►EPISODE 236: Setting Up Discovery Calls That Convert
What to do when you know your services offer brag-worthy value, but you freeze every time you get a new discovery call sign up? Follow Michelle's discovery call playbook that has helped with convert aligned clients for over 10 years. You'll gain exclusive access to being a fly on the wall during four of Michelle's calls with stop and starts to analyze what's working well and what to look out for. Learn which questions to ask, how to spot client green flags, and to set the groundwork for an amazing client partnership.
►EPISODE 235: Concierge Branding & Community Building with FRG Real Estate
Imagine uprooting your life nine times in eleven years and still finding a sense of belonging. Not for Christina Novak. Join Michelle and Christina as they unravel the art of seamless transitions, Milwaukee’s most exclusive concierge experience, and explore how genuine community is crafted, not stumbled upon. Discover why high-touch services are reshaping the way we settle into new cities, and how a tailored introduction can transform an overwhelming move into an extraordinary new chapter. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned local, this is a conversation about redefining what it means to feel truly at home.
►EPISODE 234: Succession Planning and Branding with Lauren Goldstein
Are you building a business… or just your own very stressful job? Lauren Goldstein (aka the Biz Doctor) joins Michelle to discuss what makes a business “legacy” versus “lifestyle,” and why your self-worth shouldn’t be tied to your revenue report. From setting boundaries that actually stick, to leveling up in the age of AI, this conversation is a crash course for leaders, freelancers, and anyone determined not to reply to Slack messages from bed. Get the real secrets to finding freedom inside and outside of work.
►EPISODE 233: Why In-Person Client Meetings Matter
Curious how in-person client visits can transform your entire approach to branding? Discover the unexpected insights, pivotal aha moments, and all your top questions answered as Michelle shares why stepping into your clients’ world leads to truly unforgettable and impactful results.
►EPISODE 232: Securing Corporate Clients with Anniedi Essien
Is playing by someone else’s rules keeping you small (and underpaid)? Business growth strategist Anniedi Essien joins Michelle to spill the bold truths on owning your expertise, pitching like a pro, and showing up as your most unapologetic self—sneakers, sparkle, and all. If you’re tired of underselling your brilliance and playing small, get ready to learn how to score those big corporate contracts, crush imposter syndrome, and bring your whole personality to the table. This one is a pep talk for everyone who’s ever wanted to land dream clients, set their own rules, and finally get paid what they’re worth.
►EPISODE 231: Styled to Lead: The Intersection of Aesthetic and Authority
Ever wondered why some leaders just look like they have it all together before they even say a word? Michelle breaks down exactly why visual consistency is your leadership superpower—and how you can use aesthetics to command authority, build instant trust, and make your message impossible to ignore. Discover what it really takes to style your way into becoming the go-to expert everyone remembers and if you stick around, you'll get Michelle's framework for using styled leadership in practice. If you’re ready to turn heads and own your narrative (before you even say a word), this one’s for you.
►EPISODE 230: Client Case Study: The Galavant Society
Ever dreamed of running away to India, Egypt, or Greece without waiting on anyone else's schedule? Meet Alle Pierce of The Gallivant Society, as she and Michelle dish on building a luxury travel brand from the ground up. From accidentally launching a business with a Canva logo to curating transformative, friendship-fueled adventures for women across the globe, you’ll get the inside scoop on what really goes into planning curated group trips. Sprinkle in tales of TV news burnout and launching a website that finally matches the five-star experience, this episode is proof that luxury doesn’t have to be boring, and travel is always better with the right crew.
►EPISODE 229: Why your Rebrand Deserves a Launch Party
Ready to do more than just swap your logo and call it a day? Michelle is sharing all the secrets on how to turn your rebrand into the event of the year. Think: curated dinners, themed parties, and branded goodies your clients will actually want to show off. Discover why the real power of a rebrand goes way beyond a pretty Instagram grid, how in-person events ignite real emotional connection (and sales!), two client case studies on how these work, and what it takes to turn your “ta-da!” moment into a brag-worthy experience people can’t stop talking about. If you’re thinking about leveling up your brand, you definitely want in on this.
►EPISODE 228: Business Therapy: Consulting Insights with Erica Escalante
Ever dreamt of running your own cozy coffee shop but have no idea what actually goes on behind the counter? Erica Escalante has brewed up a life in the cafe world— from Starbucks barista to flipping struggling businesses into must-visit neighborhood spots. Join Michelle and Erica as they dive into what it really takes to lead a happy team, why employee drama is actually YOUR problem, and how to make your cafe a unique experience. If you’re ready for an honest look at the world of small business ownership, this is the conversation you can’t miss.
►EPISODE 227: Branding File Management Made Simple
Ever feel like your branding assets are scattered everywhere and you’re one missing file away from chaos? Let Michelle show you how to keep your digital pantry stocked and your creative kitchen ready for action. Discover the difference between storing assets on Canva vs. Google Drive and get practical tips for organizing your logos, colors, fonts, and more without losing your brand consistency. Whether you’re one of our branding clients or just getting your brand off the ground, this 101 on file handoff, smart storage, and designer-approved digital hygiene is the recipe you need to keep your files organized.
►EPISODE 226: Balancing Business Skills and Creative Taste with Amanda Moul
Learn what creative professionals really need to succeed. Amanda Moul, VP of Account Management at The Shipyard, joins Michelle to talk about the intersection of creativity, business, and leadership. From transitioning from a design background into account management to leading big-name campaigns, Amanda shares her insights on balancing hard and soft skills, building a personal brand, and thriving in a fast-changing industry. They discuss everything from generational shifts in work ethic to how AI is reshaping advertising. If you want to level up both your creativity and your career strategy, this episode is packed with lessons.
►EPISODE 225: Avoid Creative Burnout with Meg Wagler
How can you find the magic when you unplug? Illustrator and muralist Meg Wagler joins Michelle to talk about cultivating creativity, balancing digital and analog mediums, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. They discuss the power of curiosity, the value of having non-monetized hobbies, and how Meg’s artist residency in Finland reshaped her approach to rest and creativity. From building an “inspiration bin” to exploring dreamscapes, Meg shares how artists can avoid burnout while creating meaningful, vibrant work. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of art, life, and the power of slowing down.
►EPISODE 224: Pivot Your Creative Business with AMD Creative
Discover why confidence is the secret ingredient to creative success. Adelaide returns to the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast to share her unfiltered journey of restructuring her agency, building confidence, and embracing creativity on her own terms. She and Michelle discuss boundaries, working remotely, and why creative entrepreneurs need to “coast through the cringe” to grow. From starting a new course to leaning into public speaking, Adelaide opens up about what it really takes to evolve as both a business owner and creator. Remember: confidence is built, not given.
►EPISODE 223: Client Case Study: Falling Waters Landscape
Good design starts with good questions. MKW Creative Co. client Ryan Prange of Falling Waters Landscape shares his approach to designing outdoor spaces that feel intentional, livable, and distinctive. He and Michelle discuss the importance of asking better questions, delivering hospitality-level service, and truly listening to clients. From high-end residential gardens to restaurant patios, Ryan explains why great design isn't just about aesthetics but about creating spaces people want to use. Tune in to learn about intuitive design.
►EPISODE 222: Turning Anxiety Into Action with Whitney Alexandra
Your brand still matters even when the world is on fire. This week, Whitney Alexandra returns on the podcast to unpack the necessary work of showing up online authentically, why your business needs Fabulous Fridays, and why getting back to in-person connecting and tactile hobbies is so important. It’s about building a brand that’s resilient, relevant, and ready for real connection.
►EPISODE 221: The Strategy Behind Viral, Fan-Loved Branding with Cookie in the Kitchen
Make your audience feel seen, and they'll do the marketing for you. Cookie in the Kitchen has built the kind of brand people want to show off, share, and celebrate—even Harry Styles. She and Michelle dig into the strategy behind art that feels personal, why fandom is community gold, and how nailing the details turns customers into evangelists. From TikTok virality to capturing an artist’s “lore” on a cookie, Emily proves branding is about seeing people deeply. If you want your work to feel irresistible, this episode is your blueprint.
►EPISODE 220: Rising Costs and Brand Resilience with Dental Hygiene Nation
What started as a side hustle in dental hygiene school turned into a wildly successful lifestyle brand. Caitlyn Cochran shares how she built Dental Hygiene Nation from Etsy orders in her dorm room to a full-blown eCommerce business. She and Michelle talk about community, niching down, and trusting the slow-and-steady brand building process. If you've ever struggled to increase your prices, tackle limiting beliefs as an entrepreneur, or show up online as a founder, this episode will give you the insights to quell those fears.
►EPISODE 219: Educating the Next Gen of Creatives with Carolyn Jungman
Meet the teacher who’s building the next generation of creatives. Carolyn Jungman joins Michelle to talk about teaching digital arts and design to Gen Z high schoolers, what students really think about AI, and why creativity in education deserves more credit (and funding). If you’ve ever questioned whether this generation “gets it,” this episode proves they’re already building what’s next.
►EPISODE 218: What Real Leadership Looks Like with Veronica Perondi
Ever feel like you’re stuck in your own professional bubble, wondering how to actually make connections that matter? Michelle dives in with Veronica Perondi of LEAD San Diego into what it really takes to break out, build a brag-worthy network, and get your seat at the table. From Michelle's personal experience with the program to redefining networking and why you need to join a local leadership program, this convo is all about mixing curiosity, community, and leadership together.
►EPISODE 217: What Travel Teaches You About Creativity with Caroline Tomlinson
Drop everything and book a flight. Join Michelle and illustrator Caroline Tomlinson as they dive into the winding, wanderlust-filled path that led Caroline from agency burnout to full-time artistry, with pit stops in London, Cape Town, and New Zealand. They talk grit, galleries, creative identity, and the irreplaceable inspiration of travel. Tune in to embrace the beauty of happy accidents, creative ruts, and why travel is the ultimate fuel for your imagination.