Your brand isn’t just how your business looks — it’s how it works. It should attract the right people, support your growth, and make it easier (not harder) to scale. But what happens when it stops keeping up? When your business outgrows the brand you built?

That’s exactly what today’s guest, Polly Lavarello, experienced firsthand. Polly is a scaling strategist and mentor who helps already in-demand online business owners turn their strengthiest skills into industry-leading offers that sell on repeat. Since 2020, she’s supported over 500 founders (yes, you heard that right!) in optimizing their funnels, fixing their ads, and scaling their businesses with strategies that actually work.

Because in Polly’s world, when you’re brave enough to play, you always get paid. And fun fact: She and I have worked together twice on her brand as her business grew and evolved!

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ The shift from an outdated brand to a bold new direction

✦ The biggest myths about scaling and why "one-size-fits-all" strategies never work

✦ How Polly’s striking new visuals transformed her confidence (and conversions)

✦ How a signature brand style — yes, including that towel-on-the-head moment — can make you instantly recognizable (and unforgettable)

✦ Why investing in brand photography was a game-changer

TAKE THE STAGE

If you’ve been feeling like your brand isn’t quite you anymore, Polly’s story is proof that you don’t have to stay stuck. You can evolve your brand to match the level of your work, your audience, and your goals.

Here’s what to do next:

✦ Take an honest look at your brand. Does it reflect who you are now or who you were a few years ago? Does it match the level of your work and the clients you want to attract?

✦ Ask yourself if you’re playing small. Are you fully showing up, or are you holding back because your brand doesn’t feel right?

✦ Decide if it’s time to stop tweaking and make a bold move.

And if that moment is now? The Extravaganza is where we refine and amplify your brand so it truly feels like YOU.

——

Mentioned in this episode:

THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

Follow & Connect with Polly:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ The Make More Money Podcast

✦ Polly’s Case Study

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series

02:09 Meet Polly Lavarello

07:56 The Biggest Scaling Myths

15:36 The “Oh, This Isn’t Working” Moment

19:22 Playing Small vs. Owning Your Space

23:24 The Towel, The Photos, The Power of a Signature Look

44:34 Joyfully Showing Up Even When the World Is Heavy

48:19 The Confidence Shift After a Rebrand

51:54 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Your brand should do more than look good. It should attract the right people, support your sales, and give you the confidence to show up like the expert you are. But what happens when it doesn’t? When something feels off, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it?

That’s exactly what today’s guest, Nikki Trailor, realized before stepping into her rebrand. Nikki is a funnel strategist and copywriter who helps feminist coaches and course creators add five to six figures in automated revenue to their current funnels or launches — without the burnout, sleazy sales tactics, or FOMO-fueled BS.

And fun fact: She and I first started working together when she won my World Design Day giveaway, leading to a full brand transformation!

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ The moment Nikki knew her DIY brand was holding her back

✦ The biggest misconceptions about sales copy and ethical selling

✦ How her rebrand gave her the confidence to own her space online

✦ Why the ‘personality hire’ era of online business is finally dying (and what’s replacing it)

TAKE THE STAGE

If you’re at that this isn’t quite working stage with your brand, you’re not alone. Nikki’s story is proof that you don’t have to settle for a brand that feels fine. You can have one that actually works for you.

Here’s what to do next:

✦ Take an honest look at your brand. Does it match the level of your work? Would you hire you based on your current visuals and messaging?

✦ Pinpoint what’s feeling off. Is your website bringing in the right leads? Does your brand look as showstopping as your offers? Are you confident showing up online?

✦ Decide if it’s time to stop tweaking and go all in. At some point, swapping fonts and fiddling with Canva templates won’t fix the deeper issue.

And if that moment is right now? The Extravaganza is where we fix it for good.

——

Mentioned in this episode:

THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

Follow & Connect with Nikki:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Nikki’s Case Study

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series

01:12 Meet Nikki Trailor

07:13 When She Knew It Was Time to Rebrand

12:26 DIY Branding vs. Expert Branding

14:19 The Trust Factor: Picking the Right Designer

21:08 The Biggest Sales Copy Myths

23:16 Why ‘Personality-Only’ Branding Doesn’t Cut It

27:25 The Hardest Part of Running a Business

31:06 How Rebranding Shifted Nikki’s Confidence & Strategy

40:30 Defining Success: Then vs. Now

42:26 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

This episode kicks off The Freak Show’s first-ever Spotlight Series! In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re dedicating March to celebrating bold, inspiring women who have stepped into their brand with confidence and clarity. And who better to start with than Natalie McCandless, founder of Reconnect Sisterhood?

Natalie is a confidence coach, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher with nearly 20 years of experience helping women rediscover who they truly are, without guilt, without self-doubt, and without trying to fit into someone else’s version of confidence.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ Why confidence is not just about being bold and loud, and how it looks different for everyone.

✦ How life transitions impact women’s self-esteem — from career shifts to motherhood, perimenopause, and everything in between.

✦ How stress landed Natalie in the hospital and forced her to redefine success on her own terms.

✦ The making of Reconnect Sisterhood — why Natalie knew from day one that her brand needed to reflect the power and warmth she brings to her work.

✦ How a buttered toast Instagram reel convinced her that Flying Colors Creative was the right fit.

TAKE THE STAGE

Confidence is deeply personal, not a one-size-fits-all formula. Take a moment today to ask yourself:

✦ What does confidence look like for me?

✦ Where am I holding myself back because I think I should show up a certain way?

✦ What’s one small step I can take today to own my space a little more?

——

Mentioned in this episode:

THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

Follow & Connect with Natalie:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Reconnect Sisterhood podcast

✦ Natalie’s Case Study

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series

01:20 Meet Natalie McCandless

3:39 The Story Behind Reconnect Sisterhood

11:41 The Truth About Confidence

15:13 Why Natalie Invested in Her Brand From Day One

17:23 The Buttered Toast Moment

22:04 What Working Together Was Like

25:34 When Branding Gives You Confidence

27:49 The Health Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

40:45 When Is the Right Time to Rebrand?

44:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

This is your full backstage pass to what actually happens in a rebrand. You probably already know that a rebrand is way more than just picking a new logo and colours. But what does the process really look like? How do you go from "something feels off" to "this brand finally feels like me?"

In this episode, I’m walking you through the step-by-step breakdown of a rebrand inside The Extravaganza, my signature done-for-you brand transformation. If you're curious about what working with a designer is actually like, or if you're thinking about rebranding yourself, this is your behind-the-scenes moment.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ Why rebranding is not just an aesthetic refresh

✦ The 5 key areas every rebrand must cover to actually work

✦ How strategy and design work together to create a brand that sticks

✦ Why a website is non-negotiable for a credible, high-level brand

✦ How to confidently roll out your rebrand so it feels seamless and aligned across every touchpoint

TAKE THE STAGE

Ready to map out your rebrand? Here are the steps you need to take:

✦ Start with Strategy – Before you even think about colors and fonts, define your foundations: Who are you? Who do you serve? What makes you different?

✦ Find Your Creative Direction – Gather inspiration, create a Pinterest board, and start shaping the overall vibe of your brand.

✦ Build Your Brand Identity – Create a logo suite, color palette, and typography that aren’t just trendy but truly work for you and align with your strategy.

✦ Create a Cohesive Online Home – Your website is your digital HQ. Make sure your messaging, offers, and visuals all connect seamlessly.

✦ Plan Your Big Reveal – Get your audience excited before the launch!

And if you want all of this done-for-you — strategy, visuals, website, launch plan, the works — then The Extravaganza is where the magic happens.

——

Mentioned in this episode:

THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show

02:58 Rebranding Now vs. Then

06:51 Start With Strategy

08:24 Find Your Creative Direction

10:35 Build Your Brand Identity

12:03 Create a Cohesive Online Home

15:02 Plan Your Big Reveal

16:34 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

If you think a rebrand starts with a new logo or trendy font, think again. Before you even touch design, there’s a whole lot of clarity work that needs to happen first. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a gorgeous brand that still feels off.

So, if you’re considering a rebrand (or just feeling that itch to change everything again), this episode will walk you through exactly how I’d prep before a single pixel is designed.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ Why a successful rebrand is 90% prep work and 10% design

✦ How to audit what’s working and what’s not before you throw everything out

✦ The key questions that will make every design decision way easier

✦ Why crowd-sourcing your brand decisions is NOT a good idea

TAKE THE STAGE

Before thinking about design, gain clarity on these questions:

1. What’s already working? What do people always compliment about your brand? What feels easy and natural?
2. What’s not working? Where do you feel friction in your brand? What’s making you cringe or hesitate to show up?
3. What do you want to be known for? If someone described your brand to a friend, what would you want them to say?
4. Who is your dream client? What do they need to see, hear, and know to trust you? How do you want them to feel before, during, and after working with you?

——

Mentioned in this episode:

THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz — click the link to check out her new website and rebrand!

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show

05:02 Why Doing the Prep Work Changes Everything

10:09 The Pre-Rebrand Checklist

18:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Today we’re talking about something that might feel counterintuitive but is so important: the biggest risk your brand can take isn’t being bold, it’s playing it safe.

Ever find yourself softening your edges, second-guessing your branding decisions, or trying to be “professional” at the expense of actually standing out? When you dilute your personality and try to appeal to everyone, this has the unintentional effect of making your brand forgettable, which is exactly what we want to avoid!

In this episode, we’re diving into why playing it safe is holding you back and how to build a brand that makes you the obvious choice for the right people.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ Why blending in is the fastest way to be ignored and forgotten

✦ The real danger of playing it safe (it’s not fewer clients, it’s the wrong ones!)

✦ Why making bold branding decisions doesn’t mean being loud but being clear

✦ A test to know if your brand is truly recognizable

TAKE THE STAGE

Ask yourself:

1. If I stripped away my logo, colours, and fonts, would people still recognise my brand?

2. Do I know why clients actually choose me?

3. Am I making brand decisions based on fear?

——

Mentioned in this episode:

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show

04:09 The Danger of Blending In

15:39 How to Stop Playing It Safe in Your Brand

18:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Let’s talk about the word “strategy” and how it has become one of those overused, jargon-filled words that makes branding feel way more complicated than it needs to be. Truthfully, strategy is just a fancy way of saying having a good plan, one that guides your decisions so you can grow with confidence instead of second-guessing every little thing.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why branding has gotten so overcomplicated, what actually matters when building a brand, and how my Brand Thinking Method simplifies it all into five core areas you actually need to focus on.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ Why the word “strategy” has lost its meaning (and how to reclaim it)

✦ The biggest mistake keeping service providers stuck in branding limbo

✦ The 5 key areas of branding that actually matter: Foundations, Audience, Positioning, Identity, and Presence

✦ Why your brand — not the latest trend — should guide your marketing

✦ How to create a plan that helps you show up consistently without the overwhelm

TAKE THE STAGE

Reflect on these five core areas and ask yourself:

1. Which part of my brand feels the least clear — foundations, audience, positioning, identity, or presence?

2. Am I making intentional decisions or just reacting to what feels “off” in the moment?

3. How can I simplify my brand strategy to actually support my business growth?

——

Mentioned in this episode:

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

01:15 My Beef With the Word “Strategy”

07:49 Why Branding Feels Overcomplicated

10:53 The Brand Thinking Method: A Simpler Approach

12:44 The Five Core Areas of Branding

23:58 Bringing It All Together

24:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Be honest — has Instagram ever made you want to throw your phone out the window? Whether your problem is the app crashing while you’re editing a reel, your stories glitching out, or feeling like you post a carousel and it’s just crickets, you’re not alone.

But if we’re truly being honest, despite the occasional tech difficulties, most of the time the problem isn’t Instagram — it’s how we’re using it.

In this episode, I’m unpacking why Instagram can feel like a never-ending chore, how to stop chasing trends, and why your brand is the key to making your content work for you instead of the other way around. Plus, I’ll share practical tips to simplify your strategy, create content that connects, and actually start enjoying Instagram again.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ Why Instagram feels overwhelming for service providers

✦ How chasing trends makes your content feel fake and forced

✦ The difference between content creation for influencers vs. business owners

✦ Practical tips to build a content design system that saves time and energy

✦ Why branding is the foundation for effortless, impactful content

TAKE THE STAGE

Ask yourself these questions to transform your Instagram approach:

1. Are you relying on random bursts of inspiration (or on your saved folder on IG)?

2. Do you have a consistent system in place for generating ideas?

3. And most importantly, is your brand fully supporting and amplifying your content efforts?

Remember: Instagram isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a tool to connect with your audience, amplify your brand, and attract the right people to your business.

——

Mentioned in this episode:

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

03:42 Why Instagram Feels Like a Chore

13:33 Reframing Instagram for Service Providers

16:08 Practical Ways to Market on Instagram Without Hating It

22:53 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

We’re pulling back the curtain on rebranding with 10 truths no one tells you about the process. If you’ve ever thought a shiny new logo or fresh brand colours could solve all your business problems, this episode is for you.

Rebranding is a bold move, but it’s not a magic fix. It requires courage, clarity, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work. Let’s uncover the myths, explore the realities, and break down what you really need to know before embarking on your rebranding journey.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ Why a “finished brand” is a myth

✦ The difference between standing out and just making noise

✦ Why discomfort is a natural and expected part of rebranding

✦ How consistent use of your new brand assets is key to making your rebrand successful

✦ The most important ingredient in your brand: YOU

TAKE THE STAGE

Reflect on these questions before considering a rebrand:

1. What’s your mission?

2. Who’s your audience?

3. What problems are you solving, and why are you the best person for the job?

Use your answers to determine if a rebrand is truly the right move (or if you’re just caught up in Shiny Object Syndrome).

——

Mentioned in this episode:

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.

THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ Instagram

✦ Website

✦ Get my Uncaged emails

This episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

1:09 The Biggest Myth About Rebranding

03:28 Stop Searching for a Finished Brand

04:34 It’s Not About Standing Out for the Sake of It

05:59 Change Is Messy, but It Means Growth

07:30 You Get to Define What Professional Looks Like

10:15 Rebranding Won’t Solve a Lack of Clarity

11:36 Be Prepared to Question Everything

12:27 You’ll Never Please Everyone (And That’s a Good Thing)

13:39 A New Brand Might Feel Uncomfortable Before It Feels Right

14:55 Implementation Is Key to Success

16:18 The One Thing You Can’t Forget Is YOU

17:06 Recap of All 10 Truths

18:15 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

We’re diving into a feeling most of us know too well: boredom with our own brand. You know the late-night Canva binges, the urge to change everything, or the itch to start from scratch? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But before you throw out your entire brand kit, let’s talk about what boredom really means — and why it’s not the same as actually needing a rebrand.

I’m sharing my tips to overcome creative ruts without burning everything down, plus how to know if it’s truly time for a rebrand or just a little refresh.

SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS

✦ The difference between boredom and brand misalignment

✦ Why shiny object syndrome won’t fix a creative rut

✦ How consistency can be the key to standing out

✦ Questions to help you pinpoint the real problem

TAKE THE STAGE

I want to leave you with three thoughts today:

1. Boring doesn't mean broken.

2. Consistency doesn't have to be boring.

3. It's not necessarily about starting over. It's about refining what's already working.

——

Mentioned in this episode:

⁠BEHIND THE CURTAIN⁠: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.

⁠THE EXTRAVAGANZA⁠: Create your industry-leading first impression.

⁠THE COLOUR CIRCLE⁠: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.

Follow & Connect with Eva:

✦ ⁠Instagram⁠

✦ ⁠Website⁠

✦ Get my ⁠Uncaged⁠ emails

This episode was co-produced with ⁠Adrienne Cruz.⁠

——

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show

00:39 Blue Monday and the Branding Blues

03:48 The Canva Rabbit Hole and Shiny Object Syndrome

05:35 Consistency vs. Reinvention

07:51 Is It Boredom or Time for a Rebrand?

11:33 Questions to Pinpoint Your Brand Misalignment

16:01 When a Rebrand IS the Right Move

17:18 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps