Clearing Clutter to Reignite Your Creativity with Ashlee Gadd (Ep 263)
About the episode
In this episode, Deanna discusses the importance clearing clutter in order to fully embrace creativity during the messy, beautiful seasons of motherhood. She’s joined by Ashlee Gadd, author of Create Anyway, to explore how moms can embrace their creative passions without guilt, set healthy boundaries with social media, and find fulfillment in the margins of daily life.
Helpful Links:
Links mentioned in this episode (some may be affiliate links):
In this inspiring episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, Deanna Yates is joined by Ashlee Gadd, a writer, photographer, founder of Coffee + Crumbs, and author of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood.
If you’ve ever felt like motherhood and creativity were at odds, or if your creative spark has been buried under laundry piles and mental to-do lists, this conversation is for you.
Ashlee and Deanna dive into what it really means to be a creative mom, why making space for your own passions isn’t selfish, and how to clear the mental clutter that holds so many of us back from pursuing the things we love. We talk about mom guilt, social media pressure, carving out time in small pockets, and showing up imperfectly, but consistently, for yourself.
If you’ve been craving a little more beauty, expression, or joy in your everyday life, this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a warm reminder: you don’t have to wait for the perfect time to create…you get to start now.
Key Takeaways:
1. Why creativity is essential (not a luxury) in motherhood
2. How to navigate social media without getting lost in comparison
3. Simple mindset shifts to clear mental clutter and unlock creativity
4. What it means to create in the margins of your day (and why that’s enough)
5. Gentle encouragement to show up imperfectly and create anyway
About Ashlee Gadd:
Ashlee Gadd is a mother, writer, photographer, and the author of Create Anyway: the Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood. She has spent the last ten years helping mothers harness their creative talents into powerful storytelling at Coffee + Crumbs—a beautiful online space where motherhood and art intersect.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:41 Meet Ashley Gadd
02:39 The Power of 'Create Anyway'
04:22 Navigating Social Media and Creativity
08:43 Evolving Creative Work Through Motherhood
12:33 Embracing Creativity in Everyday Life
16:58 Everyone is Creative
19:14 The Ongoing Journey of Creativity
21:10 Embracing Imperfection in Life
21:31 Clearing Mental Clutter for Creativity
24:34 The Importance of Curating Your Inputs
27:04 Balancing Motherhood and Creativity
29:43 Staying Motivated and Consistent
31:22 Practical Tips for Creativity
34:50 Encouragement for Moms
36:13 Final Thoughts and Resources
36:58 Rapid Fire Questions and Wrap-Up
Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Subscribe & Review:
Don't forget to subscribe to the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast (on your favorite podcast player!) so you never miss an episode. And if you liked what you heard today, please leave a rating and review for the show too! It helps others find the show and makes my day.
cheers!
About Deanna Yates
Based in San Diego, CA, Deanna helps high-achieving moms clear the clutter from their homes and lives.
Through coaching, courses, summits, and her top-ranked Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, she supports modern women in building organized, peaceful homes where they can thrive.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
Wannabe Clutter Free is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
© 2025. All Rights Reserved
Home | Terms & Conditions