Let’s talk about personal branding. (Wait! Don’t roll your eyes and click away just yet.) I know the term might make you think of influencers pushing detox teas or overly polished LinkedIn posts. But trust me—real personal branding is so much more than a buzzword. It’s about showing up as your authentic self and letting that shine through in everything you do.
This week on the Design Dash Podcast, we sat down with Kathleen Shannon, co-founder of Braid Creative, creative director, and, oh yeah, roller-skating enthusiast. Kathleen has built a career helping creatives like you bring their whole, authentic selves to their work. Here’s what we learned from our conversation with her about crafting a personal brand that feels, well, personal.
What Even Is Personal Branding? (And Why Does It Feel So Vulnerable?)
When we asked Kathleen about personal branding, she admitted something most of us feel but don’t say: branding yourself can feel really exposed.
Here’s the thing: Personal branding isn’t about putting on a mask or pretending to be someone you’re not. In fact, Kathleen’s approach flips that on its head. She says, “It’s about trusting yourself, being yourself, and knowing that’s an asset to your business.” It’s not about building a façade; it’s about creating a language and presence that let people see the real you.
Think of it this way: If someone meets you, what impression do they walk away with? That’s your personal brand. And if you’re consistent about how you show up—online, with clients, in your work—you’ll attract the people who are the right fit for you and repel the ones who aren’t. Efficiency and authenticity? Sign me up.
Start Small: The Secret to Big Success
Building a personal brand can feel overwhelming. Should you redo your website? Post more on social media? Start wearing statement earrings every day?
Kathleen’s advice? Start with one small step. Think about the work you’ve done that lit you up inside—the projects where you felt most like you. Write down what made those projects so special. Was it the type of client? The creative freedom? The impact of the finished product?
Then, highlight those moments. Talk about them in your portfolio, on social media (if you’re into that), or in conversations with potential clients. As Kathleen says, “You don’t have to make your entire business your personal brand. Start by sharing the things that feel meaningful to you.”
The Social Media Conundrum
Let’s get real: Social media can be a lot. The pressure to show up perfectly polished 24/7 is enough to make anyone want to toss their phone into the ocean.
Kathleen’s take? If social media doesn’t feel good, don’t do it. Your personal brand isn’t limited to Instagram reels or TikToks. There are so many ways to show up authentically: write a blog post, send an email newsletter, or even share your thought process during a client meeting.
And if you do want to dip your toes into the social media world but feel intimidated, Kathleen suggests starting small. Post a story that disappears in 24 hours or share a behind-the-scenes snapshot of your work. Nobody’s perfect, and nobody expects you to be.
The Midlife Pivot and the Power of Perseverance
Here’s another gem from our chat with Kathleen: Life is full of pivots. Many of us reach a point where we wonder if the career we’ve built is the one we really want. If you’re in that space, Kathleen says to embrace it.
She reminded us that starting something new doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Consider finding a mentor, working under someone else to learn the ropes, or taking on just one small client to test the waters. “You don’t have to build an empire overnight,” she says.
But… if you’ve already committed to a path, stick with it. “The secret to success is sticking it out,” Kathleen says. Even when things get tough, trust that your vision is worth the work. Adjust, evolve, and keep going.
Kathleen’s Hot Take: Your Craft Comes First
Kathleen shared a powerful insight: If you’re passionate about your craft, the business side will follow. She credits her early obsession with graphic design (and way too many trips to Barnes & Noble for overpriced magazines) with setting the foundation for her career.
Her advice? Hone your craft first. Take the time to get really good at what you do. When you love what you’re creating, it shows—and that passion becomes a magnet for clients and collaborators.
Final Thoughts: Just Do It (Even If It’s Scary)
Let’s end with Kathleen’s mic-drop moment: “Do it scared.” Whether it’s posting that first video, taking on a dream client, or redefining your career, fear doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re doing something that matters.
So, what’s your next small step? Start there. Trust yourself. And remember, your quirks and uniqueness aren’t liabilities—they’re your greatest strengths.
Now go out there and build a personal brand that feels 100% like you. The world needs it.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.
