Using Pinterest as a Lookbook for an Event & Unique Experiences

A Conversation Rooted in Creative Experiences

On this episode of The Simple Pin Podcast, I sat down with Ellen Yin of Cubicle to CEO for a conversation that stretched far beyond business tactics. What started as a discussion about her experience as Mrs. Oregon America quickly evolved into a deeper exploration of creativity, community, and how intentional experiences can shape the way we grow our businesses. From the very beginning, this conversation felt grounded in curiosity and openness, which set the tone for everything that followed.

Image shows a woman looking at a laptop screen.

What Pageantry Taught Us About Business

Ellen shared how her journey into pageantry was a spontaneous decision that turned into one of the most impactful experiences of her life. What stood out to me was how many parallels there were between pageantry and entrepreneurship. Both require storytelling, confidence, adaptability, and the ability to connect with people quickly and authentically. Listening to Ellen reflect on public speaking, media interviews, and representing a platform reminded me how much our nonbusiness experiences sharpen the skills we use every day as entrepreneurs.

Bloom Together and the Power of Thoughtful Details

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was unpacking Ellen’s Bloom Together event and how she intentionally designed the attendee experience. From using Pinterest as a collaborative tool to create a shared vision for what to wear, to fostering an environment where attendees felt like co creators rather than spectators, every detail mattered. What struck me most was how something as simple as a Pinterest board removed uncertainty, sparked connection, and helped people show up more confidently and creatively.

Community as a Competitive Advantage

As the conversation shifted toward the future, we talked about where business is heading in 2026. Ellen shared why she is transitioning her long running podcast to a premium model and how creating owned spaces for community is becoming essential. We discussed the fatigue creators feel from algorithms and fragmented platforms, and how private communities offer a sense of grounding and clarity. Having a dedicated space where conversations can continue beyond the content itself allows creators and audiences to build something meaningful together.

A Challenge for 2026

We closed with a challenge that has stayed with me. Step outside your bubble. Try something new that has nothing to do with your business. Join a community, learn a skill, or immerse yourself in an unfamiliar world. Those experiences often become the most unexpected sources of inspiration. At the same time, think bigger about your business as an asset and how it supports your long term life and financial goals. This episode was a reminder that growth does not always come from doing more, but from seeing differently.