054 | Art, Connection, and Community: Could Be Pretty Cool® w/ Kacie Luaders

The idea of the starving artist shouldn’t be a rite of passage. There are ways for independent creators to build sustainable careers—but they need the right access, support, and infrastructure.

Insert Kacie Luaders. 

Kacie Luaders, founder of Could Be Pretty Cool and host of You Heard Me Right, is working to change the way indie artists and creatives navigate their careers. From her background in theater and sound design to being named one of Podcast Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Kacie has spent years advocating for independent artists and ensuring their work is seen. 

Kacie shares, "I definitely went through the starving artist phase—the roommates, the mattress on the floor, breaking a ramen brick in half for lunch and dinner. But it's not necessary. I want to be an advocate for indie creators and creative entrepreneurs so they don’t have to go through that."

In this episode, Kacie shares:

• The artists and creatives she works with. "We prioritize indie creators who are out here doing the work—whether they have a big social presence or not. Some have brick-and-mortar print shops, others perform in the back of coffee shops, but they’re working artists. That’s what matters."
• Why visibility and access are essential for creative sustainability. "Being able to tell these stories means I can bring them to people who can actually make decisions. That might be funders, policymakers, or organizations looking to support smaller arts communities."
• How podcasting and creative media are shifting. "Podcasting used to be either huge corporate networks or completely DIY. I want to see a space where creators putting out consistent, high-quality work can actually get resources without needing a million downloads."

Kacie shares what she did to build a sustainable career as an independent creator and how Could Be Pretty Cool® is creating a creative economy that values authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Whether you’re an artist looking for funding, a podcaster working outside the big networks, or a creative entrepreneur carving your own lane, this conversation breaks down the systems, strategies, and connections moving your work forward. 

Next Steps: 

Connect with Kacie:  https://couldbeprettycool.com/

Get Strategic Edge Magazine: https://media.feliciafordandco.com

Join Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.com