Ever wondered where your hard-earned money actually goes when you run a creative business? Peek behind the curtain as Michelle shares on every tool, subscription, and sneaky expense that keeps her agency thriving. From splurges she’ll never give up, to those subscriptions haunting her credit card, you’ll get the unfiltered downlow on what’s essential, what’s a money pit, and how a little spring cleaning can amp up your profits.

Don’t mistake the allure of a shiny new logo for the true engine behind a thriving business. In this episode, Michelle teams up with Cody to demystify the branding process, tracing the journey from “just good enough” placeholders to strategic, confidence-building design. Their conversation is packed with takeaways on aligning investment with growth, clarifying your business vision, and knowing when a rebrand is the right move— not just the next one. Honest, practical, and full of energy, this episode is your ticket to creating a brand that not only looks the part but truly moves your business forward.

Just because you're bored, doesn't mean you should be rebranding. If you’ve ever wanted to throw your whole aesthetic in the trash and start fresh, Michelle’s got your back. Tune in as she dishes on aesthetic fatigue, the real reason you’re bored of your own branding, and how to break the comparison spiral without tanking your authority. From micro makeovers to intentional evolution, learn why a full rebrand might not be the answer (and what to do instead if you’re itching for something new). Let’s get you feeling inspired and ready to love your brand again.

What's the real difference between followers and genuine community? Meet Murtaza Bambot, the founder of Heartbeat, as he unpacks the evolution of online spaces, why social platforms are losing their magic, and how the right tech can transform your group into a thriving, revenue-generating network. Discover practical strategies for migrating members, building authentic engagement, and leveraging customizable platforms like Heartbeat to future-proof your business. Whether you’re a creator, solopreneur, or brand leader, you'll gain a refreshing perspective on sustainable community growth. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the new era of connection.

Curious how in-person strategy sessions can transform a brand? Discover firsthand insights from 5 client on-sites Michelle went on in January, the latest trends in audience engagement, and actionable takeaways for elevating both your brand presence and community connection. Get a look at the real impact of showing up, asking the right questions, and driving intentional growth.

Step inside a world where community, culture, and creativity collide. Meet Mo Maravilla, the force behind Studio Tigre, whose journey from Manila to LA has turned barriers in the coffee industry into invitations for inclusivity and empowerment. Discover how intentional design, lived experience, and radical hospitality can transform an entire movement.

There hasn't been a more important time to practice conscious entrepreneurship. If you're seeing how injustice plays out around the world, and particularly here in America, it's time to build activism into your business framework. This conversation unpacks the overlap between our values and our ventures, inviting you to examine where activism fits within your work—and your everyday life. Michelle shares practical ways to bring you from frustration to meaningful action, all while challenging the privilege of inaction.

Step inside the vibrant world of design leadership as Michelle is joined by Anna Dower, co-founder of the Designer Boss Summit. Discover the art and strategy behind curating a global creative community, and learn how access, authority, and authenticity have redefined what it means to be a designer today. From building an inclusive stage for women to mastering your brand’s signature style, this conversation unpacks the power of collaborative learning, thoughtful curation, and saying yes to opportunities uniquely aligned with your vision. If you’re ready to elevate your creative business and stand out with intention, this episode is your blueprint.

Want to work with us in 2026? This is how. Michelle has compiled alllllll of the ways you can join forces with our team, from bespoke brand design to bragworthy launch packages and creative retainers. Plus, stick around till the end to learn about the upcoming referral program for our superstar referrers (cash, credit, no catch). Whether you’re dreaming of a total glow-up or just want some expert help to level up your business, tune in for the all-access roadmap to working together this year. Why play small when you could stand out?

True hospitality thrives in the foothills of Amador County, where a slower pace, deep roots, and a shared table welcome newcomers and old friends alike. This week, we meet with Daisy D'Agostini to dig into what it means to keep family tradition alive while adapting to a changing wine world. You'll learn what went into their rebrand with MKW Creative Co., and where they're headed.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at running a creative business. In the first episode of 2026, Michelle breaks down her journey from designing flyers in a college computer lab to building a brag-worthy branding studio with a global team. Get the full picture— from accidental entrepreneurship and world travels to surviving the feast-famine cycles of client work and climbing out of the scarcity mindset. Thinking about starting your own thing, or just want to know how a creative stays inspired a decade in? Hit play!

Ready to separate fact from fiction in the creator economy? This wee we welcome industry insider Lissette, who shares her expert insights on what truly builds influence, dispels common myths about monetization, and explores the real stories behind authentic online growth. If you want actionable strategies for creators, brands, and multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, stop hovering and press play.

Ditch the beige and step into a world where bold color, real storytelling, and cultural pride take center stage. In this long-awaited episode, Michelle shares her design trend predictions for 2026, breaking down how you’ll see them explode across pop culture, fashion, IRL gatherings, print, and beyond. Plus, gain insights on how to notice these trends all around you in the New Year!

Raise your hand if you've ever ghosted your own email list. Don't worry, we're guilty of it, too. Michelle teams up with email marketing expert Kieryn Wang to share everything you've definitely been ignoring in your inbox management. Turn subscribers into superfans, battle the fears of sounding salesy, and discover why a "one sentence" email might actually be what works for your audience. From list revivals to clever segmentation and the ultimate “unsubscribe” mindset shift, this episode is your reminder to stop sleeping on email— and start making it work for you.

Ready for an honest conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and community? This week, Michelle is joined by product management leader Ashley Jefferson. Discover how blending corporate experience with creative instincts can shape a distinctly authentic approach to business, personal branding, and networking— plus why true connection goes far beyond job titles or online followers. This episode delivers insightful perspectives and practical tips you don’t want to miss.

Trade self-doubt for confidence. Discover how to present your creative work as the expert you are. Imagine: less revisions and ongoing partnerships. Whether you’re shy or an extraverted creative, Michelle shares the simple hacks for showing off your ideas, getting real client buy-in, and using video to bring your humanness front and center (no more hiding behind a mood board!). From the power of mockups to psychological tricks for smooth feedback, you’ll learn how to lead with conviction and get those “slam dunk” approvals every designer craves.

Thinking your business is just an extension of yourself? Think again. This week, Michelle chats with Chedva Lumir to get real about entrepreneurship, identity, and why asking the right questions might save your sanity (and your strategy). Crack open the secrets to self-loyalty, business relationships, navigating uncertainty, and the real meaning behind “work-life balance.” Whether you’re a creative, founder, eldest daughter, or anyone juggling a million hats, tune in to learn how to celebrate tiny wins, rethink failure, and get curious about what’s next.

Struggling to keep your brand looking consistent across all platforms? In today’s episode, we’re breaking down brand guidelines: what they are, why you need them, and how to make them actually useful. From mood boards and color palettes to logo do’s and don’ts, you’ll learn about all the essentials in a super approachable way. Tune in for how to build the brand bible of your dreams and how to keep your visual identity as consistent as your coffee order.

Considering a rebrand? Here are the things you can expect before moving forward with the process. From determining whether you really need to overhaul everything or just a little facelift, to what it actually costs and how to avoid alarming your loyal customers in the process, Michelle answers the 10 most common questions she's asked on rebrand discovery calls. Tune in to learn what it takes to get a brag-worthy brand makeover.

The most skilled creatives understand that refinement is crucial when it comes to generative tools. First drafts are just the starting line. Explore how a strategic blend of custom GPTs accelerates the brand development process, streamlines mockup creation, and helps clarify project vision for both teams and clients. Plus, get the real answer to: should you rely on AI for logo design, or does human touch still reign supreme? Discover how to use AI intentionally to amplify creative output— without sacrificing authenticity.