Mar 9
In true ADHD style, artist Micah Clasper-Torch has had a winding career path, leading her to a variety of jobs in art, fashion, and startups. When Micah discovered the traditional craft of punch needle rug hooking, however, she unexpectedly uncovered a passion that would finally allow her to focus her creativity in a single direction. After completing a rug hooking program in 2019, she successfully launched her own business, Punch Needle World, with a mission to uplift the craft and make high-quality supplies and training accessible to all.
Micah’s passion may have inspired her to start her business, but it was when she received her official ADHD diagnosis that the rest of the entrepreneurship puzzle pieces fell into place. Her diagnosis taught her that her creative brain needs structure to thrive, and since building ADHD-friendly systems and supports into her days her business has only grown stronger.
Join our conversation to hear how Micah structures her days to get the most out of her creativity, what’s changed since getting diagnosed, her thoughts on creative entrepreneurship, and much more.
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"I'm rarely bored and I don't run out of ideas, I have too many ideas. And I think that influx of ideas and creativity is something that has definitely contributed to my success as a creative and an entrepreneur."
- Micah Clasper-Torch
"My diagnosis has definitely been a good thing and it’s led to differences in my business, the way I approach my schedule, my work habits. The more I understand about myself and the way my brain works and I can kind of see it truly as, ‘oh, this is just my brain, how can I set my day or my schedule to kind of play into that instead of fighting against it?’ That's made all the difference."
- Micah Clasper-Torch
"I knew that I was interested in art and design and wanted to go to art school, so I didn’t beat myself up too much about other subjects. I think that I just didn't really care about being good at things that I wasn't interested in and I didn't put a lot of pressure on myself based on outside expectations."
- Micah Clasper-Torch
- Micah describes herself as a 'good student' who excelled in subjects she was interested in, while struggling less in others.
- Micah's voracious reading as a child was once seen as an indicator of not having ADHD, but it is now recognized as a common symptom.
- Micah discovered punch needle rug hooking in 2017 and became passionate about it, leading to a shift in her art practice and business.
[27:02 - 44:47] Punch needle crafting and its appeal for ADHD brains
- Micah believes punch needle crafting can be beneficial for ADHD brains due to its slow and meditative nature, allowing for a depth of focus and creativity.
- Micah discovered a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge with an online Instagram community, initially focused on punch needle embroidery.
- Micah credits her ADHD for driving her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, mentioning various childhood businesses and side hustles.
- Micah struggles with starting and maintaining creative projects, often feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how to move forward.
- Micah finds success in embracing ADHD traits, such as creativity and openness to experiences, which help her generate ideas and connect with others.
- Micah structures her day to prioritize creative time and physical activity, which helps her focus and manage her ADHD symptoms.
Personal website: www.micahclasper-torch.com
Instagram: @claspertorch
Punch Needle World website: www.punchneedleworld.com
Instagram: @punchneedle.world If you're interested in learning punch needle, check out her online courses here PUNCH NEEDLE ACADEMY.
Use the coupon code ADHDPODCAST for 20% off of Micah’s online course.
