This week on the Creative Business Community podcast, Erin and Ronnie are joined by Renee, MarketLife’s marketing and PR coordinator, to unpack what branding really is—and why it’s far more than a logo and a colour palette.

Branding is more than a logo — it’s how your business makes people feel. Erin, Ronnie and Renee break down practical steps to sharpen your brand and stand out online and at markets.

Together they explore the pillars of powerful branding for creative small businesses: getting crystal clear on your values and writing them down, knowing your audience and speaking directly to them, and choosing trends that genuinely align with your brand identity (yep, even when the internet goes all-in on Taylor Swift). They talk about showing up consistently across every touchpoint—from your stall display and packaging to fonts, colours, captions and customer interactions—and why repetition is essential for recognition. You’ll also hear a practical take on when AI helps and when it hurts, how to handle pop culture and political moments through a brand lens, and why searchability, legibility and simple naming conventions matter more than you think.

Creative Business Spotlight: Solyte Website: https://www.solyte.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Solyte-61572628515969/ Instagram: @solyte__

This episode breaks down the real value of handmade — for you, your community and the planet. We share quick examples, clear benefits and simple actions you can take today.

This week on the Creative Business Community Podcast, Erin and Ronnie dive into the handmade difference—why choosing handmade matters for your home, your community and the planet. Kicking off with a sneaky bowl buy and the hunt for the perfect mug, they unpack the emotional stories behind objects, the beauty of the human touch, the local economic ripple effect, and the sustainability wins of buying close to home. They chat markets and maker co-ops, heirloom-quality pieces that outlast fast everything, and practical ways to nurture creativity—think kids’ screen-free making, 3D-printed “Rocktopus” side hustles, and finding calm through craft.

Stick around for simple actions you can take this week: visit a local market, buy handmade, share and tag your makers, and carve out 15 minutes to make something yourself—even if it’s just a quick doodle. Mentioned in the Podcast: Fremantle Pottery Xanthe Caesia Pottery

Creative Business Spotlight: Tina Scott Collections. You can find them on:

Instagram: @tinascottcollections Facebook: @TinaScottCollectionsJewellery Website: https://www.tinascottcollections.com/

*Content warning* There is mention of a placenta during this episode as part of an exhibition. This week on the Creative Business Community podcast, Erin sits down with multi-creative Jana Braddock — visual artist, jewellery maker and Senior Curator at Goolugatup Heathcote. From a small country town in SA to the helm of one of Perth’s most vibrant contemporary art galleries, Jana shares how she carved a career in the arts, the moment she walked away from a comfortable teaching job, and the path that led her into a curating career. You’ll hear her no-nonsense advice on balancing a full-time role with a creative practice — why you need to create even when you’re tired — plus practical ways to embed yourself in the arts community, find mentors, and choose collaboration over competition.

Jana takes us behind the scenes of contemporary installs (including the wildest piece they’ve ever shown), spotlights November’s trio of exhibitions at Goolugatup (including Tilt with Jessee Lee-Johns, a solo by Jess Day and a collaboration between Paul Boye and Ella Valentine), and opens up about her own silversmithing — from stocking local gallery shops to turning holidays into hands-on learning opportunities with makers abroad. Connect with our guest! Find Jana Braddock: Website: https://www.janabraddock.com/ Instagram: @janabraddock Volasa Wearable Art Instagram: @volasawearableart

Businesses and artists mentioned in the podcast (in no particular order): Jess Day: https://www.jessday.net/about Jessee Lee Johns: http://www.jesseeleejohns.com.au/ Paul Boye: https://www.goolugatup.com/staff/paul-boye Ella Valentine: https://ella-valentine.github.io/ Midland Junction Arts Centre: https://www.midlandjunctionartscentre.com.au/ Fremantle Arts Centre: https://wfac.org.au/ Mundaring Arts Centre: https://www.mundaringartscentre.com.au/ Third Hand Studio: https://www.goolugatup.com/tenants/third-hand-jewellery-studio Curtis Taylor: https://www.goolugatup.com/exhibitions/curtis-taylor Kate Sale: https://katesalejewellery.com/

Creative Business Spotlight: Goolugatup Heathcote. You can find them on:

Instagram: @goolugatupheathcote Facebook: @GoolugatupHeathcote Website: https://www.goolugatup.com/