Michelle Wintersteen /// What it Means to be a Girlboss/// Season5:E118

Women throughout history have demonstrated the power and strength to change the world, regardless of their circumstances.   Today those inspiring and empowering woman movements continue. Although these movements are positive, toxicity can still exist within.   As self-starter, entrepreneur, and a girl boss herself, Michelle Wintersteen offers a conversation that is motivating and honest. She comments on the power of these movements specifically, the toxic side of the Girl Boss culture. While sharing the notion that participating in a movement such as “Girl Boss” does not mean you can’t be critical of aspects within the movement.   There is no better way to celebrate Women in History month, then having a conversation full of positive success stories, honest conversation, and girl bosses.   “We can still be participants of a culture and be critical of them” - Michelle Wintersteen   Michelle aka MKW, is 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 MKWCC brand is dedicated to designing original, unique & bold brands for today’s entrepreneurs and first-time business owners. Her style is bright, casual, honest, but also a little sassy, which reminds her to be thankful she has a job that aligns passion, purpose and personality every damn day.   She is passionate about creating communities around the themes of Branding, Marketing & Entrepreneurship. Whether it’s recording episodes for the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast, interviewing fellow entrepreneurs through desIGn Live, or co-hosting networking events with Level Community, she truly believes everyone benefits when businesses in our communities thrive.   Topics we discuss: Her upbringing and how it has impacted her entrepreneurship. Dad worked for a software company. Mom did interior design as a hobby. Started her first business endeavor as a junior/senior in college. Started off by creating logos for her art department. Girl boss culture The tendency for movements to be toxic. You can be critical of movement but still participate in it. Tendency at times to create a double standard. Censorship and terms and conditions You sign terms and conditions; A platform gets to decide regulation etc. How do we create a world people want to see? Age of curated information Issue of taking people at face value. Clubhouse, and the issues that come along with it; Becomes a liability to your brand. Branding Color theory Brag worthy brands The power of social media with branding Recognizability within brands Being intentional with design   References:   MKW Creative Brand Company James Baldwin and his quote about loving America but not loving everything about it. Brene Brown Girl Boss Club House Dumplin (The Movie) Space X   Credits:   Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes   Music: Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. Guest theme:  "Graphic Noted Dipped" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.