Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast

Why does your favorite local coffee shop feel like more than just a morning pit stop? Join Michelle and industry insider Sadie Renee as they explore the impact of values-driven businesses, the evolution of coffee culture, and why the barista behind the counter might be shaping your community more than you think. From the inner workings of hospitality to the challenges of running a low-margin business, they discuss how thoughtful purchasing, authentic relationships, and grassroots marketing are redefining the modern coffee experience. Sadie Renee is a relentless builder, orchestrator, and progress-driver, fueled by metabolizing strategy into creative action and finding better ways to get sh*t done. From the good old days behind the coffee bars of KCMO to serving as VP of Coffee at Oatly, Sadie has developed a reputation for navigating obstacles with tenacity and precision. A natural leader and compassionate collaborator, she lives by the value that a rising tide lifts all boats, often finding her place at the helm of that tide. When not working, Sadie dedicates time to musical pursuits, her extensive human and fur family, and enjoying life in the beautiful Hudson Valley. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Sadie's career journey in coffee Community building vs. following Launching The Usual Company Bridging CPG and coffee industries The coffee shop experience Embracing identity in coffee culture Improving coffee industry economics Generational habits and collective change Marketing challenges and shifting strategies Reviving the coffee community together ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 254: Client Case Study: Studio Tigre Episode 161: Avoiding Burnout as a Creative with Morgan Drinks Coffee Offline with Jon Favreau Episode 218: The Enshittification of the Internet (with Cory Doctorow) ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about The Usual Company, follow them on Instagram @TheUsual.Company and visit their website, ItsTheUsual.com ----------------------- Stop managing software and start hosting your people. This episode is sponsored by Heartbeat. Create an authentic community today and start your free trial at Heartbeat.Chat/KMA. Once you're ready to upgrade your plan, use code KMA30 for 30% off. P.S. Want to be a community member before creating your own? Join the Kiss My Aesthetic community on Heartbeat! ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Feeling uninspired with your current design work? The Kiss My Portfolio Challenge is back to reignite your passion and purpose by connecting your creativity to the issues you care about most. Discover how to create impactful, portfolio-worthy projects through a thoughtfully guided challenge that blends real-world values with standout branding skills. Whether you're looking to elevate your portfolio, expand your network, or make a positive difference in your community, we're excited to welcome you to the challenge! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Background of the Kiss My Portfolio Challenge What to expect in this upcoming challenge How to join and participate in the Heartbeat group Overview of the challenge The design prompts for KMP #7: The Table Purpose and vision behind the prompts Defining mission, vision, and brand adjectives Audience profiles for The Table Aesthetic and design considerations Research and positioning Step-by-step challenge structure and daily prompts Presenting your work ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 256: Scaling Your Online Community with Heartbeat Join our community on Heartbeat Take the Kiss My Portfolio Challenge! ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

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. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Hosting files: GSuite and Google Storage Client and team communications and project-tracking: Basecamp Onboarding managing tool: Dubsado Design tools we can't live without: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Artboard Studio, Midjourney Marketing tools: Audible, Claude, Cricut, Gusto, Later, Loom, QuickBooks, Spotify, Squarespace, Zapier, Heartbeat Podcast software: Libsyn, Zencastr ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 146: My Brand Design Process, Step by Step Episode 195: Optimizing Your Business with Cody Garner-Howe ----------------------- Stop managing software and start hosting your people. This episode is sponsored by Heartbeat. Create an authentic community today and start your free trial at App.Heartbeat.Chat/KMA. Once you're ready to upgrade your plan, use code KMA30 for 30% off. P.S. Want to be a community member before creating your own? Join the Kiss My Aesthetic community there today at App.Heartbeat.Chat/kissmyaesthetic/invitation?code=2FEB4G. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

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. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: What an online business manager is How Cody and Michelle met Evolution of Cody's services Making the jump from corporate to freelance Branding decisions in early business stages The shift from "nice to have" to "need to have" in business expenses The branding process with MKW Creative Co. Brand naming and final selection Brand strategy: analogy and visual direction Positioning against competitors Impact of new branding on Cody and her business ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 128: Meet the Team: Online Business Manager Cody Garner-Howe Episode 195: Optimizing Your Business with Cody Garner-Howe Episode 241: 10 Most Common Rebranding Questions Answered Episode 257: Why You're Bored of Your Brand (And What to Do About It) ---------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Cody and to watch her upcoming brand launch for Opside Studio, follow her on Instagram @CodyOBM, on LinkedIn @CodyGarnerHowe, and visit her website CodyGarnerHowe.com/ ----------------------- Stop managing software and start hosting your people. This episode is sponsored by Heartbeat. Create an authentic community today and start your free trial at App.Heartbeat.Chat/KMA. Once you're ready to upgrade your plan, use code KMA30 for 30% off. P.S. Want to be a community member before creating your own? Join the Kiss My Aesthetic community there today at App.Heartbeat.Chat/kissmyaesthetic/invitation?code=2FEB4G. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

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. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The definition of aesthetic fatigue and how it manifests Psychology behind brand fatigue Overthinking your brand aesthetic and its dangers Causes of brand boredom How to know it's time to rebrand Micro tweaks for a brand refresh Evolving your style without an overhaul Rebranding challenges and flexibility ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 243: Self-Loyalty and Business Success with Chedva Lumir Episode 231: Style to Lead: The Intersection of Aesthetic and Authority Episode 181: How to Build a Brag-worthy Brand Empire Pt 1 Episode 184: How to Build a Brag-worthy Brand Empire Pt 2 Episode 187: How to Build a Brag-worthy Brand Empire Pt 3 Episode 189: How to Build a Brag-worthy Brand Empire Pt 4 ----------------------- Stop managing software and start hosting your people. This episode is sponsored by Heartbeat. Create an authentic community today and start your free trial at Heartbeat.Chat/KMA. Once you're ready to upgrade your plan, use code KMA30 for 30% off. P.S. Want to be a community member before creating your own? Join the Kiss My Aesthetic community there today at Heartbeat.Chat/KissMyAesthetic. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard