Episode 150: When Hard Work Turns into Overwork with Amy Frazer of Keller Design Co.
Today we are having one of those heart-felt conversations that I know will hit home for so many of us. My guest, Amy Frazer of Keller Design Co., joins me to talk about the deeply relatable topic of overworking. That feeling of pushing past your limits because you love what you do, but somehow end up running on empty. This is such a vulnerable, real conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building a creative life that feels aligned and sustainable.
From Corporate Hustle to Creative Alignment:
Amy shares her incredible career journey from designing candy packaging to working with Old Navy to Nike and how the fun and excitement of it all slowly led her toward burnout. She opens up about the moment she realized she wasn’t running toward the life she wanted but away from exhaustion. Her story is a beautiful reminder that fulfillment doesn’t come from constant motion, but from direction and intention.
The Emotional Roots of Overworking:
We dig deep into the “why” behind our overworking tendencies. That search for approval, the pride of productivity, and the fear of slowing down. Amy and I both reflect on how many of us creatives tie our worth to what we produce. It’s not just about hustle culture or “girl boss” energy; it’s about identity and belonging. This part of our conversation gets real, touching on the quiet shame of burnout and the courage it takes to step back and say, I can’t keep doing this.
Relearning Rest and Redefining Success:
Amy shares the practical shifts she’s made to cultivate balance. From setting time boundaries and turning off her phone to adding small, joyful breaks into her day. We talk about how embracing part-time or full-time work can actually support your creative dreams instead of taking away from them. Amy’s wisdom is such a gift: rest isn’t a reward you earn, it’s a rhythm you build. And creating from rest, not exhaustion, is where your best work begins.
If you’ve been feeling overextended, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Burnout doesn’t happen overnight and neither does recovery. You can care deeply about your work without letting it define you. You can build a business that reflects your values, honors your energy, and still thrives. Amy’s story is proof that slowing down doesn’t mean giving up it means coming home to yourself.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Burnout doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it just feels like constant tension, exhaustion that never lifts, or the inability to turn your mind off even when the workday is done.
Overworking often starts with good intentions. You care deeply, you want to do things well, and you keep saying yes. But when your worth becomes tied to what you produce, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are beyond the work.
Change starts with awareness. Notice when you’re running on empty, the migraines, the anxiety, the disorganization, the loss of joy. Then take small, intentional steps to reset, build in rest, set boundaries, and do something purely for yourself.
You can work hard without constantly proving your value. You can love what you do and still walk away at the end of the day. The goal isn’t to do more, it’s to live better while you do it.
Amy L. Frazer is an illustrator and embroiderer living and working in Portland, OR where the trees are greener and the forests are for everyone. A multi-disciplined craftsperson, Amy has a deep appreciation for all things made by hand. Through her work she captures the beauty of the world around us, adding personal touches through mark making. Amy holds a BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD), and has a strong foundation in drawing and illustration, but considers herself a lifelong learner.
A self-taught embroiderer, Amy teaches workshops with local craft shops and arts and nature organizations with a focus on florals and iconic Portland bridges. With extensive experience in product creation working at companies such as Galerie au Chocolat, Old Navy and Nike, she enjoys designing objects as well as the prints and colors that adorn them. Amy’s products are sold through her stationery and gift company, Keller Design Co, to retailers across the United States. Keller’s stationery, embroidery kits and artful gifts help you share stories, make connections and communicate with simple honest messages. Keller products help you connect with those you love and find connections to creativity.
Amy lives in Portland with her boyfriend, Matthew, and their two rescue dogs, Duke and Josephine, who love to wrestle a lot. Their bags are always packed for the next adventure to the mountains, the sea or a fun city to explore together.
Connect with Amy:
https://www.instagram.com/kellerdesignco/https://www.kellerdesignco.com/
To pre-order a copy and get a free download:
https://www.quarto.com/campaign/BirthFlowerEmbroidery?_kx=yxEMhom8cb2aT7OQ-TtEGw.WEMLKU
Wholesale ordering:
https://quarto.sommerstreet.com/product/birth-flower-embroidery-a-month-by-month-celebration-of-floral-embroidery/
