Have you ever wished for a fairy godmother to wave her magic wand over your brand or website? Well, wish no more! I'm here to sprinkle a little bit of that fairy dust with something I call a Power Hour. 🌟 Priced at $147, these sessions are your golden ticket to a treasure trove of insights, strategies, and personalized advice, all packed into one electrifying hour. Imagine it as a power-packed "pick my brain" session where no topic is off-limits and the possibilities are as vast as your dreams. Who Is the Power Hour For? Whether you're on the brink of a rebrand, a DIYer craving a professional's touch, or a visionary seeking to carve out your niche, the Power Hour is your new best friend. It's perfect for those hungry for: Strategic business and marketing wisdom. Networking know-how to weave stronger industry connections. Guidance on creating passive income streams that work for you. One-on-one coaching to scale your brand or website design business. And that's just the beginning. If you've got a need, we've got the seeds to plant for your growth. What Happens in a Power Hour? In these 60 minutes of magic, we dive deep into the heart of your business. We'll hop on Zoom, where you'll share the ins and outs of what's been keeping you up at night or the dreams that have been fluttering in your heart. From there, we strategize, brainstorm, and map out a path to bring those dreams into the daylight. Need hands-on design help? I've got my wand ready. Looking to fine-tune your brand's voice? Let's harmonize. No matter the challenge, we'll tackle it together, head-on. Why Book a Power Hour? Because sometimes, all it takes is an hour to turn the tide. An hour to shift from confusion to clarity, from stagnation to action, from dreaming to doing. And I'm here for it all. With a Power Hour, you're not just getting advice; you're getting a partner in crime (the good kind, promise!) to help you navigate the vast seas of branding and business. Ready to Dive In? If your heart's saying, "Yes, this is exactly what I need!" then I'm waving you over. Let's make some magic happen together. Book your Power Hour here and let's set the stage for your brand's next big leap. Remember, in the realm of business and branding, you're never alone. With a little guidance, a dash of strategy, and a whole lot of heart, there's nothing you can't achieve.  Can't wait to meet you in our Power Hour. Until then, keep dreaming big and reaching for the stars. ✨

Guess what? Your go-to fairy godmother for all things brand and website design has some super exciting news to share! And trust me, it’s a story that's going to warm your hearts and spark your dreams. Today, I’m bursting with excitement to take you behind the scenes of a transformation that's so close to my heart – the incredible journey of the Society of Women Business Owners (SOWBO), led by none other than the visionary Amanda Mickenberg.  Imagine this: a world where your digital hello is as vibrant and inviting as a stroll through Charleston's colorful Rainbow Row. That's precisely what Amanda dreamt of for SOWBO. With the magic touch of the brilliant Amber Zaricor from Copperheart Creative, SOWBO’s brand got a makeover in 2022 that’s all about fresh vibes, dynamic elements, and a whole lot of heart. So, are you ready to dive into a story of transformation, connection, and empowerment? I promise, it’s going to be a journey packed with inspiration, laughs, and maybe even a few "aha!" moments.

In the ever-so-exciting world of entrepreneurship, personal branding is like that secret ingredient for success, especially for us go-getter women in business. It's way more than just a marketing gimmick; it's like your professional alter-ego, shining both online and at those buzzing networking events (which, by the way, I absolutely adore!). Personal branding? It's an art, really. I mean that's why they call me creative, eh? It's all about consistently being your fabulous self in a way that jives with your professional dreams and values. It's weaving your personal story into every nook and cranny of your business life, from your Insta posts to the way you charm everyone at networking opportunities. It's about creating this authentic, cohesive image that just clicks with your audience and peers. Now, let's chat about personal vs. business branding. They're like two peas in a pod but with their own vibes. Personal branding is all about you – your unique identity and how it jazzes up your business approach. It's finding that sweet spot where your personal charm meets your professional mojo. Business branding? That's more about giving your biz its own personality, one that makes your ideal clients think, "Yep, that's the one for me!" As someone who's worked in the world of makeup artistry, I totally get the power of color and presentation in personal branding. Picking the right color palette is like choosing the perfect outfit – it enhances your personal brand, making it visually stunning and super relatable to your peeps. It's all about picking colors and styles that not only make you look fab but also echo your professional spirit. Crafting your brand persona is like tuning into different parts of your personality that align with your business goals. It's this cool balancing act between keeping it real and projecting the professional image you're aiming for. Take me, for instance – I mix my natural introvert tendencies with a dash of confident, leader-like flair. It's not about faking it; it's about strategically spotlighting the sides of you that resonate most in your professional world. In the realm of personal branding, visual identity is more than just logos and biz cards. It's about spinning a visual tale that captures your story. And oh, the power of storytelling – it's the golden thread that ties your brand to your audience, painting a picture of the amazing journey they can embark on with your services or products. Navigating the world of personal branding comes with its own set of challenges, like keeping it authentic, standing out in the crowd, and evolving your brand as you grow. Being authentic doesn't mean spilling all the beans; it's about being transparent and consistent in how you present yourself professionally. And standing out? It's all about embracing and flaunting what makes you uniquely you. For all you incredible female entrepreneurs out there, personal branding is more than just a business tool; it's your stage for professional self-expression and empowerment. It's about spinning a narrative that's so uniquely you and connecting with your audience on a whole new level.  So, lovely readers, I'm super curious – what's your personal branding journey been like? What strategies have you rocked, and what hurdles have you leaped over? If you're on a mission to amp up your personal brand, let's chat! I'm all about guiding you through the personal branding adventure with strategic know-how and custom solutions tailored just for you.

Empowering Connections: The Power of Women's Networking in Nashville

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” – Pubilius Syrus You may have heard the saying “nice guys finish last.” People often believe that being kind means you are weak and can be easily taken advantage of. But is this really true? We are taught that behind every smile there is an ulterior motive. We are suspicious and skeptical of others who are kind to us. Kindness does not equal weakness. On the contrary, it takes a great amount of strength to be kind to someone who thinks differently than you or is slowing you down in some way. People who perform regular acts of kindness are often more successful, have more social friends and are well liked than those who don’t. How kindness helps you succeed: • Kindness increases confidence. Studies show that kindness increases your self-worth. • People remember you when you are kind and willing to help others. It sets you apart from others. • Kindness creates a ripple effect. One person being kind in some way spreads to others, who in turn spread kindness. Kindness is contagious, fostering in more kindness. • Kindness evokes a sense of trust. In fact, studies show that even before establishing their own credibility, leaders who are kind and project warmth are more effective than those who lead by being tough. • Kindness helps increase employee performance. Being kind to others makes them happier which in turn makes them more productive. • Kindness bridges gaps between people. It can reach across barriers in language, gender, locality, religion and anything else that causes people to miscommunicate. Luis Benitez, who has summitted the Seven Summits 32 times, says that kindness and compassion are essential to overcoming terrible physical and mental challenges. He often encounters horrible challenges during his climbs. As an example, say you see someone limping on the day you need to reach the next camp. Instead of cursing their weakness and ignoring the pain they are in, you stop to bandage their feet so they can keep up with you. This is not just being altruistic. If a member of the party lost their ability to hike, your entire group may have to return to the start. Stopping to help a colleague ensures you achieve your own goals. Kindness is the secret to a successful and fulfilling life. Always be kind because your actions have a bigger impact than you realize not only on you but others as well.

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams Do you remember how you felt when you had a tough day and a stranger smiled at you? Or the time you helped your neighbor carry in her groceries and how she still thanks you for it? Each of these small acts of kindness can make a huge impact on someone’s life. Small actions often lead to giant ripples. One small action can completely change the life of someone who then performs a kindness for someone else. And the cycle continues and grows. No matter how big or small the kindness is, it’s likely to have big significances to your own mental health. According to psychologists and researchers, the smallest acts of kindness can create a rebound effect on not only the receiver’s psyche but your own as well. For example, a smile increases their level of comfort along with making them happier. It puts you in a better mood as well. That simple smile could be the reason someone is lifted out of despair. Tiny acts of kindness can make a change in two ways; they are the catalyst for others to start invoking their own small kindnesses and they have a contagious affect on others. In other words, when we carry out tiny acts of kindness, other people see them, inspiring more kindness. Let’s look at another example. If you are friendly to the bus driver, he then in turn will be more likely to be more considerate to the next passenger. That passenger is more likely to go home and have a positive conversation with their family. People who have a tendency to do small things to spread kindness are more likely to take action in bigger ways as well. Here are ten ways small acts can have an impact. 1. Learn first aid. Learning first aid principles can help you be prepared to act if someone needs help in an emergency. 2. Be a part of a community clean up. Help clean up a park, neighborhood or local beach area. 3. Donate toys to the local prison or women’s shelter. 4. Donate flowers to someone in need in places like hospices, care homes or women’s homes. 5. Cook a hot meal for a neighbor whose been down on their luck lately. 6. Leave snacks in the breakroom. 7. Volunteer at your local Brownies/Scouts or boys’/girls’ clubs. 8. Donate books to your local library or to children in need. 9. Remove single use plastic from your life. Recycle plastics and other recyclables. 10. Leave uplifting notes in self help books at your local bookstore or library. Whatever you choose to do, each tiny act of kindness can have a big impact on others in ways you may never imagine. Each tiny act is observed and passed along to another making it grow into a big act.

It’s common to want to feel a sense of belonging. When we b elong, we are accepted as a member of the group. A sense of belonging is a normal human need just as our need for food and shelter is. When you feel like you belong, you feel your life has value and you cope with your emotions better. Sometimes though, we lose our sense of belonging. This can be for a myriad of reasons. Traumatic events could influence a person’s self esteem and self-compassion. Trauma often leaves survivors feeling out of sync with the rest of the world. They feel lonely, overwhelmed, anxious, turmoil and emotional pain that creates a sense they are different. As humans we are social beings. Our relationship quality is affected by our mental, physical and emotional health. As researcher and author Brené Brown explains, “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all men, women, and children. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.” Regaining a Sense of Belonging One way to help regain a sense of belonging is through kindness. Kindness releases the feel-good hormone. It makes you feel happier and improves your mood. Here are some ways to regain your sense of belonging. • Contribute to the lives of others by offering to listen and be a sounding board for them. This not only brings them joy but will give you a feeling of connectedness. • Have compassion for others who are different for you. Spend time helping others who are less fortunate, have different likes or needs than you. • Let go of judgments that build walls. Instead focus on people by connecting with them. No one is perfect. We all have struggles. • Be kind in your words and way of thinking. Use words that offer strength, compassion, acceptance and caring. • Begin building healthy relationships with others using kindness. Healthy relationships are important to our sense of well-being. Help trauma survivors realize they are safe and secure by showing them kindness. • Turn towards your partners for support during tough times. • Give and receive compliments with kindness. • Be compassionate of others who are suffering. • Begin doing things that bring you joy. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Give your time at a soup kitchen. • Be kind to yourself instead of always putting yourself down. Take a compliment for what it truly is - an act of genuine caring and kindness. • Join groups or clubs that are interesting to you. Participate in discussions and be kind to those who are members. We all want to feel like we belong. When our sense of belonging becomes affected and destroyed by trauma or other factors, we need to find a way to regain it. Kindness to both yourself and to others is one of the easiest ways to begin gaining your sense of belonging back.

"Constant kindness can accomplish as much as the sun making ice melt. Kindness causes misunderstandings, mistrust and hostility to evaporate." Albert Schweitzer Kindness seems to be missing in today’s society. People are more connected to their devices than to what is happening around them. They are self-absorbed. Kindness is oftentimes the last thing they think about. Without kindness our world would be filled with strife, discontent and anger. We’d see relationships fall apart or never start, countries disintegrate into constant war and our world completely changed. According to Dr John and Julie Gottman – founders of the Gottman Institute, which studies relationships – every successful relationship is, in the end, supported by kindness. What’s more, they claim the most important time you should be kind is during some type of conflict, such as when you are arguing with a partner and yet, this is the hardest time for most people to be kind. “Kindness is about showing empathy, acceptance and tolerance,” explains Lawrence Stoyanowski, a Vancouver-based therapist. “It’s about being able to scan your partner for things to appreciate rather than criticize.” Stoyanowski follows the principles set out by the Gottman Institute. Why Kindness As children and even as adults, we look for kindness from our family and friends. We give and receive kindness every day in some form. Kindness moves us. We remember past kindnesses done to and by us. Kindness nourishes, heals, strengthens and uplifts us. Many studies have shown that kindness though, is not only a good moral value but it is good for you. It benefits your brain, your body and your emotions in many ways. It is a foundation for a meaningful life. Here are 6 reasons why kindness is so important. 1. Kindness makes us happier. When we perform random acts of kindness, we activate areas of pleasure, social connection and trust in our brains. 2. It creates a positive loop in our mind. Kindness makes you happier and happiness makes you kinder. When you are happy, you are more likely to feel giving and kind towards others. 3. Kindness can create social connections and bonding. As humans, we’re preprogrammed to be a part of a group. Being a part of a group, a social connection of some type, enhances our physical performance and boosts mental clarity. Being kind allows us to be a part of a group. 4. Kindness helps with the healing process. When healthcare is delivered with kindness it can hasten the healing process, thereby shortening hospital stays. Kinder care leads to a range of outcomes including reduced pain, lowered blood pressure and less anxiety for the patient and caregivers. 5. Kindness can decrease or help prevent diseases. Kindness lowers our stress and anxiety levels and decreases pain because of the endorphins and feel-good hormones released at the time of the act. Positive emotions from kindness boosts your vagus nerve which regulates blood sugar. This helps the body prevent diabetes, strokes and heart disease. 6. Altruism has been shown to stimulate the reward area of our brain. Studies suggest that we get high on being kind. No matter how inconsequential an act of kindness might be, it is good for you. Without kindness life would be lonely, filled with anger and desolation, disease and stress. But when kindness is both given and received with no expectations in return, our lives are calmer, happier and we build meaningful connections to others.

NEW FEATURE ALERT! Canva just keeps on giving us what we want, am I right? This week on the blog, we've got a tutorial on how to make your elements MOVE! This is so fun for adding interest to your social media and it gets you more attention with the algorithms since video is typically promoted over static graphics! YAY! Check it out in the video above to learn more! As always feel free to grab some of my awesome Canva templates from the giant button below! They're designed to help you bring engagement on your social media channels! YAY