245. How to Build an Inclusive Brand with Ashley Jefferson

Ready for an honest conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and community? This week, Michelle is joined by product management leader Ashley Jefferson. Discover how blending corporate experience with creative instincts can shape a distinctly authentic approach to business, personal branding, and networking— plus why true connection goes far beyond job titles or online followers. This episode delivers insightful perspectives and practical tips you don't want to miss.   Ashley Jefferson is the founder of Startup Baddie, where she works with founders and brands from a product, community, and content perspective. As a fractional product leader, Ashley makes sure you're building the right thing, for the right people, in the right way—and that it drives results (revenue, funding, customers). She draws on a decade of experience at JP Morgan, Prudential, and her work with early-stage founders and medium-sized companies to guide teams through strategy, launches, go-to-market execution, and critical business decisions.   She is also the creator of Founders, Funders, Fractionals (F3), a hub for the future of work that brings together founders, investors, and fractional executives. F3 focuses on education, meaningful connections, and practical ways to bring the fractional model into companies. Ashley holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a Bachelor's degree in Business from Seton Hall University. --------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Ashley's background and professional journey Corporate vs. creative work styles LinkedIn as a platform for community Podcasting for growth Should you get your MBA? Intersectionality in discussions about community In-person experiences vs. online communities The future of work and community engagement ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get 40% a Strategy Session with Ashley when you us the code KMAPOD25 Watch part one of this episode on LinkedIn! ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Ashley and Start Up Baddie, follow them on Instagram @StartUpBaddie and Tik Tok @StartUpBaddieAcademy and visit her website AshleyGraceJefferson.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Trade self-doubt for confidence. Discover how to present your creative work as the expert you are. Imagine: less revisions and ongoing partnerships. Whether you're shy or an extraverted creative, Michelle shares the simple hacks for showing off your ideas, getting real client buy-in, and using video to bring your humanness front and center (no more hiding behind a mood board!). From the power of mockups to psychological tricks for smooth feedback, you'll learn how to lead with conviction and get those "slam dunk" approvals every designer craves. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The reason for presenting through video The one concept method Setting client expectations Skill-building for presentations Framing your work as a solution to your client's problem Visual storytelling in design presentations Showing design work in process How to lead as the expert Strategic feedback opportunities ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 240: Streamline Your Brand Design Process with AI ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Thinking your business is just an extension of yourself? Think again. This week, Michelle chats with Chedva Lumir to get real about entrepreneurship, identity, and why asking the right questions might save your sanity (and your strategy). Crack open the secrets to self-loyalty, business relationships, navigating uncertainty, and the real meaning behind "work-life balance." Whether you're a creative, founder, eldest daughter, or anyone juggling a million hats, tune in to learn how to celebrate tiny wins, rethink failure, and get curious about what's next.   Chedva "Vivi" Ludmir is a business coach, strategist, and founder of Consider, a question-led strategy studio helping entrepreneurs and teams navigate foggy pivots, decision fatigue, and the messy middle of growth. Through her signature programs like The Curiosity Lab and Gravitas, Vivi blends startup-style structure with deep personal inquiry—helping founders stop shrinking and start leading with presence, direction, and momentum. A former tech founder turned multi-venture entrepreneur, Vivi's work lives at the intersection of business strategy, brand identity, and human behavior. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Chedva's journey in entrepreneurship What is means to be a curious person in today's world Consider Labs and frameworks for growth How to ask better questions Podcasts as a playground for curiosity Identity, work and burnout Shifting from girl boss to self-loyalty Emotional vs intellectual knowing vs physical sense Dealings with cycles ---------------------- RESOURCES: Download your free Unshrinking Workbook ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Chedva and Consider Labs, follow them on Instagram and Tik Tok @ChedvaKL and visit their website https://www.consider.club/. ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Struggling to keep your brand looking consistent across all platforms? In today's episode, we're breaking down brand guidelines: what they are, why you need them, and how to make them actually useful. From mood boards and color palettes to logo do's and don'ts, you'll learn about all the essentials in a super approachable way. Tune in for how to build the brand bible of your dreams and how to keep your visual identity as consistent as your coffee order. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: What are brand guidelines Structure and format of brand guidelines Creating your brand recipe Key sections to include in your brand guidelines ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 240: Streamline Your Brand Design Process with AI ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Considering a rebrand? Here are the things you can expect before moving forward with the process. From determining whether you really need to overhaul everything or just a little facelift, to what it actually costs and how to avoid alarming your loyal customers in the process, Michelle answers the 10 most common questions she's asked on rebrand discovery calls. Tune in to learn what it takes to get a brag-worthy brand makeover. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Question #1: What is rebranding, and how does it differ from a brand refresh? Question #2: When should a company consider rebranding? Question #3: What are the key steps involved in a rebrand process? Question #4: How can a rebrand impact a company's market position? Question #5: What are the benefits and risks of a rebrand? Question #6: How do we measure the success of a rebrand? Question #7: What costs are associated with rebranding? Question #8: How can rebranding affect existing customer perception? Question #9: What role does company culture play in a rebrand? Question #10: How does the rebranding process typically take? ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 196: Client Case Study: InLight Hyperbarics Episode 174: Client Case Study: FRG Real Estate Episode 230: Client Case Study: The Galavant Society ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard  

The most skilled creatives understand that refinement is crucial when it comes to generative tools. First drafts are just the starting line. Explore how a strategic blend of custom GPTs accelerates the brand development process, streamlines mockup creation, and helps clarify project vision for both teams and clients. Plus, get the real answer to: should you rely on AI for logo design, or does human touch still reign supreme? Discover how to use AI intentionally to amplify creative output— without sacrificing authenticity. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The iterative nature of generative AI Combining human talent with AI tools Strategy sessions and brand information processing Creating a brand recipe sheet Moodboard and ideation phase Building visual alignment Mockup and asset creation with AI Presentation and communicating with clients AI content creation Future considerations and predictions ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 192: Authenticity and AI with Lauren deVane Episode 216: AI for Brand Designers with Lauren deVane Episode 162: Leveraging AI Tools for Innovative Marketing with Lauren deVane ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard  

Romanticizing the digital nomad life? Sam Burmeister breaks down what it takes to travel to 80+ countries, and still create stellar content for your clients. Get the inside scoop on how travel hones your creative edge, why AI will never have your taste, and the little-known tricks that make your brand unmistakable— no matter where in the world you're working. Tune in for digital nomad confessions and conversion copywriting secrets.   Sam Burmeister writes high-converting copy for service-based businesses. Every business she writes for gets copy that sounds like them, but converts better! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Pros and cons of being a digital nomad How travel can inform work as a copywriter What Sam offer as a copywriter How AI has changed the copywriting landscape Getting Voice of Customer research Copy pet peeves How to continue to provide value for clients past the DFY project Copywriting predictions for 2026 ---------------------- RESOURCES: Listen to the Copy And Podcast Get your FREE copy bot to writing high-converting opt-ins ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Sam and Nomad Copy, follow her on Instagram @NomadCopy and visit her website, NomadCopyAgency.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Dust off your blog and keep your website relevant. Michelle is joined once again by KP and Jessie from Inkpot Creative to educate on why blogging is back (and way better than fighting social media algorithms). Find out how to attract dream clients, sprinkle personality into your website, and why your values should be front and center— even if they make prospective clients back out. From navigating AI to playing the long game with evergreen content, you'll learn how to become unforgettable online.   KP and Jessie (both she/her) are the color-obsessed design duo behind Inkpot Creative®, a queer-led design studio building unconventional, impactful brand and website experiences for photographers who are leading their industry by creating something different. They know exactly what it's like to be the loud, bold, colorful outliers in their industry. That's why they partner with creatives who aren't afraid to express themselves loudly and go boldly against the grain. In addition to running Inkpot Creative®, they're the hosts of the Click to Convert Summit, The High-End Wedding Summit, and The Unexpected Entrepreneur Podcast. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Keyword research and SEO fundamentals Optimizing content for AI search Why blogging is critical in 2025 Using AI to repurpose content Crafting blog content for conversion Repurposing content and efficiency Changes in user behavior on social media How to express values in branding Long-term benefits and risks of reliance on social vs. owned platforms Optimism about the future of value-based branding ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 182: Effective Website Design with Inkpot Creative Episode 214: What Google Wants in 2025: SEO Tips from Searchlight Digital ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Inkpot Creative, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @InkpotCreative and visit their website, InkpotCreative.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

What happens when PR meets packaging and design? Suzanne Droese spills dives into the key points behind brag-worthy launches, why women have the ultimate business superpower, and how luxury is so much more than just a high price tag. Her and Michelle discuss into how to nail first impressions, land that coveted press mention, and why sweating the small stuff makes your brand unforgettable. Ready to be the buzz everyone's talking about? Press play!   Suzanne Droese is a seasoned PR powerhouse with over 20 years of experience building influential connections between brands and the media. As principal of Droese Public Relations, she leads strategic partnerships and communications for a portfolio of iconic clients including Casa Dragones Tequila, Lucchese Bootmaker, Auberge Resorts Collection, and Gucci. Recognised by Forbes as one of America's Best PR Agencies and The PR Net's Top 100, DPR thrives under Suzanne's leadership and her signature blend of style, precision, and media savvy. She also co-founded Estate Five Media, a leading talent management agency bridging top creators with global brands, and continues to champion women in business through public speaking and advocacy. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The superpowers of women in PR and business Client relationships and the discovery process Suzanne's Avenue 8 Cocktails case study on the PR side Managing client expectations What PR is vs. what people think it is How has PR changed over the years and where it's headed What clients should know before engaging with PR agencies The lack of common culture What luxury means and changing the definition of luxury branding Balancing agency culture and personal branding Knowing your 'why' before meeting a PR team The politics inside of the PR world ---------------------- RESOURCES: Check out MKWCC's case study on Avenue 8 Cocktails Episode 235: Concierge Branding & Community Branding with FRG Real Estate Episode 163: Bumble's Rebranding Fail and Other Marketing Flubs ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Suzanne and Droese Public Relations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook @DroesePR and visit their website, DroesePR.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

What to do when you know your services offer brag-worthy value, but you freeze every time you get a new discovery call sign up? Follow Michelle's discovery call playbook that has helped with convert aligned clients for over 10 years. You'll gain exclusive access to being a fly on the wall during four of Michelle's calls with stop and starts to analyze what's working well and what to look out for. Learn which questions to ask, how to spot client green flags, and to set the groundwork for an amazing client partnership. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Discovery call workflow How to structure your calls Play-by-play of calls with analysis Discovery call highlight with Bloom RDH Key techniques to use Discovery call highlight with Kollab Social Media Agency How to discuss your packages and client's budget How to explain how you can help and what a partnership would look like Discovery call highlight with Piano C Property Management Green flags to look out for if you'll be a good fit Discovery call highlight: Morgan Eckroth Step-by-step discovery call playbook ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 193: Client Case Study: Bloom RDH Kollab Social Media client case study Episode 161: Avoiding Burnout as a Creative with Morgan Drinks Coffee Episode 176: Client Case Study: Piano C Property Management ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? Sticker Giant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma. ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard