Episodios

  • 220. Rising Costs and Brand Resilience with Dental Hygiene Nation
    Jun 24 2025
    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. Caitlyn Cochran is the founder and Chief Toothy Officer of Dental Hygiene Nation, a brand specializing in dental apparel and accessories. What began as a vital Twitter page in 2012 evolved into a thriving online store launched in 2015. In addition to her product line, Caitlyn also leads Dental Hygiene Seminars, an educational initiative designed to support dental hygiene students in successfully passing their national board exams. Through her innovative approach, Caitlyn has become a respected voice in the dental community, empowering future dental professionals to achieve their goals. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Dental Hygiene Nation's origin storyTheir vision and worldbuildingThe struggles of business owners in 2025Communicating price changes and value to customersBranding for a niche audienceHow DHN built a loyal following by listening and engagingScaling slowly and sustainablyKnowing when to go all inLeveraging social media for growthCreating merch that sells and resonatesBuilding a team without losing your brand voiceLearning to see yourself as a CEOWhy you don’t need to be mainstream to succeed ----------------------- RESOURCES: Get 10% off Dental Hygiene Nation goodies with code KMAEpisode 057: Client Case Study - Dental Hygiene NationEpisode 131: Building a Merch Brand with Caitlyn Rastetter of Dental Hygiene NationEpisode 171: Dynamic Strategies for Optimizing Content and UGC ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Caitlyn and Dental Hygiene Nation, follow their Instagram and TikTok @DTHYNation, on Facebook @DentalHygieneNation and visit their website, DentalHygieneNation.com ----------------------- Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- 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! ----------------------- 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. ----------------------- 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
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    1 h y 8 m
  • 219. Educating the Next Gen of Creatives with Carolyn Jungman
    Jun 17 2025
    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. Carolyn is a dedicated high school photography and graphic design teacher with a passion for fostering creativity and inspiring young artists. She combines her love for art-making with a deep appreciation for travel, often drawing on her experiences to bring fresh perspectives and real-world connections into her classroom. Through her teaching, she strives to empower students to express themselves, develop their unique artistic voices, and explore their own creative futures. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Carolyn’s Background – From student to teacher at the same high school, now teaching digital arts and photography.What it’s like teaching Gen ZPost-COVID classroom shiftsThe Rise of the Teen Side HustleUsing the Kiss My Portfolio Challenge in the classroomHow students feel about AI – Resistance, ethics, and where they draw the lineArt vs. designThe gap in creative business educationWhy arts education deserves more respectWhat she wishes students understood ----------------------- RESOURCES: Test your design chops by taking a Kiss My Portfolio Challenge ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Grossmont High School's photo and design, follow them on Instagram @GHSPhotoDA and visit their website, GHSStudio225.com ----------------------- Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- 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! ----------------------- 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. ----------------------- 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
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    42 m
  • 218. What Real Leadership Looks Like with Veronica Perondi
    Jun 10 2025
    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. Veronica Perondi is the Executive Director of LEAD San Diego, the leadership development arm of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives to connect and empower leaders across sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation to address regional challenges and create meaningful community impact. With over a decade of experience in creating outcome-driven programs, Veronica is dedicated to fostering learning and personal development at every opportunity. Before joining LEAD San Diego, she held leadership roles at San Diego State University where she oversaw programs that reinforced the connection between learning, leadership and community impact. Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from San Francisco State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from San Diego State University. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: What LEAD San Diego is and their impactInterdisciplinary learningWhat makes someone a leaderReframing the definition of networking and connecting on LinkedInInside of the LAP ProgramSocial learning and group dynamicsPersonal growth with communityContextual learning: geographic and topic-based sessionsShowing up as yourself in leadershipMichelle's journey going through LEADHow to find your local leadership program ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 087: Client Case Study - So Diego ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about LEAD San Diego, follow them on Facebook and Instagram @LEADSanDiego or their website SDChamber.org/Lead/ ----------------------- Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- 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! ----------------------- 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. ----------------------- 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
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    40 m
  • 217. What Travel Teaches You About Creativity with Caroline Tomlinson
    Jun 3 2025
    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. Caroline Tomlinson is a London-based illustrator whose sketchbook and passport are rarely apart. A graduate of Central St. Martins, she blends inky, expressive marks with a love of travel, fashion, and culture—embracing “happy accidents” as part of her creative process. Her work has appeared in campaigns for Christian Louboutin, Sephora, Marc Jacobs, and Matches Fashion, and has been featured in Vogue, The Guardian, and Suitcase. Caroline also collaborates across mediums, recently launching a sustainable brand with Anthropologie and exploring film and animation in her latest project, Wanderlust Illustrated. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Caroline's creative pathThe role of travel in shaping your work and perspectiveBurnout and reinventing your pathIllustration style and mediumFinding confidence as an artistCreative identity and career pivotsAccess to art and inspirationThe power of your environment for creative flowArt as emotion, not emotionDream projects ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To peruse Caroline's stunning illustrations, follow her on Instagram @CarolineTomlinsonIllustrator and visit their website, CarolineTomlinson.com ----------------------- Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- 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! ----------------------- 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. ----------------------- 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
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    42 m
  • 216. AI for Brand Designers with Lauren deVane
    May 27 2025
    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. Lauren deVane is the founder of The Bemused Studio, where she builds strategic, scroll-stopping brand identities for bold creatives. With 60+ client projects under her belt, she now teaches designers how to integrate AI into their workflows. Formerly leading creative at Ulta Beauty and Walgreens, Lauren’s worked with celebs like Kim Kardashian and Tracee Ellis Ross, and designed for brands like Hyatt and Chicago Fire. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Choosing the right AI toolUnderstanding AI modelsAI for brand designersWhy using AI isn't a threat to your businessTaste vs toolsCreative direction with AIPostproduction AI hacksDemocratizing brandingEthics and optimismCustom instructions and trainingOff-label use cases ----------------------- RESOURCES: Use the code ITSGONNABEMAY for $400 off BAIS CAMPEpisode 117: Midjourney & AI with Lauren deVaneEpisode 133: Midjourney & AI Part 2 with Lauren deVaneEpisode 162: Leveraging AI Tools for Innovative Marketing with Lauren deVaneEpisode 192: Authenticity and AI with Lauren deVaneEpisode 215: Client Case Study: FRG Real Estate (Part 2) ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Lauren and her distinct style, follow her on Instagram @TheBemusedStudio, or visit her websites, TheBemusedStudio.com and JoinBaisCamp.com. ----------------------- Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- 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! ----------------------- 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. ----------------------- 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
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    54 m
  • 215. Client Case Study: FRG Real Estate (Part 2)
    May 20 2025
    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. Molly is a partner on one of the top grossing real estate teams in Wisconsin. Her life is crazy full with 4 kids of her own and 8 kids collectively with her husband's 4! She and her husband are both Wisconsin natives and love to build, decorate, and curate their homes in the Northwoods, of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and in Boca Grande, FL. Molly is grateful every day for the incredible life she has after losing her mother at a young age and helping to raise her 4 siblings throughout her father's ongoing addiction issues. Positivity wins the day for Molly and she has a favorite saying: The more fun you have, the more fun you have! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Molly's path into real estateThe storytelling of staging your homeFRG's brand evolution working with MKW Creative Co.The secret sauce of MilwaukeeWorking with familyThe value of teamworkReal estate strategy and marketing insightLooking at the real estate market in 2025New builds vs. historic homeEvents and client connectionWhat makes FRG different ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 174: Client Case Study: FRG Real Estate ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about FRG Real Estate, follow their Instagram @FalkRuvinGallagher and visit their website, thefrgteam.com/ ----------------------- Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- 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! ----------------------- 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. ----------------------- 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
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    33 m
  • 214. What Google Wants in 2025: SEO Tips from Searchlight Digital
    May 13 2025
    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. Tedi Bezna is the founder of Searchlight Digital and an SEO expert with over a decade of experience in search engine marketing. She and her all-women team have worked with over 500 businesses over the last 7 years, delivering effective, high-quality SEO services with a focus on transparency & integrity. Working collaboratively with other marketers, she helps designers & developers deliver stunning, SEO optimized sites that help their clients grow online. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: What SEO actually meansThe power of keywordsBlogging for SEOWhat Google wants for SEO in 2025AI & SEO (and where ChatGPT doesn't match up to an SEO expert)CTA's and conversionAccessibility & SEOSEO tips for website designersWalking through clients about expectationsInside good SEO hygiene ----------------------- RESOURCES: Screaming Frog for SEO auditsUse code KMA100 for $100 off a Pick My Brain session with Searchlight Digital ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Searchlight Digital and SEO, follow them on Instagram @SearchlightDigital and visit their website, SearchlightMarketing.ca ----------------------- Your designs deserve the front page—literally. Searchlight Digital is the women-led SEO and Google Ads agency that helps creative businesses get seen, not just admired. Use code KMA100 at searchlightdigital.ca for $100 off a 60-minute Pick My Brain call and finally get found. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- 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! ----------------------- 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. ----------------------- 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
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    45 m
  • 213. Diversify Your Creative Business with Pandr Design
    May 6 2025
    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. Phoebe Nelson is a San Diego-based muralist, designer, and founder of Pandr Design Co. With a decade of experience painting large-scale murals across the globe, Phoebe is known for transforming blank walls into bold, colorful works of art that reflect community, brand identity, and joy. Through her work, she champions public art accessibility and empowers other creatives by sharing her business knowledge and mural expertise. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Phoebe's journey as a muralist and graphic designerDiversifying creative income and business offeringsArtist education and community supportIssues in creative communities: free work and competitionProject alignment and client selectionBusiness risk in social mediaAlternative marketing strategiesCold emailing and direct outreachManifestation and future goals ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To see Phoebe's murals and support her work, follow her on Instagram @PandrDesignCo, Tik Tok @PhoebeCornog and visit her website PandrdDesignCo.com ---------------------- Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook GroupInstagramTik Tok ----------------------- 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! ----------------------- 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. ----------------------- 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
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    36 m