Brush & Banter | A Zibra Podcast

What does it really mean to find your style, and your voice, as an artist? This week, Annie and Lauren sit down with muralist, lettering artist, and creative entrepreneur Cyn (“Cynno”) to talk about the messy middle of building a creative identity. All of the doubts, pivots, and dopamine hits that come with evolving your art and your business. From her early days painting chalkboards to designing murals for Starbucks, Virgin Voyages, and local Miami landmarks, Cyn shares how she found confidence in color, clarity in process, and joy in community–all while staying true to her roots (and her flamingos). Cinthia Santos is the muralist, lettering artist, and creative powerhouse behind Chalk and Brush Design Co. – the Miami studio turning blank walls into sunshine. Since 2013, she’s brought color, confidence, and community to brands and neighborhoods alike, proving that art really does change everything. Connect with Cinthia: Website@cynno@chalkandbrushResources mentioned: 2-inch Palm Pro Artist BrushIn this episode, we discuss: cruise ship.Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project. Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra: WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeBlog

You know that part of a project where it looks like total chaos and you start questioning all your life choices? Yeah… that part. We’re going there. In this episode, muralist & lettering artist Olga Muzician and furniture flipper-turned-content creator Lauren Hull join hosts Annie and Lauren to talk about the not-so-glamorous side of creative beginnings; the flops, the freak-outs, and the surprisingly sweet moments that come from sticking it out. If you’ve ever cried mid-project, painted over something five times, or stared at your work thinking “what am I even doing?” - this one’s for you. Olga Muzician – Muralist and lettering artist behind Olga Muzician Studio, known for bold color, natural elements, and large-scale work that brings walls and spaces to life. Follow: Instagram, TikTok Lauren Hull – Creator of Furniture Flipping Teacher, where she turns everyday pieces into teaching moments and helps others build confidence (and income) through creative flipping and DIY design. Follow: Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Zibra’s New “Bundle & Save” Sets: Zibra just launched three curated brush bundles designed for real-world creators, whether you’re refinishing furniture, cutting trim, or painting large-scale walls. Explore them at enjoyzibra.com and use code BANTER10 for 10% off. In this episode, we discuss: Welcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project. Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra: WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeBlog

Life moves in seasons, and sometimes that means stepping away from the studio. In this episode, Brie and Lauren sit down with award-winning refinisher Courtney Weisel of Steel Birch Studios to talk about what it really looks like to pause, pivot, and then pick the brush back up again. Courtney Weisel is the artist behind Steel Birch Studios, known for reimagining vintage furniture into sculptural, scroll-stopping works of art. She’s a Golden Brush Award winner whose bold textures, clean lines, and fearless experimentation have inspired creatives across the refinishing community. Connect with Courtney: Steel Birch Studios on IGBrushes mentioned: Artist Brush Set - SmallPalm Artist - 1” Flat PaintbrushIn this episode, we discuss: the small artist kitpalm artistWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project. Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra: WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeBlog

The Zibra podcast is back - refreshed, reimagined, and ready to celebrate every kind of creative. In this first episode of Brush & Banter, Brie, Annie, and Lauren pull back the curtain on the rebrand, introduce themselves, and share why this podcast is for anyone who picks up a paint brush and brings a vision to life. Meet your new co-hosts! Annie Bolding (Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs) and Lauren Cooper (Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio) join Brie Hansen (President of Zibra) to bring fresh perspectives, creative energy, and real talk about life as working artists. Resources mentioned: Rooted Muralist ConferenceMedium Artist Brush SetSquare BrushPalm Flex ProIn this episode, we discuss: Brush & BanterGolden MomentDon’t Cry Over Spilled PaintWelcome to Brush & Banter—the podcast where creativity meets real-life hustle. Brought to you by Zibra, we go beyond perfect brushstrokes to explore the messy, magical, and meaningful side of being an artist. We’re here to bring you conversations with working artists, practical tips to grow your creative business, and a built-in painting companion for your next project. Brush & Banter is co-hosted by Brie Hansen, President of Zibra; Annie Bolding, Founder of It’s a Disco Day Designs; and Lauren Cooper, Founder of Rosemont Lane Design Studio. Connect with Zibra: WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeBlog

Sarah Bezanson of Sarah Bezanson Interiors shares her expert advise on things to consider when choosing a color.

Main: Nine members of the refinishing community share their favorite Christmas decorations and the rooms they have them in. Merry Christmas! Autumn Heseman - Prayed Over Pieces https://www.instagram.com/prayedoverpieces/ Christine Castray - Driftwood Home Furniture https://www.instagram.com/driftwoodhomefurniture/ Jennifer Marr - Jenni Ray at Home https://www.instagram.com/jennyraeathome/ Lauren Svacina - Portland Row Living https://www.instagram.com/portlandrowliving/ Lianne Carey - Carey Us Home https://www.instagram.com/careyushome/?hl=en MaryAnn McDermott - Weathered in White https://www.instagram.com/weathered_in_white/?hl=en Patty Brummel - Midlife Revival https://www.instagram.com/mid_life_revival/?hl=en Susan Stefano - Little Lou Designs https://www.instagram.com/littleloudesigns/?hl=en Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Main: Zeb and Jami of Jami Ray Vintage share how they became successful upcycling thrift shoppers and how you can too! Zeb and Jami - Jami Ray Vintage https://www.instagram.com/jamirayvintage/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Main: Furniture refinishing success, Jennifer of Saved by Design, goes into detail on how she shops for furniture pieces to refinish. Jennifer - Saved by Design https://www.instagram.com/savedbydesign.tn/ Tip: Using Colors to Prime Lindsay - The Rural Legend https://www.instagram.com/therurallegend/ Studio: What's Happening in Your Studio? Heather - The Cozy Sunroom https://www.instagram.com/thecozysunroom/ Jessi - Cypress House Design https://www.instagram.com/cypresshousedesign/ Kara - Lemons to Lemonade Furniture https://www.instagram.com/lemons_to_lemonade_furniture/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Lianne of Carey Us Home chats about mixing old and new decor and furniture to create a timeless home. Main: Lianne of Carey Us Home chats about mixing old and new decor and furniture to create a timeless home. Lianne - Carey Us Home https://www.instagram.com/careyushome/ Tip: Using Colors to Prime Lindsay - The Rural Legend https://www.instagram.com/therurallegend/ Studio: What's Happening in Your Studio? Tara - Vintage Chic https://www.instagram.com/vintagechiciniowa/ Kandi - Orchid's True Blue https://www.instagram.com/orchidstrueblue/ Alyssa - The Things We Built https://www.instagram.com/the_things_we_built/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Three of our Zibra Review Judges chat about the nine winners of Zibra's July, August and September Review plus they share what they feel are the upcoming Home and Furniture Design trends headed our way for 2024! Judges: Katie - Katie Co + Home https://www.instagram.com/katiecloud/ Jen - Perfectly Imperfect Furniture https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyimperfectfurnitureres/ Laura - Portland Row Living https://www.instagram.com/portlandrowliving/ July Winners: Deanna & Bonnie - Cornflower Restorations https://www.instagram.com/cornflowerrestorations/ Courtney - PNW Refurbished https://www.instagram.com/pnwrefurbished/ Mare - 100 Thousand Welcomes https://www.instagram.com/100thousandwelcomes/ August Winners: Stefanie - Wild Sparrow Designs https://www.instagram.com/wild_sparrow_designs/ Lindsay - Rustic Owl Furnishings https://www.instagram.com/rusticowlfurnishings/ Nicole - Off the Hinges Designs https://www.instagram.com/offthehinges_designs/ September Winners: Shelly - Basalt Mesa Studio https://www.instagram.com/basaltmesastudio_/ Beth - The Doves Tail https://www.instagram.com/thedovestail/ Katy - Furniture Refreshed https://www.instagram.com/furniture.refreshed/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Kristen of Shackteau Interiors shares her secrets of shop ownership Main: Kristen of Shackteau Interiors shares her secrets of shop ownership Kristen - Shackteau Interiors https://www.instagram.com/shackteau_interiors/ Ad: Ellen Wuagneux - Vintage Key https://www.instagram.com/vintagekey_fl/ Tip: Using Colors to Prime Jenna - Happy Valley Restorations https://www.instagram.com/happyvalleyrestorations/ Studio: What's Happening in Your Studio? Katy - Furniture Refreshed https://www.instagram.com/furniture.refreshed/ Bonnie - Cornflower Restorations https://www.instagram.com/cornflowerrestorations/ Story - Furniture Story https://www.instagram.com/furniture.story/ Anja - Annoush Designs https://www.instagram.com/annoushdesigns/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

The three winners of Zibra's June Staging Contest and the July Staging Contest chat about their staging techniques with our Co-Hosts Amanda & Jenn from the Vintage Sisters. Main: June & July Staging Winners discuss Their Winning Pieces and their secrets in staging successfully CO-HOST: Amanda & Jenn - The Vintage Sisters https://www.instagram.com/vintagesisterssk JUNE WINNERS: Summer - Pinewood Charm https://www.instagram.com/pinewoodcharm Cathy - Furniture by Acanthus https://www.instagram.com/furniturebyacanthus Meredith - Pumpkin Seeds Designs https://www.instagram.com/pumpkinseeddesigns JULY WINNERS: Jo - Click 2 Restore https://www.instagram.com/click2restore Ashley - Blue Wren Interiors https://www.instagram.com/bluewreninteriors Lindsay - Rustic Owl Furnishings https://www.instagram.com/rusticowlfurnishings Ad: Eliana Roseberry - Why Not Redesign https://www.instagram.com/why.not.redesign Tip: How to Rid Your Pieces of Bad Smells Lindsay - Indigo Lakehouse https://www.instagram.com/indigolakehouse Studio: What's Happening in Your Studio? Chia - The Painted Lily https://www.instagram.com/thepaintedlily_/ Sandra - Black Lab Furniture Revival https://www.instagram.com/blacklabfurniturerevival/ Kimberly - Born in a Barn Boutique https://www.instagram.com/borninabarnboutique/ Blooper: Trouble with Holes in Drawers Sarah - Pop Salvage https://www.instagram.com/popsalvage/ Accolades: (From): Jess - Refreshed by Jess https://www.instagram.com/refreshed_by_jess/ (To): Annie - It's About Flippin' Time https://www.instagram.com/itsaboutflippintime/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

The three winners of Zibra's June Review chat about their winning pieces in the "This & That" category. Plus, they share the fun and challenges you can experience when refinishing an unusual piece with our Co-Host, Katie Cloud of Katie Cloud Home. Main: June Review Winners discuss Their Winning Pieces and the Fun & Challenges when Refinishing an Unusual Piece. Katie Cloud - Katie Cloud https://www.instagram.com/katiecloud/ Michelle - Indy Blue Co https://www.instagram.com/indy.blue.co/ Amy - Pennollo Designs https://www.instagram.com/pennollo_designs/ Cat - Up It Designs https://www.instagram.com/upitdesigns/ Ad: Anne Michelle - Amini Design Ashburn https://www.instagram.com/aminidesignashburn/ Tip: What to Do Before You Send Your Piece Off to It's New Home Cindy - Cindy's Painted Brush https://www.instagram.com/cindys_painted_brush/ Studio: What's Happening in Your Studio? Leigh Ann - All About the Paint https://www.instagram.com/allaboutthe_paint/ Alissa - Home Grove Designs https://www.instagram.com/homegrovedesigns/ Kim - Duly Restored https://www.instagram.com/duly_restored/ Jody - Renewed by the Sea https://www.instagram.com/renewed_bythesea/ Jen - Made with Her Hands https://www.instagram.com/made.with.her.hands/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Jennifer of Saved by Design shares how she has utilized Facebook Marketplace to help her be a super successful furniture refinisher and you can too! Main: Using Facebook Marketplace to be a Success Jennifer - Saved by Design https://www.instagram.com/savedbydesign.tn/ Ad: Kate Buffington - Kate's Reclaimed https://www.instagram.com/katesreclaimed/ Tip: Priming Your Furniture Pieces Jo Rohal - Click 2 Restore https://www.instagram.com/click2restore/ Studio: What's Happening in Your Studio? Ashley Krug - Blue Wren Interiors https://www.instagram.com/bluewreninteriors/ Richa - House We Call Home https://www.instagram.com/house.wecall.home/ Jimmyanah - The Shutter House https://www.instagram.com/theshutterhousellc/ Amanda - Lemon Pepper Farmhouse https://www.instagram.com/lemonpepper_farmhouse/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Bethany of Riverbank Art Studio discusses how she became a successful Muralist. Main: Being a Successful Muralist Bethany - Riverbank Art Studio https://www.instagram.com/riverbankartstudio/ Ad: Laura Cobb - Redhead Refinishing https://www.instagram.com/redhead_refinishings/ Tip: Trust the Process and Trust Yourself Meg Wheeler - MW Homegoods https://www.instagram.com/mwhomegoods/ Bloopers: Paint in the Hair and on the Face Autumn - Prayed Over Pieces https://www.instagram.com/prayedoverpieces/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

The three winners of Zibra's May Staging Contest chat about their staging techinques with our Co-Hosts Amanda & Jenn from the Vintage Sisters. Main: Staging Techniques are Discussed by the May Staging Winners Amanda & Jenn - The Vintage Sisters https://www.instagram.com/vintagesisterssk/ Megan DeLong - Meg Del Designs https://www.instagram.com/megdeldesign/ Deanna & Bonnie - Cornflower Restorations https://www.instagram.com/cornflowerrestorations/ Nicloe - Off the Hinges Designs https://www.instagram.com/offthehinges_designs/ Ad: Kate Buffington - Kate's Reclaimed https://www.instagram.com/katesreclaimed/ Tip: Flip Pieces Upside Down! Chelsea Blumenshine - Lumen Creative Studios https://www.instagram.com/lumencreativestudios/ Question: What Interesting Items Have You Found in Your Pieces? Anne Michelle - Amini Design Ashburn https://www.instagram.com/aminidesignashburn/ Kristen - Kristen Lea Restorations https://www.instagram.com/thebrokenmasterpiece/ Caitlyn - Caitlyn Beals https://www.instagram.com/caitlynbeals/ Jess & Ryan - Rust and Dust https://www.instagram.com/rustanddust.diy/ Becky - Phoenix Vintage Furniture https://www.instagram.com/phoenixvintagefurniture/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

The three winners of Zibra's May Review chat about their winning pieces in the "Chairs" category. Plus, they give guidance on refinishing chairs with our Co-Host, Jen Talley of Perfectly Imperfect Furniture. Main: Refinishing Chairs is the Topic for the May Review Winners Jen Talley - Perfectly Imperfect Furniture https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyimperfectfurnitureres/ Susan Stefano - Little Lou Designs https://www.instagram.com/littleloudesigns/ Kate - Kate's Reclaimed https://www.instagram.com/katesreclaimed/ Robin - ReMade by Robin https://www.instagram.com/remadebyrobin/ Ad: Alissa - Rustic Refresh https://www.instagram.com/rustic_refresh/ Tip: Creating a Customer Repair Kit Veronica Gondolf - Vintage by Veronica Designs https://www.instagram.com/vintage_by_veronica/ Question: What is Your Favorite Part of Refinishing? Anna Orrino - Khaki Kreations https://www.instagram.com/khaki.kreations/ Beth West - The Doves Tail https://www.instagram.com/thedovestail/ Hannah - Thrifty Farmhouse https://www.instagram.com/thrifty_farmhouse/ Jackie Breeden - 3 inspired Co. https://www.instagram.com/3inspiredco/ Bloopers: Purchased Piece Doesn't Fit Through Doorway Patricia Brummel - Mid-Life Revival https://www.instagram.com/mid_life_revival/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

The three winners of Zibra's April Review chat about their winning pieces in the Dining Table category. Plus, they discuss the challenges and rewards of refinishing dining tables with our Co-Host, Katie of Salvaged by K. Scott. Main: Dining Tables are the Featured Subject from the April Review Katie - Salvaged by K. Scott https://www.instagram.com/salvagedbykscott/ Christina - Field and Vineyard https://www.instagram.com/fieldandvineyard/ Ciera - Restore Reimagined https://www.instagram.com/restorereimagined/ Sheri - Brass Walnut https://www.instagram.com/brasswalnut/ Ad: Kimberly O’Donoghue - Needle & Brush Décor https://www.instagram.com/needleandbrushdecor/ Tip: Importance of Priming Your Furniture Pieces Amanda - Easy on the Eyes Custom Furniture https://www.instagram.com/easyontheeyes_customfurniture/ Question: What Did You Do Before You Became a Furniture Refinsher? Kai - The Colibrí Design https://www.instagram.com/thecolibridesign/ Ashley - Our Happy Flipping Life https://www.instagram.com/our.happy.flippin.life/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

The three winners of Zibra's April Staging Contest chat about their staging process secrets with our Co-Host Amanda from the Vintage Sisters. Main: Staging Contest Winners Discuss Their Pieces and Their Staging Secrets Amanda - Vintage Sisters https://www.instagram.com/vintagesisterssk/ Eva - Ekesterna https://www.instagram.com/ekesterna/ Heather - The Cozy Sunroom https://www.instagram.com/thecozysunroom/ Jill - Back Porch Lilly https://www.instagram.com/backporchlilly/ Ad: Jill - Back Porch Lilly https://www.instagram.com/backporchlilly/ Tip: How to Keep Unused Paint Anna - Anna's Art House https://www.instagram.com/annasarthouse/ Question: What is the Most You Have Made on the Sale of a Piece? Hanna - ReHome by Hanna https://www.instagram.com/rehomebyhanna/ Jordy - Distressed and Impressed https://www.instagram.com/distressedandimpressed/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5

Kara of Lemons to Lemonade Furniture share her seven tips on how to recession proof your furniture business. Main: 7 Tips on How to Recession Proof Your Biz Kara - Lemons to Lemonade Furniture https://www.instagram.com/lemons_to_lemonade_furniture/ Ad: Lauren - Freshly Flipped Furnishings https://www.instagram.com/freshlyflippedfurnishings/ Tip: Properly Putting Paint on Your Brush Mandy and Chris - Fresh Studio Furniture https://www.instagram.com/freshstudiofurniture/ Question: What Interesting Items Have You Found in Your Furniture Pieces? Elizabeth - RePicks https://www.instagram.com/re.picks/ Karen - Karen's Paintbrush https://www.instagram.com/karens_paintbrush/ Jen Green - Green Spruce Designs https://www.instagram.com/greensprucedesigns/ Lori - Three Havens Vintage https://www.instagram.com/threehavensvintage/ Accolades: (From) Amanda Baber - The Thrifty Flipper https://www.instagram.com/thethriftyflipper/ (To) Shona Murphy - Made by Murphy https://www.instagram.com/madebymurphy1/ Bloopers: Antique Dresser Mishap Susan - Little Lou Designs https://www.instagram.com/littleloudesigns/ Zibra: Website: Zibra https://www.enjoyzibra.com/ Podcast Page: Zibra's Before & After Furniture Refinishing Podcast https://www.enjoyzibra.com/pages/the-zibra-podcast-season-5