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Welcome to Spark & Ignite Your Marketing, the podcast where real conversations meet real strategies. I'm your host, Beverly Cornell, founder and fairy godmother of brand clarity at Wickedly Branded. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs awaken their brand magic, attract the right people, and build businesses that light them up.

Over 7 million adults in the U.S. are blind or visually impaired, and for many, the kitchen becomes one of the most intimidating and inaccessible places in their home. In this powerful episode, Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen, shares her remarkable journey of losing her vision, enrolling in culinary school, and building a purpose-driven brand that empowers others to cook with confidence. From adaptive kitchen tools to the emotional impact of regaining independence, Debra’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and heart. We discuss the power of accessible marketing, the mindset shifts required to lead with purpose, and why thoughtful design isn’t just inclusive, it’s also strategic. If you’ve ever felt like the odds were stacked against you, this episode will reignite your courage and remind you that your story has power.

Three Key  Marketing Topics Discussed:

1. Accessible Design is Good Marketing: Debra emphasizes that accessibility isn't just a moral responsibility; it’s a smart business move. She shares how making simple changes like adding image descriptions can help businesses connect with more customers and build brand trust with underserved audiences.
2. Building a Brand Around Purpose and Identity: The Blind Kitchen is rooted in Debra’s lived experience, creating an authentic brand that resonates deeply with her community. She explains how clarity of purpose helped her build emotional connection, credibility, and a loyal customer base.
3. Marketing by Listening and Testing: Instead of relying solely on outside experts, Debra now listens to her gut and watches the data. Through trial, error, and a willingness to pivot, she’s learned how to refine her strategy and invest only in what actually moves the needle.

Follow Debra:
Debra Erickson | LinkedIn
The Blind Kitchen | Facebook
The Blind Kitchen | Instagram
The Blind Kitchen | Website

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