What does branding really mean, and why do so many businesses get it wrong?

In this episode, Matthew sits down with Frannie Wilson, founder of Ampersand Studios, to unpack what actually builds a memorable, trusted brand—and why it has very little to do with logos, colors, or social media “hacks.”
Frannie shares her 16-year journey as an entrepreneur, from accidentally starting a business during the recession, to pivoting industries, leading teams, buying out a long-time business partner, and redefining what sustainable growth looks like today.
This conversation goes beyond marketing tactics. It’s about clarity, ownership, leadership, and creating brands that people feel connected to.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What branding really is (and why it’s not just your logo or Instagram grid)
  

• Why consistency and simplicity matter more than trends
  

• The leadership lesson every founder learns the hard way: stop taking the monkey
  

• How personal brand accelerates trust and opportunity
  

• Why treating social media like a portfolio is killing growth
  

• The role of integrity in modern marketing and content
  

• How to build systems that scale without burning out your team
  
  Whether you’re a founder, creative, business owner, or someone trying to build authority in your space, this episode will help you rethink how you show up, how you lead, and how you build something that actually lasts!

00:00 - Welcome + What Franny Does Today (Ampersand Studios)
01:30 - "I Thought I'd Be a Lawyer" (Early Career Direction)
03:15 - Finding Graphic Design + The Spark for Agency Life
05:10 - Starting Ampersand in College (2009 Recession Pivot)
08:00 - Accidental First Niche: Wedding Photography
09:30 - Paper & Pen Retail Store + Leadership Crash Course
14:10 - Ownership, Delegation + "The Monkey" Manager Lesson
19:30 - Brand = Every Interaction (Seth Godin Principle)
21:30 - Teaching Photography to Shift Toward Business Content
23:00 - Why Brand Photography Beat Weddings (Business Model Shift)
26:00 - The 2018 Decision: Quit Weddings Cold Turkey
27:30 - What Branding Actually Is (Beyond Logos + Canva)
33:30 - Personal Brand vs Company Brand (When It Matters Most)
38:40 - What Most People Do Wrong on Social Media
41:00 - Simplicity Wins (Messaging + Processes)
43:00 - Productizing Services + Fixing Workflow Chaos
46:30 - Marketing Beliefs: Integrity Over Hacks
52:00 - Advice for New Marketers (Archetypes + What's Timeless)
56:00 - Being the CEO (Documenting the Journey + Small Audience Impact)
01:00:00 - What's Next: 2025 Vision + Becoming 100% Owner
01:02:30 - Transitioning from Business Partner to Solo Owner
01:08:00 - How She Wants to Be Remembered (Presence + 100%)
01:11:00 - Final Wrap + Closing Thanks