Kindness, honesty and risk: Carol Williams’ lessons for creatives 27 Oct 2025 27 Oct 2025 Kindness, honesty and risk: Carol Williams’ lessons for creativesFor Carol Williams, creativity is rooted in generosity – and mentorship is about being the person in someone’s corner right when they need it most. Carol Joy Williams @caroljoywilliamshttps://www.caroljoywilliams.com/ Carol Williams has walked the creative path long enough to know it’s not always straightforward. “I know what it feels like to feel lost at sea – like you don’t know how to get what’s inside of you out into the world in a meaningful and sustainable way,” she says. “I still feel this way sometimes, but I’ve learnt a thing or two along the way.”That perspective shapes how she mentors others. For Carol, guidance starts with cultivating an honest but kind inner voice. “Creativity is rooted in generosity, not scarcity. What we say to ourselves and to others matters,” she explains. At the same time, honesty is essential, and that means owning when work isn’t strong enough, when deadlines are missed, or when it’s time to shift direction. The balance of creating and mentoringAs co-host of the Creative Allies podcast, Carol is constantly reminded of the risks and resilience required in the creative world. Having conversations with creatives at different stages of their journey reinforces her belief that there’s no perfect formula. “Everyone starts somewhere, and there’s no rulebook for this journey. Get in, get started, learn as you go, and keep taking risks and learning from them,” she says.Her favourite moments are those that show what risk can unlock. She recalls a story shared by Nyambo from fashion brand MASA MARA, who had to make his own luck by taking bold risks to get his brand noticed. Stories like these reflect the reality that while access and cash flow remain major challenges for creatives, there are also more opportunities than ever to gain support, knowledge, and networks. Why Artist Alliance mattersMentorship is where Carol brings her experience full circle. “Sometimes you just need someone in your corner, cheering you on,” she says. For her, initiatives like the Artist Alliance Incubation Programme are vital because they connect creatives to resources, knowledge, and collaborative communities. She believes these networks are not just supportive but also essential for building sustainable careers.Her advice to anyone hesitating about applying? “No one is going to go on this journey for you. If not now, when?” BACK TO OUR BLOG
