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  • 277. Season 3 Wrap-Up and Podcast Break

    277. Season 3 Wrap-Up and Podcast Break
    2026/07/21

    We're pressing pause on the podcast, but don't worry, we're not disappearing. Michelle pulls back the curtain on why it's time for a breather, what shifting gears means for creative projects, and how this break is setting the stage for something even better! Make sure you're following us, so you get notified as soon as we're back!

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    12 分
  • 276. BTS of a Brand Launch

    276. BTS of a Brand Launch
    2026/07/14
    What does it take to launch a luxury condo brand from the ground up when the building doesn't even exist yet? Step behind the scenes with Michelle as she unveils the strategy, creative moves, and real estate secrets that brought a condo's Milwaukee debut to life. From mastering the art of hype (and keeping things under wraps) to creating irresistible social content and plotting the juiciest lead capture plan ever, this episode is your all-access pass to branding magic and making big decisions. If you've got big brands (or big dreams) to launch, don't miss this one. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Creating an opportunity deckIdentifying your positioning mapDeveloping a marketing strategySetting up Instagram teasersCreating a subscriber access pointDesigning branded merchLaunch marketing plan and outreachCapturing community and lifestyle elements ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 268: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Brand MerchEpisode 262: Mapping Client Touchpoints for Service-Based BusinessesEpisode 176: Client Case Study: Piano C Property Management ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Heartbeat GroupKiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- 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! -- STICKER GIANT -- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code MKW25 for 25% off when you spend $150 or more! Code is valid for one-time use only. Expires December 31st 2026. -- ZENCASTR -- 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 -- AUDIBLE -- 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
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    35 分
  • 275. How to Make Print Design Work for Your Brand

    275. How to Make Print Design Work for Your Brand
    2026/07/07
    In the age of AI overload and digital sameness, it's time to stand out with print. Michelle reveals how what makes good print design and how to make your brand impossible to ignore— from eye-catching direct mail and tactile packaging to look-books people want to keep. Get the inside scoop on luxury catalogs, creative print marketing, hybrid strategies, and why thoughtful snail mail is the ultimate attention hack in 2026. Ready to create something your audience can actually hold onto? Tune in for print ideas, branding best practices, and plenty of inspiration for brands and creatives craving serious longevity. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The marketing landscape shift from physical to digitalWhy did print design die in the first place?Value of print today in 2026What MKW Creative Co. is doing to bring print backHow to elevate your print pieces to be multi-functionalCurrent print design trends and opportunities in 2026Unboxing culture and branded touchpoints in your packagingIdeas for creating curated designs and world-building with packagingConsiderations before sending designs off to print ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 268: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know About Brand MerchEpisode 198: Marketing Without Social MediaEpisode 147: The Power of Print in the Digital Age with MoreWithPrint ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Heartbeat GroupKiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- 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! -- STICKER GIANT -- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code MKW25 for 25% off when you spend $150 or more! Code is valid for one-time use only. Expires December 31st 2026. -- ZENCASTR -- 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 -- AUDIBLE -- 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
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    31 分
  • 274. Building Matriarchal Businesses with Ashli Pollard

    274. Building Matriarchal Businesses with Ashli Pollard
    2026/06/30
    Patriarchy, performance, and the power of women. This week, Michelle on the podcast (for the 5th time!) with Ashli Pollard to dig deep into what it really takes to smash the status quo in business and beyond. They dive into financial independence, feminist values, and why today's wealth gap isn't accidental. From the wild west of AI and the dark side of tech, to redefining success in a matriarchal light, you'll hear candid takes on what it means to actually support women— plus the unfiltered truth about ambition, allyship, and building something that lasts Ashli Pollard is a trusted brand strategist and marketing leader with over a decade of experience across consumer and CPG growth, as well as B2B and agency experience. She is the founder of The Do-ers® and Dial Zero Marketing, and has supported globally recognized brands, public figures, and thousands of women founders through clear strategy and strong execution. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Gender bias in everyday design and thoughts on Invisible WomenMatriarchal structuresThoughts on capitalism and policyThoughts on the book YesteryearFemale societal expectationsAI's impact on creative jobsWomen in techAI use and ethicsMatriarchal vs patriarchal successSocietal shifts and feminism ---------------------- RESOURCES: Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-PerezYesteryear by Caro Claire-BurkeEpisode 272: Navigating the Ethics of AI in Design with Lauren deVaneEpisode 155: Beyond the TikTok Ban with Amber and AshliEpisode 121: Let's Thread with Ashli Pollard ---------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Ashli and her work, follow her on Instagram and TikTok @ashli_p, or visit her website, Jointhedoers.com ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- 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! -- STICKER GIANT -- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code MKW25 for 25% off when you spend $150 or more! Code is valid for one-time use only. Expires December 31st 2026. -- ZENCASTR -- 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 -- AUDIBLE -- 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
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    48 分
  • 273. 10 Things I'd Change If I Restarted My Business Today

    273. 10 Things I'd Change If I Restarted My Business Today
    2026/06/23
    Ever wish you could hit rewind and start your business with everything you know now? Time travel with Michelle as she shares the ten bold moves she'd make if she restarted MKW Creative Co. today. From building a killer portfolio before posting on socials to negotiating contracts that actually work for you, this episode lays out the playbook for anyone ready to ditch rookie mistakes and build a business that clients can't stop referring. Find out how to nurture your network and get creative with compensation. Let's fast-track your business. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Tip #1: Portfolio first, social media secondTip #2: Identify your referral network and nurture themTip #3: Contracts and proposals that expireTip #4: Be kind to the clients you love (grandfather rates)Tip #5: Testimonial-centric contentTip #6: Implement client surveys for data and improvementTip #7: Create your encyclopedia of knowledgeTip #8: Recognize the risk for first-time clients and compensate creativelyTip #9 Develop a paywall or advanced contentTip #10: Regularly schedule face-to-camera content and prioritizing in-person events ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 251: How to Work with MKW Creative Co. in 2026Episode 202: Creating DIML & Case Study Content Step-by-Step GuideEpisode 110: Our Services & How We WorkEpisode 105: How I Started My Brand Design Business ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Heartbeat GroupKiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- 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! -- STICKER GIANT -- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code MKW25 for 25% off when you spend $150 or more! Code is valid for one-time use only. Expires December 31st 2026. -- ZENCASTR -- 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 -- AUDIBLE -- 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
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    28 分
  • 272. Navigating the Ethics of AI in Design with Lauren DeVane

    272. Navigating the Ethics of AI in Design with Lauren DeVane
    2026/06/16
    The ethics of AI in design are stirring up more drama than a reality TV reunion, so Michelle and your favorite AI auntie, Lauren deVane, are diving headfirst into what's helpful and what's misdirected rage. Get the inside scoop on creative boundaries, data centers, and why bullying local businesses for using ChatGPT is officially "out." This conversation unpacks how to actually use AI without losing your mind — or your moral compass. Lauren deVane, also known as @youraiauntie is an ex-Ulta Beauty social creative director turned creative futurist and AI educator. She's taken her 10+ years of creative marketing experience and is now helping visual creatives, marketers, entrepreneurs, and brand builders on how to integrate AI into their existing workflows ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Public perception vs. reality of AI in June 2026The realities of data centersEthical dilemmas in tech useConcerns about AI misuse in the USAI safety and video editing advancementsSetting boundaries with clientsAI vs designer and photographer debateIterative prompting and accuracy concerns with generative AIAI and modern surveillanceFuture of Smart GlassesAI and neurodiversity opportunitiesGetting good content from AIQuestioning the authenticity of scripted contentBuild a community presence ---------------------- RESOURCES: FOF100OFF for $100 off fofcourse.com AND KMA30OFF gets them $30 off Prompty Poppins https://bemusedstudio.myflodesk.com/promptyEpisode 216: AI for Brand Designers with Lauren deVaneEpisode 192: Authenticity and AI with Lauren deVaneEpisode 162: Leveraging AI Tools for Innovative Marketing with Lauren deVane ---------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Lauren and her distinct style, follow her on Instagram @YouAIAuntie, or visit her websites, FOFCourse.com, TheBemusedStudio.com, and JoinBaisCamp.com. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- 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! -- STICKER GIANT -- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code MKW25 for 25% off when you spend $150 or more! Code is valid for one-time use only. Expires December 31st 2026. -- ZENCASTR -- 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 -- AUDIBLE -- 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
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    55 分
  • 271. Surviving the Budget Squeeze in Branding and Marketing

    271. Surviving the Budget Squeeze in Branding and Marketing
    2026/06/09
    Is your current marketing strategy going silent? Michelle gives the lowdown on what to do when your marketing spend hits a wall, why "going dark" is basically a brand crime, and exactly how to trim expenses without ditching your strategy. Get the know-how for protecting your brand equity, making your clients stickier than ever, and learning why a little creativity in a crisis might just be your business's superpower. If you're ready to turn those scary budget convos into smart solutions (and stop panicking about your next lead), this is your time to show up, stay seen, and thrive when times get tough. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Building leads through referralsClient retention strategiesBudgeting for social media managementRepositioning your valueAdjusting price and brand strategyHelping corporate escapees freelanceReputation management and economic shiftsProtecting your business when multiple clients leaveCreative strategy and budgeting tips ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 156: Creating a Brag-Worthy Brand Strategy ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Heartbeat GroupKiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- 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! -- STICKER GIANT -- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code MKW25 for 25% off when you spend $150 or more! Code is valid for one-time use only. Expires December 31st 2026. -- ZENCASTR -- 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 -- AUDIBLE -- 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
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    35 分
  • 270. Instagram Strategy & How to Enter the Reelies with Your Social Team

    270. Instagram Strategy & How to Enter the Reelies with Your Social Team
    2026/06/02
    Do you feel like social media is just one big popularity contest that leaves you creatively drained? Let's shake things up. Join Manu Muraro shares how to make your brand stand out in a saturated feed, how to actually enjoy content creation, and why celebrating those small wins might be your new secret weapon. From tackling the Instagram algorithm to surviving the world of copycats and award shows, this episode is for every entrepreneur ready to take center stage online. Manu Muraro is the founder of Your Social Team, a content marketing brand helping small business owners grow through strategic email marketing and Instagram content. Manu is also the creator of The Reelies Awards, the first award show celebrating Small Business Owners and Creators through Instagram Reels. A former creative at Cartoon Network, Manu brings award-winning experience to everything she creates — from email templates to done-for-you social content that saves time and drives results. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Changing role of social mediaOrigin of the ReeliesCreating an awards showIn-person eventsAdapting to changes in contentThe Instagram algorithm and oversaturation over the yearsBuilding genuine client relationshipsStaying on top of social media trendsDiscussing visual trends in designDiscovering and using UnscreenHandling content copying issuesSetting up your social media accountCreating a presentation outlineTikTok's impact on discoveryJudging criteria for ReeliesImportance of in-person meetingsWinning awards for client projects ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get your 1 free entry for the ReeliesBlog: Starting a New Instagram Account? Here's what your first 9 posts should be ---------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Manu and Your Social Team, follow her on Instagram and TikTok @YourSocialTeam, Facebook @WeAreYourSocialTeam, and visit her website, YourSocial.Team ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- 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! --STICKER GIANT-- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code MKW25 for 25% off when you spend $150 or more! Code is valid for one-time use only. Expires December 31st 2026. -- ZENCASTR -- 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 -- AUDIBLE -- 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
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    52 分