

Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast
Michelle Wintersteen
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 14, 2023 • 50min
101. Hemsley Ventures with Ashley Brinton
Welcome back to Season 3 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast! 🥳 We're kicking off this season with an exceptional guest, Ashley Brinton of Hemsley Ventures! In today's episode, Ashley takes us through her journey, starting at Crumbl and joining the exciting early beginnings of Hemsley Ventures. If you're a budding entrepreneur—you won't want to miss this informative and jam-packed episode! Ashley Brinton is a motivational keynote speaker, founder of AshleySpeaks, author, mom, and the Chief of Staff for Hemsley Ventures. She travels nationwide, from one-on-one consultations to high-profile conferences, to help others reach their ultimate potential. Ashley Brinton is the proud author of "Reach Higher; How You Can Go Beyond Your Personal Limitations, Struggles, and Challenges to Live an Awesome Life and Achieve Your Ultimate Potential." Ashley's passionate about helping others chase their dreams and making them a reality which is why she loves her role at Hemsley Ventures. ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Welcome to Season 3, and exciting news Meet Ashley: who she is and her origin story From being a part of the journey from a start-up to an iconic brand What Hemsley Ventures is: their brand positioning and secret sauce An overview of all of Hemsley Ventures projects, including Polar Bear Eats, Peach Grove House, and Hemsley Ranch Rebuilding Preston, Idaho What it's been like for Hemsley Ventures to work with MKW Creative Co. Ashley's advice for maintaining forward momentum Ashley's ins and outs for 2023 ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 099: Client Case Study Hemsley Ventures ----------------------- Guest info: For more on Ashley, you can follow her on Instagram @Ashley.Brinton and on LinkedIn at Ashley Brinton. You can purchase her book here. ----------------------- 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 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

Dec 20, 2022 • 48min
100. Season 2 wrap-up with Berta Wired
WE'VE MADE IT TO EPISODE 100! 🎉 To celebrate this incredible milestone, we welcome a very special guest to the podcast—our Podcast Manager, Berta Wired! Michelle and Berta discuss how the KMA pod has evolved since Season 1, their favorite moments from Season 2, and what they're thinking about for Season 3. But this isn't just a recap of Season 2! You'll also learn about the inside scoop of creating a podcast, how Michelle structures her episodes and leads engaging interviews, plus quick tips on how to guest on your favorite podcast. -------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: The rise of podcasts and current stats How Berta has seen changes in the podcast industry from Episode 001 to now Favorite podcasts to listen to Memorable guests and episodes from this season How to talk on a podcast and the importance of keeping the flow Changes between Seasons 1 & 2 The benefits of interviewing your team members Berta's favorite podcast tools Ideas we have brewing for Season 3 Berta's process What to include in a pitch (and tips for pitching to the KMA podcast 😉) ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 002: How I Started my Brand Design Business Episode 050: 1 Year of KMA Pod with Berta Wired Episode 061: Life According to Web Designer Georgia G Kaye Episode 071: Life According to Content Marketing Educator Amber Romero Episode 079: Life According to PR & Human Design Expert Kaila O'Connor Episode 094: Life According to Agency Owner Amber Frankhuizen Episode 096: Client Case Study San Diego Open Episode 099: Client Case Study Hemsley Ventures ----------------------- Guest info: For more on Berta, you can follow her at @bertawired on Instagram, and if you're ready to finally launch your dream podcast, head over to bertawired.com. ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.

Dec 14, 2022 • 54min
099 Client Case Study Hemsley Ventures
Sawyer Hemsley is the co-founder and CBO of Crumbl Franchising, America’s fastest-growing gourmet cookie company. Originally from Preston, Idaho, Sawyer didn’t venture far for his degree in marketing at Utah State. After graduating, Sawyer was a marketing assistant of On Advertising, an advertising agency in Preston but left in 2017 to start Crumbl, the first of many projects. Since then, he's founded Hemsley Ventures, a forward-thinking, values-driven investing group that uplifts brands to become new-nostalgic favorites through capital, community, and strategic brand positioning. His projects include Polar Bear Eats, Peach Grove House, and Hemsley Ranch with big visions for more in 2023. -------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: Meet Sawyer, Crumbl, and his origin story Growing up in a small town and giving back to your community How Sawyer and Michelle got connected Peach Grove House: the vision and future goals How Sawyer ties in nostalgia when building a brand Creating Hemsley Ventures Allowing brands to adapt over time Buying Polar Bear and drumming up the hype Sawyer's latest project: Hemsley Ranch Initiatives that Sawyer's working on How branding shapes our experience ----------------------- RESOURCES: Kiss My Loops - TikTok Video Training ----------------------- Guest info: For more on Sawyer and his entrepreneurial journey, you can follow him at @sawyerhemsley on all social platforms, and to follow all fun projects and brands, follow @hemsleyventures. ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.

Nov 23, 2022 • 47min
098 Life according to Logo Designer James Barnard
James Barnard is a logo designer, freelancer, design educator, dad and owner of Barnard.co. He specialises in designing brand identities and logos with meaning. James got his start in graphic design more than a decade ago, working in the publishing industry. He has designed creative content for some of the UK’s biggest titles, including The Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Men’s Health, Empire, Cosmopolitan, The Times and many more. These days he runs his freelance logo design business from the Gold Coast, Australia, after emigrating from London in 2021. He has a ridiculous variety of skills in design software, which he aims to pass on to the next generation of designers through his social platforms. -------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: Meet James and his origin story James's experience meeting Chris Do! Feeling comfortable in his process as a designer Favorite projects he's worked on Plagiarism check your designs Advice for anyone looking to get into design Creating educational content vs. content that will attract potential clients Predictions on the future of marketing on TikTok Feelings on using Instagram vs. TikTok ----------------------- RESOURCES: Kiss My Loops - TikTok Video Training The Futur YouTube Channel ----------------------- Guest info: For more on James, you can find him @barnardco on Instagram and on TikTok. Head over to barnard.co to check out his portfolio and services. ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.

Nov 15, 2022 • 44min
097 Life According to Skincare Brand Taila Skincare
A native New Yorker with Indian roots, Shadoh Punnapuzha is the founder and formulator of taïla skincare. Raised in a household where an Ayurvedic lifestyle was paramount — her parents native land, Kerala, India nurtured her everlasting curiosity in the healing power of nature. This instilled a forever growing intuitive connection to botany, leading her on a journey to share the ancestral wisdom of Ayurveda through taïla. Shadoh’s artisanal skincare formulations are 100% natural made in NYC. -------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: Shadoh's backstory with Ayurveda Taila's mission statement How Shadoh came up with Taila Realizations and lessons about the skincare industry How she met Michelle at Same Skin Approaching marketing: the importance of brand messaging and keeping true to your brand's identity Taila's bestsellers and other products currently offered The inspiration behind Taila's packaging Advice Shadoh would give to her younger self ----------------------- RESOURCES: KMA Canva Sprint Day - 1:1 Design Intensive Episode 054: Client Case Study - Same Skin ----------------------- Guest info: For more on Taïla Skincare, you can find her as taliaskincare on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Use code KMA15 for 15% off tailaskincare.com! ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.

Nov 1, 2022 • 1h 10min
096 Client Case Study San Diego Open
If you've ever considered event marketing or are just starting out–this one is for you! The San Diego Open was undoubtedly one of the biggest projects I've ever worked on. From branding to social and on-site content creation over the course of two tournaments, it really flexed my creative muscles. On today's episode, we welcome back Katharine LiMandri, who also worked on the project and was the one who brought us on. In today's total recap, Katharine and I share how we approached this huge event, what learned and what we'd do differently another time. -------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: Katharine's side of the story: how she got on and how she brought on MKW Creative Co. Everything we worked on for the project and how we were flexible to sudden changes in roles Marketing tennis to appeal to a younger crowd and making it more accessible Things we'd both ask before starting another project like this How much of a GAME-CHANGER Canva is Which tools we used The benefits of a sprint–walk approach to social media Our social media goals and the results Breaking down social media and video analytics Advice to event marketers Ideas we had but didn't get to use and how to engage people at events creatively Recap of both tournaments ----------------------- RESOURCES: KMA Canva Sprint Day - 1:1 Design Intensive ----------------------- Guest info: For more on Katharine LiMandri, you can find her @katharinelimandri on Instagram. ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.

Oct 28, 2022 • 33min
095 Honest Review of Adobe Max
Did you miss the Adobe Max Conference this year? Don't worry we've got you covered! In this solo episode, Michelle gives a candid review of the conference and dives right into her favorite parts aaaaaaand maybe a couple of things she'd change. From describing the community pavilion to the labs and waiting in line—you'll feel like you were right there too! ------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: An overview of each day at the conference First impressions (spoiler: not enough food) The mark Michelle thinks Adobe missed in their new product's positioning Feelings of isolation while networking Tips for using filters for brands on Tik Tok Was it worth $1400? Michelle's biggest takeaways ----------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 028: Top 10 Tools for my Design Biz ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.

Oct 25, 2022 • 44min
094 Life According to Agency Owner Amber Frankhuizen
Amber Frankhuizen founded AFMKTG [A-F-Marketing] in 2018 on an ironing board. After burning out as a VP of Sales & Marketing in the corporate world, she set out to take a few months off before getting back to work, but her phone rang with people asking for help with marketing and social media. She set up shop with a laptop and a makeshift standing desk and founded what is now a booming creative marketing agency. Through the development of a comprehensive mentorship program, Amber has pioneered an approach to help other business owners attract young talent through internship programs while perpetuating her mission to help as many young professionals get the coaching and guidance they need. An alumnus of San Diego State University, Amber has received accolades such as mentions in San Diego Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list and has been a Semi-Finalist in the San Diego Sales & Marketing Leader of the Year Awards. -------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: How Amber found her path by becoming the founder of AFMKTG How marketing in post-secondary institutions is often outdated The journey from being a solopreneur to running an agency The value of internships How Amber structures her internships: from collaboration to mentorship to the legality side of things Why curiosity will set you up for success Where we think the future of social media is headed ----------------------- RESOURCES: The Toast podcast Get 25% off AFMKTG internship program ----------------------- Guest info: For more on Amber Frankhuizen, follow her on Instagram @amberincalifornia. For more on AFMKTG, visit AFMKTG.com or follow them on Instagram @AFMKTG. ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.

Oct 4, 2022 • 48min
093 Life According to Wine Enthusiast Miroki Tong
Miroki's a recovering international performer and producer. In her career in arts and entertainment, Miroki performed and produced worldwide and has been honored with many awards. After ten years in the industry, in her pursuit of happiness, sustainability and purpose, she has spent the last few years pivoting across careers. She achieved her MBA with specializations in Strategic Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship and works as an independent business consultant, bringing her expertise coupled with healthy pragmatism to help build small businesses and enterprises. By moonlight or by folding the time-space continuum to create more hours, Miroki continues her creative endeavors. Her recent spearheaded project, @9ouncesplease on Instagram, shares her decade-long passion for wine and is working to change the face of the wine and hospitality industry while helping people make savvy decisions about what to pour into their glass. -------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: Miroki's backstory Being a rebel Unpacking intergenerational trauma Gatekeeping in the wine industry Privileged people: stop being afraid to speak up How wine intertwines with branding and marketing Understanding what goes into one bottle of wine FAQs she gets on IG and her favorite kind of content to share Different types of wine from various regions Curiosity vs. judgment ----------------------- RESOURCES: KMA Canva Sprint Day - 1:1 Design Intensive Episode 054: Client Case Study - Same Skin Episode 012: DesIGn Live - Instagram and Racial Injustice with Sol Studio ----------------------- Guest info: For more on Miroki, you can find her @9ouncesplease on Instagram and as Miroki Tong on LinkedIn. ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.

Sep 27, 2022 • 49min
092 Meet the Team - Brand Manager Gabby Kirsten
Gabby is an NYC-based social media manager and is currently working as a brand manager, copywriter, and junior video editor at MKW Creative Co. Gabby’s freelance social media management journey began in 2018, and since then, she has worked with a range of creatives, including brand managers, social media marketers, city agencies, and culture-building communities. Her work is fueled by her belief digital spaces have the power to connect people, tell powerful stories, and host conversations that lead to change. Gabby values investing in building community, social advocacy, and reality tv and long walks down the aisles of Target. When she’s not working towards a Master of Urban Planning at Columbia University, Gabby is co-creating social strategies and managing digital communities with multi-hyphenate creatives who are passionate about making an impact! -------------------------- In today's episode, we cover: Meet Gabby and how she found her way to MKW Creative Co. What working for Same Skin is like Working with brands that you're the ideal client of Cultural identity How she brings her architectural and urban planning background into social media Same Skin brainstorm session Taking on projects intentionally Value-based businesses Predictions in the future of social media Advice to those hesitant about creating video content ----------------------- RESOURCES: Kiss My Loops - TikTok Video Training Episode 089: Meet the Team - Video Editor Alex Berardi Episode 054: Client Case Study - Same Skin Episode 006: DesIGn Live - Modern Social Responsibility with Polygon Market ----------------------- Guest info: For more on Gabby, you can find her @itsgabbykirsten on Instagram and on TikTok, and to check out her services head over to www.itsgabbykirsten.com. ----------------------- 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 of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.