Emily Holden
Emily Holden
Creative Finance Coach / Musician / Founder of Talismint
Brooklyn, NY
www.talismint.com
instagram @talismint_
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I help artists and creative freelancers become financially empowered through one-on-one coaching.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
For the first decade of my career as a professional musician, I really struggled with money. Money management was never a part of my education, and none of the resources out there were compatible with my lifestyle and income stream. After hitting a low point, I was determined to figure out a system that worked. Learning how to manage my finances changed my life in unimaginable ways; I became more creatively ambitious, less anxious, just more empowered overall. Personal finance became my nerdy hobby, something I researched and wrote about in my free time. I started helping my friends get their finances on track, and the responses I got inspired me to offer these strategies to more creatives.
How do you stand out in your field?
I am first and foremost a freelance musician. I only teach and offer tools that actually work for me, and I got started in this field because of how profoundly financial empowerment changed my life. I understand that as artists, wealth and value are extremely personal. I’ve felt judgement and shame, and I also know there’s a better way. I offer compassion and tested strategies, and I stand behind my teaching because it continues to bring so much value to my own life and my art.
I’m also really interested in the disconnect between strategy and application. In other words, what’s actually keeping you from getting your finances together. Often it’s something less obvious or small. I want to honor my clients' needs and preferences, and create a system that works for them. When it’s working right, it should be fun and motivating to use.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
A comprehensive six-week financial empowerment coaching course for artists and freelancers.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love a clean, classic aesthetic with hints of tasteful mysticism. Working with artists, I know that the interface and experience matters, and I strive to reflect that in all of my design and branding.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Well, my secret dream is to design my own clothes. Maybe one day :
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The fact that so many performers and other creative people are out of work right now as a result of COVID is disheartening. I think financial empowerment is even more crucial in times of crisis, but it's still a tough time, and it weighs heavy.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Graphic and web design. I so appreciate beautiful design, and I’d love to have an amazing designer take my ideas to the next level.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told myself everything I teach in my six-week course, which is exactly why I created it! In my twenties, I wish I’d understood that avoiding my financial reality was only making my anxiety worse. That the way forward was to really look at and understand my money. And that I could be great with money without degrading my creativity.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’d like to understand more about real estate investing.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m looking for artists and freelancers who are ready to get great at managing their money and are interested in working one-on-one with me.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
The ideal client is brave and curious. Facing your money can be a hard thing to do, so I respect the courage required to take the first steps.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
You can approach me in any way that feels comfortable. Email, DM, free consultation call (all available on www.talismint.com). Even if you just have a question about personal finance, I'd be happy to connect.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Jump before you feel ready. Trust.
This member profile was originally published in August 2020.