soulful branding challenge

From mundane to magical with soulful branding

I recently received an unexpected invitation: to share the concept of soulful branding at a Kenya Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife conference! The title of my panel: “From mundane to magical.”

The first African Safari Summit brought together different stakeholders from the sector,to reimagine the African Safari. Players included government, hotel and lodge owners, tour operators and more. The ultimate goal? Over 4 million annual foreign tourist arrivals; over KES 1.14 trillion earned from tourism in 2030; and jobs provided for 3 million Kenyans.

I thought to myself – how progressive of the organisers to consider the power of soulful branding in this context!

To give you an example of how soulful branding can be applied in real life, I’m sharing what I prepared. 

Continue reading “From mundane to magical with soulful branding”

How your business philosophy can help you grow

We all have personal values and beliefs, as well as experiences and interests that inform our business philosophy. 

Often, this philosophy is behind the scenes and something we don’t consciously tie into how we talk about what we offer (i.e. our marketing). Sure it seeps into everything because we are so connected to it but, have you ever considered writing it down, in one place, for the world to see?

Have you ever sat down, with your strategic hat on, and thought about how all the products and services you offer directly tie into the different aspects of your philosophy? Continue reading “How your business philosophy can help you grow”

The power of finding your voice: my Soulful Branding story

It took me a while to appreciate the power and necessity of finding my voice. 

You know what it’s like to be excited but frustrated at the same time? When you’re full of ideas for your brand and business but, you hit a roadblock because you’re unable to properly express them and live them?

My story

I experienced this frustration for years. I felt that there was a certain way I should be doing business and therefore a certain way I needed to present myself. To be palatable – welcoming to anybody who might need services in my skillset.

As a result, I attracted clients I didn’t really want to work with and so, I didn’t feel like I was creating my best work and I held back on the kind of work I really wanted to do. Continue reading “The power of finding your voice: my Soulful Branding story”

9 things I’ve learned about branding (and life)

Last year, while launching a branding course when my son was just a few months old, it dawned on me that there were several parallels between branding principles and infant development. Upon further reflection, I realised that there are indeed several parallels between branding and life!

Today, I’d like to share branding lessons that I’ve learned, in my 10+ years of professional advertising and graphic design practice, and my 30+ years of life.

Continue reading “9 things I’ve learned about branding (and life)”

Phone Wallpaper: Soulful Branding Affirmations

Phone wallpaper goodies for the taking!

As I prepare for it, I’m getting more and more excited about the next session of the Soulful Branding Challenge.

I’ve been putting my recently acquired modern calligraphy skills to use, lettering some affirmations to do with the course and my thoughts about authentic branding.

I thought you might enjoy having them as regular reminders so, I’ve created a few different phone wallpaper images for you. Continue reading “Phone Wallpaper: Soulful Branding Affirmations”

No new clothes: a story about branding and freedom

Branding and freedom aren’t two words you usually see together in a sentence. Let me tell you a story …

I used to go to job interviews in a suit. A nondescript black or navy trouser suit that was ill-fitting in so many ways. Firstly, the anatomy I’m blessed with makes finding a flattering off-the-shelf trouser suit quite difficult. Vanity aside, there I was, a young excited professional creative, going to find a job in my field, looking like an accountant!

Somewhere along the journey into adulthood, I had picked up this idea that this is how things were done. Serious situations like job interviews called for “serious” attire and, we all know that means a suit. Despite the fact that people who already worked at these places never/rarely wore suits. Despite the fact that I was largely being judged on my creativity and, we all know how your visual presentation has the power to influence decisions. My choice of clothing just didn’t make sense.

Presentation is everything

Continue reading “No new clothes: a story about branding and freedom”