This Might Get Creative -A Behind The Brand Podcast on Brand Strategy & Entrepreneur Stories

Brand photographer Nicole Bedard has spent 16 years helping makers, artists, and designers turn their creative process into visual storytelling that attracts aligned clients. In this episode, she gets into why showing only the finished product is leaving money on the table — and exactly what to do instead. In this episode:•       Why process content builds more trust than polished final shots•       How to show up behind the scenes without talking on camera•       The two biggest social media mistakes creative business owners make•       How to start with micro-stories when you don’t know where to begin•       What “authentic” actually means — and when polished becomes a problem Connect with Nicole:Website: nbphotog.comInstagram: @nbedardphotogYouTube: Capture Your Process Connect with Lyon Creatives:Free Brand Audit Scorecard: lyoncreatives.com/#brand-auditWebsite: lyoncreatives.comInstagram: @lyoncreatives

Ever wonder why some businesses look like a million-dollar operation while others — offering the exact same service — seem forgettable? The answer almost always comes down to branding.In this solo episode, Lyon Creatives founder Svenja walks through the real difference between a logo and a full brand identity — and why confusing the two is one of the most expensive mistakes a service business owner can make. If you're a coach, consultant, or service provider wondering whether it's time to invest in professional branding, this episode will give you an honest, no-fluff answer.You'll learn what a $500 logo actually buys you (and what it doesn't), the hidden long-term cost of under-investing in your brand, and 10 questions to audit your brand right now.Free Brand Audit Scorecard: www.lyoncreatives.com/#brand-audit Book a Free Brand Strategy Call: lyoncreatives.com/contact

In this powerful episode, host Svenja Lyon sits down with Michele Schalin, mental fitness coach and author, for an inspiring conversation about what it truly means to thrive in today's high-pressure world.Michele brings deep insight into the connection between our inner world and outer performance — exploring why emotional resilience isn't just a "nice to have," but an essential skill for modern life. Together, Svenja and Michele unpack the hidden toll that technology and chronic stress take on our mental health, and why so many of us feel stuck despite our best efforts.This episode is a heartfelt guide to inner transformation, covering the foundational role of self-love and forgiveness in personal growth, practical techniques to manage stress and sharpen mental clarity, and how to create the conditions — both internally and in your environment — that make lasting change possible. Michele also shares her perspective on conscious parenting in the digital age, offering grounded advice for families navigating screens and emotional wellbeing.Whether you're in the middle of a major life transition or simply feeling the weight of everyday demands, this conversation will remind you that reinvention starts from within — and that compassion is always the first step.Connect with Michele Schalin🌐 Website: mschalin.com 📸 Instagram: @mschalin ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/user/mschalin

In this episode, Svenja Lyon and Nicoline Huizinga delve into the concept of authenticity in business and marketing, exploring how human design can serve as a tool for self-discovery and alignment. They discuss the challenges entrepreneurs face in being authentic, especially in the context of social media, and the importance of finding marketing strategies that resonate with individual energy types. Nicoline shares her journey from traditional coaching to human design coaching, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches in business. The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of fake authenticity and the significance of genuine connections in entrepreneurship.

In this episode, I sit down with Sarika Sake, founder of The Sarika, to talk about reinvention, cultural preservation, and building a business rooted in identity.Sarika began her career at the United Nations and never imagined she would leave that world. But what started as an unexpected love for sake during a family trip turned into a mission: preserving Japan’s 2,000-year-old sake tradition at a time when consumption in Japan is steadily declining.We talk about what it really looks like to pivot careers, start a business during a global pandemic with zero prior experience, and move forward despite imposter syndrome. Sarika shares how networking and collaborations became her marketing foundation, how her award-winning Sake Beauty Balm was born from personal ritual, and how she blends face yoga with skincare to create a holistic approach to beauty.We also dive into gender equality in Japan, the realities of being a Japanese woman in business, and how her 18-generation family lineage continues to shape her sense of responsibility and legacy.This is a conversation about courage, culture, and starting before you feel ready.

In this episode of This Might Get Creative – A Behind the Brand Podcast, I’m joined by Ali Meehan, founder of Costa Women.Ali shares how Costa Women began as a way to find connection after moving to Spain and grew into a global community of women from 137 nationalities. We talk about networking as a lifestyle, collaboration over competition, and the importance of mentorship and shared experience for women living and working abroad.This episode is a thoughtful reminder of the power of genuine human connection.Links & ResourcesCosta Women: https://costawomen.comPodcast: This Might Get Creative – A Behind the Brand PodcastHosted by Svenja Lyon of Lyon Creatives

In this episode of This Might Get Creative – A Behind the Brand Podcast, I sit down with La'Zendra Danforth, CEO of Studio D Meetings & Events and founder of Konfetti Carts.We talk about turning creative ideas into profitable businesses, building premium brands rooted in experience, and the role community and visibility play in long-term growth. La’Zendra shares how emotion-driven marketing, intentional brand decisions, and strategic networking have shaped her success across two very different—but connected—businesses.If you’re a creative entrepreneur looking to build something sustainable, this episode offers real-world insight and inspiration.Links & ResourcesStudio D Meetings & Events: https://www.lazendradanforth.comKonfetti Carts: https://www.konfetticarts.comPodcast: This Might Get Creative – A Behind the Brand Podcast

In this episode of This Might Get Creative – A Behind the Brand Podcast, I’m joined by Tayler Cusick Hollman, founder of Enji, to talk about what marketing really looks like when you’re a small business owner doing it all yourself.We dig into Enji’s State of Small Business Report and unpack what the data reveals about effort vs. results, why so many business owners struggle with marketing plans, and how using even simple metrics can dramatically change confidence and outcomes. Tayler shares practical insights for navigating marketing without burnout—and what small business owners can start doing differently right now.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or unsure whether what you’re doing is actually working, this episode will feel very familiar—in the best way.Links & Resources📊 Download the State of Small Business Reporthttps://www.enji.co/state-of-small-business-report-2025🌐 Enji Websitehttps://www.enji.co📸 Enji on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/enji_co/🧵 Enji on Threadshttps://www.threads.com/@enji_co💼 Enji on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/enji/🎧 Podcast: This Might Get Creative – A Behind the Brand PodcastHosted by Svenja Lyon of Lyon Creatives

Finding your niche can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re capable of doing a lot of things well.In this episode of Behind the Brand, host Svenja Lyon sits down with Becky Imbimbo, founder of The Always Busy Mama and The Always Busy Mama Consulting, to talk about what it really takes to move from chaos to clarity.Becky shares her journey from launching a handmade jewelry business during the pandemic to building a focused consulting practice rooted in healthcare marketing operations. Along the way, she opens up about postpartum depression, setting boundaries in corporate life, and the moment she stopped saying yes to everything—and started choosing what she wanted to be known for.This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck because they have too many options, and is trying to find focus without boxing themselves in.In this episode, we cover:Why your niche doesn’t have to be perfect from day oneHow clarity often comes after taking actionThe role boundaries play in building a sustainable businessHow to narrow your focus without losing parts of yourselfIf you’ve ever struggled with defining your niche, this episode will help you rethink what clarity really looks like.Connect with BeckyFacebookThe Always Busy MamaThe Always Busy Mama ConsultingInstagram@thealwaysbusymama@thealwaysbusymama_consultingWebsiteshttps://thealwaysbusymama.comhttps://thealwaysbusymamaconsulting.com

What does it really take to build a brand that lasts?In this episode of Behind the Brand, Svenja Lyon sits down with Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel's Labels, to unpack how a simple solution to a real-life parenting problem turned into a globally recognized brand.From basement beginnings to building trust at scale, Julie shares honest insights on branding, visibility, storytelling, and designing a business that works for real life — not just the highlight reel.If you’ve ever wondered:How important branding really is at the beginningHow to build trust without feeling salesyHow personal storytelling can strengthen your businessOr how to grow a brand without losing yourself in the processThis episode is for you.Julie’s story is proof that strong brands aren’t built overnight — they’re built with intention.Connect with Julie Cole & Mabel’s LabelsWebsite: www.mabelslabels.comInstagram: @mabelslabelsFacebook: Mabel’s LabelsLinkedIn: Julie Cole

In this episode of Behind the Brand, host Svenja Lyon sits down with Kathy McNeill, founder and creative director of Creative Pixels Marketing, to talk about the real work behind effective branding.With a background in publishing and nearly a decade leading her own boutique marketing firm, Kathy brings a rare blend of creative direction, strategy, and data-driven thinking. Together, they explore when businesses should invest in branding, how strategy and analytics shape stronger brands, and why tools like AI can’t replace clear thinking and experience.This conversation is grounded, practical, and especially relevant for business owners who want their brand to feel intentional—not trendy.Connect with Kathy🌐 Website: www.creativepixelsmarketing.com💼 LinkedIn: Kathy McNeil📸 Instagram: @creativepixelsmarkting📘 Facebook: Creative Pixels Marketing

Highly successful women know how to build careers, businesses, and full lives—but love often feels like the one area that won’t fall into place.In this episode of This Might Get Creative, Svenja Lyon sits down with Natalia Heart, a certified dating and relationship coach who helps high-achieving women heal old patterns, reconnect with their feminine energy, and build emotionally fulfilling relationships that last.Natalia shares her own journey, the hidden trade-offs women aren’t told about, why modern dating feels so broken, and how the same clarity and accountability that builds a business also builds love—when applied the right way.

In this episode of This Might Get Creative, I’m sitting down with someone who truly embodies what it means to show up for a community—Tara Lauterbach, realtor at RE/MAX Heritage Properties and one of Mount Olive’s most recognizable connectors.If you live in Morris County, you’ve probably seen Tara at community events, cheering on local sports, filming videos around town, or negotiating a deal like she’s buying the home for her own family.We talk about everything from:• How buyers + sellers can spot a trustworthy realtor• Why community involvement actually matters in real estate• The biggest branding mistakes agents make• Blogs, SEO, and showing up online without feeling overwhelmed• Real stories from inside the industry (including a wild closing-week twist)Whether you're a realtor, a small business owner, or someone who loves hearing real stories from real people—this episode is full of insights, laughs, and practical takeaways you can use today.Connect with Tara:Instagram: @taralauterbachrealestateFacebook: taralauterbachrealtorWebsite: www.tarasellsnj.com

Building a brand is so much bigger than a logo — it’s about clarity, confidence, and the community that holds you up.In this episode, I sit down with Tara Gilvar, the founder of BIG – Believe Inspire Grow, a women’s empowerment and business community that has helped thousands of women step into their purpose, build confidence, and create the careers and lives they want.We talk about:How BIG started in Tara’s living room 17 years agoWhat women really need todayHow to stay relevant as a mission-driven organizationThe five BIG pillars that support women at every season of lifeWhy branding is emotional, not transactionalAnd how women can step into their independence with clarity and supportIf you’re craving honesty, insight, and a reminder that you’re not meant to build your dreams alone — this conversation is for you.Listen in, and get inspired to think bigger.

In this episode of This Might Get Creative, Svenja sits down with Patti Singer, founder of Follow Me Social Media Consulting, to talk about what really makes small businesses visible online — and it’s not just posting more.Patti shares how being laid off in 2008 led her from an Amish furniture store to chimney sweeping to building a social media agency that helps small and mid-sized businesses show up consistently without burning out. From learning a client’s voice to aligning social media with branding, to the 80/20 rule and the power of behind-the-scenes content, this conversation is full of practical, real-world advice.They also dive into relationship-building, BNI, and why networking should be taught in school — plus why “ick” networking (where someone’s already looking over your shoulder for the next person) never works.In this episode, you’ll hear about:How Patti accidentally discovered the power of social media while running an Amish furniture storeWhy consistency feels so hard — and what it actually looks like in real lifeHow to keep your social media aligned with your branding and voiceThe 80/20 rule for content: educate, entertain, and then sellWhy behind-the-scenes posts and team features build trust faster than “buy now” postsHow BNI and real relationship-building transformed Patti’s businessWhy delegation (and letting go) is one of the healthiest moves a business owner can makeConnect with Patti:Website: https://besttofollowme.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciaasinger/Connect with Svenja & Lyon Creatives:Website: https://lyoncreatives.comInstagram: @lyon.creativesLinkedIn: Svenja Lyon | Lyon Creatives

In today’s episode of This Might Get Creative, Svenja Lyon chats with Alex Nedelea, founder of LPV Agency, about what it really takes to get noticed in today’s digital world.Alex brings a fascinating journey from working in national television to running a creative marketing agency focused on storytelling, authenticity, and human connection.Together, they discuss:Why it takes 11 posts in 90 days to reach a single prospectHow to balance AI and authenticityThe power of imperfect videos that connectWhy consistency—not perfection—is the real secret to visibilityIf you’ve ever felt frustrated that your business isn’t getting the attention it deserves, this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Connect with Alex:Website: lpv.agencyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lpv🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of This Might Get Creative – A Behind the Brand Podcast by Lyon Creatives, host Svenja Lyon sits down with Cathy Coloff, founder and owner of IT Radix, an IT services company that’s been helping small and midsized businesses navigate technology for over 25 years.Cathy shares how she left the corporate world to build something more personal—a company rooted in relationships, education, and community impact. From the power of her printed newsletter to the rise of AI and cybersecurity threats, this conversation explores how small businesses can stay safe, visible, and confident online.If you’ve ever thought “I’m too small to be a target,” this one’s for you.

In this episode of This Might Get Creative, host Svenja Lyon sits down with Teri DiGrande, State Farm agent and owner of Teri DiGrande Insurance Agency, to talk about what truly sets a local insurance agency apart: relationships, responsiveness, and a brand that feels like family. Teri shares how the industry has changed (tech, weather, deductibles) and why you can’t “set it and forget it” with coverage. We dig into her new brand identity, the tagline “We’re not just insurance, we are family,” and practical ways business owners can track marketing, build referrals, and stay visible without burning out. If you haven’t reviewed your policy in years—or you want your brand to reflect how you actually care—this one’s for you.Follow Teri: Facebook: Morris Plains Agent • IG: @digrandeagency • LinkedIn: Teri DiGrande Agency • X: Teri DiGrandeShow: lyoncreatives.com/behind-the-brand-podcast

In the debut of This Might Get Creative, host Svenja Lyon sits down with Lynnette Peña, founder of Lace Passport, a luxury romance travel brand crafting unforgettable honeymoons and destination weddings. Lynnette shares her winding path—from hospital work and river cruising to launching a niche boutique brand—and the real talk behind entrepreneurship: wearing every hat, setting boundaries, improving processes, and knowing when to hire help. You’ll hear how she pivoted during 2020, why the Caribbean (hello, Jamaica, Mexico, Dominican Republic) is a dream for destination weddings, and how clear branding made Lace Passport feel like “love, on purpose.” If you’re building a brand around what you love, this one’s for you.Follow Lynnette: @lacepassport • lacepassport.comLearn more: lyoncreatives.com/behind-the-brand-podcast