The Branded By Bernel Podcast

Are you utilizing the tools available on free social media platforms to grow your business? Natasha Coyle jumped on TikTok before it blew up in the creative space and now teaches other creatives how to use video content to grow their brand on both Instagram and TikTok. In today's episode, she's sharing that journey and highlighting how you can start serving your audience through video! Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast. Connect with Natasha natashacoylephotography.com instagram.com/natashacoylephotography Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

Are you ready to break out of your comfort zone and grow your photography business? For Rob Greene, that's exactly what happened when he broke into an untapped market in the photography industry. By saying yes to photographing a group of college seniors at his local university, he completely changed the trajectory of his business. Listen in as he shares what that journey has looked like and how he has built a thriving business around photographing college seniors, despite having nothing in common with them. Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast.   Mentioned in this Episode The College and Sorority Course Connect with Rob square8studio.com square8studio.com/podcast instagram.com/square8studio facebook.com/square8studio Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

Building a business with intention is the key to creating a unique, thoughtful, and successful brand. When Akua Konadu and her mom decided to build a gift boxing brand, they knew that it would be created with that intenionality. Ama and Akua is a mother-daughter, black-owned, inclusive gift box brand containing products from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creators. In today's episode, Akua takes us on that journey, shares the types of products her gift boxes contain, but most importantly, tells us about the creators behind those boxes! Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast. Today's episode is brought to you by Ama and Akua, an inclusive gift box brand! Get 10% off your first order with code BERNEL10 at amaandakua.com.  

Launching is stressful and it isn't easy, but today I'm spilling the tea on how I prepared for a profitable launch! Listen in as I share how I got ready to launch my Showit Template Shop, how I projected my profit, and the channels I used for marketing! Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review the full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast Mentioned in this episode: Branded by Bernel's Showit Template Shop  Thrivecart Shopify Thinkific Kajabi

Building a business isn't easy, but imagine what it's like to do it while still in school! In today's episode, Hope Taylor and Reed Gallagher of The Junior Collective join us to share their journey to starting a successful business while in high school! Listen in as they share how young entrepreneurs can build businesses while still maintaining the fun experiences of being a teenager! Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review the full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast

Are you standing out as a small business owner? With over 5 million new businesses being created every year, Natalie Franke believes in a holistic and intentional approach to branding for small businesses. In today's episode, Natalie joins us to share about her recent rebrand, how she approached it with intentionality, and how small businesses can get their messages out there in 2023! Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast   Connect with Natalie https://nataliefranke.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nataliefranke/ https://twitter.com/nataliefranke https://www.tiktok.com/@smallbiznatalie https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliefranke/

What if there was a tool that could build your audience, grow your business, and open the door for additional monetization? In this episode, John Branch IV joins me to share how he's integrated Youtube in his business to do all of that! Listen in as he explains how Youtube drives his audience to his brand, allows him to book more speaking gigs, and collaborate with paid partnerships and sponsorships too! Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast Check out some of John's affiliate links: Get amazing Photography Education to Help You Start Your Photography Business Like the look of John's photos? Here's the preset he personally uses on every photo he edits. HoneyBook for Client Management + Online Contracts (50% off of your account!) Lightroom Classic + Lightroom CC for Photo Editing Bench Accounting to Manage Business Income (30% off of 3 months!) Backblaze to Backup Data VidIQ for Youtube content and tag research Artlist Epidemic Sound Connect with John https://jbivphotography.com/ https://www.youtube.com/jbivphotography https://www.instagram.com/jbivphotography/ Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

Do you have pretty, yet purposeful visual assets for your brand? What if we could build them by the weekend? I've teamed up with Jodie Brim to bring you a new workshop: Website by the Weekend! During this three-day workshop, you'll get a branding mini session, a website build, and education to help you in marketing your brand! In this episode, we're spilling all the details of our upcoming workshop, why you need to join us, and how you can sign up! Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast Mentioned in this episode Website by the Weekend Connect with Jodie jodiebrim.com instagram.com/jodiebrim Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

Showing up online is hard, but when you're trying to stay relevant with trends, it can feel almost impossible. That's why it's important to develop your own style on social media when you show up. Dr. Sandra Colton-Medici of Styled to the Nines joins us to share how to do this through just a few actionable steps! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast Mentioned in this episode Showit Connect with Sandra collegeofstyle.com instagram.com/collegeofstyle https://collegeofstyle.com/services youtube.com/channel/UCEe54AMDW2d0LZ_T1ptJqXw Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

Making money is fun, but spending it can be even more exciting, especially when you're investing thoughtfully and wisely in your business. In today's episode, Madison Brown joins us to explain how a bookkeeper can help guide you in your investment decisions, but also how she encourages her clients to make decisions when it comes to spending money as a business! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast Connect with Madison Brown www.madisondearly.com @madisondearly Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

Did you have some serious FOMO in November of 2022 when you saw how much fun we had at Spark, the conference hosted by Showit? I would love to see you at the next one, which is why I've brought on Cassie Jones to share all about the heart behind not only Spark, but Showit as well! Listen in to hear when the next conference will be, what you can expect, and how to snag a ticket! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast Connect with Cassie & Showit showit.co spark.showit.co Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

As we approach a new year, we tend to reflect on the previous year, what we loved and what we hated, then explore the possibilities of what we want out of the new year. For many business owners, we do this intentionally with our businesses, but have you considered what this looks like for your online home? Yes, I'm talking about your website! In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 ways to prep your website for the new year! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/podcast

Are you hesitant to explore the technology of your business? Maybe it makes you nervous to learn something new or speak tech lingo—today's guest is removing those fears! Dawn Richardson of Tech Savvy Creative joins us to share why making technology accessible and simple for creatives is so important to her! Listen in as she highlights what you should be looking for in your business in both your gear and your programs! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review the full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/blog. Connect with Dawn techsavvycreative.com instagram.com/techsavvycreative tiktok.com/@techsavvycreative https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDhbJ2fF3vZUSwF10j2v8NQ

We're back! Season 3 of The Branded by Bernel Podcast is launching December 10th, 2022! Listen in to hear a teaser of some of the first few episodes! Make sure you've hit that follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast player to get notified each week as we air new episodes!

Are you prioritizing taking time off from your business to focus on you? I just returned from my summer sabbatical in Greece and one of the biggest questions that kept showing up in my DMs were about how I prepared my business for an extended period of time off. In this special bonus episode, I'm sharing just that— how I prepare my business for my annual sabbatical and winter break! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/blog

Are you over playing the social media game where you're constantly chasing the latest trends, posting all the time, and not seeing results? Today's guests, Vic and Sasha were as well! That's when they decided to optimize their website with a custom strategy! Through search engine optimization, Vic and Sasha are seeing consistent results that continue to provide inquiries over time. Now they help their own clients do the same. The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review the full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/blog. Connect with Vic & Sasha mariposadesignco.com facebook.com/MariposaDesignCo2019 instagram.com/mariposadesign.co vicandsasha.com facebook.com/vicandsasha instagram.com/vicandsasha

Is the stage calling your name? If you've been considering becoming an event speaker and pitching yourself for opportunities, today's guest is going to set you on the path to success. Laylee Emadi is a business coach, who helps business owners become educators to better serve the creative industry. In today's episode, she's sharing what you should consider before you become a speaker, how to prepare yourself for pitching, and steps to take to pitch appropriately! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/blog Connect with Laylee layleeemadi.com layleeemadi.com/creative-educator-academy layleeemadi.com/mastermind soheresthethingpodcast.com Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel  

Have you played around with the idea of rebranding your business? There is so much that goes into it, but do you actually need a rebrand? In today's episode, we exploring the three signs that signify whether or not it's time to rebrand, plus discuss actionable steps you can take moving forward. The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/blog If you're ready to take a deeper dive into your brand visuals, I've created a Branding Guide just for you! From your brand's prelaunch strategy to details about the four pillars of a strong brand to an ongoing action plan, this guide will help you build a profitable brand. DOWNLOAD NOW >>  

You've created a beautiful website and brand for your business, but are you missing out on connecting with your audience through your website copy? Rachel Greiman of Green Chair Stories joins us to talk all about the importance of copy, the different ways her team works with business owners and how website copy can impact your bookings. The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Review full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/blog Connect with Rachel greenchairstories.com instagram.com/greenchairstories facebook.com/greenchairstories greenchairstories.com/guide

A big thanks to Paige Griffith, the founder and attorney behind The Legal Paige, for sharing so much of her legal wisdom with us in this episode. This conversation is chock full of tips that will help you make your business more professional. Paige covers the small and big ways you can set yourself up to be protected, especially looking at the passive income side of your business to ensure that the work you do and the products you sell are protected too.    Paige helps small businesses get legally legit so get ready to jot down some notes!   Where to find Paige: https://thelegalpaige.com/ https://thelegalpaige.com/pages/podcasts https://www.facebook.com/thelegalpaige

We are so grateful to get to chat with Diana Williams in today's episode! Tune in for an amazing conversation all about how to properly handle the money, spending, saving and taxes in your business.    Diana talks about how she left her corporate job to go out and make the finance space fun! She believes that good financial guidance can have a huge impact, not just for large corporations but for us sole proprietors, too.    Today's episode will answer all your burning questions surrounding your business finances and how to make the most out of your money!    We cover:  What advice Diana would give for the rest of the year  How to evaluate the first half of the year How to be proactive instead of reactive When you should you ask for help with your finances What is the difference between a bookkeeper, an accountant and a CFO?    Learn more about Diana B and Company a Boutique Finance Firm for Female Entrepreneurs: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dianab.co_/ Website: https://dianab.co/

A big welcome to Jodie Brim of Jodie Brim Creative! We have a fantastic conversation to bring you today about making the most of photography in your business.    Jodie talks about the sacrifices she made at the beginning of her business and how she went from shooting headshots in her garage for $50 to glam weddings and life-long clients.   Whether you're an entrepreneur trying to make the most of your photography investment of a photographer looking to uplevel your services, you'll find your answers in our episode today!    We cover: What is a photography subscription service?  What do you get in a VIP content day? What do I need to know about posing? How many outfits should a shoot consist of? What is a post-photo shoot content marketing strategy session?  Uses of custom stock photography to mix in with your photos Which is winning Google or IG?   https://jodiebrim.com/ Check out her complimentary resource: The top 5 tips to help you rock your next brand shoot   https://www.instagram.com/jodiebrim/

  Jacqueline Paumier is a copywriter, brand whisperer, and doer of all things wordy. A self-proclaimed Ad Brat, she's been the copy voice behind brands like At&t, American Express, and Mini-Cooper.   She's the founder of Self Writeous, providing consulting and copy services for disruptive entrepreneurs ready to own their voice and their message.   You're in for a treat today because our conversation is so fun and we'll teach you how to make your copy more relatable, effective and unique. Cookie-cutter copy, scare tactics, and false urgency are the worst, so... let's write better copy together!   Find Jacqueline Paumier at https://selfwriteous.com/ Copy and Cocktails July Edition: Mastering Cohesive Copy https://view.flodesk.com/emails/62bce559e6d63ab3ed0c1325

Do you want to learn how to make your podcast work for you and actually add value to your business? Today is the day! Welcome Haylee Gaffin, the producer behind the scenes of Branded by Bernel, to talk with us about harnessing the power of podcasting.    Some of the most popular motivations for starting a podcast are: wanting to help other people by sharing what you've learned, wanting to grow an audience, wanting to establish credibility in your field, and wanting to show your ability for public speaking opportunities. As you're formulating your vision for your podcast make sure you know what your objectives are so you can stay focused over the first weeks and months when you're building up momentum!   We answer these common questions and more!   How big does my podcast need to be before it starts making me money? How much time does it take to produce a podcast? How long until my podcast really takes off? How do I use SEO with my podcast?   Just like so many aspects of our business, podcasting is one of those things where done is better than perfect so don't worry about every little detail. Get your voice out there.   To reach out to Haylee for help launching your podcast or producing your existing podcast find her at https://gaffincreative.com/   Haylee's Podcast Budget Freebie  https://gaffincreative.com/podcastbudget/   Find me, Bernel, at https://brandedbybernel.com/

We're rolling out a new way to design with us! Welcome to the episode, we're so excited you're tuning in. Today we're sharing all the details about our new Design on Demand program. On my calendar you'll see Design on Demand days and you can book us for a full day or a half day and we will be completely “at the ready” to do the design refresh projects that your business needs. This means you can avoid the wait list AND we can take care of all of the back and forth in real time! Can't wait to work with you!   https://brandedbybernel.com/

Katie Harrington, Founder of Rebel and Rise, fellow Showit Designer and all-around force!   She's focused her passion on design, development, support, and education toward personal brands.   Today Bernel and Katie are taking about white label design where designers set aside a certain amount of time in their schedule for high-level projects and time-sensitive client needs. Some business models even support hiring a developer to build out the website  in the actual platform so designers can focus on their favorite part: design.   Focus on your zone of genius so you can spend more time being creative!   Check Katie out at: https://rebelandrise.co/   Info on Katie's fully comprehensive Showit course: Showit All (think Know-it-all ;) https://rebelandrise.co/showit-all-waitlist/

Whether you're a new business or you've been in business for a while, managing all of the day-to-day operations in addition to building a solid business and marketing strategy can be overwhelming. That's why today's guest, Kierra Conover founded KLC The Studio, a one-stop-shop for marketing solutions for small businesses. In today's episode, Kierra joins us to share tips to managing your business essentials as a new business, how service-based businesses can build a Pinterest marketing strategy, and what it looks like to outsource your marketing work when you're ready! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Make sure you've hit that follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast player to get notified each week as we air new episodes! You can review full show notes for this episode at brandedbybernel.com/   Connect with Kierra www.klcthestudio.com https://www.instagram.com/klc.thestudio/ Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

It's spring time, which means most of us have been spring cleaning around our homes, but what if you took the spring cleaning concept to your website? On today's episode, I'm walking you through everything you should review in your next website audit! Plus, I'm sharing a few tools you can use within your audit to make those updates! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Make sure you've hit that follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast player to get notified each week as we air new episodes! Review the full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/category/podcast Mentioned in this Episode: Blog Post - Brand Photography: What Is It and Why Do You Need It? Atom SEO Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

Have you fully taken advantage of all that your Showit site has to offer? Maybe you've found the code snippets offered for your website, but aren't quite sure how to use them. Well, you're in luck, because Jordan and Chelsey Barhorst of Black Tie Design Co have created the resource you need—Showit Code Camp. In today's episode, Jordan and Chelsey join me to share the reason behind launching this program for Showit users in order to help them learn the basics of coding to make better use of the features their website has to offer! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Make sure you've hit that follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast player to get notified each week as we air new episodes! Review the full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/category/podcast Mentioned in This Episode: Showit Showit Code Camp The One Thing by Gary Keller Connect with Jordan & Chelsey blacktiedesign.co @blacktiedesignco Showit Code Camp Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

With platforms opening the doors for more creators to get paid for their content, have you considered making the shift away from your business and into full-time content creator? LaShonda Brown did just that and on today's episode, she's sharing how she got started, when she realized she could turn this into a career, and the tools she's used to build her platform! The Branded by Bernel Podcast is brought to you by Bernel Westbrook, lead designer and founder of Branded by Bernel, a design studio dedicated to building strong brands and Showit websites for creative entrepreneurs. Make sure you've hit that follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast player to get notified each week as we air new episodes! Review the full show notes and transcript at brandedbybernel.com/category/podcast Connect with LaShonda lashondabrown.com instagram.com/lashondambrown facebook.com/lashondambrown Connect with Bernel brandedbybernel.com instagram.com/brandedbybernel

We're back! Season 2 of The Branded by Bernel Podcast is launching April 30, 2022! The conversations we're sharing on this season will focus on the various paths that entrepreneurs have navigated and how their experiences can help you! Along with a little tell it like it is honestly, you'll walk away with actionable steps for growth in your business. Make sure you've hit that follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast player to get notified each week as we air new episodes!

If you don't have a community of entrepreneurs you can join, then make one yourself! That's what today's podcast guest Jamie Findlay has done and it has blessed her life in many ways. Welcome to the Branded by Bernel this morning!   Jamie is the CEO and founder of Evolve, an international educational company for creatives helping them build sustainable businesses. She's also a private coach for entrepreneurs and brand and wedding photographers.   She loves to host educational events that are small enough to provide lots of connections. Jamie thrives on helping others avoid the common pitfalls we face as creative entrepreneurs. Her great, big goal in doing so is to see photographers gain more longevity and stability in their businesses.   Bernel and Jamie completely agree that the key is harmony over hustle!     How to follow up with Jamie Findlay: URL: www.evolveworkshops.org E-mail: jamiefindlayphotography@gmail.com IG:  @thelandlockedmermaid        @evolveworkshops   FB: facebook.com/jamiefindlayphotography       Facebook.com/evolveworkshops

If you are a creative entrepreneur you will click immediately with today's episode and with Bernel's guest Rodney Brown. Rodney is a wedding, couples and editorial photographer out of Northern California who built an entire career and reputation from simple integrity in being an artist. He does not shoot weddings with the purpose of getting amazing, bomb Instagram shots. He shoots weddings for the couple. He takes the photos that they would want and the photos they will have up on their walls so long they forget it is even a photograph because it's their memory. Practice your craft and never stop. He knows it takes years of hard work, grit and creativity before you ever feel like you're getting noticed but his advice is to keep at it. Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!   Get in touch with Rodney: https://www.rodneybrownphotography.com/ Tonez For Humans Presets - https://rodney-brown-photography.myshopify.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rdnybrwn Evolve -  www.evolveworkshops.org  

Welcome to brunch! Pull up a chair and join Bernel and Jen Hughes as they talk about smart business systems.   Jen is a Client Experience Specialist who brings a unique combination of relationship-centered focus and efficiency to her work. She helps coaches & consultants create streamlined and elevated experiences for their clients. These systems also free up time for the coaches and consultants themselves! She calls this the Hughes Method, and it works!   What struggles do you face as a small business owner? For Jen, as an entrepreneur, she has overcome both imposter syndrome and perfectionism. Instead she focuses on small accomplishments that move her toward her goals one week at a time.   Bernel and Jen talk about lots of great systems to improve your business. And, here are three that Jen swears by:   1 - Track where you are spending your time for 1-2 weeks. 2 - Determine what can be systematized or outsourced and what tasks can only be done by you. 3 - Document each recurring process so that they can eventually be delegated. That's the dream, right?!   Amazing advice.   Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!   To learn more about Jen Hughes find her here:   https://thehughesmethod.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thehughesmethod/ facebook.com/thehughesmethod   Jen's other featured podcast appearances:   Imperfectly Ambitious Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/imperfectly-ambitious/id1499652273?i=1000510591117 Motherhood Merged Podcast These Three Things Podcast Girl Means Business Podcast Crush the Rush Podcast

The businesses that we highlight on this podcast are all pretty dreamy. Bernel interviews entrepreneurs in amazing, creative and lively industries. Today we're doubling down with our guests Ashley and Manika, world-traveling best friends, who run an Airbnb business in Atlanta, Georgia. They started Vibes ATL from the ground up 5 years ago and have not looked back since!   Vibes ATL offers vacation rentals, travel planning, and consultation services. Ashley and Manika have paid close attention to their branding since the very beginning, zoning in on the absolute most important message they wanted to send, which was happy vibes. This has guided them as they've acquired more properties. They also travel the world's hottest destinations themselves to keep their Airbnb business on the top of its game.   Starting a business together as best friends always felt natural for Ashley and Manika. Bernel asks them how their partnership came to be and how it functions so well.    Ashley and Manika's most important tips for starting a business are to: Have a step-by-step plan. Get up and do it. And, have good credit! Budgeting early on was key for them!   Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!   Check out Ashley and Manika here: https://www.facebook.com/vibesatl1/ Vibesatl.com @Bucketlistbestfrans @vibesatl_

Let's Collab is a community built around a craving for professional photos in the small shop world, where many shop owners are used to DIYing every part of running their small business. Carrie Allen  started Let's Collab as the answer to that void, providing shops with access to hand-picked professional photographers and providing photographers with access to custom, handmade, or unique items that they might enjoy. In essence, it's a group of like-minded small business owners who share a common interest in elevating both the small-shop world and the photography industry. Today Bernel and Carrie Allen talk about the process of building out a framework for fair exchange and how we can show value for services just like we see value in products. Carrie also talks about how she hired the right team to represent her. Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch! Check out Let's Collab and Carrie Allen: https://photosforshops.com/ https://www.instagram.com/letscollabofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1696332110667914 https://www.facebook.com/letscollabofficial

**Announcement** Branded by Bernel is introducing a new sub-brand called Brunch Behavior! In designing the concept for Brunch Behavior, Bernel brainstormed all of the qualities and vibes, that she wanted to offer to other entrepreneurs of small businesses. She envisioned a community that was helpful, inspiring, classy, and comfortable.  Brunch behavior offers transparent resources that actually help you build your business and find friends to connect with who will help normalize the fact that slow, consistent growth with no time constraints is something to be proud of! We need this to balance out the influence of the other vanity metrics we are constantly seeing.  “The vanity metrics are those numbers that we look at everyday, wondering if that determines how successful we are, or how likeable we are, or how much people really care about what we have to say, and that's not true! Those are vanity metrics. There are people off the screen that are watching you. There are people that you've met at a networking event who you've inspired, so do not get caught up just in the numbers that are on social media because more likely, they don't translate to the numbers in your bank account. I said what I said.”   If it seems like everybody has already found their business besties, and you can't find where you fit in, do not let that discourage you. The brunch behavior community has room for you. There is room for you at our table! Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!   Check out Brunch Behavior: https://brandedbybernel.com/brunch-behavior

11: How does your business give back? Today's episode is such an inspiring resource if you're interested in developing the charitable side of your business.    Bernel's guest today is Monica Harris. She's a Greensboro native, mother, and a former firefighter-turned-stylist who has a very tender connection to women struggling with hair loss. It's an issue that just doesn't get talked about. Monica created a program called “Every Woman Knows a Woman” which gives beautiful wigs to girls and women facing hair loss.    Monica serves women by helping them maintain or regain their confidence through a healthy hair routine. She offers salon styling services, specializing in extensions and wigs, and she offers quality products on her online store.    You'll hear as she shares some of her experiences with entrepreneurship how relatable and resilient she is. And, Bernel just loves how service-focused Monica's life and various vocations have always been.   Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!   Learn more about Monica Harris and Every Woman Knows a Woman here: www.lachiclace.com https://www.instagram.com/iam_monicanicole/ https://www.lachiclace.com/pages/every-woman-knows-a-woman

Today's episode is a deep dive into investing in yourself. Our guest Ariel Perry eats, breathes and sleeps this philosophy. Ariel is a luxury senior and brand photographer. She's literally written the book on celebrating high school seniors through luxury photo shoots, and countless entrepreneurs count on her to co-create their vision for their brands.   If you're right on the cusp of advancing your business Ariel and Bernel want to encourage you. Do your research and hire a mentor or go to a conference. These things do pay you a return, especially when you grab any opportunity you can to meet other goal-oriented people who inspire you!   Another step that Ariel took to invest in herself was to plan a budget that allowed her to get the photography and event gear she needed. Actually, that's why knowing the financial side of your business is so important.   She says other things you can do to invest in yourself are to read, never stop learning, and practice your craft.   Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!   Find and follow Ariel here:   Website: arielperry.com   Instagram: @arielperry

Meet Instagram Strategist, Akua Konadu! Akua offers entrepreneurs the education and empowerment they need to expand reach in business. She leans into storytelling to accomplish these goals, helping build an Instagram strategy, social media management and content creation.   Today Akua and Bernel discuss overcoming analysis paralysis and anxiety when you are launching a new business, program or service. This advice is invaluable for entrepreneurs at any stage because we are always looking forward to the next big step, and it's intimidating. Akua's leadership in refining and sharing your personal,  brand and business stories is the right little push and the right time!   Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!   Check out Akua Konadu and Honeybook here below: https://www.akuakonadu.com/storytelling-quiz-page https://www.akuakonadu.com/ https://www.honeybook.com/risingtide/

Chip Dizárd is a world renowned photographer who teaches creative entrepreneurs the secrets to growing their business. He teaches skills to thrive in business through educational videos, in-depth training, mentoring programs, consulting, and educating groups through public speaking. Chip has mastered social media marketing, positive engagement, and how to turn inquiries into life-long client relationships. He still provides top quality brand photography for weddings, business professionals, and models but has more to offer.    Chip is excited to help both the developing and seasoned creatives take their business and brand to the next level. He teaches an Instagram Ad Funnel Course and he offers Facebook and Instagram Ad Services.   Where to Find Chip:   Website:    https://chipdizard.com/ Instagram:    instagram.com/ChipDizard/ Facebook:    Facebook.com/chipdizardstudios Ira Glass Quote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHrmKL2XKcE&ab_channel=PlamenPanchevStudios   Services: Photography/Videography/Live Streaming Facebook and Instagram Ad Services     https://chipdizard.com/fbads   Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!

Welcome to our brunch chat on this beautiful Saturday morning, or whenever you are tuning in! Today Bernel is talking with Liv Stouffer of Liv in the Moment Photography to discuss having a very clear vision for you business. Liv is a wedding, boudoir and brand photographer whose “why” is to support her clients, to show them how valuable they are, and how important their life is. Whether its photographing their new product launch or making them feel like a supermodel on their wedding day, she loves making them feel special. And, looking like a supermodel on your wedding day is one thing, but one of Liv's greatest contributions to her community is actually being transparent enough to share the truths about being a business owner and what Bernel calls the “messy middle.” This transparency really offers reassurance to business owners at every stage to know that they are not alone on the tough days. Liv shares her experiences learning how to align herself with a community of business owners who are also giving everything they have to their goals. Bernel and Liv also talk about how to pick the right CRM. They talk about the pros and cons of Dubsado, Honeybook and 17hats in the context of how to free up more time for you to serve clients.       Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!   Check out Liv Stouffer here: https://livinthemomentphotography.com/ https://www.facebook.com/LivintheMoment https://www.instagram.com/livinthemomentphoto/ https://www.instagram.com/livinthemomentwedding/

Today Bernel Westbrook welcomes Keisha Scott to discuss breaking into an industry, turning back to help other young entrepreneurs, and learning how to trust your own design style.   Keisha Scott, Owner and Event Designer at K. Scott Weddings, is passionate about creatively designing and planning weddings with an infusion of love and culture. Lauded as a top wedding planner in North Carolina and a Wedding Industry Expert Winner for the North Carolina Triad Area, she plans and designs dream weddings! She plans Indian weddings, African weddings, fusion weddings, and all other cultural weddings home and abroad.   The wedding planning industry is becoming more and more open and Keisha wants to welcome new wedding planners and share with them the things she wishes someone had shared with her. This year she released a planning course to teach planners, not only how to plan weddings, but how to plan cultural weddings.   Known for her calm demeanor, her strong work ethic, and for building trusting relationships with her clients, Keisha brings positive energy and solutions to any of her clients' needs. Her favorite quote is “Don't underestimate me because I'm quiet. I know more than I say, think more than I speak, and observe more than you know.” -Michaela Chung.   We are so blessed to have Keisha on the podcast today. Reach her here to learn more about her upcoming ebook, her personal coaching and her courses.   https://www.instagram.com/kscottweddings/ facebook.com/kscottweddings https://kscottweddings.com/   Thanks for turning in to Branded by Bernel today! Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!

We hope you are having a lovely Saturday morning brunch today. Thanks for joining us!    Have you had a chance to settle into your new word of the year? Wrapping up 2020, we all have been wonderful given the gift of clarity to know what we want to create more of in 2021.   Bernel's word is Sustainability. There is a lot to unpack here because this word means a lot to her and her business. You're in for a treat!   Whether you're building a new business or focusing on scaling your growing business this podcast is here to support you and welcome you to brunch!

“I want people to know, there is alway room at this table. So many times people are busy looking up and forward, that they actually forget those a few steps behind them. I will never forget you, in fact, this job can be lonely, so join me!” -Amanda Burman   Today Bernel welcomes special guest Amanda Burman. Amanda is a photographer and mentor who focuses on Senior Photography, Engagement + Wedding Photography, Newborn Photography: some of the most important, beautiful life events our girls and women cherish.   She also offers Commercial Photography, Photography Courses and Workshops, and Presets to help other photographers feel accepted in photography. As a former dance teacher, her background reflects her talent for seeing beautify and fostering development in others.   Bernel and Amanda talk, too, about the business side of running a creative business. Thanks for tuning in!   Check her out here: Instagram: @burmanphotography website: www.burmanphotography.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burmanphotography

Jonathan Davis has been in the event design industry for 16 years! He's been featured in People Magazine, Essences and The Knot, and he's created events for Oprah, Maya Angelo Prince and Lebron James. Having started out very young, he knows the importance of believing in your worth. That's what we're talking about today on Branded by Bernel. Thanks for tuning in!   Jonathan gathers inspiration from art, fashion, architecture and world travel. His high-end event design company CLUX, which operates in Charlotte, offers florals, events design and rentals, home staging and brand activations.   Jonathan Davis and Bernel Westbrook share their experiences as business owners and the progression they've had learning to educate their clients on the value of their services. This leads to finished projects and products that include the features that the clients care the most about.   Check him out here:   website: cluxinc.com email: hybridfloral@yahoo.com Instagram: @cluxjonathan

Lay Young is our first guest! On today's podcast we're talking about Lay's interior designing business Projex!    Lay is a very talented and affordable designer who bridges the gap between your dream home and your current living space. She creates million-dollar spaces for a fraction of the cost without compromising quality.   In addition to being a business owner and an interior designer, Lay is also a nurse. She's a nurse during COVID! You're definitely going to enjoy hearing how she manages both professions and finds inspiration.    Lay offers books, thousand-dollar rooms and virtual consultations. You can check her out here:  https://instagram.com/projex.interiors?igshid=1iq7bjicti18r

Welcome to the Branded by Bernel Podcast! We have some exciting episodes coming right around the corner as Bernel Westbrook sits down with amazing entrepreneurs to have a virtual brunch chat about business life!    

At age of 21, Bernel Westbrook began building the foundation for her branding and web development business, Branded by Bernel. As she worked to establish herself in this multi-faceted industry, she often felt unsure and alone in the process of growing a business from the ground up. Were her skills valuable? Did her voice matter among a sea of already successful entrepreneurs? Did she really have what it takes to inspire others?   We all desire to be great at what we do, although once we get there, no one seems to talk about the “messy middle.” This motivated Bernel to set the table and invite industry peers over to share stories about living and working in the creative world. These brunch-style conversations will focus on the various paths entrepreneurs have had to navigate and how those can help you, actionable steps you can use to grow your own brand, and collaborating with creative colleagues at every level.    You're invited to brunch, so grab the OJ and champagne, pull a chair up, and join the conversation with Bernel and friends every other Saturday.