In this episode of The Action Mappers Podcast, I sit down with one of the most authentic voices on Substack, Claire Venus—writer, engagement consultant, and founder of Sparkle on Substack. Claire shares her journey from the arts and festival world in the UK to becoming a global creative leader helping thousands of writers and creators find their voice online.
We talk about how to stay grounded in a digital world that constantly pulls on your attention, why Substack became the home for her creative expression, and how creators can use online platforms without losing their identity or boundaries. This is a conversation about alignment, voice, self-expression, and trust—both in yourself and in your work.
📌 What We Cover (AI Generated Summary)
• The early days of Substack
How Claire discovered the platform in 2022, why it felt like a quiet refuge, and the unexpected human experiment that unfolded as more creators joined.
• The shift from noise to alignment
Why online creators feel overwhelmed, and how to stay rooted in your values despite pressure from algorithms, trends, and outside opinions.
• AI and authentic voice
Claire’s balanced take on how to use AI as a supportive tool without letting it dilute your message or replace your creativity.
• Building a calm creative life
How Claire structures her days, protects her nervous system, and uses nature, quiet, and intentional boundaries to stay grounded.
• The real story behind her success
Claire talks openly about her husband’s long-term illness, her need for financial stability, and how these challenges shaped her drive, independence, and nine income streams.
• Living inside your vision board
Why this practice changed everything for Claire and how you can use it to build a calm, aligned, creative life starting today.
🔑 Key Takeaways
• You don’t need to “play the algorithm” to build a meaningful creative career.
• Substack is a powerful home for writers, podcasters, and creators who value depth, connection, and ownership.
• True growth comes from alignment, trust, and consistency—not from noise or speed.
• Your online life will stabilize when your offline life has space, stillness, and structure.
• You can build a business that feels like your vision board—one grounded in calm, clarity, and self-expression.
👥 Connect With Claire
Website: https://creativelyconscious.co.uk
Sparkle on Substack: Click here
Instagram:
💬 Share Your Takeaways
Send me or Claire a message with your biggest insight from the episode.
If this conversation brought clarity or calm, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone who needs it!!
Enjoy!
—Tamar
