Last week, Afternoon Culture hosted a workshop in LA that sparked an honest and vulnerable conversation about showing up. During a discussion on what makes a brand truly stand out, someone asked, “Do I need to be visible as the CEO of my company?” The room went quiet, and in that moment, it became clear how many founders and creatives are quietly asking the same question.

This episode explores the tension many founders and creatives feel between wanting to lead boldly and fearing what it means to truly be seen.

Kat shares the journey of building Afternoon Culture and what it took to move from staying behind the scenes to leading with intention and voice. From early doubts and quiet beginnings to powerful feedback that helped shape the path forward, she reflects on what it really means to build a brand that reflects who you are.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters or felt unsure about taking up space as the face of your company or creative project, this episode is for you.

For the Trailblazers is produced by the Afternoon Culture team. Kat Araujo is the Host & Co-Producer & Bryan Kastelan is the Co-Producer & Editor.

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Have you ever reached a point where your brand no longer feels aligned with the growth of your business?

In this episode, Kat opens up about the moment Afternoon Culture’s brand no longer reflected the direction it was heading.

She shares how rebranding isn’t just about an aesthetic change but about recalibrating your brand to align with the vision and direction your business has taken. Kat discusses the key signs that it’s time for a shift and how aligning your brand with your evolving business can open doors to new opportunities.

If you’ve been feeling a disconnect between your brand and the direction of your business, this episode will provide valuable insights into how to approach rebranding thoughtfully and strategically.

For the Trailblazers is produced by the Afternoon Culture team. Kat Araujo is the Host & Co-Producer & Bryan Kastelan is the Co-Producer & Editor.

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Has there ever been a time when the momentum you worked so hard for started to feel more like a burden than a blessing?

In this episode, Kat reflects on the journey of Afternoon Culture as the consultancy celebrates its seventh anniversary. She opens up about the kind of growth that starts to feel heavy instead of energizing. After years of chasing success, Kat shares the moment when everything came to a head with serious burnout. It was only through slowing down and reevaluating what truly mattered that she found the clarity to move forward.

Kat dives into how healthy growth isn’t just about pushing harder. It’s about knowing when to step back, take care of yourself, and build something that will last.

If you're navigating a phase of growth that feels more like pressure than progress, this episode will offer the insight you need to turn things around and move forward with intention.

For the Trailblazers is produced by the Afternoon Culture team. Kat Araujo is the Host & Co-Producer & Bryan Kastelan is the Co-Producer & Editor.

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Over the the past month we've explore that tender space after one chapter ends but before the next one begins.

In this week's episode, Kat invites you to slow down and honor the space where real transformation happens.

Some seasons are about action. Some are about stillness.In those moments, growth and progress can look like waiting, healing, resting, and untangling.

If you are in a season of transition or figuring out what's next, this episode is a reminder to go slow and just let yourself just be.

This episode features original music by Bryan Kastelan.

For the Trailblazers is produced by the Afternoon Culture team. Kat Araujo is the Host & Co-Producer & Bryan Kastelan is the Co-Producer & Editor.

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Ever had that moment when you realize your vision is expanding beyond your comfort zone?

In this episode, Kat explores what it feels like to hit that tipping point and make a bold decision to level up.

Leveling up isn’t just about business growth; it’s an identity shift. It’s about getting clearer on your vision and betting on yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable. Sometimes, the leap isn’t about where you land but about proving to yourself that you’re ready for what’s next.

Kat explores the uncomfortable truths and key lessons about stepping into that next chapter and trusting yourself in the process.

If you're in the process of committing to the next version of yourself, even when the people closest to you don’t quite get it, this episode is for you.

For the Trailblazers is produced by the Afternoon Culture team. Kat Araujo is the Host & Co-Producer & Bryan Kastelan is the Co-Producer & Editor.

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Why is it that when success starts to feel real, something inside you still wants to play small?

In this week’s episode, Kat explores a common struggle that many high-achieving leaders face when it’s time to embrace their success.

After a conversation with one of the design interns at Afternoon Culture, she realized how often founders hesitate right when things begin to take off. Kat shares the story of her own early days with Afternoon Culture and how imposter syndrome can show up in subtle ways. For many founders, it’s not a loud, obvious fear, but a quiet instinct to play small when real opportunities start to emerge.

She also discusses how this hesitation is often amplified for people of color, who face additional layers of societal expectations, microaggressions, and systemic challenges.

If you’re a high achiever who’s ever struggled with self-doubt or felt like a fraud, this one’s for you.

For the Trailblazers is produced by the Afternoon Culture team. Kat Araujo is the Host & Co-Producer & Bryan Kastelan is the Co-Producer & Editor.

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Kat discusses the process of reinventing herself—from working part-time jobs and interning at 30 to learning how to manage the ups and downs of building a business from scratch. She shares stories about the moments that made her realize the value of her skills in branding and strategy, including collaborating with top photographers and securing her first big contract. These experiences helped her develop a clear vision for what would eventually become Afternoon Culture.

If you’re navigating your own reinvention or looking for inspiration on how to push through the tough moments, this episode is packed with lessons from someone who’s lived through it. Kat emphasizes that the real work lies in staying focused on your purpose and continuing to move forward, no matter the setbacks. Her story offers valuable insights for anyone facing uncertainty or trying to recalibrate their own path in business.

For the Trailblazers is produced by the Afternoon Culture team. Kat Araujo is the Host & Co-Producer & Bryan Kastelan is the Co-Producer & Editor.

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Kat takes you through her story, from growing up in Washington Heights to stepping into entrepreneurship. She shares how her parents' entrepreneurial spirit influenced her path and how, even at a young age, she was exposed to the hard work and determination that would shape her future.

Kat opens up about the struggles she faced in her early ventures, including her first failed business, and how those challenges became invaluable lessons. She talks about the messiness of starting something new and why taking that first step, no matter how uncertain, is always worth it.

Through it all, Kat emphasizes how failure is part of the process and how it is often the only way to figure out who you truly are and what you are capable of.

For the Trailblazers is produced by the Afternoon Culture team. Kat Araujo is the Host & Co-Producer & Bryan Kastelan is the Co-Producer & Editor.

Connect with Kat on LinkedIn or Instagram.