Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast

There hasn't been a more important time to practice conscious entrepreneurship. If you're seeing how injustice plays out around the world, and particularly here in America, it's time to build activism into your business framework. This conversation unpacks the overlap between our values and our ventures, inviting you to examine where activism fits within your work—and your everyday life. Michelle shares practical ways to bring you from frustration to meaningful action, all while challenging the privilege of inaction. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Talking to your inner supports Posting about your values Being in community with like-minded people Calling your senators and representatives Voting with your dollar Support journalists who are doing the research Uplifting original firsthand stories Bringing it up with your clients Creating original artwork Unlearn white supremacy, racism, and misogyny Get involved in local politics ---------------------- RESOURCES: Donate to the Immigrant Defense Project Read our community message to our social media clients ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Step inside the vibrant world of design leadership as Michelle is joined by Anna Dower, co-founder of the Designer Boss Summit. Discover the art and strategy behind curating a global creative community, and learn how access, authority, and authenticity have redefined what it means to be a designer today. From building an inclusive stage for women to mastering your brand's signature style, this conversation unpacks the power of collaborative learning, thoughtful curation, and saying yes to opportunities uniquely aligned with your vision. If you're ready to elevate your creative business and stand out with intention, this episode is your blueprint. ANNA DOWER is a graphic designer, entrepreneur, and sought-after creative mentor with 25 years of industry experience. She's passionate about enlightening, empowering, and elevating the businesses of graphic designers who are eager to make their mark— while having a blast doing it. Anna is all about balance, believing in both profit and pleasure, and she's proud to work just 20 hours a week while still smashing her income goals. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Designer Boss Summit origin story What drives the content of the Summit The impacts of social learning The planning and execution behind a global summit How to become a better speaker Lessons on design authority Why your business can't be for everyone Advice for designers ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get your free ticket to the Designer Boss Summit, February 10-13, 2026 ---------------------- Guest info: To learn more about the Designer Boss Summit, follow them on Instagram @DesignerBoss.Co and Facebook @DBSummit and visit their website, DesignerBoss.co. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high-quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

How to work with us, our services, lay of the land. Want to work with us in 2026? This is how. Michelle has compiled alllllll of the ways you can join forces with our team, from bespoke brand design to bragworthy launch packages and creative retainers. Plus, stick around till the end to learn about the upcoming referral program for our superstar referrers (cash, credit, no catch). Whether you're dreaming of a total glow-up or just want some expert help to level up your business, tune in for the all-access roadmap to working together this year. Why play small when you could stand out? ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Mini vs. full-service brand design Consulting services Brand launch packages Ongoing creative retainer partnerships One-off projects Upcoming referral program ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 240: Streamline Your Brand Design Process with AI Episode 241: 10 Most Common Rebranding Questions Answered Episode 227: Branding File Management Made Simple Episode 249: My Journey in Branding and Entrepreneurship Episode 250: Client Case Study: Amador Wine Country Read the blog: 7 Strategic Reasons Podcast Sponsorships Outperform Social Media Ads ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

True hospitality thrives in the foothills of Amador County, where a slower pace, deep roots, and a shared table welcome newcomers and old friends alike. This week, we meet with Daisy D'Agostini to dig into what it means to keep family tradition alive while adapting to a changing wine world. You'll learn what went into their rebrand with MKW Creative Co., and where they're headed. Daisy D'Agostini is an owner of D'Agostini Wines and part of a multi-generational winemaking family in Amador County. She serves on the Marketing Committee for the Amador County Wine Heritage District, where she's focused on celebrating the region's history while helping evolve the Amador Wine Country brand for the next generation. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Daisy's background and family business How Daisy found MKW Creative Co. Board involvement Amador Wine Country's four signature annual events Marketing challenges before the rebrand Initial reactions of the brand design presentation The Amador Wine Country experience Regional positioning and visitor demographics Changes in wine consumption trends Leaning into heritage and storytelling Navigating change and growth in the wine region The perfect 72hr Amador Wine Country trip ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 233: Why In-Person Meetings Matter ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Amador Wine Country, follow them on Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook @AmadorWine and visiting their website, AmadorWine.com. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at running a creative business. In the first episode of 2026, Michelle breaks down her journey from designing flyers in a college computer lab to building a brag-worthy branding studio with a global team. Get the full picture— from accidental entrepreneurship and world travels to surviving the feast-famine cycles of client work and climbing out of the scarcity mindset. Thinking about starting your own thing, or just want to know how a creative stays inspired a decade in? Hit play! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Podcast announcements What to expect from The Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast in 2026 The birth of MKW Graphics Becoming a digital nomad Starting the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast Building the MKW Creative Co. team Brand positioning and transformation Navigating burnout and boundaries in leadership Upleveling business operations The mindset shift from doer to leader ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- -- COFFEE -- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! -- ZENCASTR -- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . -- AUDIBLE -- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Ready to separate fact from fiction in the creator economy? This wee we welcome industry insider Lissette, who shares her expert insights on what truly builds influence, dispels common myths about monetization, and explores the real stories behind authentic online growth. If you want actionable strategies for creators, brands, and multi-hyphenate entrepreneurs, stop hovering and press play. Lissette Calveiro is a Latina entrepreneur, content creator, and business coach for influencers and personal brands navigating the creator economy with intention. As the founder of Influence With Impact®, she leads a creator-first consultancy offering business coaching, talent management, and strategic education to help creators turn influence into income without losing the human behind the brand. With over a decade in the creator economy, Lissette is also a seasoned influencer marketing expert who has managed more than $5 million in brand partnerships across CPG, finance, lifestyle, and tech. She has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and Fortune, and is a speaker who brings real talk and real strategy to every stage, including VidCon, Instagram Creator Week, Create and Cultivate, Google HQ, and the White House's first Creator Economy Summit. She is known for bridging the gap between creators and the industry, bringing transparency to monetization, negotiation, and sustainable growth. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Lissette's background and mission Differences between influencers and creators Content creation as a core business skill How to develop your personal brand and message Shifts and challengers in brand-creator partnerships Navigating disruptions in brand partnerships Politics, social issues, and entrepreneurship Authenticity, vulnerability, community The impact of social media and parasocial relationships Multiple revenue streams and the gig economy Prioritizing slow living ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 059: Client Case Study with Influence with Impact ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Lissette and Influence with Impact, follow them on Instagram and Tik Tok @LissetteCalv and visit their website InfluenceWithImpact.co ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Ditch the beige and step into a world where bold color, real storytelling, and cultural pride take center stage. In this long-awaited episode, Michelle shares her design trend predictions for 2026, breaking down how you'll see them explode across pop culture, fashion, IRL gatherings, print, and beyond. Plus, gain insights on how to notice these trends all around you in the New Year! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Trend #1: Star Spangled Spanglish and Vibrant Maxim Multiculturalism Trend #2: Medieval Romanesque Revival Trend #3: Community Curator & the Niche Retreat, aka the Fourth Space Trend #4: New Wave Entrepreneurship of The Unsexy Biz Dos and donts for branding in 2026 ---------------------- RESOURCES: Read the Design Trend Predictions 2026 blog Episode 231: Styled to Lead: The Intersection of Aesthetic and Authority Episode 201: Building a Global Brand with Shay Bacani Episode 234: Succession Planning and Branding with Lauren Goldstein Episode 235: Concierge Branding & Community Building with FRG Real Estate Episode 233: Why In-Person Client Meetings Matter Episode 229: Why Your Rebrand Deserves a Launch Party Episode 198: Marketing without Social Media Episode 202: Creating DIML & Case Study Content Step-by-Step Guide ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Raise your hand if you've ever ghosted your own email list. Don't worry, we're guilty of it, too. Michelle teams up with email marketing expert Kieryn Wang to share everything you've definitely been ignoring in your inbox management. Turn subscribers into superfans, battle the fears of sounding salesy, and discover why a "one sentence" email might actually be what works for your audience. From list revivals to clever segmentation and the ultimate "unsubscribe" mindset shift, this episode is your reminder to stop sleeping on email— and start making it work for you. Kieryn Wang is an Email Marketer and Founder of ALLMOST, a boutique email marketing agency that turns email lists into revenue-generating powerhouses. With over 12 years of experience in digital marketing, she specializes in building high-converting automations, data-driven campaigns, and retention strategies that drive measurable sales growth. Since launching ALLMOST, Kieryn has supported over 60 brands in the beauty and wellness space through her campaigns and membership community, helping clients transform their email marketing into one of their most profitable and reliable sales channels. Her expertise has led to six- and seven-figure revenue growth for clients, and her insights have been featured in Bon Appétit, Bloomberg, and other top-tier publications. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Starting in email marketing Consistency in emails How service-based businesses can tend to their email list Analyzing your email metrics Design-based vs text-based emails Setting up your welcome series How to audit your emails Trends to look out for you in 2026 ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get $30 off when you use code KISS ItsAllMost.com/KissMyAesthetic ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Kieryn and ALLMOST, follow them on Instagram @ItsAllMost an visit their website ItsAllMost.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Ready for an honest conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and community? This week, Michelle is joined by product management leader Ashley Jefferson. Discover how blending corporate experience with creative instincts can shape a distinctly authentic approach to business, personal branding, and networking— plus why true connection goes far beyond job titles or online followers. This episode delivers insightful perspectives and practical tips you don't want to miss. Ashley Jefferson is the founder of Startup Baddie, where she works with founders and brands from a product, community, and content perspective. As a fractional product leader, Ashley makes sure you're building the right thing, for the right people, in the right way—and that it drives results (revenue, funding, customers). She draws on a decade of experience at JP Morgan, Prudential, and her work with early-stage founders and medium-sized companies to guide teams through strategy, launches, go-to-market execution, and critical business decisions. She is also the creator of Founders, Funders, Fractionals (F3), a hub for the future of work that brings together founders, investors, and fractional executives. F3 focuses on education, meaningful connections, and practical ways to bring the fractional model into companies. Ashley holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a Bachelor's degree in Business from Seton Hall University. --------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Ashley's background and professional journey Corporate vs. creative work styles LinkedIn as a platform for community Podcasting for growth Should you get your MBA? Intersectionality in discussions about community In-person experiences vs. online communities The future of work and community engagement ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get 40% a Strategy Session with Ashley when you us the code KMAPOD25 Watch part one of this episode on LinkedIn! ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Ashley and Start Up Baddie, follow them on Instagram @StartUpBaddie and Tik Tok @StartUpBaddieAcademy and visit her website AshleyGraceJefferson.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

Trade self-doubt for confidence. Discover how to present your creative work as the expert you are. Imagine: less revisions and ongoing partnerships. Whether you're shy or an extraverted creative, Michelle shares the simple hacks for showing off your ideas, getting real client buy-in, and using video to bring your humanness front and center (no more hiding behind a mood board!). From the power of mockups to psychological tricks for smooth feedback, you'll learn how to lead with conviction and get those "slam dunk" approvals every designer craves. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The reason for presenting through video The one concept method Setting client expectations Skill-building for presentations Framing your work as a solution to your client's problem Visual storytelling in design presentations Showing design work in process How to lead as the expert Strategic feedback opportunities ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 240: Streamline Your Brand Design Process with AI ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO. Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma. This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard