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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lauren deVane is back (for the fifth time!) to help us make sense of the AI landscape—minus the tech bro energy. She and Michelle unpack what GPT-4o actually means for creative work, how to use AI tools with taste, and why brand builders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. From custom bots to off-label use cases, this conversation is a sharp, strategic look at where branding and AI intersect.

Real estate but make it cozy with a touch of luxury. Tune in to hear Molly Gallagher of FRG Real Estate and Michelle talk all things Milwaukee, from historic homes to heritage branding. They dig into the emotional side of real estate, how to stage and sell with style, creating branded merch people actually want to rep, and what makes FRG’s team-first, family-rooted approach so special. Molly shares her insights on client care, design taste, and why community is everything in the Midwest market. Tune in to learn all about architecture, aesthetics, and selling with heart.

SEO is a long game—here's how to play it well. SEO expert Tedi Bezna breaks down what SEO actually is, where to start, and how to make your website more findable without becoming a tech expert. From keyword strategy to AI myths to what Google really wants in 2025, this convo is a goldmine for service providers, designers, and online business owners alike.

Ready to ditch the starving artist trope and paint your own path to creative success? From charging what you’re worth, to calling out sneaky art competitions, and navigating the wild world of social media—Michelle and Phoebe break it all down. Pull back the curtain on the business of murals, how Phoebe cold-pitches her way to projects, and why she’s over playing nice with companies running “for exposure” contests. Plus, hear the hot takes and honest realities of building a creative career in late stage capitalism.

What if your anxiety is really just untapped creativity looking for a way out? Join Michelle and stop-motion expert Colette Peri as they give actionable tips for setting social media boundaries, making time for soul-nourishing hobbies, and rediscovering creativity just for the fun of it. In this episode, Colette shares how she found her niche, and what makes content actually magical. She and Michelle dive into creativity, pitching yourself, and staying playful even when the pressure’s on.

Melissa Litchfield is the marketing strategist brands call when they're ready to run ads that actually convert. In this episode, she breaks down the Facebook and Instagram ad game—from testing offers to ad copy do’s and don’ts to how your creative strategy can make or break your ROI. She and Michelle also dive into ad budgets, email list-building, and why you should probably stop boosting posts.

From a homemade gluten-free loaf for mom to Whole Foods shelves nationwide, Queen Street Bakery’s journey is anything but bland. Founders Giovanni and Tony share how they built a better-for-you, gluten-free bakery brand without cutting corners or flavor. They dig into ingredient sourcing, packaging pivots, building a brand, and what it takes to win customer trust in the crowded CPG space.

Big art. Bigger confidence. Molly Reopelle shares how she went from calligraphy at weddings to murals that define neighborhoods—literally. In this creative deep-dive, her and Michelle unpack the magic of large-scale art, finding your visual style, and navigating pricing with confidence (even if you’re Midwest nice about it). Molly drops gems on creative sustainability, public art, business coaching, and why she doesn't take on projects in January. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn passion into public-facing, paid work—this one’s for you.