The Vignette Effect

Personal branding gets a bad rap. For many founders, it brings up images of influencer culture, forced visibility, or turning a business into a constant “look at me” show. In this episode, Raquel breaks down why that definition misses the point entirely.She shares what personal branding actually means, why it’s becoming non-negotiable in 2026 and beyond, and how it quietly influences a brand's success, sustainability, and scalability, whether or not the founder is front and center.Inside this episode, Raquel covers:What personal branding really is, and what it definitely is notWhy your personal brand acts as the seed of your business, even if your brand isn’t about youHow brand clarity supports delegation, growth, and eventually stepping back from day-to-day workThe connection between personal brand clarity, energy capacity, and the life you’re building alongside your businessWhy generic content is everywhere, and why lived experience, values, and point of view are becoming the real differentiatorsHow founder vision shapes brand voice, messaging, and consistency over timeWhy personal branding isn’t about being louder or more visible, but about being intentional and recognizableThis episode is especially for creative entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners who want to build brands that last, attract aligned clients, and feel human in an increasingly automated world.If this conversation sparked something for you, you can book a free discovery call to explore how brand clarity and personal branding can support the next phase of your business. Book Your Call ---> https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery

In this episode, Raquel kicks off 2026 with an honest conversation about visibility, misperception, and the courage to show up fully as yourself in your brand and creative work.She shares:why she doesn’t rely on traditional New Year’s resolutions, but still loves the reset energyhow visibility became a defining theme of 2025 and why it matters even more in 2026the moment she realized it wasn’t being seen that felt scary, it was something morehow intuition, humanity, and truth fuel creative direction and brand buildingan invitation for listeners to step more fully into who they really areOne of the core messages of this episode:You, as a person, have something to offer the creative direction and message of your brand that’s going to make building that vision simpler and more likely to attract the right people, whether you’re actually the face of the brand or not.Book your discovery call here: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discoveryAnd connect on Instagram here: @raquel.furman

This episode explores:Why the days between Christmas and New Year’s feel uniquely spaciousLetting go of the pressure to always be productiveSimple reset rituals that support mental clarityHow downtime can become an incubator for ideasGiving yourself permission to pause without a planIf you’re craving a softer way to close out the year, this episode is your reminder that it’s okay to settle into the in-between.Want to connect in the new year?Raquel’s calendar link is here: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery

I’m sharing my 2026 brand and marketing predictions, not from a place of hype or trend-forecasting for the sake of it, but from what I’m seeing actually working with real brands right now.What’s emerging is quieter, more intentional, and honestly, more hopeful.In this conversation, I walk through why the brands that will thrive in 2026 won’t necessarily be the loudest, the biggest, or the most visible everywhere. They’ll be the ones with clarity. A point of view. And a brand experience that feels human and considered over time.Here’s what I cover:Why authentic, thoughtfully designed brand experiences matter more than flashy campaignsHow AI can support your work without replacing your voice, taste, or perspectiveWhy being selective about platforms is a smart, strategic move, not a limitationHow brand clarity becomes a serious competitive advantage when things shiftWhy visual storytelling does so much of the heavy lifting before a single word is readHow trends are losing their authority, and why trusting your instincts matters moreWhat the shift away from hustle culture means for building real communities, not just audiencesWhen you step back, all of these predictions point to the same thing:Less noise. More intention. More humanity.If this episode resonated, it’s probably because you’re already sensing this shift and craving it in your own brand. If your messaging, visuals, or direction feel scattered or heavier than they need to be, I’d love to have a conversation.You can book a no-pressure discovery call through the link in the show notes. We’ll talk through where you are, what you’re building, and whether working together makes sense.And truly, thank you for being here and for being part of this community. These conversations mean more to me than you know.Book your Discovery call here: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery     

What we get into:• The surprising internal shift most people experience in transitions• How limiting beliefs form (and why they’re sneakier than we think)• What hypnotherapy actually does and how it accesses subconscious patterns• The tension between external advice and trusting your inner knowing• Why community accelerates healing, clarity, and confidence• The frustrating reality of entrepreneurship: mastering your craft is one thing, running a business is another• Delegation, capacity, and building support before you burn out• Simple presence practices you can use today• How to take the next step when you genuinely don’t know what’s nextConnect with Amy:Get your Free Inner Power Reflective Journal + Heart Meditation at her website: pathwaystopurposecoaching.comPodcast: Into the Heart: Finding Wisdom WithinInstagram: instagram.com/pathways.to.purpose.lifecoachEmail: amy@pathwaystopurposecoaching.comConnect with Raquel:Instagram: instagram.com/raquel.furmanDiscovery Call: calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discoveryWebsite: vignettebrandstudio.com

Today I'm talking all about brand experience, and I'm featuring one of my favorite examples, the UK organic perfumery Ffern. This is part one of a series exploring brands that create thoughtful, resonant, and memorable experiences at every touchpoint.In this conversation, I break down what brand experience actually means and why it matters for brands of every size. I share what first drew me to Ffern, how their seasonal releases work, and why their three-minute cinematic films are such a powerful form of visual storytelling. I also talk about their unboxing experience, the way they collaborate with artists, how they highlight their sourcing practices, and how they use every detail to pull you into the story of each fragrance.You will hear why their approach represents the vignette effect in real time, and how these small scenes and intentional choices create a feeling that stays with people. Links mentioned:Cloud Orchard cinematic filmFfern on InstagramBook a discovery call:https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discoveryConnect with me on Instagram:instagram.com/raquel.furmanContact me:vignettebrandstudio.com/contactIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a creative friend or business owner who would love it. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, I’m sharing the real difference between brands that grow and brands that stay stuck. Not perfect timing, not perfect clarity, and not even perfect strategy. Just steady, grounded movement based on what you know right now.Here’s what I get into:Why planning feels productive but often keeps you from startingThe fears that quietly influence your decisionsWhy imperfect action doesn’t mean looking messyHow big brands evolve constantly and why that matters for youThe unglamorous consistency that becomes real momentumThe difference between clients who implement and clients who avoidWhat to focus on as we move into 2026If you want next year to feel different, your approach has to shift. Your ideas matter, but they can’t grow without movement. I’ll walk you through a simple, doable next step you can take today to start building confidence, clarity, and real traction.Links mentioned:• Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery• Visit Vignette Brand Studio: https://vignettebrandstudio.com

In this episode of The Vignette Effect, I talk with brand strategist and creative director Shayne Mackey about what it takes to build a brand with real confidence. We unpack the difference between branding and marketing, why your foundations matter more than your content, and how quiet confidence has always been the signature of the most memorable brands in the world. Shayne shares insights from her thirty years in branding and the lessons she has seen consistently across both global brands and small founder-led businesses.Inside the episode, we explore:• Why branding is the foundation and marketing is the amplifier• Where most founders get stuck in the early stages• Why positioning feels intimidating but is really a power move• What luxury brands excel at and how smaller businesses can apply those lessons• How customer experience functions as the strongest marketing engine• Why world-building is important and how to think about it online• The difference between influencer, expert, founder-led, and enterprise brands• How to find the model that suits your business• Why slowing down and creating a strategy saves you time and money in the long run If you want to learn more about Shayne, Bespoke Creative, and her program, The Brand Atelier, you can find it all here:[Bespoke Creative](https://www.bespokecreate.com/)[The Brand Atelier](https://brandatelier.mykajabi.com/the-brand-atelier)Connect with Raquel:[Book a Discovery Call with Raquel](https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery)[Connect with Raquel on Instagram](https://instagram.com/raquel.furman)[Contact Raquel](https://vignettebrandstudio.com/contact)  

In today’s episode, I’m diving into why your messaging might not be connecting and what you can do to fix it quickly. Messaging is all about communicating the value of what you offer, and if people aren’t taking action, it usually means they haven’t heard what they need to hear yet. It’s not a sign that your offer is bad. It’s simply a sign that your message needs more clarity.Here’s what I cover in this episode:• A simple way to understand what messaging actually is• Clear signs your messaging isn’t working• Why things that feel obvious to you aren’t always apparent to your audience• The easiest way to get clarity• What to listen for when you gather feedback• How small changes in your message can create a big shift in connection and salesMessaging challenges aren’t personal; they’re part of building a strong brand and learning how to communicate in a way your audience instantly understands. A few conversations and a clearer explanation of what you offer can make all the difference.Links mentioned:Book a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discoveryConnect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquel.furman

Episode HighlightsHow to warm up clients and team members who resist creativityThe difference between “telling a story” and “uncovering one”Why marketing is like dating and what most brands get wrong about thatThe value of being unexpected (and why that builds trust)How to pitch in a way people actually remember: the 3-part formulaWhy creativity is a muscle you have to exercise About the GuestMarc Rust is a brand strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of Consequently Creative—a creative consultancy that helps companies uncover the deeper story behind their brand and bring it to life with clarity and resonance. Marc works with private equity firms and high-growth ventures to shape messaging that doesn’t just inform—it transforms.He’s known for helping teams see what they couldn’t before: the hidden potential, the overlooked narrative, the emotional truth that makes a brand unforgettable. Fluent in French and fluent in metaphor, Marc blends strategic insight with creative instinct to craft brand experiences that move people and drive growth.Whether he’s guiding a rebrand, refining a founder’s story, or distilling a complex vision into a single unforgettable line, Marc brings energy, empathy, and a sharp eye for what matters. He’s a natural storyteller who thrives in conversation—and he’s ready to bring fresh perspective to your audience.Connect with Marc:https://consequentlycreative.com/Connect with Marc on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcr/Connect with Marc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmarcrustConnect with Raquel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquel.furmanBook a discovery call with Raquel at Vignette Brand Studio: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery 

Feeling stuck, second-guessing your brand, or staring at a blinking cursor, wondering what to say? You may be in what I call 'brand fog.' In this episode, I explore:What we coverWhat brand fog actually is and why it happensHow lack of clarity hides inside procrastination, perfectionism, and “I don’t know what to post”Why big brands struggle with the same thing as solo foundersThe difference between knowing your brand in your head and communicating it clearlyWhy follower goals fall flat without a strategy behind themHow audience conversations unlock messaging that convertsWhen "I can't afford it" actually means something elseMentionedSocial media as a tool, not a personality test for your worthBrand clarity as the foundation for visuals, messaging, and salesWhy gathering language from real audience conversations mattersReady for clarity?If you're  nodding along and want support getting out of the fog and into confident, aligned brand messaging, book a free discovery call here: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discoveryConnect with me on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/raquel.furman 

In this episode:The story of how Dole’s 1925 national recipe contest launched the pineapple upside-down cake crazeHow pineapple went from a symbol of wealth to the star of every mid-century recipeWhy Dole’s brand pillars of Quality & Excellence and Health & Wellness made recipe content a perfect brand fitWhat this story teaches modern entrepreneurs about inspiring customers to use what you sell instead of just promoting itHow to invite your audience into co-creating content and finding joy in your marketingConnect with Raquel:✨ Book a free discovery call to clarify your brand and content strategy here: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery📸 Follow @raquel.furman for creative branding inspiration (instagram.com/raquel.furman)

In this episode, I share:Why I intentionally launched my podcast without video (and what it taught me)How perfectionism disguises itself as “preparation”The hidden power of building in public and learning out loudThe one challenge that can help you get unstuck and finally gain momentumThis is for you if:You’ve got creative projects, brand ideas, or marketing plans collecting dust because you’re waiting for the “right time.” Spoiler: the right time is when you start.Links:Book a free discovery call → https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discoveryFollow along on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes brand strategy and to say "hey" in the DMs → Instagram.com/raquel.furman

When used effectively, AI can refine your ideas, help you gain clarity, and accelerate tasks that previously took hours. But when it’s overdone, it strips away your originality and leaves your brand looking and feeling a bit expressionless.In this episode, I share how to use AI as a creative collaborator without losing your human edge. You’ll learn:The “Botox test” for your brand copy (and how to tell when AI is overdone)How to train your tools to understand your tone of voiceWhy relying on AI for strategy leads to generic resultsSimple ways to use AI to brainstorm, organize, and refine (not replace) your ideasHow storytelling keeps your content feeling alive, human, and magnetic✨ Mentioned in this EpisodeBook a free discovery call with me, RaquelRelated Episodes:The Power of Messaging: How to Speak Directly to Your Ideal ClientFrom Stage to Strategy: Jimi Gibson on the Magic of Storytelling in MarketingAI in Your Marketing: 10 Ways to Keep It Authentic and Effective

In this episode:PSA: Why brand ownership matters for every entrepreneurReal examples of what happens when agencies hold the accounts instead of youThe difference between outsourcing support and outsourcing ownershipKey business assets you should always set up under your own nameHow to work with agencies and freelancers without giving up controlWant a brand and marketing system that puts you in the driver’s seat? Book a free discovery call with Raquel here: https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discoveryOr get in touch here: https://vignettebrandstudio.com/contact

Think you need a tagline to have a “real” brand? Not so fast.In this episode, Raquel shares:Why taglines are not the starting line of your brand strategyThe surprising history behind Nike’s Just Do It and Apple’s Think DifferentWhy Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign worked, and what made it believableHow to use clarifying copy to support (or even replace) a tagline in the early daysWhat to focus on instead of agonizing over a single line of copy👉 If your brand feels scattered or you’re tired of spinning on messaging, now’s the time to get clear. Book a free discovery call here (https://calendly.com/raquel-vignettebrandstudio/discovery)And Raquel wants to hear from you: Do you have a tagline? How did it come about? Send her a note here (https://vignettebrandstudio.com/contact)Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raquel.furman

Time always feels like it’s slipping away, but what if your lack of progress isn’t about hours on the clock? In this episode, Raquel explores the real productivity trap: confusing time with focus.You’ll learn:Why more time doesn’t automatically mean more resultsHow scattered attention creates scattered marketing (and scattered outcomes)The surprising role clarity plays in saving timeA simple exercise to cut through the noise and focus on what actually moves your business forward👉 Reframe your mindset and reclaim your focus because you don’t need more hours, you need better direction.💡 Ready to stop spinning your wheels and get focused on what matters? Book a free discovery call with Raquel.

Episode Highlights:Why skipping brand clarity before hiring copywriters or designers leads to losing time and money.The order of operations that makes branding and marketing easier.Common excuses people use to delay strategy and why they backfire.What brand clarity actually gives you:Messaging that lands and grabs attention.Decision filters to stop second-guessing.Visuals that reflect the bigger picture and make your brand recognizable.The foundation to build content, marketing ecosystems, and automated systems, so your success isn’t tied to constant hustle.Real client wins: from scrapping irrelevant copy to updating one email sequence that started converting immediately.Related Episodes You'll Love:What the FAQ is Brand Strategy? – If you’ve ever wondered what brand strategy actually is (minus the jargon), this is your crash course. Listen on Apple and SpotifyBranding Blindspots in Your Marketing Ecosystem – The sneaky gaps that trip up your marketing when you don’t have clarity. Listen on Apple and Spotify.12 Brand-Building Superpowers Every Business Owner Needs – Discover the essential strengths your brand needs to grow confidently (spoiler: clarity is one of them). Listen on Apple and Spotify.The Power of Messaging: How to Speak Directly to Your Ideal Client – Because messaging is how you stop the scroll and connect instantly with the right people. Listen on Apple and Spotify.✨ If you're serious about building a brand that clicks, these are the episodes that lay the foundation. Think of them as your branding playbook, so go binge those when you're ready for more clarity and strategy.If you’re ready to build on solid ground, book a free discovery call with Raquel here or send a message here.

Fall always feels like a reset. The shift in energy, routines, and pace makes September the perfect time to recalibrate your brand. Because here’s the truth: you probably don’t need a total rebrand or a bigger hustle. What you do need is to tighten what you already have in place so it works harder for you through the holidays and into the new year.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why recalibration beats overhauling (and how it saves you from burnout).How to sharpen your message so people instantly “get it.”The role consistency plays in building trust before the holiday season.What to look for in your customer journey to make buying simple.Smart ways to prep content now so you’re not scrambling later.✨ Think of this as your brand’s fall tune-up. Sharpen what’s already working, and you’ll finish the year strong and roll into next year with clarity and confidence.🔗 Ready for support with your own recalibration? Book a discovery call here.Have questions or topics you want to hear about on the podcast? Send me a note here.

“I’m an introvert, marketing just isn’t for me.” Sound familiar?The truth is, being introverted isn’t the problem. In this episode, I’m breaking down why hiding behind the introvert label won’t grow your business, and how to reframe marketing and sales so they actually work for you.We’ll cover:Why “introvert = bad at marketing” is a myth holding you backHow Rory Vaden reframes self-consciousness as self-centeredness (and why it’s a game-changer)How to tap into introvert strengths: listening, depth, thoughtfulnessEvergreen marketing channels perfect for introverts: blogs, podcasts, SEO, and emailA fresh way to think about sales that removes the ick and focuses on serviceIf you’ve been avoiding visibility because you don’t want to feel pushy or awkward, this episode will help you shift perspective, simplify your approach, and start marketing in a way that actually feels good.👉 Want help refining your message and creating a strategy that plays to your strengths? Book a free discovery call here.