Your brand isn't something you create — it's something you uncover.

In this episode of The Experienced Entrepreneur, Marissa Lawton is joined by designer and brand strategist Shaina Longstreet, founder of Dawn and Delight Creative, for a deeply grounded conversation about what it really means to build a business that feels like you.

After nearly two decades in creative work, Shaina has developed a powerful philosophy she calls identity-led branding — an approach that starts with who you are at your core, not with trends, templates, or what everyone else is doing online.

Together, Marissa and Shaina explore:

• Why your unique identity is your greatest differentiator in business.

• The difference between "building a brand" and becoming one.

• How to operate in your zone of genius (and stop trying to do it all yourself).

• The reality of choosing your hard in entrepreneurship — and why the right kind of challenge still feels fulfilling.

• Why visual branding is only one piece of the puzzle — and how your values, voice, and visuals must align for long-term growth.

• How an identity-led foundation keeps your brand relevant, adaptable, and authentic through every pivot or rebrand.

Shaina shares her four-part Dawn Approach — a process that blends strategy, visuals, and meaning — and explains how identity-led branding naturally evolves as you do.

This conversation is for the business owner who's tired of "pretty but empty" marketing and ready to root their work in something deeper: purpose, consistency, and truth.

Listen now to learn: → How to recognize your business's core identity → Why authenticity is the strongest growth strategy → How your brand can evolve with you — without losing its soul

Resources Mentioned:

• Free workbook: Discover Your Deepest Why

• Connect with Shaina on Instagram → @dawnanddelight

• Learn more at dawnanddelight.com

Connect with Marissa:

• marissalawton.com

• Follow The Experienced Entrepreneur for weekly, heartfelt conversations about business sustainability, brand clarity, and staying steady as you evolve.