Summary:

Ashley Ice is the brand photographer behind all the beautiful new photos on my website and I’m so excited to have her on the show. She shares how to get photos you are obsessed with and the difference between headshots and a brand photoshoot (and WHY you need to know this before investing).

We talk about how she works with her clients, what makes her process different, the 3 things you need to be ready for your own brand photoshoot as well as my own experience and much more.

If you need to update your photos, you’re thinking of refreshing your images for your marketing or website, or you're just curious, this is the episode for you.

Takeaways

• Ashley’s fine art background and wedding photography perfectly positions her to be an expert in brand photography

• A brand photoshoot should include 25% of your face and 75% of you working or doing your craft.

• Ashley’s process includes 2 preparation meetings which are crucial for a successful shoot.

• Ashley’s white glove experience offers everything you would need for your brand photoshoot from makeup and hair, to videography and iPhone video.

• Professional photos are an investment that can last 3-6 months for content and up to years for your website.

• Ashley shares the 3 things you need to prepare for your photoshoot

• Ongoing marketing support is essential for maximizing the value of your photos, which is a service Ashley is expanding into.

Links Mentioned:

Ashley Ice website

Follow Ashley on Instagram

House of Editorial 

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn 

Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”

Follow RuthAnn on PinterestSay Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Rebranding

02:55 From Weddings to Brand Photography

06:03 Understanding Brand Photography vs. Headshots

07:34 The Importance of Pre-Shoot Planning

08:29 The Role of Makeup in Brand Shoots

11:18 Working with Clients Remotely

14:13 The Value of Professional Brand Photography

17:31 Getting Started with Brand Photography

20:09 The Future of Ashley's Business

This episode is special because instead of interviewing clients on their rebrand I get to share my own journey of rebranding! I’m talking about why I chose to rebrand now, the internal shifts that brought on this desire for change, and how I’m showing up in a more clear way to reflect where I am today with my brand and website business.

I highlight the importance of authenticity, messaging, and how I’m embracing key factors that help me stand out as a designer. I also offer encouragement to other women in business who also may be feeling the internal misalignment of your visuals not matching your expertise and quality.

I give you some ideas for how you can make them align along with a surprise giveaway for anyone who books a discovery call in March of 2026.

Takeaways

• Rebranding is a reflection of internal growth and external evolution

• How renaming your business can take time and planning

• Highlighting what makes you unique helps you stand out

• Client partnership and ongoing support are key components I’m embracing in this new era

• The first step to rebranding is making a decision to rebrand or not

Links Mentioned:

The New Rebrand with RuthAnn Website

Episode 62 Agency Model Shift

Ashley Ice Photography

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn and Enter the Giveaway 

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Join Studio Notes for thoughts, insights, and encouragement in motherhood & entrepreneurship.

Follow RuthAnn on Pinterest

Say Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Chapters

00:00 The Exciting Announcement of a Rebrand

02:44 Reflecting on the Journey to Rebranding

14:01 The Process of Redesigning the Website

17:20 How the Rebrand Benefits Listeners

21:38 Celebrating the Rebrand with a Giveaway

Summary

In this conversation, RuthAnn interviews her past client Meg Salisbury where she shares her journey in acting and  modeling and how her new website helped her gain more confidence and bookings.

Meg discusses the importance of branding in her career, the investments she made in her “Glow Up Year” growth in 2025 (her rebrand being one of them!), and the confidence boost she experienced after her rebrand launched which included the new logo, brand, and website.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the rebrand, the things you need to look out for when hiring a designer, and how Meg is positioned for growth in 2026 with her modeling and acting and also in her coaching for actors business. 

Takeaways

• Meg is an actor, model and mindset coach for actors specializing in helping them with nervous system regulation and subconscious reprogramming
• Branding is crucial for actors, especially with the rise of social media
• Investing in oneself can lead to significant growth and opportunities
• Meg's 'Glow Up Year' focused on making impactful investments in her career
• The rebranding process boosted Megan's confidence and professional image
• It's important to find a designer that aligns with your vision and style
• Outsourcing tasks outside your zone of genius can lead to better results

Links Mentioned:

Meg Salisbury Website

Follow Meg on Instagram

This Episode Blog Post with Megan's Rebrand

Sign up for a Free Site Success Audit

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn 

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”

Follow RuthAnn on PinterestSay Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meg's Journey

08:02 Outsourcing for Success

31:36 Outro

In this episode, I'm sharing my journey towards achieving more peace in my personal life and increased profit in my business.

As the owner of a boutique branding agency, I love the freedom and flexibility of being able to make small changes for a big impact and these things I'm sharing today have done just that.

I discuss the changes I made at the start of 2026, including personal habits and professional strategies that have positively impacted my life and work. I emphasize the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and financial awareness, providing listeners with actionable insights to enhance their own lives and businesses.

Takeaways

• I break down 5 personal changes I've made for more peace along with 5 professional changes in my small business for more profit
• Waking up before the kids is a small but huge win way for more peace and calm in your day

• Reading the Bible before bed has helped me center my thoughts.
• I'm letting go of social media pressure and keeping up with the news and both these things have contributed to less stress
• I eliminated credit card use to increase financial awareness.
• Regularly reviewing subscriptions can help save money.
• Working with one client at a time has improved my focus and profitability.
• Tracking metrics can allow you to identify what works and what doesn't allowing you to make adjustments that work

Links Mentioned:

Episode 62 Year in Review

Ryze Coffee 

Sign up for a Free Site Success Audit

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn 

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”

Follow RuthAnn on Pinterest

Say Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Peace and Profit

02:45 RuthAnn's Background and Business Journey

05:24 Personal Changes for More Peace

13:40 Professional Changes for Increased Profit

21:09 Recap and Conclusion

In this episode, RuthAnn Rafiq discusses the intricacies of rebranding and website design, emphasizing the often underestimated time commitment involved–which is less than you think!

She outlines her streamlined design process, which requires minimal client commitment, and highlights the importance of having a clear vision and trust in the designer and in the process.

The conversation also covers the benefits of a successful rebrand, practical steps to initiate the process, and how she values and offers ongoing design support available post-rebrand.

Takeaways

• Sometimes rebrands can take a long time - up to a year in some cases!

• Clients may be pleasantly surprised that their time commitment in my rebrand process is minimal

• An open mind and trust in the designer are crucial for success.

• Your brand is a foundational piece of your business.

• Post-rebrand, clients can expect increased engagement and inquiries.

• Deciding to rebrand is the first step to making it happen.

• I love supporting my clients after launch that’s why I offer ongoing monthly design support, if desired 

  
  

Links Mentioned:

Sign up for a Free Site Success Audit

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn 

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”

Follow RuthAnn on PinterestSay Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Read full show notes

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Rebranding Process

03:50 The Reality of Time Commitment

10:28 What Sets My Design Process Apart

13:02 Key Requirements for a Successful Rebrand

15:41 The Impact of a Rebrand

17:03 Practical Steps to Initiate a Rebrand

19:08 Client Success Stories and Final Thoughts

20:34 Outro

Welcome to 2026! In this episode RuthAnn Rafiq discusses the importance of ensuring that your brand is ready to support your business goals for the year and the 5 all-important questions to evaluate whether your brand will help you hit your goals or hinder your marketing efforts.

The conversation emphasizes the need for a strong brand foundation to achieve marketing success here now as we begin a new year and any time you’re wanting to make the right changes to see more conversion.

Takeaways

• So you made goals for the new year - is your brand supporting you to achieve them?

• You can’t out-market a weak foundation

• The 5 questions to know whether or not your brand is working

• How to know if you should make changes now or wait

• 3 Options for what to do next

• I am the designer who wants you to succeed and would love to invite you to a free Discovery Call and help give you clarity on your next best step

Links Mentioned:

Sign up for a Free Site Success Audit

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn 

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”

Follow RuthAnn on PinterestSay Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Read full show notes

Chapters

00:00 Setting the Stage for 2026 Goals

04:54 Assessing Your Brand's Readiness

11:02 Identifying Gaps and Taking Action

15:59 Next Steps for Brand Success

17:33 Outro

Summary

In this episode, RuthAnn reflects on her year, sharing the lessons learned and the wins celebrated in 2025. She discusses a big pivot in her business, hitting burnout, the importance of self-care, recognizing the seasons of life, and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. RuthAnn also highlights her personal and professional achievements, including introducing new offers, homeschooling her son, and designing for 14 business owners this year. The episode serves as an encouraging reminder that (sometimes uncomfortable) growth and change are part of the journey.

Takeaways

• Sharing the 3 big (and hard) lessons learned

• Celebrating 10 personal and professional wins

• This year, more than any other year in recent memory, I experienced big ups and downs in entrepreneurship

• How I overcame burnout and the specific things that helped me 

• How introducing a new offer helped streamline my services

• Homeschooling my son has been a rewarding experience

• I gave back in the route of hosting a Brand + Website Giveaway

• Tracking my analytics has opened up growth opportunities

• Restarting my podcast has been a fulfilling endeavor

• My word for the year was possibility, and many goals were achieved

Links Mentioned:

Ep. 60 What to Do When Your Business Pivot Fails: A Guide to Course-Correcting

⁠⁠Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”⁠⁠

⁠View the Rebranding and Website Services ⁠

⁠Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn⁠ 

⁠Say Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace⁠

⁠Read full show notes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Year in Review Overview

02:03 Lessons Learned in 2025

13:26 Celebrating Wins of 2025

In this engaging conversation, RuthAnn Rafiq and Allison Burns explore the surprising benefits of befriending competition in the design industry. While their conversation is design-industry specific, this concept can capture any industry you find yourself in.

They discuss the benefits of building supportive relationships with peers, the importance of confidence in one's unique style, and the value of community over competition.

The conversation also touches on the significance of sharing knowledge while maintaining boundaries, and the introduction of Allison's mentorship program, Anchor and Grow, designed to support new designers in their journey. They also discuss how to make connections and build relationships in an ease-filled way.

Takeaways

• Befriending competition can lead to unexpected benefits.

• How RuthAnn struggled with befriending other designers in the past due to comparison

• Connection with peers in your industry is crucial for emotional support.

• Sharing knowledge can elevate the entire industry.

• Being an open book doesn’t mean you can’t have boundaries. 

• Authentic relationships can lead to referrals and collaborations and unexpected opportunities

• Networking should be approached with authenticity and generosity.

• Every connection has the potential to lead to opportunities.

Allison’s Design Mentorship provides tailored guidance for new designers and the opportunity to find and build friendships.

Links Mentioned:

Visit AllieMarieDesign.com

Allison's Design Mentorship Anchor and Grow

Follow Allison on Instagram

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn 

Say Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”

Read full show notes

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Friendly Competition

02:09 Allison's Design Journey

05:47 The Importance of Longevity in Business

08:36 Navigating Inspiration and Comparison

11:54 The Value of Timeless Design

12:38 Building Relationships in the Design Community

14:54 The Importance of Connection for Mental Health

16:24 Understanding the Reality of Creative Work

19:35 Community Over Competition

22:19 Building Genuine Client Relationships

24:55 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

26:47 The Value of Sharing Knowledge

30:36 Finding Your Unique Business Approach

32:10 The Evolution of Professional Friendships

35:40 Making Connections in Your Industry

39:46 Introducing the Anchor and Grow Mentorship

This spring, RuthAnn shut down the agency model for her design studio. She let go of her design team and went back to solo work with white label support. It looked like a failure from the outside, but it was actually one of the smartest decisions she made.

In this episode, she shares the real story of why her pivot didn't work - juggling 8-10 projects while her little kids needed her more, the lead generation pressure of supporting a team, and the comparison trap that made her think she should be able to do what other designers were doing.

If you've ever had to course-correct a business decision, if you're questioning a business pivot, or just want straight talk about the messy middle of entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.

Takeaways:

• The vision RuthAnn had for growth and deciding on the agency model

• Multiple red flags of comparison, lead generation, and struggles at home led to rethinking if this was the right move

• RuthAnn made the hard call of pulling back, restructuring, and going back to solo work

• Season-based business decisions are strategic, not defeatist

• Lead generation is a key element in supporting the agency model and must be dialed in before scaling

• Course-correcting quickly is a strength

Links:

Join the R Artspace Newsletter list

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn 

Say Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”

Read full show notes

Summary

In this engaging conversation, RuthAnn Rafiq and Haley discuss the journey of building a podcast agency, the importance of rebranding, and strategies for growing a podcast. They explore how aligning visuals with business value can enhance client perception and lead to increased confidence in pricing. Haley shares insights on podcast growth, leveraging content for business, and the significance of outsourcing to maintain balance and creativity in podcasting. The discussion is filled with practical tips for podcasters looking to enhance their content and reach.

Takeaways

• Haley started her podcasting journey in 2017

• The importance of rebranding to align visuals with business value

• Good podcast growth is typically 1-2% month over month

• Creating dedicated blog posts for each podcast episode enhances SEO

• Using past client testimonials in marketing can boost credibility

• Podcasts can serve as evergreen content for long-term growth

• Outsourcing tasks can free up time and mental space for creators

• Engaging with your audience can lead to better content ideas

• Tracking podcast analytics helps inform content strategy

• Consistency in sharing old episodes can still attract new listeners

Links Mentioned:

Visit Heart Centered Podcasting

Follow Haley on Instagram

2025 Podcast Marketing Trends Report from Jeremy Enns

View the Rebranding and Website Services

Book a Free Discovery Call with RuthAnn 

Say Hi on Instagram or tag @r_artspace

Download the Free Guide “7 Quick + Easy Ways to Elevate Your Brand”

Read full show notes