Brave Online Course Builders

The Gratitude-Confidence Link: Building Unshakeable Confidence and Achieving Transformative Success through the Power of Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! Today, we're diving into a powerful topic: the connection between gratitude and confidence.

The Decision to Climb

Think about this for a moment: when you're going through a pivotal time in your life, personal or in business, one day, you'll look back and realize that was the moment things shifted for the better. But we often don't realize it while we're in the thick of it.

It's true; we only recognize those moments of transformation once we've stepped through them and look back with gratitude.

Gratitude Supplies

To embark on this journey of gratitude and confidence, we first need to decide to climb. We acknowledge the need for change and set our sights on a life filled with gratitude and confidence.

With that decision made, we gather our supplies, which can include tools like a gratitude journal or a commitment to acknowledging the good in every situation.

The Ascent

Phase three is where the ascent begins. We start practicing gratitude, expressing it regularly, and gradually building our confidence. It's like taking one step at a time up the mountain.

As we climb, we make small changes and see ourselves differently. We're flipping the script in our minds regarding all aspects of our lives and businesses.

Overcoming Obstacles

Just like a mountain climb has challenges, real life presents obstacles. But when we're grounded in gratitude, we can use these challenges as opportunities to grow and find the positive.

It's all about turning adversity into advantage. We gain confidence by recognizing our small wins and building resilience.

Reaching New Heights

Reaching new heights is where we embrace gratitude for ourselves and our journey. We acknowledge our progress, recognize our own worth, and celebrate our achievements.

At this stage, we realize that we're capable of reaching the peak and deserving of the view from the top. We've grown into a more confident version of ourselves.

Enjoying the View

Finally, we arrive at the summit, and it's time to enjoy the view. We reflect on how far we've come, appreciate the journey, and acknowledge the people who helped us along the way.

Remember that joy can be contagious, and our journey inspires those around us. So, let's make the climb a joyful one and inspire others to do the same.

We encourage you to take that first step on your own journey. Whether you're starting or in the middle of a climb, remember that you have what it takes to reach new heights and build your confidence along the way.

We're grateful for each one of our listeners, and we hope that our podcast motivates you to embark on your own journey of gratitude and confidence. Always remember, brave looks good on you.!

Links

The Forbes article that inspired this episode.

The leather journal Melissa loves, especially for guys.

HumanKind: Changing The World One Small Act at a Time Book

Episode 28 - Interview with Author, Brad Aronson

Interested in our upcoming course, “Podcast Creation Made Simple: A Beginner's Roadmap From Start To Finish”? Click to join the waitlist! 

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

The Gratitude-Confidence Link: Building Unshakeable Confidence and Achieving Transformative Success through the Power of Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! Today, we're diving into a powerful topic: the connection between gratitude and confidence.

The Decision to Climb

Think about this for a moment: when you're going through a pivotal time in your life, personal or in business, one day, you'll look back and realize that was the moment things shifted for the better. But we often don't realize it while we're in the thick of it.

It's true; we only recognize those moments of transformation once we've stepped through them and look back with gratitude.

Gratitude Supplies

To embark on this journey of gratitude and confidence, we first need to decide to climb. We acknowledge the need for change and set our sights on a life filled with gratitude and confidence.

With that decision made, we gather our supplies, which can include tools like a gratitude journal or a commitment to acknowledging the good in every situation.

The Ascent

Phase three is where the ascent begins. We start practicing gratitude, expressing it regularly, and gradually building our confidence. It's like taking one step at a time up the mountain.

As we climb, we make small changes and see ourselves differently. We're flipping the script in our minds regarding all aspects of our lives and businesses.

Overcoming Obstacles

Just like a mountain climb has challenges, real life presents obstacles. But when we're grounded in gratitude, we can use these challenges as opportunities to grow and find the positive.

It's all about turning adversity into advantage. We gain confidence by recognizing our small wins and building resilience.

Reaching New Heights

Reaching new heights is where we embrace gratitude for ourselves and our journey. We acknowledge our progress, recognize our own worth, and celebrate our achievements.

At this stage, we realize that we're capable of reaching the peak and deserving of the view from the top. We've grown into a more confident version of ourselves.

Enjoying the View

Finally, we arrive at the summit, and it's time to enjoy the view. We reflect on how far we've come, appreciate the journey, and acknowledge the people who helped us along the way.

Remember that joy can be contagious, and our journey inspires those around us. So, let's make the climb a joyful one and inspire others to do the same.

We encourage you to take that first step on your own journey. Whether you're starting or in the middle of a climb, remember that you have what it takes to reach new heights and build your confidence along the way.

We're grateful for each one of our listeners, and we hope that our podcast motivates you to embark on your own journey of gratitude and confidence. Always remember, brave looks good on you.!

Links

The Forbes article that inspired this episode.

The leather journal Melissa loves, especially for guys.

HumanKind: Changing The World One Small Act at a Time Book

Episode 28 - Interview with Author, Brad Aronson

Interested in our upcoming course, “Podcast Creation Made Simple: A Beginner's Roadmap From Start To Finish”? Click to join the waitlist! 

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

BTS: A Week of Business Adventures and Inspiration

We're taking you behind the scenes of Brave Looks Good on You, and here's a fun fact: We live in different states—Julie's in Texas, and Melissa in Arkansas. Despite being lifelong friends, we don't get to see each other in person very often.

Recently, we spent a week together in San Antonio to get some work done and have some fun. We had a live event, a photo shoot, and, of course, some hilarious moments during our time together. We thought it would be great to give you a peek behind the curtain, sharing our goals for the trip, including what we accomplished and some of the funny things that happened along the way.

We spent a lot of time preparing for this time together, creating to-do lists and making plans. One of our goals was to visit some of the people we've interviewed over the past year who live in the San Antonio area. We managed to do that, including a visit to Opal and Onyx cookies to see Hilary.

We kicked things off with a trip to Austin to meet one of our clients for lunch, and it was delightful to finally meet her in person after months of Zoom calls. We discussed our projects and looked forward to releasing our work to the world in January.

The next day was jam packed with a hair and make-up session followed by a photo shoot for updated headshots. Later that evening, we hosted our live event at BSB, which was a fantastic experience. It was a sold-out, ticketed event, and the participation and energy in the room were incredible. It was a proud moment for both of us, stepping outside our comfort zones.

The rest of the week was a mix of work and fun, with brainstorming sessions, podcast planning, and walks in Julie's beautiful neighborhood. 

Overall, this trip was a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time, but it reaffirmed our commitment to our business and the connections we've made. It reminded us that hard work pays off and that, even though we may not be exactly where we want to be, we've come a long way and have gained clarity along the journey. So, remember, getting started is key, and done is better than perfect. Brave truly does look good on us.

Links

Opal & Onyx Cookies Website and Episode

The book Melissa read The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

BSB - Babes Support Babes where we hosted our Live Event

Sticky Note Party Episode

NobiliTea

HEB and Episode

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss, Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - Praline (Deep Nude)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Soft Matte Lip Cream, Lightweight Liquid Lipstick - Rome (Medium Nude)

Big Sexy Powder Play

Surfer Girl Texture Play

Interested in our upcoming course, “Podcast Creation Made Simple: A Beginner's Roadmap From Start To Finish”? Click to join the waitlist! 

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

BTS: A Week of Business Adventures and Inspiration

We're taking you behind the scenes of Brave Looks Good on You, and here's a fun fact: We live in different states—Julie's in Texas, and Melissa in Arkansas. Despite being lifelong friends, we don't get to see each other in person very often.

Recently, we spent a week together in San Antonio to get some work done and have some fun. We had a live event, a photo shoot, and, of course, some hilarious moments during our time together. We thought it would be great to give you a peek behind the curtain, sharing our goals for the trip, including what we accomplished and some of the funny things that happened along the way.

We spent a lot of time preparing for this time together, creating to-do lists and making plans. One of our goals was to visit some of the people we've interviewed over the past year who live in the San Antonio area. We managed to do that, including a visit to Opal and Onyx cookies to see Hilary.

We kicked things off with a trip to Austin to meet one of our clients for lunch, and it was delightful to finally meet her in person after months of Zoom calls. We discussed our projects and looked forward to releasing our work to the world in January.

The next day was jam packed with a hair and make-up session followed by a photo shoot for updated headshots. Later that evening, we hosted our live event at BSB, which was a fantastic experience. It was a sold-out, ticketed event, and the participation and energy in the room were incredible. It was a proud moment for both of us, stepping outside our comfort zones.

The rest of the week was a mix of work and fun, with brainstorming sessions, podcast planning, and walks in Julie's beautiful neighborhood. 

Overall, this trip was a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time, but it reaffirmed our commitment to our business and the connections we've made. It reminded us that hard work pays off and that, even though we may not be exactly where we want to be, we've come a long way and have gained clarity along the journey. So, remember, getting started is key, and done is better than perfect. Brave truly does look good on us.

Links

Opal & Onyx Cookies Website and Episode

The book Melissa read The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

BSB - Babes Support Babes where we hosted our Live Event

Sticky Note Party Episode

NobiliTea

HEB and Episode

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss, Non-Sticky Lip Gloss - Praline (Deep Nude)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Soft Matte Lip Cream, Lightweight Liquid Lipstick - Rome (Medium Nude)

Big Sexy Powder Play

Surfer Girl Texture Play

Interested in our upcoming course, “Podcast Creation Made Simple: A Beginner's Roadmap From Start To Finish”? Click to join the waitlist! 

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

Embracing Change and Pursuing Dreams: Mary Eggart's Inspirational Journey

We’re thrilled to introduce our special guest, Mary Eggart. Mary and Melissa share a deep friendship that spans back to their seventh-grade days, making her a truly cherished guest. Mary's journey is an inspiring testament to the idea that it's never too late to pursue your dreams or change careers. She began her career as an educator, primarily focusing on special education. In addition to teaching, she even played a vital role in helping her husband establish his dental practice through diligent research and market analysis.

As their careers unfolded, Mary and Melissa ventured into business together, launching a successful endeavor rooted in South Arkansas. It was a leap of faith, but Mary's unwavering support and conviction made it possible. After a few years, she decided to pivot back into teaching, working with elementary and high school students, utilizing her expertise in literacy and special education.

Mary's story takes another exciting turn as she embarks on a writing career. She's been actively honing her writing skills by contributing to various publications, such as 501 Life Magazine and Only in Arkansas. Her ultimate goal is to publish a novel and explore the world of storytelling more deeply.

Throughout her career and life journey, Mary's unwavering faith, determination, and ability to seize opportunities have been constants. Her story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to follow your passion and make a change. She encourages others to trust their instincts, stay faithful to their paths, and embrace the open doors that present themselves along the way. Mary's resilience and willingness to reinvent herself are truly inspiring. 

Links

LinkedIn

Centenary College

University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton

Arkansas Tech University

Sacred Heart Catholic School

To Kill a Mockingbird

501 Life Magazine

A Golden Legacy, page 60-62

A Golden Legacy, page 68

Only in Ark

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

Interested in our upcoming course, “Podcast Creation Made Simple: A Beginner's Roadmap From Start To Finish”? Click to join the waitlist! 

Reflecting on One Year of Podcasting: Our Podcast Journey and Lessons Learned

We can hardly believe it, but we're celebrating a significant milestone today – our podcast's one-year anniversary! It's been an incredible journey filled with brave stories, inspiring entrepreneur interviews, lots of laughter, and hopefully, some valuable insights and fun for all who've been tuning in each week.

As we take this moment to look back on the past year, we can't help but feel grateful for the amazing community that has grown around our podcast. Whether you've been with us since day one or you're just joining us for the first time, your support has meant the world to us.

During this episode, we want to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into our podcasting adventure. We'll be sharing some of our favorite moments, reflecting on the challenges we've faced, and discussing how our show has evolved over the past year.

One of the things that has brought us immense joy is the opportunity to create free resources for our audience. We've seen many of you download and engage with these resources, and it's incredibly fulfilling to know that they've been helpful on your personal and professional journeys. For those of you who haven't checked them out yet, we'll be revisiting some of our top favorites, including our "Idea Igniter or Detailed Doer" quiz, designed to shed light on your work approach, and our Chat GPT ebook, an exploration of AI applications that can be both professional and personal game-changers.

Now, let's talk about the podcast's evolution. When we first started, we'll admit we were a bit nervous about being unscripted. Julie, especially, was more comfortable with structured content, and we used to read from 15-page scripts – which means Melissa had to write all that content prior to each recording! But as the year went by, we've learned to embrace spontaneity and roll with the punches. Bloopers? We've embraced them wholeheartedly. Our now unscripted style has allowed us to be more authentic, and we've discovered that some of our best moments happen when we're just being ourselves.

Speaking of being ourselves, our initial focus was solely on business-related topics. However, as the year unfolded, we realized that bravery extends beyond business ventures. It encompasses all aspects of life. So, we've pivoted, and our podcast now explores the courage it takes to pursue any dream or goal, whether personal or professional. We've discovered that our business and personal lives are intrinsically connected, and we're excited to continue this journey of exploration.

Melissa, with her knack for generating ideas and conducting research, has been instrumental in shaping the podcast's content. She's also the one who tirelessly sends DMs to Mel Robbins, one of her dream guests. On the technical side of things, Julie is the wizard behind the scenes. She handles all the post-recording work, from editing to publishing. It's a partnership that has truly blossomed over the past year.

For those of you who are considering starting your own podcast or pursuing a creative endeavor, we have some advice. Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. There is an audience out there waiting to hear your unique message. Just take that first step and see where it leads you. We've learned that starting imperfectly is better than never starting at all.

 Throughout the year, we've had some fantastic moments. One of our favorites is the time we couldn't stop laughing during a recording – it lasted a remarkable eight minutes and 14 seconds! Laughter is something that's become a constant in our work, and it's something we truly treasure. Additionally, we've had the privilege of meeting some of the incredible people we've interviewed in person, sharing cookies and coffee with them, which has been a highlight for us.

As we celebrate one year of brave stories and laughs, we want to thank you, our amazing audience, for your unwavering support. We're thrilled about what the future holds and can't wait to continue this journey with all of you. So stay tuned, because who knows, maybe our dream guests will join us, and we'll have some exciting surprises in store for the next year!

Links

Idea Igniter or Detailed Doer Quiz

ChatGPT: Unlocking its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life!

Mel Robbins

Interested in our upcoming course, “Podcast Creation Made Simple: A Beginner's Roadmap From Start To Finish”? Click to join the waitlist! 

My Pet Peed

Custom Dog Tags

Dog Chews for Joint Health

Episode 41: Tarra Hardeman, Founder of the Carmel Soap Company, Created What Was Missing In Her Life: A Natural Skincare Brand

Episode 42: Faithful Creations: Jewelry, Stories, and Empowerment with Kellie Cutsinger of BradleyKellie.com 

Episode 43 - We Need to Address the Hustle Culture

Episode 44 - Elevating Your Entrepreneurial Image: Crafting Style and Brand with Diamond Ariel

Episode 46 - From Risk-Taking to Real Estate Success: A Journey of Empowerment with Alisa Cox

Episode 47 - Masterclass in Spa Success: Claudia Aceves Shares Her Blueprint for Empowerment and Growth

Episode 48 - Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone: Practical Steps Towards Your Future Self

Episode 49 - Turning Financial Expertise Into Entrepreneurial Empowerment with Karie Huber of KL Bookkeeping Services

Episode 52 - Empowering Your Financial Journey: My Financial Snapshot's User-Friendly Tools and Expert Content Led by the Founder & CEO, LB Hudson

My Financial Snapshot website, promo code “BRAVE20” to get 20% off your subscription! 

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

Reflecting on One Year of Podcasting: Our Podcast Journey and Lessons Learned

We can hardly believe it, but we're celebrating a significant milestone today – our podcast's one-year anniversary! It's been an incredible journey filled with brave stories, inspiring entrepreneur interviews, lots of laughter, and hopefully, some valuable insights and fun for all who've been tuning in each week.

As we take this moment to look back on the past year, we can't help but feel grateful for the amazing community that has grown around our podcast. Whether you've been with us since day one or you're just joining us for the first time, your support has meant the world to us.

During this episode, we want to give you a behind-the-scenes peek into our podcasting adventure. We'll be sharing some of our favorite moments, reflecting on the challenges we've faced, and discussing how our show has evolved over the past year.

One of the things that has brought us immense joy is the opportunity to create free resources for our audience. We've seen many of you download and engage with these resources, and it's incredibly fulfilling to know that they've been helpful on your personal and professional journeys. For those of you who haven't checked them out yet, we'll be revisiting some of our top favorites, including our "Idea Igniter or Detailed Doer" quiz, designed to shed light on your work approach, and our Chat GPT ebook, an exploration of AI applications that can be both professional and personal game-changers.

Now, let's talk about the podcast's evolution. When we first started, we'll admit we were a bit nervous about being unscripted. Julie, especially, was more comfortable with structured content, and we used to read from 15-page scripts – which means Melissa had to write all that content prior to each recording! But as the year went by, we've learned to embrace spontaneity and roll with the punches. Bloopers? We've embraced them wholeheartedly. Our now unscripted style has allowed us to be more authentic, and we've discovered that some of our best moments happen when we're just being ourselves.

Speaking of being ourselves, our initial focus was solely on business-related topics. However, as the year unfolded, we realized that bravery extends beyond business ventures. It encompasses all aspects of life. So, we've pivoted, and our podcast now explores the courage it takes to pursue any dream or goal, whether personal or professional. We've discovered that our business and personal lives are intrinsically connected, and we're excited to continue this journey of exploration.

Melissa, with her knack for generating ideas and conducting research, has been instrumental in shaping the podcast's content. She's also the one who tirelessly sends DMs to Mel Robbins, one of her dream guests. On the technical side of things, Julie is the wizard behind the scenes. She handles all the post-recording work, from editing to publishing. It's a partnership that has truly blossomed over the past year.

For those of you who are considering starting your own podcast or pursuing a creative endeavor, we have some advice. Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. There is an audience out there waiting to hear your unique message. Just take that first step and see where it leads you. We've learned that starting imperfectly is better than never starting at all.

 Throughout the year, we've had some fantastic moments. One of our favorites is the time we couldn't stop laughing during a recording – it lasted a remarkable eight minutes and 14 seconds! Laughter is something that's become a constant in our work, and it's something we truly treasure. Additionally, we've had the privilege of meeting some of the incredible people we've interviewed in person, sharing cookies and coffee with them, which has been a highlight for us.

As we celebrate one year of brave stories and laughs, we want to thank you, our amazing audience, for your unwavering support. We're thrilled about what the future holds and can't wait to continue this journey with all of you. So stay tuned, because who knows, maybe our dream guests will join us, and we'll have some exciting surprises in store for the next year!

Links

Idea Igniter or Detailed Doer Quiz

ChatGPT: Unlocking its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life!

Mel Robbins

Interested in our upcoming course, “Podcast Creation Made Simple: A Beginner's Roadmap From Start To Finish”? Click to join the waitlist! 

My Pet Peed

Custom Dog Tags

Dog Chews for Joint Health

Episode 41: Tarra Hardeman, Founder of the Carmel Soap Company, Created What Was Missing In Her Life: A Natural Skincare Brand

Episode 42: Faithful Creations: Jewelry, Stories, and Empowerment with Kellie Cutsinger of BradleyKellie.com 

Episode 43 - We Need to Address the Hustle Culture

Episode 44 - Elevating Your Entrepreneurial Image: Crafting Style and Brand with Diamond Ariel

Episode 46 - From Risk-Taking to Real Estate Success: A Journey of Empowerment with Alisa Cox

Episode 47 - Masterclass in Spa Success: Claudia Aceves Shares Her Blueprint for Empowerment and Growth

Episode 48 - Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone: Practical Steps Towards Your Future Self

Episode 49 - Turning Financial Expertise Into Entrepreneurial Empowerment with Karie Huber of KL Bookkeeping Services

Episode 52 - Empowering Your Financial Journey: My Financial Snapshot's User-Friendly Tools and Expert Content Led by the Founder & CEO, LB Hudson

My Financial Snapshot website, promo code “BRAVE20” to get 20% off your subscription! 

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

Building a Powerful Brand Identity: Strategies, Expert Advice, and Real-World Examples with Nat Alves of Nat Marie Design

We’re absolutely ecstatic about our interview with Nat Alves. Nat is a powerhouse when it comes to helping small businesses craft and create their brands. Having met her in person, it’s evident that her passion shines through in every conversation and every piece of work she touches.

In today’s episode, we cover a wide range of topics, all centered around the crucial role branding plays in the success of small businesses. Here are some of the key points we discuss:

Nat walks us through her impressive journey, sharing insights from her corporate experiences to her transition into the entrepreneurial world. 

2. The Move to San Antonio and Embracing Small Businesses

Hear about Nat’s brave decision to move to San Antonio right after her wedding, her initial experiences in the city, and how she found her love for working with small businesses.

Discover how a layoff from her corporate job became the catalyst for Nat to dive into full-time business ownership, a transition that proved to be a blessing in disguise.

Nat provides invaluable advice on why it’s crucial to focus on building a brand rather than just a business. She stresses the importance of creating an emotional connection with consumers and shares practical tips on how to define your brand’s purpose, mission, target audience, and personality.

5. Brand Guides Keep Your Messaging Aligned

Nat emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive brand guide to maintain consistency and coherence in brand presentation. Here’s a summary of the key elements she mentioned should be included in a brand guide:

• Element 1: Simple, but with a unique edge.

• Element 2: Convey a feeling or a theme.

• Element 3: Have a logo family.

• Primary Colors: Main colors that represent the brand.

• Secondary Colors: Additional colors to complement the primary palette.

• Usage Guidelines: Specific contexts for using each color to maintain consistency.

• Font Styles: Defined fonts for different textual elements (headings, body, captions).

• Hierarchy: Guidelines on how to use various font sizes and styles together.

• Style: A consistent style or theme for images associated with the brand.

• Usage: Guidelines on how and where to use images to enhance brand messaging.

• Writing Style: A clear and consistent style of writing that reflects the brand’s personality.

• Tone: The emotional tone that should be used to communicate with the audience.

• Patterns or Icons: Any additional graphical elements that are part of the brand identity.

• Guidelines: Clear instructions on what to do and what to avoid to maintain brand integrity.

By providing these elements in a brand guide, businesses ensure that every point of contact with customers reflects a consistent and coherent brand image. This helps in building a strong brand identity that resonates with the target audience and stands out in the market.

This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to understand the ins and outs of branding for small businesses. Nat’s expertise and passion for branding are evident throughout the conversation, providing listeners with actionable insights and a deeper appreciation for the role of branding in business success. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey through the world of branding with Nat Marie Design!

Links

Nat Marie Design and @natmariedesign on Instagram

Building a Brand free download by Nat Marie Design

Canva

Creative Market

Shutterstock

Pinterest

Behance

Dribble

Join Julie & Melissa for Virtual Coffee!

Questions for us? We’d love to answer!

Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)

Brave Looks Good On You

Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running”  You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com.  Plus, we’d love to hear from you!  Do you have a question for us?  You can ask right HERE!  We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts!  Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.

Building a Powerful Brand Identity: Strategies, Expert Advice, and Real-World Examples with Nat Alves of Nat Marie Design

We’re absolutely ecstatic about our interview with Nat Alves. Nat is a powerhouse when it comes to helping small businesses craft and create their brands. Having met her in person, it’s evident that her passion shines through in every conversation and every piece of work she touches.

In today’s episode, we cover a wide range of topics, all centered around the crucial role branding plays in the success of small businesses. Here are some of the key points we discuss:

Nat walks us through her impressive journey, sharing insights from her corporate experiences to her transition into the entrepreneurial world. 

2. The Move to San Antonio and Embracing Small Businesses

Hear about Nat’s brave decision to move to San Antonio right after her wedding, her initial experiences in the city, and how she found her love for working with small businesses.

Discover how a layoff from her corporate job became the catalyst for Nat to dive into full-time business ownership, a transition that proved to be a blessing in disguise.

Nat provides invaluable advice on why it’s crucial to focus on building a brand rather than just a business. She stresses the importance of creating an emotional connection with consumers and shares practical tips on how to define your brand’s purpose, mission, target audience, and personality.

5. Brand Guides Keep Your Messaging Aligned

Nat emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive brand guide to maintain consistency and coherence in brand presentation. Here’s a summary of the key elements she mentioned should be included in a brand guide:

• Element 1: Simple, but with a unique edge.

• Element 2: Convey a feeling or a theme.

• Element 3: Have a logo family.

• Primary Colors: Main colors that represent the brand.

• Secondary Colors: Additional colors to complement the primary palette.

• Usage Guidelines: Specific contexts for using each color to maintain consistency.

• Font Styles: Defined fonts for different textual elements (headings, body, captions).

• Hierarchy: Guidelines on how to use various font sizes and styles together.

• Style: A consistent style or theme for images associated with the brand.

• Usage: Guidelines on how and where to use images to enhance brand messaging.

• Writing Style: A clear and consistent style of writing that reflects the brand’s personality.

• Tone: The emotional tone that should be used to communicate with the audience.

• Patterns or Icons: Any additional graphical elements that are part of the brand identity.

• Guidelines: Clear instructions on what to do and what to avoid to maintain brand integrity.

By providing these elements in a brand guide, businesses ensure that every point of contact with customers reflects a consistent and coherent brand image. This helps in building a strong brand identity that resonates with the target audience and stands out in the market.

This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to understand the ins and outs of branding for small businesses. Nat’s expertise and passion for branding are evident throughout the conversation, providing listeners with actionable insights and a deeper appreciation for the role of branding in business success. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey through the world of branding with Nat Marie Design!

Links

Nat Marie Design and @natmariedesign on Instagram

Building a Brand free download by Nat Marie Design

Canva

Creative Market

Shutterstock

Pinterest

Behance

Dribble

Join Julie & Melissa for Virtual Coffee!

Questions for us? We’d love to answer!

Join our eMail List (we promise we’re not annoying!)

Brave Looks Good On You

Make sure you get OUR Complimentary “FREE Beginners Roadmap to Getting Your Business Up & Running”  You can find that download and more on our website at Bravelooksgoodonyou.com.  Plus, we’d love to hear from you!  Do you have a question for us?  You can ask right HERE!  We love hearing from you, plus that will give us great ideas for future podcasts!  Until next time, remember, Brave looks good on you.