In this episode, we dive into the brand-building journey of Melanie Cruickshank, the founder of da lish cosmetics. Da lish is a cruelty free, ethically sourced and give women who are looking for a clean alternative fabulous options for colour cosmetics. They work with many women who have or had Cancer, skin aliments, poor self confidence and help make them feel their absolute best.

Melanie shares how she transitioned from a career in advertising and marketing to creating a successful clean beauty brand with no prior experience or connections in manufacturing or entrepreneurship. Despite having done everything “backwards”, she ended up with an incredible business and community. Her story is one of perseverance, learning from mistakes, and the power of community in building a brand that resonates deeply with its audience.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with a Purposeful Product: Successful brands often begin by addressing a specific, personal problem. Identifying a clear need in the market ensures your product has a strong purpose and resonates with your target audience. How to: Focus on solving a real problem that you or your customers face, which will help establish a strong foundation for your brand.

• Launch with Strategy and Flexibility: Many entrepreneurs learn the importance of having a well-thought-out marketing plan through trial and error. How to: Develop a detailed marketing strategy before launching, which includes understanding your target audience, setting a realistic budget with a buffer for unexpected costs, and remaining flexible to adapt as you gather data and feedback.

• Simplify Your Product Offering: A streamlined product line can strengthen your brand and make decision-making easier for consumers. How to: Focus on offering a curated selection of essential products that meet your customers' core needs. Avoid overwhelming them with too many options, and instead, build a brand identity around simplicity and quality.

• Leverage Social Media Effectively: Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are powerful tools for building brand awareness and driving sales, especially when used strategically. How to: Post consistently, aiming for at least three times a day on TikTok over a month to see significant growth. Ensure your content is valuable—whether it’s educational, entertaining, or informative—rather than just promotional, to engage your audience effectively.

• Build and Engage a Supportive Community: Connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and seeking mentorship can be crucial for growth. How to: Join industry-specific groups or networks to share information, resources, and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for advice and collaboration opportunities. Building a strong community can provide invaluable insights and foster a sense of belonging that supports your brand's growth.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/dalishcosmetics

Join the FAB Squad newsletter: https://www.dalishcosmetics.com

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Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/

On this episode we sit down with Leanna DaCunha, Founder of Narrative Event Group, to explore how events can be a powerful tool for brand building. With over six years of experience in event production, Leanna has worked with major brands like Activia, Amazon, and CBC Sports, helping them create events that resonate with their audiences and tell compelling brand stories.

Leanna shares actionable insights on how to use events strategically to elevate your brand, regardless of your budget. She emphasizes the importance of intention in event planning—aligning your events with your brand’s core values and goals to create meaningful connections with your audience. Whether you’re planning a small activation or a large-scale production, Leanna offers practical advice on how to make your brand stand out.

Key Takeaways:

1. Align Events with Brand Values: Successful events start with a clear understanding of your brand’s core values and goals. How to: Define the purpose of your event and ensure it aligns with your brand to create a consistent and impactful experience.
   
2. Creative Brand Activations: Even small businesses can create memorable brand activations by collaborating with local partners. How to: Identify local businesses that complement your brand and explore ways to create mutually beneficial events that engage your target audience.
3. Balance Creativity with Logistics: The logistics of an event are just as important as the creative elements. How to: Develop detailed plans, use project management tools, and maintain clear communication with vendors to ensure your event runs smoothly and effectively serves your brand’s objectives.
   
4. Maximize Impact on a Budget: You don’t need a massive budget to create a successful event. How to: Focus on strategic planning, creative collaboration, and thoughtful execution to maximize your event’s impact without overspending.
   
5. Use Events to Tell Your Brand Story: Every element of your event should contribute to your brand’s narrative. How to: From venue selection to decor, make sure all aspects of your event reinforce the story you want to tell and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

https://narrativeeventgroup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/narrativeeventgroup

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Make sure to subscribe and tune in weekly for new episodes, and follow ⁠⁠⁠@themindfulpreneurpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram.

This podcast is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Nomad Cre8tive⁠⁠⁠; your full-service creative agency for all things marketing, branding and social media.

Visit ⁠The Mindfulprener Amazon Storefront⁠ for recommendations on all things business, personal development and health. Pick out some of Alyssa’s favourite books, wellness products, travel accessories and office supplies.

https://nomadcre8tive.com/

https://www.amazon.ca/shop/nomadcre8tive

https://www.instagram.com/themindfulpreneurpodcast/