16. Deep Conversation, Compassion & Creativity in Business with Ilma

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of The Freedom Therapist Podcast! I’m so excited to share this beautiful conversation with my dear friend, Ilma Ali. Ilma is a designer and artist based in Darwin, whose journey and work are brimming with creativity, heart, and intention.

In this episode, recorded live in Bali, we dive into her incredible career spanning architectural design, fine art, and wearable textile collections showcased on independent runways. Ilma’s story is one of trusting your intuition, following your passion, and creating with purpose.

Here’s what we explore in this inspiring and soulful conversation:

  • Creative Roots: How Ilma’s childhood in rural Sri Lanka and her global upbringing shaped her unique perspective and creative philosophy.
  • Self-Trust in Action: Ilma shares how she’s learned to navigate doubt and lean into self-trust, even when the path forward wasn’t clear.
  • Art that Moves People: The story behind her Flowers Underwater collection, its impact on audiences, and the heartfelt moments that reminded her why she creates.
  • Navigating Burnout: Ilma’s practical advice for balancing creativity and well-being, including her non-negotiable Monday night baths and quarterly breaks.
  • The Power of Baby Steps: Why taking small, intentional steps can lead to big transformations, and why it’s okay for dreams to take time.
  • Meditation & Flow: Ilma’s meditation practice, how it fuels her creativity, and the magic that happens when she lets go of control in her art.

This conversation is packed with heart, wisdom, and actionable insights for anyone balancing a creative passion with life or business.

You can find Ilma’s incredible work HERE:

@ilmaalidesign

Let’s Connect:

Did this conversation resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Find me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or wherever you hang out online. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend, or leave a review- it means the world.