
Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast
The Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is hosted by Michelle Wintersteen, the Brand Designer and Creative Director behind MKW Creative Co. a freelance brand design firm helping to define, design, build and grow vibrant brands for social-media-minded entrepreneurs.
The KMA Podcast is an extension of the Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group and covers topics like creating brand awareness, mastering social media marketing, cementing your brand's online presence, and being your own damn boss.
Michelle lives in sunny San Diego, California designing for brands & creating content with an undeniable west coast energy, punchy color palette & her yellow lab pup.
Latest episodes

Apr 8, 2025 • 38min
209. How to Build Creative Confidence with Molly Reopelle
Molly Reopelle, a muralist and illustrator from Minneapolis, shares her inspiring journey from calligraphy to creating large-scale murals that define neighborhoods. She discusses how to define your visual style and attract the right clients while emphasizing the importance of creative community and mentorship. Molly covers the mindset shifts needed to charge your worth and the value of public art in building community identity. She also touches on her strategic approach to business and the significance of downtime for maintaining creativity.

Apr 1, 2025 • 36min
208. Client Case Study: Avenue 8 Cocktails
One woman. One wild idea. One perfect can. Tiffany Jones, founder of Avenue 8 Cocktails, joins Michelle to share how she turned a frustration into an award-winning beverage brand. She'll walk you through the female-led research, formulation, and design process that brought her vision to life—from sourcing clean ingredients to collaborating with kick-ass team. They also dive into building a lifestyle brand, seeding strategy, and that feeling of seeing complete strangers enjoy your product. Tune in for business inspo, packaging eye candy, and a reminder to say yes to yourself before you're "ready." Tiffany Jones is the founder of Avenue 8 Cocktails. A Dallas native, Jones attended The University of Texas at Austin, and explored the fast-paced world of Wall Street in New York City - before earning her MBA at SMU. Her professional career spans fashion, cosmetics, advertising, and banking, but her true passion lay in high-end residential interior design—a field she thrived in for over 22 years. After a plethora of college family weekends drinking RTD cocktails that didn’t satisfy, Jones set out to create a RTD cocktail for women that exuded luxury, taste and transparency. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The origin story of Avenue 8 Cocktails The importance of branding and product differentiation Market research findings on women consuming alcohol Building Avenue 8's brand world Creating elevated packaging Launching with a PR strategy Avenue 8's future vision Winning the RTD Silver Medal at the Fifth Annual Craft Spirits Packaging Awards Advice for Founders ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 113: Hotel Lobby Candle with Lindsay Silberman ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Tiffany and Avenue 8 Cocktails, follow her on Instagram @Avenue8Cocktails and visit their website DrinkAvenue8.com ---------------------- Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia ----------------------- 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

Mar 25, 2025 • 39min
207. How to Prep for a Brand Shoot with LeightBox Media
If your Dropbox is full of unused brand photos… this episode is your intervention. Photographer and videographer Nadia of LeightBox Media joins Michelle to dish on everything from shoot prep to post-production magic. They talk creative direction, pricing realities, how to plan for photos with real longevity—and why one great image can work way harder than you think. Nadia shares what makes a shoot run smoothly, the gear that matters, and how AI is changing the creative workflow. Nadia Nowak-Leight is a San Diego-based branding photographer and videographer with over 10 years of experience. As the owner of LeightBox Media, she specializes in helping women confidently grow and launch their businesses with marketable content that drives traffic, builds trust, and boosts sales. She also works with commercial brands to craft compelling projects that sell, delivering everything from ad campaigns to sizzle reels that elevate their presence and extend their reach. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: How Nadia became a photographer Photo vs. video strategy Making a successful photoshoot Different types of brand photography Running an efficient and organized shoot Creative flow and client energy How brand designers can support photographers Post-production and delivery Maximizing photo longevity Photography and videography trend predictions ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 142: Client Case Study: Fit Boss Blueprint with Reuben Brooks ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Nadia and LeightBox Media, follow her on Instagram @LeightBoxMedia and TikTok @Nadia_NowakLeight and visit her website at LeightBoxMedia.com. ---------------------- Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia ----------------------- 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

Mar 18, 2025 • 43min
206. Turn Your Art Into a Business with Annie Bolding
Big walls, bold colors, and even bigger creativity—Annie’s murals turn blank spaces into showstoppers. She shares how she landed her first big projects, why pricing your work confidently is non-negotiable, and how artists can ditch the starving artist myth for good. Plus, she breaks down the power of community, creative flow, and why women lifting each other up is the real blueprint for success. Annie is a muralist and digital illustrator and who creates bold, eye-catching art inspired by all things bright, retro, and groovy. She collaborates with clients to elevate their spaces, transforming them with vibrant color and creativity. A Southern California native, Annie draws inspiration from the sunny cities she’s always called home, channeling their energy and hues into her work. She believes magic and fun are all around us, and her art reflects that playful, colorful spirit. Whether it's a digital project or a large-scale mural, Annie's goal is to create art that makes people smile and see the world a little more vividly. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: How Annie become a muralist Finding your style and brand identity Authenticity in business Community building in business Rejecting the scarcity mindset Breaking the starving artist myth Handling client objections and negotiating rates The power of female entrepreneurship ----------------------- RESOURCES: The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Annie and It's a Disco Day, follow her on Instagram and TikTok @ItsADiscoDay and visit her websites at ItsADiscoDay.com. ---------------------- Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia ----------------------- 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

Mar 11, 2025 • 57min
205. Old Money, New Rules with Amber Frankhuizen
Forget skipping lattes—Amber Frankhuizen is here to talk about real financial freedom (and why you should still enjoy your matcha). Michelle and Amber get real about building wealth, dismantling money myths, and why women must step up and own their financial power. Get the tea on overspending traps, pricing your work with confidence, and why making more money isn’t just about luxury—it’s about impact. Relearn what true wealth means as they dive into media literacy, self-care, and finding the rituals that help you feel your best self. Her LinkedIn bio says she’s “the Founder, CEO & Chief Strategist at AFMKTG,” which is true, but it’s not the whole truth. (And honestly, it’s a little boring.) The reality is, Amber founded her award-winning creative agency, AFMKTG, on an ironing board, figuring out how to build a profitable business out of nothing after jumping from the corporate ladder without a plan or a parachute. Her experience in building her own business, managing nearly a half-billion dollars in real estate assets, and being a mentor and coach for 10+ years has culminated in the birth of the Old Money Podcast. Amber is bold, straight up and direct - she has provocative views on business and a tongue-in-cheek approach that keeps her team and clients on their toes. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Inside the Old Money Podcast Breaking generational money cycles Amber's debt recovery plan Spending vs. overspending How to protect your energy Hypnosis, neurofeedback and self-care Inside our morning routines and rituals Intentional media consumption Being smart consumers The power of consistency ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 94: Life According to Agency Owner Amber Frankhuizen Tune into Old Money Podcast Follow hypnotist @JuliaBalto on Instagram ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Amber and the Old Money Podcast, follow her on Instagram at @AFMKTG, @AmberInCalifornia, and @OldMoneyPodcast and on TikTok @OldMoneyPodcast, and visit her websites at AFMKTG.com and OldMoneyPodcast.com. Social media in 2025 is pure chaos—platforms are shifting, algorithms are unpredictable, and keeping up feels like a full-time job. That’s why we're sharing our 2025 Social Media Webinar that we share with all of our clients. It's a no-BS breakdown of what’s working, what’s dead, and how to build a strategy that actually delivers. Whether you’re a brand owner or a social media pro, this resource is your shortcut to navigating the wild west of online marketing. Tune in at MKWCreative.co/resources/p/2025socialmedia ---------------------- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code KMAPODCAST for 15% off!! ----------------------- 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

Mar 4, 2025 • 39min
204. Crafting Your Artistic Style with Jessica Molina
Jessica Molina didn’t just build an art career—she built a brand, a business, and a voice that won’t back down. From studying architecture to becoming full-time lettering artist, Jessica shares how she honed her signature style that is bold, vibrant, and undeniably her. You'll learn what you need to define your own style, the business of art, and why standing out beats playing it safe. Plus, get some real talk on imposter syndrome, why joy is a form of resistance, and the responsibility of artists to speak up in today’s political landscape. Jessica Molina is a Nicaraguan-American lettering artist and illustrator based in Dallas, Texas, known for her vibrant and expressive artwork. She’s created work for national and global clients like Target, Snapchat, Sol de Janeiro, CASETiFY, Toyota, and more. Jessica’s pieces weave together bold lettering with lush, feminine visuals, often exploring deep themes of self-love, empowerment, and personal growth. Her mission as an artist is to empower others to embrace their uniqueness, fully and unapologetically. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Finding community on Instagram From architecture to lettering Defining your unique artistic style Evolving your style Dream projects and big breaks Navigating imposter syndrome The role of artists in society Creativity as resistance Murals and public art ----------------------- RESOURCES: Get 15% off when you sign up Jessica's newsletter ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Jessica and her vibrant designs, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok @SeeJessLetter and visit their website, shop.jessicamolina.design ---------------------- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code KMAPODCAST for 15% off!! ----------------------- 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

Feb 25, 2025 • 33min
203. The Business of Art with Alicia Puig
Art isn’t just passion—it’s profit, and Alicia Puig is here to prove it. As co-founder of PXP Contemporary, she’s redefining how emerging artists sell, price, and thrive in the digital art world. From diversity in the art world to co-writing the ultimate creative biz handbook, Alicia spills the secrets every artist (and collector) needs to know. Plus, she’s got a no-BS formula for pricing artwork (which you can snag below)—because exposure doesn’t pay the bills. Alicia Puig is the curator & co-founder of PxP Contemporary online art gallery, director at Create! Magazine, and co-author of The Complete Smartist Guide and The Creative Business Handbook. She has worked in the arts industry for galleries, museums, art fairs, private collectors, art publications, and an auction house for over ten years in the US, the Netherlands, and Costa Rica. Her writing has been published in magazines and on blogs including Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, Art She Says, and Artspiel, among others. Additionally, she has served as a guest curator or juror for Hastings College, All She Makes, Rise Art, SHOWFIELDS, Apex Art, Arts to Hearts Project, I Like Your Work, Visionary Art Collective, and Pretty Girls Making Cool Shit. She received a 2020-2021 Latina Leaders Award by Latinas in Business Inc. and earned the Honorable Mention for Curatorial Excellence at the Fall 2022 edition of Affordable Art Fair NYC. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Alicia's arts background The business of art Pricing and selling your artwork Factors to consider in pricing art pieces What goes into curating an online art gallery Industry gatekeeping in the contemporary art industry Advice for emerging artists ----------------------- RESOURCES: Get 10% off your first PxP Contemporary piece with code NEWCOLLECTOR Buy Alicia's book, The Complete Smartist Guide Snag your FREE Artist Pricing Calculator Episode 201: Building a Global Brand with Shay Bacani ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about PxP Contemporary and support artists, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok @PxPContemporary and visit their website, PxPContemporary.com ---------------------- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code KMAPODCAST for 15% off!! ----------------------- 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

Feb 18, 2025 • 41min
202. Creating DIML & Case Study Content Step-by-Step Guide
Ever wondered how to turn your daily grind or client success stories into captivating content like a pro? Tune in for your ultimate guide to creating DIML (Day in My Life) and case study videos. Michelle gives you the low down on capturing and editing content that will attract dream clients. Whether you're a founder looking to show off your brand's ethos or someone eager to boost your visual storytelling skills, tune in for a masterclass in marketing authenticity. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: How to create Day in My Life content Taking the perfect shots and transition clips Lighting and audio best practices Uploading and editing tips Background music considerations Creating client case study videos Adding captions and visuals Significance of showcasing case study project content ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code KMAPODCAST for 15% off!! ----------------------- 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

Feb 11, 2025 • 44min
201. Building a Global Brand with Shay Bacani
Unlock the financial secrets and strategies for women in business with Shay Bacani! From dusting off your financial hygiene to how to scale your business to go global, dig into finance strategies to transform your money mindset in 2025. Whether you're a solopreneur or looking to scale with a team, Shay's offers tips you can apply right after listening to this episode! Shay Bacani is a powerhouse CFO and visionary entrepreneur, specializing in financial management and strategy. As the founder of Centure Financial, Shay has dedicated her career to empowering female founders to dominate their markets, expand their businesses, and orchestrate high-value exits. Her innovative approach to business finance has transformed countless entrepreneurial visions into scalable empires. As a thought leader and strategist, Shay is deeply passionate about putting wealth, capital, and equity into the hands of women. Her mission is to ensure women own and influence the industries they consume. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: New Year's goals Looking ahead into Q1 and 2025 Going from a solopreneur to hiring employees Payroll problems in business Investing in businesses you know How marketing plays into your business strategy Financial hygiene for creatives Addressing knowledge gaps Entering a global economy How to grow with focus ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 123: Financially Fit with Shay Bacani Mention KMA podcast on your Centure Financial application and receive $200 off! ----------------------- GUEST INFO: To learn more about Shay and her financial advice, follow her on Instagram @CentureFinancial, TikTok @ShayInFinance her website, CentureFinancial.com ---------------------- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code KMAPODCAST for 15% off!! ----------------------- 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

Feb 4, 2025 • 39min
200. Our Teams' 2025 Bingoals Revealed
It's 2025. If you're not game-ifying your goals, then what are you doing? Michelle's playful approach with her viral bingo card will have you eager to chase down this year's dreams. Learn how to craft goals that matter, avoid the traps of vanity metrics, and enjoy the thrill of friendly competition. If you're ready for a fun, engaging way to achieve more this year, grab your bingo card and let's get started! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: How to play Bingoals Yearly goals to reconsider Client-related Bingoals at MKW Creative Co. Social media goals Podcast goals Skillshare goals Award and review goals Charity work donations Project goals ----------------------- Resources: Get your 2025 Bingoals Canva Template Episode 169: Your Midyear Bingo Card Check-In Episode 188: BINGOALS & Cultural Branding with Palu Malerba ----------------------- This episode is sponsored by Sticker Giant. Elevate your branding with labels and stickers that will attract attention in all of the right ways. Bring your designs to life by visiting StickerGiant.com and using promo code KMAPODCAST for 15% off!! ----------------------- 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