Dionne Woods
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Dionne Woods is the creative force behind The Turquoise Iris and a passionate Motivatarian, dedicated to inspiring others through creativity, connection, confidence, and curiosity. As an artist, mentor, and community builder, she has built a career rooted in bold expression and fearless exploration. What began with hand-painted furniture has flourished into canvas art, wearable pieces, heirloom journals, and even a luxurious collection of velvet fabrics—each infused with her signature storytelling and vibrant energy.
At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to helping others embrace their own creative journey. Through her four pillars—Creativity, Connection, Confidence, and Curiosity—Dionne empowers artists and entrepreneurs to cultivate a business and life that reflect their passion and purpose. As the founder of The Turquoise Iris Journal, she has created a celebrated print publication that showcases artists and their stories. Her membership groups, coaching programs, retreats, and podcast all serve as spaces where creatives can find their voice, gain confidence, and turn their passion into something extraordinary.
Whether she’s painting, teaching, or speaking, Dionne’s mission remains the same: to inspire others to create boldly, connect deeply, and step fully into their artistic potential.
Content by Dionne
Ann Tudor on Grief, Glass Art & Starting Again at the Torch
Ann Tudor has been "at the torch" — turning molten glass into beads, jewelry, and even sculptural pieces (including an aquarium made entirely of glass, no water required). But in this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne and Ann go far beyond the craft. Ann...
4: Soul & Strategy: Building a Spirit-Led Business with Hayley Hunter Hines
Hear how Hayley Hunter Hines, spiritual advisor and creator of the Shine Experience, bridges the gap between soul work and business mastery. With over 25 years in corporate wellness and a divine calling guiding her path, she now empowers visionary…
Becoming a Conduit: Creativity, Confidence & Self-Worth with Amy Keever
What if some of your most meaningful creative work is still ahead of you? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with Amy Keever, a professional artist, mosaicist, and sculptor from Northwest Arkansas, for a conversation about creative...
Volume 25: Embody – Meet the Artists in Our Fall 2026 Art Magazine
What does it mean to embody creativity? Maybe it means allowing the things you love to become part of the home you create. Maybe it’s planting one flower and discovering that you want to grow thousands more. Maybe it’s spending decades developing an artistic voice...
It’s Never Too Late to Become More with Deborah Andress of The Tattered Artist
What if not a single chapter of your life has been wasted? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with Deborah Watson Andress, founder of The Tattered Artist, for an inspiring conversation about creativity, faith, resilience, family,...
How to Reinvent Yourself Without Waiting for Perfect with Artist Deb Kraska
What if the life you're dreaming about is waiting on the other side of one brave decision? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with artist, educator, and entrepreneur Deb Kraska for a heartfelt conversation about courage, creativity,...
How to Get Featured in an Art Magazine: What Editors Really Look For
If you've ever dreamed of seeing your artwork featured in an art magazine, you're not alone. For many artists, being published is more than a milestone—it's an opportunity to share their creative voice, connect with a wider audience, and become part of a larger...
14 Contemporary Artists Sharing Their Creative Process and Inspiration
Creativity has a way of bringing people together. It connects strangers through shared stories, transforms ordinary materials into something meaningful, and reminds us that there is no single path to making beautiful work. The Celebrate volume of The Turquoise Iris...
How Creativity Changes Lives: The Possibility Loop with Occupational Therapist Pam Fox Denzler
What if the greatest gift we could offer someone wasn't fixing their challenges—but helping them discover new possibilities? In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with occupational therapist, author, speaker, and founder...
15 Gentle Ways to Find Creative Inspiration When You Feel Stuck
Creative inspiration has a way of showing up when we least expect it, and disappearing just as quickly. If you've ever sat down to create only to feel stuck, distracted, or unsure where to begin, you're in good company. Every artist, maker, writer, and creative...
Escape Without Going Anywhere
What the Artists of The Turquoise Iris Journal Taught Me About Returning to Wonder There is a quiet kind of longing that many of us carry. It isn't necessarily a desire to leave our homes or abandon our responsibilities. It isn't always a dream of sandy beaches,...
Trust the Mark and Marlene Steele on Creativity, Courage & Beginning Again
What if the masterpiece you're creating—whether it's a painting, a business, or your life—isn't finished yet? In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with contemporary mixed-media artist, furniture artist, creative educator, and DIY Paint...
The Art of Seeing Possibility and Kelly Huskins on Design, Healing & Creative Courage
What if your greatest creative gift is seeing what others overlook? In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Kelly Huskins, artist, entrepreneur, YouTube creator, and the creative force behind Whimsykel Designs, a decoupage paper brand...
How Creativity Helped Me Begin Again | Lori Morgan on Grief, Reinvention & Building Tom & Chickpea
What happens when life changes in an instant? In this heartfelt episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Lori Morgan, founder and creative force behind Tom & Chickpea, a beloved furniture painting and creative studio in Derry, New Hampshire. Lori's...
Your Life as a Work of Art | Diana Wentworth on Purpose, Grief, Creativity & Living Fully
What does it mean to truly live with intention? In this deeply moving episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down with Diana Wentworth - New York Times bestselling author, speaker, life coach, media personality, former celebrity chef, and co-founder of The Inside...
Inside Women Create: Susan Harold on Creativity, Purpose & The Art of Coming Full Circle
What if the path you’re meant for… is the one you return to?In this episode, Susan Harold shares how decades in publishing led her back to a role that feels both unexpected—and exactly right. In this inspiring episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, I sit down...
Awaken: Inside the April 2026 Issue of The Turquoise Iris Journal
Before anything else, this volume is shaped by the voices and stories of contributors who are exploring what it means to awaken—through creativity, faith, color, memory, and lived experience. Each artist brings a unique perspective, offering not just their work, but...
Color, Calling, and Courage: Casey Alvarez on Faith, Creativity, and Building a Life Through Art
What if your creativity wasn’t just a talent, but a calling? In this episode of The Motivatarian Exchange, Dionne Woods sits down with artist Casey Alvarez, a Missouri-based painter, entrepreneur, and former Christian counselor who has built a thriving creative...