Artrepreneur Podcast

Brewing Creativity and Community with Kevin Ryan & Meredith Sutton

  In this Creative Companies edition, host Grace Cho meets Kevin Ryan and Meredith Sutton, the duo behind Savannah’s Service Brewing. What began with a Valentine’s Day home-brew kit has grown into a 27,000-sq-ft brewery overlooking River Street, where military discipline meets bold design—right down to artist-commissioned labels on its sought-after Double IPAs.   Kevin traces the journey from West Point and two company commands in Iraq to a corporate detour at Booz Allen and CareCore, before that 2012 home-brew gift changed his trajectory. Meredith—a SCAD-trained metals artist whose pieces have appeared in Lark’s 1000 Rings, Martha Stewart Living, and on the 2016 New York Fashion Week runway—channeled her visual storytelling into the fledgling brand. Two years later, the couple opened Service Brewing, weaving Army rigor and art-school imagination into a business whose very name honors service to country and community.   Creativity fuels every release. So far, Service Brewing and Artrepreneur have partnered on four open calls, each inviting artists to re-imagine declassified military stories for the brewery’s Double IPA labels. The newest can—part of the Ghost Army series—drops on May 17 and features work by Artrepreneur artist Esteban Martínez. Service’s support doesn’t end when the contest does: one earlier winner was commissioned to turn her label art into short animations for the brewery’s social rollout, proof that the team keeps nurturing talent long after the initial collaboration.   Purpose fuels outreach, too. A 24-person team keeps the tanks humming while SkillBridge internships help soldiers transition to civilian life, and the taproom doubles as a no-cost venue for community makers. Since launch, Service Brewing has directed more than $350,000 to high-impact veteran and first-responder charities—proof that every pour can give back.   About Service Brewing: Founder Kevin Ryan applies his engineering management and Army leadership experience to guide brewing operations and foster innovation, while co-founder Meredith Sutton shapes the brand’s look, products, and community programs. Dedicated to giving back, the Savannah-based brewery channels its success toward organizations that support veterans and first responders.

Designing with Vision with Raychel Wade

  Join Grace Cho, CEO of Artrepreneur, as she sits down with Raychel Wade, a New York-based interior designer known for her ability to reimagine tradition and craft timeless, layered spaces. In this episode, Raychel takes us on a journey through her fascinating career—from growing up in rural Vermont with an architect father who shaped her appreciation for design, to an unexpected start in the beauty industry, and finally, to becoming the owner of Raychel Wade Design, a firm celebrated for its elevated yet livable interiors.   Raychel shares insights into her creative evolution, highlighting how her early experiences on job sites and her love of color and texture seamlessly transitioned from makeup artistry to interior design. She also opens up about the challenges and triumphs of starting her design business without formal training, learning on the job, and leveraging meaningful client relationships to build a portfolio that speaks for itself. This conversation dives into her design philosophy, the importance of setting boundaries with clients, and her candid reflections on navigating the financial and emotional aspects of running a creative business. Listeners will be inspired by Raychel’s advice on finding courage in the face of uncertainty, the power of massive action, and the necessity of surrounding yourself with mentors and like-minded peers. She also discusses her future aspirations—including the dream of flipping or building her own house—and how her father’s legacy continues to influence her work.   About Raychel Wade Design: Raychel Wade Design specializes in crafting elevated spaces that are both personalized and tailored for everyday living. Owner Raychel Wade grew up in rural Vermont, where her architect father instilled in her a deep appreciation for design, allowing her to develop a unique ability to envision a space’s potential from a young age. Today, she combines her expertise in interiors with a passion for layered, textured designs, ensuring that each project reflects her clients’ lifestyles

Leading with Purpose with Toby Usnik

Join Grace Cho, CEO of Artrepreneur, as she engages in an enlightening conversation with Toby Usnik, a seasoned professional in communications with a rich background in multinational organizations including the UK government, Christie’s, The New York Times, and American Express. In this episode, they discuss Toby’s illustrious career, his passion for corporate social responsibility, and his commitment to philanthropy. They explore the impact of his work on the British Consul General in New York, his views on the importance of study abroad programs, and his advocacy for a caring economy.   The discussion also touches on Toby’s insights into the evolution of communication in the digital age, the significance of networking, and the role of arts in society. Toby shares his experiences with Arts Comm, a network he co-founded for communications professionals in the cultural sector, and his upcoming book “Connecting the Dots: How to Build Your Network and Your Legacy.” The episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their career and community.   For more insights on purpose-driven careers and business strategies, don’t miss Toby’s podcast, The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik.   About Toby Usnik:   William “Toby” Usnik Jr. is a distinguished corporate communications and social impact executive with a remarkable career spanning various sectors, including financial services, technology, media, and fine arts and luxury. His expertise extends to managing teams and advancing global brands, whether publicly traded or privately held. Toby currently leads the communications team at the British Consulate General of New York (BCGNY), promoting the UK Government’s economic and prosperity agenda and emphasizing the UK’s role as a force for good. As an accomplished author and podcast host, he has shared his insights on corporate social responsibility through his book “The Caring Economy: How to Win with Corporate Social Responsibility.”   Toby’s commitment to the arts and culture is evident in his co-founding and co-leading of ArtsCom, an association of chief communications and marketing officers from 77 of New York City’s leading cultural institutions and foundations. This platform focuses on critical issues like DEI, AI, digital innovations, and brand stewardship. His previous roles include developing Christie’s first-ever CSR function, “Art + Soul,” and serving as a senior vice president at the company. Toby’s early career experiences include positions at Razorfish, American Express, and Columbia University’s Reid Hall Program in Paris. His skills as an airplane pilot, AI instructor, career coach, and charity auctioneer further showcase his diverse talents and dedication to making a positive impact in the world.

Painting Humanity and Cultivating Goodness with Chaz Guest

  Join Grace Cho, CEO of Artrepreneur, for a compelling discussion with Chaz Guest, an American contemporary artist renowned for blending African aesthetics with a modern artistic sensibility. This conversation looks at Guest’s early life in Niagara Falls, New York, his artistic evolution, and how his work addresses cultural identity. He emphasizes the importance of living with purpose, serving others, and connecting with universal energy. Guest’s philosophy advocates for making the most of our time on Earth by using creativity and inspiration to positively influence future generations.   Despite recognition from figures like Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, Guest remains focused on motivating young artists and creating deeply impactful art. He eagerly anticipates future projects, including a superhero film and a series of paintings inspired by his childhood in West Philadelphia, dedicated to using his art for social change, celebrating the human spirit, and nurturing emerging talent.   Chaz Guest: A Portrait of the Artist Born on May 2, 1961, in Niagara Falls, NY, Chaz Guest’s journey into art began at 28, after witnessing gymnast Shun Fujimoto’s determination during the 1976 Olympics, which profoundly influenced his creative process, leading to a body of work that captures the essence of the human spirit. From his Los Angeles studio, adorned with Africa-originated inspirations, Guest crafts pieces that reflect light, energy, and legacy, telling stories that resonate with humanity.   His art, celebrated in prestigious collections and through commissions from influential patrons, has immortalized cultural icons and been recognized with various awards. His sculpture, “The Icon Man,” has become an award statuette, with recipients including Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson. His dedication to visual arts as a medium for activism is evident in his “Cotton Series,” which conveys the dignity of enslaved individuals, and his “Superhero Series,” which introduces a hero from the cotton fields of America. Other projects, such as his graphic novel Buffalo Warrior, which is being adapted for film, showcase his commitment to incorporating cultural narratives into his art.    Through significant exhibitions and the Chaz Guest World Art Project, he works to instill cultural pride in children and foster respect across diverse backgrounds. Guest’s ultimate aspiration is to bring people closer, with his art serving as a reflective mirror for viewers, encouraging a deeper connection to our shared humanity. Chaz Guest, “President Obama,” (2009)  

Views Beyond Earth: Inspiring Change with Terry Virts

Join Grace Cho, CEO of Artrepreneur, for an inspiring conversation with Terry Virts, a former NASA astronaut who shares his journey from dreaming under the stars to exploring the vastness of space. Virts delves into the pivotal moments of his 16-year career at NASA, his transition into entrepreneurship, and the unparalleled experiences of spacewalks that offered him a unique perspective on Earth’s beauty and fragility. Beyond the technical achievements, he discusses his contributions to making space more accessible through projects like virtual reality simulations and the film “A Beautiful Planet.” Reflecting on the advancements in space exploration and the importance of democracy and societal progress, Virts emphasizes the value of family, leaving a positive impact, and the pursuit of passions. This episode is a compelling narrative of exploration, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, inviting listeners to be inspired by Virts’ extraordinary journey.   Colonel (USAF retired) Terry Virts has spent over seven months in space during his two spaceflights, piloting the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-130 in 2010 and commanding the International Space Station during Expedition 42/43 in 2014/2015. He served in the US Air Force as a fighter pilot, test pilot, NASA astronaut, and is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Harvard Business School. He is currently working as an executive coach as well as consulting in the energy industry, helping to develop energy transition technologies such as carbon capture.   Terry is a guest lecturer at the Harvard Business School where he won the 2021 Alumni Achievement Award. He provides management consulting services and speaks around the globe on a variety of environmental, business, and motivational topics. Terry serves as an advisor for several companies in the aerospace and energy industries. He has directed several films, including One More Orbit (2019) and The Night After (2023), and is a guest lecturer at the USC School of Cinematic Arts where he teaches about his IMAX movie A Beautiful Planet. Virts hosts the podcast Down to Earth with Terry Virts, and is the author of The Astronaut’s Guide to Leaving the Planet, an illustrated children’s book (2023), How to Astronaut: Everything you Need to Know Before Leaving Earth (2020), Apo11o: To the Moon and Back (2019), a limited- edition reproduction of the Apollo 11 flight plan, as well as the National Geographic photography book View From Above (2017).