance of having role models and mentors in his early career.

Adisa discusses his work in schools and with corporate clients, using poetry as a tool to build confidence, cultural awareness, and connection. He reflects on the lack of Black history in mainstream education and how this drives his work with young people, especially African Caribbean boys. He also speaks about his involvement with the Black Unity Bike Ride, his love of cycling, and a passion project called The Poetry Pedlar. The episode ends with a live reading of his poem Take Time and a quick-fire Q&A. It’s a grounded and reflective conversation about creativity, culture, and using your voice with purpose.

The late and great poet - Benjamin Zephaniah said this about Adisa, “ Adisa is the future it’s so good to have something to look forward to”.

Links and Resources

Adisa’s Website: www.adisaworlds.com

Instagram – @adisapoet: instagram.com/adisapoet

Black Unity Bike Ride: blackunitybikeride.com

Apples and Snakes: applesandsnakes.org

The Poetry Pedlar (YouTube series): https://www.youtube.com/@adisapoet

Benjamin Zephaniah (tribute/reference): benjaminzephaniah.com

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Differentiation: It's not about fitting in but standing out

Creatives Like Us

01/30/25 • 22 min

“When you walk into a room, own who you are and what you’ve achieved, it’s not about fitting in, it’s about standing out.” – Ayo Abbas

In this episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela Lyons is joined by marketing consultant and podcaster Ayo Abbas to discuss their collaboration on the upcoming Creatives Like Us networking event for creatives of colour, which will take place on February 13th, 2025. This event will feature inspiring speakers, opportunities for collaboration, and a supportive environment for networking and sharing ideas.

The conversation also explores Ayo’s work as a marketing consultant specialising in the built environment marketing for architects and engineers. Ayo shares her journey from corporate roles to running her own business, Abbas Marketing, and discusses her two podcasts, ‘The Built Environment Marketing Show’ and ‘Interchange’. Ayo is an expert on LinkedIn and believes in the power of personal branding and using the platform to showcase your work, research your industry and make meaningful connections.
She is an award-winning marketing consultant who predominately works with architects and engineers. She was named as the overall winner for the Digital Woman of the Year awards 2022. She started Abbas Marketing as she thought there was a gap in the market for practical marketing advice, particularly for SMEs. Ayo has 24 years of experience in marketing and has represented many major construction and professional services firms.

Links and Resources

Book your ticket for the Creatives Like Us event on 13th February 2025Abbas Marketing website The Built Environment Marketing ShowConnect with Ayo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayoabbas/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayoabbas/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ayoabbas
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ayoabbas.bsky.social

The Interchange Podcast

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Creating Space: Mo Kanjilal on Inclusion, Tech and Turning Points

Creatives Like Us

04/24/25 • 29 min

In this episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela Lyons speaks with Mo Kanjilal, diversity and inclusion leader, TEDx speaker, and co-founder of Watch This Sp_ce. Mo shares her journey from senior roles in the tech industry to launching a purpose-led inclusion consultancy during the pandemic. With a background in English and a career spanning global sales and marketing, Mo talks candidly about the challenges of working in non-diverse environments, the importance of representation, and how she channelled those experiences into meaningful change. The pair discuss the founding of Watch This Sp_ce, the thinking behind its distinctive name, and the creative process behind Mo’s co-authored book The Inclusion Journey, which explores how organisations can build inclusive cultures through practical, human-centred steps.

The conversation also touches on the power of mentoring, the value of being paid for your expertise, and how Mo balances multiple roles, from charity trustee to writer. Angela and Mo reflect on how creativity shows up in unexpected ways, particularly in sectors like tech, and the importance of saying yes to opportunity. Mo shares insights into her team’s flexible, remote approach to work, the growing impact of their consultancy, and what’s next for her personally and professionally, including plans for a second book and more public speaking. With thoughtful, grounded reflections throughout, this is a rich and inspiring listen for anyone navigating creative or mission-driven work.

Mo's Links

Mo’s website:
https://www.watchthisspace.uk/services/speaking/mo-kanjilal-speaker/

Mo’s TedX talk:
https://youtu.be/iPDsC4LPPc0

Mo’s book:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inclusion-Journey-Creating-strategy-engagement/dp/1398616729

The Clock Tower Sanctuary - https://www.thects.org.uk/

Here – Care Unbound (where Mo is aNon-Exec Director) - https://hereweare.org.uk/

Technative Digital where Mo is a Board Advisor - https://www.technativedigital.com/

The Girls Network where Mo is a mentor - https://www.thegirlsnetwork.org.uk/

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Crafting culture through design and journalism

Creatives Like Us

02/27/25 • 39 min

'We belong to any space we choose to be in.' - Kala Paul-Worika

In this episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela Lyons speaks with Kala Paul-Worika, a freelance journalist and the founder of By Kala X, a brand specialising in Afro-chic home interiors and clothing. Kala shares how her Nigerian heritage and love for vibrant African fabrics inspired her to start the business, initially making baby clothes and homeware as gifts before turning it into a sustainable brand. Alongside her creative work, she also writes for The Guardian Labs and reflects on her journey in journalism, from reporting on local news to covering the entertainment industry.

Kala discusses the balance of running a business, freelancing in journalism, and navigating spaces where representation has been limited. Kala also talks about the importance of sustainability in her work, particularly through her upcycled denim collection. She shares insights into her creative process, her future ambitions, and how workshops have become an important part of her brand.

Links and Resources

Website: https://www.bykalax.com

Instagram (By Kala X): https://www.instagram.com/bykalax

Instagram (The Media Mummy): https://www.instagram.com/themediamummy

Guardian Labs (for her writing work): https://www.theguardian.com/guardian-labs

We Are Black Journos : https://www.weareblackjournos.com

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Making Art Work: David Oku on Valuing Your Craft

Creatives Like Us

02/13/25 • 68 min

"As a Black creative, I’ve had to work ten times harder to be taken seriously – that’s why my work speaks for itself." - David Oku

In this episode of Creative Like Us, Ange speaks with London-based freelance illustrator and animator, David Oku. David shares his journey from a childhood passion for drawing to establishing himself as a professional artist. He discusses the impact of early encouragement, the challenges of navigating the creative industry as a person of colour, and the importance of valuing your work.

David also reflects on his experiences in retail, his transition into freelance work, and how perseverance and skill development have shaped his career. He offers insight into balancing personal projects with commercial work, the significance of creative collaboration, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring creative or an established professional, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical advice.

Where to Find David Oku:

Instagram: @DOKUart

Website: www.davidoku.com

Links & Mentions:

Big Fat Minimalist - Anirudh Mehta

UAL - University of the Arts London

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Personality & the Power of Showing Up

Creatives Like Us

05/22/25 • 30 min

In this warm and honest conversation, designer Bhavini Lakhani from B81 Designs joins Ange on Creatives Like Us to talk about confidence, creative identity, and the joy of print. The two friends explore the value of leaning into your natural strengths, showing up on platforms like LinkedIn even when it feels exposing, and why saying no to a job that doesn’t align can open the door to the right kind of work. Bhavini shares her journey from colourful Peter Rabbit statues to publishing her own design book, alongside reflections on freelancing, raising a family, and staying true to your creative instincts.

With laughter, vulnerability, and mutual admiration, this episode is a love letter to print design, the magic of good clients, and the ongoing challenge of being visible as a creative. Whether you’re new to freelancing or need a reminder that lurking followers can become future collaborators, Bhavini’s story will leave you inspired.

Resources and Links

Bhavini’s Website
www.b81designs.com

Bhavini on Instagram
@b81designs

Bhavini on LinkedIn
Bhavini Lakhani – B81 Designs

Bhavini’s Book – Wise Words
Available on Amazon via Kindle Direct Publishing (Print-on-Demand):
Wise Words by Bhavini – Amazon UK https://amzn.eu/d/94q5lfj

Join us for the:
Creatives Like Us EVENT
A collaborative knowledge sharing and networking event for Black and Brown Creatives who run their own businessesThursday 19th June 2025
16.30 - 8.30 pm, London
Tickets are available here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creatives-like-us-event-june-25-tickets-1313658390609

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Creative journeys: Fitting in is Overrated!

Creatives Like Us

01/16/25 • 25 min

In this first episode of Creatives Like Us, Angela speaks with Dominique van Werkhoven, a writer and co-founder of The Werks, about her journey as a creative entrepreneur. Dominique shares her experiences of building a career in writing, running a small business, and collaborating with other creatives. She reflects on the importance of representation, discussing her time as one of the few Black students at Oxford, and how breaking barriers can inspire others. The conversation looks into the power of collaboration in creative work, the balance between personal and professional creativity, and the pivotal role mentors can play in shaping careers.
Meet the guest
Dominique van Werkhoven
A born and raised Londoner, with Guyanese and Jamaican heritage, Dominique is a freelance copy and content writer, now based in the Netherlands. Together with her husband Gideon (who is also the co-founder of their three children), she runs The Werks – a website development and copywriting micro agency helping impact led small businesses to get found and to show up online, with confidence, purpose and joy.

Links and Resources:

The Werks Website: https://thewerks.nl/
Instagram: @WeAreTheWerks
Dominique’s Advent Project: @NomadSixtyOneLinkedIn: Dominique van Werkhoven

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Creatives Like Us: Amplifying Voices, Building Community, and Passing It On

Creatives Like Us

01/16/25 • 26 min

In this introductory episode of Creatives Like Us, host Angela Lyons (you may know her as Ange) shares her inspiration for creating a podcast that amplifies the voices of creatives of colour. Drawing from her personal journey as a graphic designer, Angela reflects on feelings of self-doubt during her time at Central Saint Martins and how representation and mentorship shaped her career. The podcast aims to celebrate the highs, lows, and in-betweens of being a creative of colour with conversations that inspire others to pursue their creative dreams and open doors for the next generation.

Angela and series producer Heather discuss the vision behind the podcast: to create a platform that inspires collaboration, shares impactful stories, and addresses challenges in diversity and inclusion within the creative industries. With a focus on community, mentorship, and the theme of “passing it on,” the podcast seeks to influence broader conversations about representation and show that there is space for everyone. This podcast is for anyone who wants to be inspired, supported, and empowered in their creative journey.

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Letting go of perfection and creating what matters

Creatives Like Us

03/27/25 • 46 min

“I wanted my children to grow up knowing there is space for them.” - Sylvia Prince

This week on Creatives Like Us, Ange speaks with Sylvia Prince, designer and founder of Sylvia Prince Designs. Sylvia shares her journey from graphic design to launching her own range of Afrocentric cards, created to reflect and celebrate black and brown children, particularly those who are often underrepresented, including children with vitiligo and albinism. She opens up about overcoming perfectionism, the importance of visibility, and the encouragement that helped her finally start her business.

They also discuss the wider impact of Sylvia’s work, including her collaboration with the Vitiligo Society UK to develop school resource packs that support understanding and inclusion. Sylvia reflects on the value of creating work representing real people and experiences and how that representation can make children feel seen and celebrated.

Links and Resources

Website: sylviaprince.com

Instagram: @sylviaprince_designs

Facebook: Sylvia Prince Designs

The Vitiligo Society UK – https://vitiligosociety.org/

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Bozoma Saint John and the "Badass Workshop"

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