What's in a brand? For small, local entrepreneurs, the answer to that question is very different than it would be for say, Walmart. We are individuals. We are going out on a limb, each and every one of us, and we each carry with us nothing but our own experiences, feelings, and ambitions. So how can you translate the deeply personal you, into a brand that lets others in to experience YOU?
No one that I've come across does a better job of this than Kathleen Shannon, of Braid Creative and Consulting. She is a powerful wind, and if your not careful, you'll be swept up in it.
But, guess what? It's nice up here in her breeze. I learned about Braid Creative just over a year ago, and I have been a loyal follower/blog reader ever since.
Without Further ado, I'll let you get to the first in my new series of ENTREPRENEURIAL INTERVIEWS with awesome small business owners.
They'll come around every couple of months, and I am SO excited to share them with you. Kathleen's gonna kick off the series with a glimpse into her P.O.V on personal branding, small business, and creativity.
Enjoy!
Tell us a little about yourself and your business.
Hello! I'm Kathleen – I write a personal blog at www.andkathleen.com and own a creative business with my sister called Braid Creative. We do branding, consulting, and creative coaching for other creatives like designers, photographers, writers, foodies, nutritionists, and even some yogis!
What would you say has been the most exciting part of this endeavour so far?
I would never want to do the first year over again but that first year was pretty exciting. It was just all so new and every day we were figuring out something new. There were some growing pains but it was exciting.
What inspired your unique spin on branding?
My sister is very methodical and logical – her core genius is making sense of things. Whereas I'm really into making decisions and taking action. I think our combined personalities inspired how we work.
Please explain the concept of a personal brand, and define your own.
Personal branding is using who you are as your brand – like Beyoncé. When I think about my own personal brand I think about the first things people see – from my hair to my style. Then beyond that they might quickly learn that I own my own business, I love to travel, and that I'm a mom – but the thread that runs through whatever story I'm telling is that I'm brave and funny (or so I'm told).
What do you think it means to be creative? How would you classify a creative person?
Being creative simply means to create. It could be something as simple as creating dinner or as complex as writing a novel. I wish more people would identify with the label of "creative".
How important do you think it is for individuals to get in touch with their creative “fire” whether or not they own their own business?
Your creative fire is the thing you're passionate about. Passion is important – no matter what you do for a living.
Obviously your mental/emotional state is very important for thriving creativity and productivity, but how big of a role do you think your physical environment plays?
Ah, your physical environment is a HUGE factor in creativity and productivity. If you have a cluttered office you probably have a cluttered business. If your bedroom is dull and lifeless I bet your sex life or sleep suffers as well. Your physical space should be a place you want to spend time and create in!
Please describe your creative hub at work, and at home. How do these different spaces inspire you?
Currently I am working from home. It's a reminder that my work and my life are not separate but in fact blended.
Do you think it is necessary to be creatively self-aware in order to build a strong personal brand?
Wow, good question. I think it is necessary to have a strong sense of self (some might call it confidence) to have a strong personal brand. And that does come with knowing who you are and having a point-of-view.
Is a personal brand necessary for small business owners to be successful?
I've seen lots of small business owners achieve financial success without a personal brand. But if you're definition of success includes feeling creatively fulfilled and aligned – I would say having a personal brand goes a long way.
What recommendations do you have for those looking to bring more of their own creativity into their job?
1. Use your words. Stop using industry jargon to try and sound smart or experienced. Use the words you actually use at work too.
2. Wear clothes you like. This might sound superficial but try to have one wardrobe for work and life.
How does goal setting and achievement mesh with a creative outlook on life?
I believe goal setting allows you to know when you've hit a milestone or benchmark. It gives you confidence to keep going down a creative path (which can often feel unstable).
You wrote in a blog post once, “I don’t think I’ll ever have it in me to stop living out loud”. What does living out loud mean to you?
It means capturing, shaping, and sharing who I am with the world. Showing up and being seen as who I am no matter where I'm at.
On a side note, I know you share a lot about food and health on your blog. Do you have any healthy living tips you just can’t live without?
Drink a gallon of water a day! It will do wonders for your skin. (I love this tip because nobody can get mad about it).
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. How can we learn more about you and your work?
I do a lot of personal writing at www.andkathleen.com – and you can learn more about my work over at Braid Creative at www.braidcreative.com – we have a blog, Letters for Creatives, ECourses, and DIY Coaching for Creatives email sessions.
THANK YOU SO MUCH
Isn't she awesome? I think so. Just a side note; I am a huge fan of Braid Creative's E-courses for creative entrepreneurs and have taken both the Personal Branding, and Dream Customer Catching e-courses. After which, I decided to become an affliate for them (meaning I get a commission on e-course sales directed from my blog).
They were both an incredibly eye opening and informative experience for me. Braid Creative has really helped me define my personal brand, and move my business in the direction I want it to be going.
If you would like help defining your own personal brand, then click on over to their e-courses page and enjoy one today for 25 dollars off, using the discount code BRAIDECOURSE50. Let me know if you do take the course! I know you'll love it.
To read about my experience taking their courses, check out this blog post.
XOXO,
Mickie.
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