In this episode, we dive into the brand-building journey of Melanie Cruickshank, the founder of da lish cosmetics. Da lish is a cruelty free, ethically sourced and give women who are looking for a clean alternative fabulous options for colour cosmetics. They work with many women who have or had Cancer, skin aliments, poor self confidence and help make them feel their absolute best.

Melanie shares how she transitioned from a career in advertising and marketing to creating a successful clean beauty brand with no prior experience or connections in manufacturing or entrepreneurship. Despite having done everything “backwards”, she ended up with an incredible business and community. Her story is one of perseverance, learning from mistakes, and the power of community in building a brand that resonates deeply with its audience.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with a Purposeful Product: Successful brands often begin by addressing a specific, personal problem. Identifying a clear need in the market ensures your product has a strong purpose and resonates with your target audience. How to: Focus on solving a real problem that you or your customers face, which will help establish a strong foundation for your brand.

• Launch with Strategy and Flexibility: Many entrepreneurs learn the importance of having a well-thought-out marketing plan through trial and error. How to: Develop a detailed marketing strategy before launching, which includes understanding your target audience, setting a realistic budget with a buffer for unexpected costs, and remaining flexible to adapt as you gather data and feedback.

• Simplify Your Product Offering: A streamlined product line can strengthen your brand and make decision-making easier for consumers. How to: Focus on offering a curated selection of essential products that meet your customers' core needs. Avoid overwhelming them with too many options, and instead, build a brand identity around simplicity and quality.

• Leverage Social Media Effectively: Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are powerful tools for building brand awareness and driving sales, especially when used strategically. How to: Post consistently, aiming for at least three times a day on TikTok over a month to see significant growth. Ensure your content is valuable—whether it’s educational, entertaining, or informative—rather than just promotional, to engage your audience effectively.

• Build and Engage a Supportive Community: Connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and seeking mentorship can be crucial for growth. How to: Join industry-specific groups or networks to share information, resources, and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for advice and collaboration opportunities. Building a strong community can provide invaluable insights and foster a sense of belonging that supports your brand's growth.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/dalishcosmetics

Join the FAB Squad newsletter: https://www.dalishcosmetics.com

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Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/

On this episode we sit down with Leanna DaCunha, Founder of Narrative Event Group, to explore how events can be a powerful tool for brand building. With over six years of experience in event production, Leanna has worked with major brands like Activia, Amazon, and CBC Sports, helping them create events that resonate with their audiences and tell compelling brand stories.

Leanna shares actionable insights on how to use events strategically to elevate your brand, regardless of your budget. She emphasizes the importance of intention in event planning—aligning your events with your brand’s core values and goals to create meaningful connections with your audience. Whether you’re planning a small activation or a large-scale production, Leanna offers practical advice on how to make your brand stand out.

Key Takeaways:

1. Align Events with Brand Values: Successful events start with a clear understanding of your brand’s core values and goals. How to: Define the purpose of your event and ensure it aligns with your brand to create a consistent and impactful experience.
   
2. Creative Brand Activations: Even small businesses can create memorable brand activations by collaborating with local partners. How to: Identify local businesses that complement your brand and explore ways to create mutually beneficial events that engage your target audience.
3. Balance Creativity with Logistics: The logistics of an event are just as important as the creative elements. How to: Develop detailed plans, use project management tools, and maintain clear communication with vendors to ensure your event runs smoothly and effectively serves your brand’s objectives.
   
4. Maximize Impact on a Budget: You don’t need a massive budget to create a successful event. How to: Focus on strategic planning, creative collaboration, and thoughtful execution to maximize your event’s impact without overspending.
   
5. Use Events to Tell Your Brand Story: Every element of your event should contribute to your brand’s narrative. How to: From venue selection to decor, make sure all aspects of your event reinforce the story you want to tell and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

https://narrativeeventgroup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/narrativeeventgroup

__

Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/

On this episode, we sit down with Emma Tessler, the Founder and CEO of Ninety Five Media, who reveals the challenges she faced, from client acquisition to team building, and offers invaluable insights into the strategies she employed to scale her business in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Adaptability: Emma’s journey highlights the importance of being adaptable in business. Her shift from interior design to marketing and the subsequent success of Ninety Five Media during the pandemic demonstrate how embracing change can lead to significant growth. How to: Stay open to unexpected opportunities and pivot when necessary to align with evolving market demands.
   
2. Effective Cold Pitching: Instead of immediate pitches, initiate genuine conversations and building relationships with potential clients. How to: Use methods like in-person networking and Instagram DMs to start dialogues, actively listen to prospects, and tailor your pitches to address their specific needs.
   
3. Build Authority on Social Media: Establishing your brand’s authority requires authentic engagement rather than automation. How to: Highlight what makes your brand unique, share relatable stories, and use platforms like TikTok Shop, Pinterest, and LinkedIn strategically to attract the right audience.
   
4. The Power of Team Building: Scaling a business is not a solo journey. Emma discusses how building a dedicated team was crucial to Ninety Five Media’s growth. How to: Involve your team in business development efforts and delegate responsibilities to ensure sustainable growth.
   
5. Create Long-Form Content for Deeper Engagement: Learn more about the value of long-form content, like podcasts, for creating meaningful connections with your audience. How to: Use podcasts and other long-form content to dive deep into topics, offering your audience comprehensive insights that go beyond quick social media posts.

6. 
   

https://ninetyfivemedia.co/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stop-scrolling-start-scaling-podcast/id1635151196

https://www.instagram.com/ninety.five.media/

__

Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/

On this episode, Brandon and Jon from Live City Media join us to discuss their evolution from a video and sound recording combo for live bands to a versatile video production company serving various industries. They share their insights on storytelling, video production, and how AI is shaping their business. The conversation covers their creative process, the importance of preparation, and advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging video for brand growth.

Key Takeaways

1. Storytelling in Business: Storytelling through video helps businesses introduce themselves to a broader audience and humanizes the company by showcasing the people behind it.
2. • How to: Use interviews and behind-the-scenes content to reveal the human side of your business.
     

1. Importance of Preparation: Being well-prepared for meetings and projects sets you apart and makes a significant impact on client relationships and project outcomes.

1. • How to: Spend a few minutes researching your clients before meetings to understand their needs and tailor your approach accordingly.
     

1. Effective Use of AI: AI can significantly reduce pre-production time and improve efficiency, from generating scripts to auto-captioning.

1. • How to: Utilize AI tools to handle repetitive tasks and enhance your creative process, allowing more focus on strategic elements.
     

1. Handling Multiple Industries: Flexibility and good listening skills are crucial when working with clients from various industries.

1. • How to: Ask relevant questions and gather detailed information from clients to understand their specific needs and industry language.
     

1. Balancing Creativity and Structure: While planning and storyboarding are essential, leaving room for improvisation during production can lead to better results.

1. • How to: Aim for 75% adherence to your storyboard while allowing for 25% flexibility to adapt to real-time inspirations and constraints.

https://www.instagram.com/livecitymedia

https://www.linkedin.com/company/livecitymedia/

https://www.livecity.media/

--

Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/

Join us as we chat with Alexa Suguitan, the founder of Lex and Co Marketing; a digital marketing agency that specializes in content creation and overall digital strategy. Alexa discusses her transition from a demanding corporate career to starting her own agency, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in branding. She shares practical insights on how entrepreneurs can effectively use testimonials to build trust and credibility. The conversation also touches on the significance of balancing trend participation with genuine content and how to navigate self-doubt in marketing.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing Authenticity: Authenticity is crucial for building a strong brand. Being true to yourself and your business values resonates more with your audience than merely following trends. How to: Focus on your unique qualities and ensure your brand message reflects your true identity.
• Leveraging Testimonials: Testimonials are powerful tools for building credibility and trust. They highlight what sets your business apart from competitors. How to: Use both written and video testimonials to showcase real client experiences and the unique value you provide.
• Creating Evergreen Content: While trends can boost visibility, evergreen content that tells your business story and values will have a lasting impact. How to: Balance trendy posts with consistent, informative content that represents your brand's mission and vision.
• Mindset and Self-Work: Overcoming self-doubt and finding your authentic voice in marketing requires continuous self-work and mindset improvement. How to: Challenge negative thoughts and dig deep into the reasons behind your hesitations. Focus on self-growth and authenticity.
• Navigating Business Challenges: Building a business is rewarding but also comes with challenges. Persistence and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success. How to: Embrace the ups and downs, seek support when needed, and continuously refine your approach based on feedback and experiences.

http://lexandco.ca

http://instagram.com/lexandcomarketing/

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Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/

On this episode, Alyssa talks with Cass D'Alessandro, the founder of Loving Life with Cass, a brand dedicated to inspiring people to live lives they truly enjoy. Cass shares her journey from a decade-long career in a different field to building her brand and becoming a freelance marketer. She discusses the importance of following one's passion, the process of creating her unique journals, and offers advice for entrepreneurs on gaining clarity and setting goals.

Key Takeaways:

1. Following Your Passion: Transitioning from a stable career to a passion-driven business requires courage and a deep understanding of what truly makes you happy. How to: Reflect on what brings you joy and find ways to incorporate it into your business.
2. The Power of Journaling: Journaling can be a therapeutic tool that helps entrepreneurs gain clarity, set intentions, and reflect on their progress. How to: Start with guided journals that provide prompts to ease into the habit.
3. Balancing Business and Passion: Cass realized she loved traveling but not working while traveling, which led her to pivot her business focus. How to: Identify aspects of your business that align with your personal values and make necessary adjustments to avoid burnout.
4. Self-Taught Skills and Entrepreneurship: Gaining skills through self-taught methods and practical experience can be just as valuable, if not more, than formal education. How to: Embrace continuous learning and leverage your unique experiences to build your business.
5. Conducting Life and Business Audits: Regularly assessing different areas of your life and business helps identify what you love and what you dislike. How to: Create a detailed pros and cons list to understand your current state and make informed decisions about future changes.

Website: https://lovinglifewithcass.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassrose/ Amazon Journals & More: https://linktr.ee/cassrose

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Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/

On this episode, Amanda Mariani shares her remarkable journey of opening a Stagecoach Performing Arts franchise in Westmount NDG amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amanda discusses her transition from teaching to entrepreneurship, the unique aspects of Stagecoach, and the growth and achievements that led her to win the prestigious International Franchisee of the Year award. Her story is filled with inspiring insights on leadership, overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of being present in every win.

Key Takeaways

• Adapting to Unforeseen Challenges: Flexibility and adaptability are crucial when starting a business, especially during unpredictable times like a pandemic. How to: Embrace change, pivot your strategies, and maintain a resilient mindset.
• Creating a Comprehensive Offering: Providing a unique, all-encompassing service can set your business apart from competitors. How to: Identify gaps in the market and develop a holistic solution that addresses those needs.
• Leveraging Support Systems: Seeking mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals is essential for navigating the entrepreneurial journey. How to: Build a network of mentors and advisors who can provide valuable insights and support.
• Building Confidence: Overcoming self-doubt and building confidence is a continuous process that can significantly impact your business growth. How to: Set small, achievable goals, celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures.
• Celebrating Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating every achievement, no matter how small, helps maintain motivation and progress. How to: Create a habit of acknowledging your accomplishments regularly to stay motivated.

Where to Learn More

• Website: https://www.stagecoachschools.ca/westmountndg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StagecoachWestmountNDG/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stagecoach_westmount_ndg

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Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/