131: Is Work-life Balance Real? A Q&A on Motherhood, Business, Hiring and More

Season 7 has brought stories from incredible women and solo-casts filled with insights on building a brand and growing a successful online business. As the season comes to an end, Victoria is thrilled to answer YOUR questions that were asked on her Instagram Q&A! Today’s episode covers a range of topics including, motherhood, work life balance, business growth, preparation for maternity leave or an extended leave of absence, hiring a team, and more! Your engagement has been the highlight of the season, and Victoria is already looking forward to returning with a Season 8 after some weeks off to enjoy her summer with her family! In today’s episode, Victoria shares many tangible takeaways but also shares how The Branding Business School can help you even more! There are whole modules that surround questions that were asked, including, “How do you overcome imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and standing in your own way?”. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, strategies for growth, and heartfelt advice—all designed to empower you as you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. We look forward to more weekly episodes coming soon with Season 8, but until then, throw in your earbuds, or turn up your car speakers, and enjoy today’s Q&A with Victoria! Links mentioned in today's episode: Listen to Episode 70: 10 Ways to Prepare for Maternity Leave or Time Off as a Service Based Business OwnerJoin the Branding Beyond the Visuals Email ListListen to Episode 26: Torn Between Two Callings: Work & MotherhoodJoin The Branding Business School waitlist! BrandWell DesignsListen to Episode 110: You Are Not an Imposter with Michele Charles GustafsonFollow ZealCast Studios, The Branding Business School’s Podcast Manager on Instagram. Website to launch later this summer!  For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Today’s episode takes you to the other side of the world, in the heart of Jerusalem! Shana Kosofsky, founder of BirthWell, is an ultrasound technician, yoga teacher, and a certified pre and postnatal coach living in Jerusalem, Israel. Shana shares fascinating details of her experience living in Jerusalem during her first pregnancy, and now her second, along with the planning of having the birth of her second baby in Jerusalem. Victoria and Shana continue the conversation around the ways in which Shana is harnessing her expertise and personal experience to bring American-style warmth to Jerusalem’s prenatal care. It’s a dialogue that mirrors the collective hopes and challenges faced by women worldwide, as we seek to find connection to our bodies throughout the transformational season of pregnancy and childbirth. The power of education in transforming fear into confidence during childbirth becomes a central theme, reminding us all that the journey to motherhood is as much about preparation and strength as it is about love and resilience. Shana and Victoria round off their discussion with the strategic groundwork that goes into successful brand building, applauding how the principles gained from The Branding Business School have shaped BirthWell's brand strategy. So, settle in, and let's celebrate the powerful symphony of women thriving in business and motherhood.Links mentioned in today's episode:BirthWell is officially launching in Jerusalem this fall! Join The Branding Business School waitlist!  For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Growth doesn't happen over night, we all know that. What we might not realize is that what you do in one season of business, might not work for you in the next season of business. Today, Victoria shares a reminder for all entrepreneurs as she shares an episode from the archives! This episode dives into lessons that Victoria learned after reading the book "Who Not How" and it serves as a great refresher that what got you here, won't get you there.Read the previous show notes here! Links mentioned in today's episode:Who Not How by Dan SullivanFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Whether you're distinguishing your personal brand from your business or intertwining the two, this episode is your map to navigating the complex world of brand identity. Inside, you’ll dissect the six pivotal steps to cultivating a brand that not only stands out but stands for something. Learn how Victoria’s experiences with BrandWell have shaped an approach to branding that's about more than just aesthetics—it's about crafting a narrative that holds power and integrity.In a market flooded with noise and competition, Victoria shares strategies to elevate your brand's professionalism and attract the clientele you deserve. From leveraging tools to maintain a consistent visual presence, to articulating a brand message that fosters trust and loyalty, this episode is rich with practical advice for ambitious women ready to lead their industries. Tune in, and let's transform your brand identity into your business's most valuable asset.Links mentioned in today's episode:Join The Branding Business School WaitlistListen to Episode 103: How To Find Your DifferentiatorListen to Episode 124: 5 Reasons Your Website Is Costing You DearlyFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Nashville's vibrant heartbeat set the stage for the third annual BrandWell designer retreat, where creativity and camaraderie fused into an unforgettable weekend. Victoria has returned from an immersive brand experience with her all-female design team, and she’s sharing the highlights with you! From paying homage to Taylor Swift with friendship bracelets and customized acknowledgements, to indulging in designer trivia, to experiencing the local brands of Nashville; this retreat balanced strategic play with heartfelt moments. Wrapping up the weekend, Victoria brought in each of the girls for a mini podcast interview to reflect on the mix of leisure and creativity that defined the Nashville retreat. The little joys, like experiencing a unique taco restaurant together and mastering the art of line dancing, became milestones in their girls weekend. As they have now parted ways, the retreat's impact lingers—a strengthened community of women in design, ready to infuse their work with the inspiration drawn from their collective adventure. Join the girls behind BrandWell Designs as they recount the laughter, the learning, and the love for branding that binds them all at BrandWell.Links mentioned in today's episode:Check out their Airbnb VenueAchievement Awards Mock UpHue’s and Cue’s GameView BrandWell’s Nashville IG Highlights!Listen to the Retreat Prep Episode 125 For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Unlock the secret to turning your customers into your brand ambassadors as this episode revisits the brilliant insights from one of last year's favorite discussions. Victoria channels the wisdom of Mark Schaefer's "Marketing Rebellion" to equip you with five stellar tactics that will not only make your clients adore your brand but also transform them into eager advocates, ready to sing your praises to the world. In the episode, Victoria talks about the enchanting alchemy of customer recommendations, the unbeatable authenticity they bring compared to polished ads, and the little-known truth that your customer base can double as a potent marketing force.Victoria also talks about the power of a timely and authentic customer review which can never be overstated, and she pulls back the curtain on the art of soliciting feedback that resonates. Victoria personally invites you to join the conversation and if this chat sparks a lightbulb moment for you, consider leaving The Branding Business School Podcast a review. It's time to sharpen your CEO skills and take your brand to new heights—just hit play and let the magic unfold.Links mentioned in today's episode:Visit BrandWell DesignsMarketing Rebellion by Mark SchaeferEpisode 43: How to Get Rave Reviews from Customers to Boost Your Sales For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Victoria’s spilling the tea on BrandWell's third designer retreat! It's been an incredible journey creating a space where collaboration and like-minded creatives thrive, and this Nashville getaway is BrandWell’s way of saying thanks to the designers, for the late nights and the brilliant designs. With anticipation bubbling, Victoria weaves together the threads of this retreat, from the venue that'll be their creative home to a special photography opportunity, slated to capture the team's essence and sprinkle a little more BrandWell sparkle into the world.When you're part of a team that feels more like family, every moment is an opportunity to bond and bask in the glow of collective genius. So, as they experience Nashville's vibrant branding landscape, they’re not just tourists – they’re searching for inspiration and dissecting the branding strategies that make the city pulse. Back at their AirBnb, they’ll share their top picks and plan their own project of rebranding a local gem, because nothing screams 'teamwork' like a friendly competition that sets their creative fires ablaze.Here's the thing about retreats – they're not just frivolous getaways; they're the cement in the foundation of a thriving company culture. Sure, it's a break from the hustle, but it's also about deepening the roots that keep BrandWell’s design family standing tall. We're talking personalized gift bags that ooze thoughtfulness, and awards that shine a spotlight on each unique contribution to BrandWell’s story. Investing in these moments of camaraderie and recognition pays dividends in loyalty and a culture that everyone wants to be a part of. So enjoy today’s episode, get a little inspired, and who knows, you might just start plotting your own team retreat by the time we're through.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Follow BrandWell Designs for Nashville Retreat ContentListen to Episode 41: I Hosted a Retreat for My Team and Here’s How it Went Down (First Annual Retreat)Listen to Episode 71: Planning and Hosting a Team Retreat (Second Annual Retreat)Listen to Episode 73: Second Annual BrandWell Designer Retreat RecapVisit Suzy Collins Website For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Ever wondered if your website is silently sabotaging your business's potential? That's the question we're tackling in this eye-opening episode. Victoria ruffles some feathers as she discusses the pivotal role a strong online presence plays in today's digital marketplace. She’s not holding back as she reveals how a lack of a professional website could mean you're leaving heaps of money on the table. Through personal anecdotes and some tough love, Victoria will show you why your services deserve a platform that speaks volumes of your credibility and helps you command the prices you truly deserve. This episode peels back the layers on just what makes or breaks the user experience on your website and its direct impact on your sales figures. A DIY website might seem like a cost-effective solution, but Victoria is here to tell you why it might cost you more in the long run, especially if you're eyeing the big leagues of B2B or high-ticket markets. Get actionable advice on how to present your business's purpose with punchy imagery and headlines that reel in your audience. And because Victoria believes in walking the walk, she’s offering something special in April to help you tweak your site into a branding powerhouse that draws in your ideal clients. So tune in, get inspired, and let's get that website working as hard as you do.Links mentioned in today's episode:BrandWell DesignsSave 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Working from home with littles is not easy & your routines are ever changing. Today, Victoria shares her current routine in this specific season of life. Starting from the moment she wakes up until when she goes to bed at night, everything is covered that happens during the course of the day. Victoria dives into how she splits her week up with days that she’s all business versus days that she’s in full mom mode. She shares her fitness routine and how that fits into her days, including her new concept of “Work Walks”. Finding the balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship is difficult, but by having good rhythms, routines, and help from a nanny or family, it can all be possible. Being a parent is all about being adaptable and recognizing that somebody else is going to dictate your schedule, but it’s all worth it to be a mom. So, join Victoria for a peek behind the curtain and a look into what her life looks like with being a work from home mom of two.Links mentioned in today's episode:BrandWell DesignsSave 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

This enlightening conversation with the extraordinary Nadine Kenney Johnstone, takes you on a journey through her life's narrative, from overcoming academic hurdles to flourishing as an award-winning author and holistic writing coach. Listen in as Nadine unpacks the transformational role writing has played in her life, especially through the challenges of infertility leading to writing her empowering memoir, "Of This Much I'm Sure." She also offers invaluable wellness advice for those constantly on the go, ensuring that her insights resonate with everyone, from busy moms to dynamic entrepreneurs.This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration, particularly for women seeking to harness the power of journaling and wellness to navigate the complexities of modern life. Nadine's transition from academia to creating her business, Write Well, is a testament to blending passion with profession. She shares her unique approach to teaching, integrating meditation and yoga with writing, and provides strategies for prioritizing self-care amidst the whirlwind of entrepreneurship and motherhood. Her story encourages you to explore your own creative outlets and the peace that can come from establishing routines that grounds you. Cap off this motivational experience by discovering how simplifying your life can lead to newfound clarity and focus. Nadine's personal anecdotes, including her minimalist living in an Airstream camper, offer a perspective on decluttering that extends beyond the physical space. She reveals how intentional living and strategic delegation in her business have opened doors to continuous growth and innovation. Moreover, Nadine and Victoria delve into the concept of a solo work retreat, illustrating how dedicated time for reflection can rejuvenate both your business and personal life, a practice that has been pivotal in the development of her latest project, a guided journal. So, sit back and let this episode inspire you to find your balance and clarity through writing and wellness.Links mentioned in today's episode:Visit Nadine’s WebsiteFollow Nadine on InstagramOf This Much I’m Sure: A MemoirCome Home to Your Heart: A Guided Journal For show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/ Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/ Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram. Save 50% off your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link! Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!