Breaking Creative Boundaries Part 1: The Journey from Amateur Creator to Founder with Nat Siagian & Alesandra Hernandez

Welcome to a special three-part series of The Personhood's Passion to Paycheck Podcast with our guest cohost and friend Alesandra. In this series, we do a deep dive delving into personal and professional creative journeys.

Al is an emerging creator, writer, and enthusiast of storytelling, with a knack for engaging conversation. We uncover both the in-between moments from amateur creator homeless in Bali days to my journey as a new-age founder of The Personhood and host of the Passion to Paycheck podcast.

Learn how we do things a little differently as we offer transparent insights—as we are still a work in progress, after all. 

Episode chapters:

Welcome to the Personhood's Passion to Paycheck podcast, where Nat Siagian and Alessandra Hernandez embark on a candid discussion about their creative journeys. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of turning creativity into a career. 

Creative Residency Leads to Island Living 

Nat shares their serendipitous journey from Sydney's suburbs to Magnetic Island, inspired by travel creators and a spontaneous Instagram find. A creative residency program led by Frankie Ratford becomes the catalyst for this life-altering move. Despite obstacles like the pandemic and COVID, Nat's decision to book a one-way ticket leads to unexpected career shifts, from joining a creative hub to becoming a barista part-time. 

Childhood Memories 

This chapter delves into Nat’s childhood, from being a talkative student to experiencing the impact of moving countries. Born in New Zealand to Indonesian parents and later moving to Jakarta due to civil unrest, Nat reflects on how these transitions shaped their identity and worldview.

Gratitude for Education and Opportunities 

Nat and Alessandra discuss the value of education and opportunities, reflecting on their own backgrounds and the disparities in privilege. They emphasise the importance of representation and opportunity for marginalised communities, recognising the need for community support and self-created opportunities to ensure diverse voices are heard and valued.

Creative Transition and Entrepreneurial Influence 

Nat reflects on their early struggles with the traditional school system and the influence of their family's entrepreneurial spirit on their career path. Despite initial uncertainty, Nat eventually completed a business marketing degree. 

From Unofficial Bali Tours to a dream job 

Nat shares her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, from starting Nat Asia Tours in Bali to landing a career with Contiki Holidays. They discuss the broader issue of job qualifications and the confidence gap between men and women in applying for jobs, offering practical career advice and inspiration for pursuing passions against the odds.

Connect with Alesandra Hernandez:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/words.withalesandra/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alesandra-hernandez/
Website: https://www.words