The Freak Show

Two brand designers discussing design hot takes? That’s what I call a front-row-worthy show!Aiza, from Studio Coya, & I got together to discuss 6 different opinions we see clowning around the online business space, and spoiler: you’ll hear “it depends…” A LOT.You’ll want to tune into Part 1 on Nourish Your Brand to get the full spectacle, and in this second part, you’ll hear why playful doesn’t mean “childish”, how to use colour as a tool, and why your social media doesn’t need to be either 100% curated Canva carousel or random photo dumps.As always, we believe the real answers are a more nuanced (and much less one-toned) than we’ve all been led to believe.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ How premium brands can absolutely still be playful, colourful & fun✦ The problem with “professional” being code for beige, bland & personality-free✦ When colour psychology becomes marketing fluff✦ Why branded social media templates still matter (when they actually support your content)——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Listen to part 1 on Aiza’s podcast!Follow & Connect with Aiza:✦ Follow her on ⁠Instagram✦ Check out her Website✦ Listen to the Nourish Your Brand podcastFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:46 Meet Aiza Cheung, from Studio Coya01:59 Hot Take 1: “Premium Brands Shouldn't Be Playful & Fun”13:19 Hot Take 2: “Colour Psychology’s Just Marketing Fluff”26:55 Hot Take 3: “You Don't Need Branded Social Media Templates Anymore”46:20 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

Picture this:A sleep-deprived, mildly unhinged, misunderstood genius is surrounded by half-finished masterpieces with a dramatic cigarette in his hand. Locked away in a dimly lit studio, fuelled by heartbreak, existential dread, and maybe a questionable amount of red wine (or opioids).Bonus points: you dramatically stare out of a window waiting for a creative lightning bolt to hit you.Let’s be serious for a second.This whole “tortured artist” thing might sound just like any other ridiculous stereotype… but it’s also one of the most damaging beliefs STILL floating the online business space, even if you don’t see yourself as a creative.So we’re taking to Art History (I’m a Fine Arts graduate, after all) to understand how exactly this narrative shows up in your day-to-day as a service provider:— Questioning your ideas when they come “too easily”— Wearing all those late nights as a badge of honour— Pushing yourself to the edge to prove you carePlus, we can agree we should all stop romanticising burnout… right?SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ How the “tortured artist” stereotype was born in the Arts✦ Why we romanticise burnout & where it shows up daily✦ What this means for you (even you’re not a creative)✦ The real reason you keep overworking & striving for more——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Listen to “What The Art World Taught Me About Branding” for more Fine-Arts lore✦ “BIG MAGIC: Creative Living Beyond Fear”, by Elizabeth GilbertFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:47 The “Tortured Artist” Stereotype That’s Still Alive, And Well03:55 Art History Lesson, Brought To You By Van Gogh05:37 Why It’s Easier To Romanticise Suffering Over Discipline07:04 The Modern-Day Version: Burnout As a Badge Of Honour

“I look awkward on camera”“I don’t sound smart enough”“This looks terrible”“I’ll do it later”Yeah… familiar, right?Welcome to the content creation sh*t show: where nothing works as it’s supposed to, you’re constantly glued to your phone & end up feeling like full-time content creator / part-time business owner, and overall clown 🤡You’ve been there. I’ve been there.Which is why I took a workshop called Spill The Stories back in October, to start to regain some control & confidence over ho I show in the platform that’s been my main lead-generator for the past 6 years.And you can’t even imagine my face of surprise when in this workshop I bought there’s a screenshot of my “Good mornin’” stories as an example of what good content looks like. Meanwhile I was sitting there thinking I was doing it all wrong??So in this episode, I’m joined by Michelle from Hello Lemon (aka the queen of turning your not-so-boring everyday life into easy content and the host of said workshop) to talk about just how much we’re overthinking content creation — from how you look, to what you say, to whether your life is even “content-worthy” in the first place.Spoiler: it is.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why your normal life was never “too boring” to share✦ There’s more to “free value” content than educational content✦ How to think more like a creator to stop overthinking✦ Finding the balance between low-lift vs. designed content——Mentioned in this episode:✦ SPILL THE STORIES: Make your Instagram Stories impossible to skip with a simple system and creative ideas.Follow & Connect with Michelle:✦ Follow her on Instagram✦ Check out her WebsiteFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:28 Michelle’s Freak Show Audition10:41 Why you think your life isn’t content-worthy21:17 Thinking like a creator (instead of comparing yourself to them)30:41 Low-lift vs. designed content & the Instagram grid debate42:39 Navigating the messy middle of a rebrand57:24 Online vs. offline: where your best ideas actually come from01:05:24 Michelle’s Final Bow

“Why are designers so obsessed with timelessness?”This was the question Sarah Kleist asked on her newsletter, which sparked this whole episode in the first place (yes, episode 017 Sarah Kleist).Did I feel slightly called out? Yes.Was I deeply intrigued? Also yes.‘Cause listen: I’m the first to preach consistency. Recognition matters. Repetition matters. A brand only works if you actually use it.But I can also acknowledge that “timelessness” is the branding equivalent of being someone’s “good girl”… And you know how I feel about advice that’s served on a silver platter with a side of superiority.Besides, “timelessness” might’ve been how my Communication Design degree described a strong & durable visual identity. But they also based that analysis on case studies of big corporations and household name brands.YOU (and the clients I work with) are a creative service provider. A personal brand. An online business owner. A living, evolving human whose thinking sharpens, positioning shifts, prices rise & opinions get bolder over time.Which is a completely different design problem.I already knew the world of personal brand building was paradoxical at best (and mildly unhinged at worst), but I invite you to listen in & find out how both of these views can be true at the same time!SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ How “timeless” branding became the morally superior choice✦ Rebranding too frequently vs. never rebranding at all✦ Why corporate case studies are solving the wrong problem for personal brands✦ How to build a brand system that flexes without boxing you inTAKE THE STAGEInstead of wondering if rebranding’s worth it when you’re changing & growing all the time (it is) OR if you’ll ever outgrow your brand (you will), think about it this way:✦ Is my brand flexible enough to grow with me & help me achieve my goals?‘Cause the only job your brand’s required to do is grow with you. It’s a living, evolving thing just like the human behind it.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Listen to Ep. 017 “Rebranding The Word ‘Performance’, with Sarah Kleist”✦ Subscribe to Sarah’s “Act Break” newsletter✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:12 Why Are Designers So Obsessed With Timelessness?03:56 The Corporate Branding Case Study Trap06:10 Two Paradoxical Truths: Recognition vs. Evolution08:38 Building The Sandbox to Anchor Your Brand

The Freak Show would 100% NOT exist if it weren’t for a couple of people. And one of them is Katie Pannell.Besides being a naming expert (and literally the person behind EVERY SINGLE NAME of my brand world & theme), she’s the reason Flying Colours Creative® isn’t called Eva Couto Design anymore, a name I definitely panic-picked at 2am, and that had zero personality.So today we’re talking precisely about that:Should you keep using my personal name… OOOR is it time for something bigger than me?Not just because you’re seeing everyone online shift towards a brand name, but because the internet has changed. When personal branding first exploded, “behind the scenes” felt intimate & cool.Now? We’re overstimulated, trying to dramatically reduce our screen time, and “building in public” isn’t new anymore. Plus personal names (whether intentionally or not) trained audiences to expect access as part of the value exchange.If your name IS the brand, the brand starts becoming you, which is a lot of unwanted pressure most of the time.There’s a lot of nuance, which is why this episode is on the longer side:✦ There are strategic reasons to use your name.✦ There are strategic reasons to outgrow it.✦ There are emotional triggers, identity shifts, SEO, trademark considerations, boundary conversations…And we’re breaking it all down for you!SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ How personal names train your audience to expect personal access✦ What Brand Theming actually does for memorability✦ What your brand name is NOT responsible for✦ Naming “kill switches” you need before you commit to one——Mentioned in this episode:✦ “Company Of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business”, by Paul Jarvis✦ Case Study: Brand Naming Flying Colours Creative✦ Read Katie’s “Deciding on your Naming Criteria” blog post✦ Read Katie’s “Chill the f*ck out - your name doesn't have to do everything” blog post✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: A 12-week, all-inclusive brand transformation that gives you all the visuals, website and marketing assets it takes to succeed with Flying Colours✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Katie:✦ Follow her on Instagram✦ Check out her WebsiteFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:58 Katie’s Freak Show Audition13:54 2026: The Year We Retire Personal Names30:02 What Makes A Strong Brand Theme44:38 Why You Should Never Poll Your Audience On Your Name47:15 Naming Criteria Checklist53:54 What Your Brand Name Is Not Responsible For01:04:01 Katie’s Final Bow

After what felt like a never-ending storm here in Portugal (and my nervous system clinging on for dear life), the SUN finally came out, and I swear I turned into a new woman overnight.Turns out, I just needed the right energy to come out of my winter season. And so does your brand.Except we have this tendency of mistaking seasonal slumps for full-blown identity crises. We assume our brand isn't working anymore, or that we're doing something wrong and that we lost all our creativity.When, in reality… we’re just tired. Overstimulated. Running on outdated systems.✦ If creating content feels heavier than it should…✦ If opening Canva puts you on edge…✦ If you’ve been avoiding visibility altogether…It might be time for some brand spring cleaning!SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why I love a reset moment over forcing output✦ How branding exists can be the system that supports your visibility✦ Stop scrambling for assets to create consistent-looking visuals✦ Why fun is the sustainability energy you’re missingTAKE THE STAGECarve out 30 minutes this week (without your phone!) and be honest with yourself:✦ Why have you been avoiding posting?✦ What visuals are you proud to say feel like you?Then pick the moment where you feel the most resistance, and declutter the related platform, so you can stop avoiding your own brand!——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Listen to “The Marketing Marathon: How I create a month of marketing on all platforms in three days” (Episode 186 of Brand Your Way To a Million, by Jasmine Haitalani of Highflier Powerhouse)✦ GOING STEADY: Take your relationship with creating consistent content from casual to committed✦ SWIPE FILE: Never worry about what to write in your newsletter again (*affiliate link)✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:43 Why Your Brand Might Just Be In Winter04:15 Step 1: Identify Where Branding Is Holding You Back06:19 Step 2: Reorganise Your Brand System08:13 Step 3: Bring Fun Back Into Your Routine

What do you get when two organised freaks obsessed with label machines and strong opinions about the online business world get on a mic together?I’ll tell you: a deep-dive into why your offers sometimes feel heavier than they should, and how to fix it without burning your whole brand to the ground!Because Ceels Lockley isn’t just an Offer Strategist & Business Coach. She’s the woman you call when your service suite turns into a grab bag of “well… I guess I could offer that too?” and you’re one Canva tab away from that quarterly business crisis.So, if you’ve ever:✦ Felt like your offers are evolving faster than you can keep up✦ Been tempted to rebrand instead of refine✦ Added “just one more” service because everyone else is doing it✦ Or struggled to actually talk about your offers without cringingThen this conversation was MADE for you to listen in!SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Using branding to amplify offer positioning & confidently sell it✦ What happens when your offers look & feel disjointed✦ The impact of consistent messaging & visuals on your offers✦ When your offers evolve faster than your brand (and vice versa)——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Keep listening to us on Ceels’ podcast, Sold Out Offers: "How to Inject More Personality In Your Business Brand"✦ Listen to Ceels’ episode "Positioning Your Offers To Become The Go-To Service Provider In Your Industry/Niche"✦ THE LINE UP: Map out your offer ideas with Ceels’ free training✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Ceels:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her Website✦ Listen to the Sold Out Offers podcastFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show03:26 Ceels’ Freak Show Audition10:04 How Your Offer Suite Informs Your Brand As A Whole13:48 “My Business Doesn’t Solve A Problem”: Solution Vs. Transformation23:35 Theming Your Offer Won’t Fix Your Offer26:44 Price Is Positioning (And Why Hiding It Backfires)39:36 Pokémon Syndrome: Chaotic Offer Suites Explained44:59 When Your Offers Evolve Faster Than Your Brand49:40 Ceels’ Final Bow

Have you noticed how social media & content design have been shifting from Notes app screenshots to journalling collages?Pinterest’s 2026 Trend Report called it first with PoetCore & Penpals. Still, after seeing everyone shift from using iMessage bubbles in their carousels to using paper texture backgrounds, I wanted to understand how design trends influence (or are influenced by) the larger cultural movement.This episode isn’t about telling you which trend to follow or to ditch them altogether.It’s more of a reflection on how there will always be a dominant aesthetic & its rebellious little sibling.And how, as online business owners building our own personal brands, and claiming aesthetics as “on-brand”, understanding how culture shifts (and it will), means we can adapt with intention.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why iOS-core worked (and why it feels so relatable)✦ The cultural exhaustion behind the analogue comeback✦ From faking screens to faking paper✦ How to build a brand that survives aesthetic cyclesTAKE THE STAGE✦ If we stripped away every trend tomorrow, would your brand still make sense for YOU?✦ What does designing like yourself look like?✦ When (and how) do you find yourself jumping on trends?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Read Pinterest Predicts™ 2026 & explore all 21 trends!✦ The original Reel that sparked this episode!✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:56 The Rise of iOS-Core & Apple As Aspirational, “Clean-Girl” Design02:29 Nostalgia, Familiarity & “Attainable Virality”05:20 Digital Exhaustion & The Cultural Backlash07:43 The Analogue Counter-Movement (How To Make Pixels Feel Tangible)08:29 The Paradox Of Digitally Faking Paper11:03 Designing Beyond Trends & Owning Your Visual Language

Branding, marketing, and messaging walk into a bar… and this whole episode turned out to be the punchline.‘Cause if you’ve been spiralling down the “Do I need a rebrand? Do I need more marketing? Or is my messaging just… bleh?” rabbit hole, me & Emelie Sanders, aka Head Honcho of Pass The Queso, are here to explain who’s responsible for what… and probably tell you to get over yourself (sorry not sorry).We hear all these terms thrown around the oNLine sPaCe, like everyone’s got a marketing degree tucked behind their Canva templates.The reality is we’re all just winging it. And even if we do know what they mean, we rarely stop and ask ourselves:“How do I make branding, messaging & marketing work together to grow my business?”Ironically, this isn’t really an episode about copy (although yes, we do talk about sales pages & emails, and how to tell if your words are doing their job).But the conversation got wayyy bigger, since we found ourselves coming back to clarity.The point isn’t to sound clear OR clever. It’s to be relevant to those who matter, so you can get paid.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Branding vs. Marketing vs. Messaging (vs. positioning too) finally explained✦ Why “your theme is YOU” sounds cliché but it’s actually just about self-trust & self-awareness✦ How going back to your foundations, strategy & messaging strengthens your brand✦ What “good” sales copy actually looks like: relevance > pretty words✦ Humour in your brand voice without forcing it (includes fart analogy)✦ When to write copy yourself, when to outsource & when co-creation matters——Mentioned in this episode:✦ “ZAG: The #1 One Strategy of High-Performance Brands”, by Marty Neumeier✦ STAND UP COPY: Cut your copywriting time in half — without sacrificing conversion.✦ PRODUCTISE YOUR NEWSLETTER: Skip the freebies and position your newsletter for list growth with the best way to pre-qualify your subscribers.✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Emelie:✦ Follow her Threads✦ Check out her Website✦ Subscribe to The Big MeltFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:33 Emelie’s Freak Show Audition09:35 Making your “multi-hyphenate” personality make sense as a personal brand18:35 Branding vs. Marketing vs. Messaging (vs. positioning too)22:39 Why you should be building messaging per offer, not per brand25:55 How to tell if your sales copy is good before you get the data31:28 Using humour without forcing yourself to become someone you’re not42:34 When outsourcing copy works (and when it absolutely doesn’t)59:03 Emelie’s Final Bow

You can have the boldest brand on the internet. The juiciest colour palette. A vibe so strong it makes beige, boring brands sweat.But your emails are more of an afterthought… Consider this your sign to change that!In this episode, I’m telling you about all the details you should NOT overlook when it comes to sending on-brand newsletters. And more specifically, the platform that’s become the only choice for brand-led business owners who are serious about their visuals *everywhere*: Flodesk.As a brand designer who can’t unsee bad spacing (and with a guilty pleasure for pointing out misprints in restaurant menus…), I need you to know that if your emails are hard to read, visually chaotic, or look nothing like the brand you’re so proud of everywhere else… your audience feels that too.So I’m breaking down the specific design choices that make emails easier to read, nicer to look at, and far more likely to convert, without turning your newsletter into a giant image ‘cause no one wants inaccessible, right?!Beyond making your emails “pretty”, we want them scannable & unmistakably on-brand.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why your brand falls apart the second your tools can’t carry it✦ The biggest deliverability myth about visual emails✦ How to structure emails for humans (not algorithms)✦ The design tips behind emails your audience wants to open✦ Why waiting until you’re “ready” is the fastest way to never send the emailTAKE THE STAGE1. Set up your Flodesk account branding with your fonts & colours.2. Build a simple freebie workflow (it can literally be just one email!)3. Create a template to make sending your newsletter easier.4. Then SEND. THAT. EMAIL.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ FLODESK: Get 25% off your first year (*partner link)✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:11 I used to hate sending my weekly newsletter04:40 Deliverability depends on your design07:47 Creating an end-to-end on-brand email experience12:25 Stop waiting for the perfect moment13:48 So… is Flodesk actually worth it?

Are you a creative person?Whether your answer was an instinctive “yes” (or a suspiciously quick “no”), then I invite you to tune into this conversation.‘Cause somewhere along the line, we were sold that creativity is messy and chaotic and that systems look like boring, rigid, soul-sucking spreadsheets…And Harriet and I are here to flip that right-brain vs. left-brain script!In this episode, we’re pulling creativity and systems out of their opposite corners of the ring and letting them work together: since that’s when brands & client experiences become spotlight-worthy.We talk about how systems can be playful, how data fuels better creative decisions, and why the best client experiences don’t come from doing more, but from designing smarter, clearer & more human processes.From onboarding emails that don’t suck the joy out of your brand, to automations that hype YOU up as much as your clients, if you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between being organised or creative, this one’s for you.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The myth of “I’m just not creative” (and how it hurts your business)✦ How to design onboarding that builds trust & **excitement✦ Why one-email-one-task prevents overwhelming your clients✦ Adding your personality & tone of voice to automations✦ Why automations aren’t just about saving you time——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE SECRET SET: The free monthly event for service pros, by Ceels Lockley✦ WELCOME PACK TEMPLATE: Get your clients onboarded in style.✦ FREE DUBSADO EMAIL TEMPLATES: Set yourself up for success with smart fields ready to use in Dubsado.✦ OVERHAUL YOUR ONBOARDING CHALLENGE: Look like you’ve got your sh*t together.✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Harriet:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her WebsiteFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:28 Harriet’s Freak Show Audition10:34 The Common Ground Between Design & Systems12:54 Creativity’s a Muscle & Requires Practice16:00 Overthinking Tools, Systems & Shiny-Object Syndrome18:52 What Great Client Onboarding Actually Requires23:55 Injecting Personality Into Confirmations & Default System Emails28:35 Why People Remember How Working With You Felt36:52 Systems Aren’t About Time, They’re About Headspace

New year. Clean slate. Loud internet.Word of the year, vision boards, goal setting, reflection prompts… If January already has you feeling behind & scattered, you’re NOT alone.And whenever I start feeling out of control, I look at my circus & my monkeys.In this episode, I’m walking you through 3 simple, practical ways to reset your brand without a full-on rebrand.“Spring cleaning” belongs in the Spring, so think of this as an opportunity to clear the clutter and make your brand feel usable again right now, as it is.Because when your brand is easier to use and lighter to show up with, you feel prouder to share it & visibility stops feeling like such a heavy lift.Think of it as brand maintenance:Less “new year, new you.” More “same you, but with fewer tabs open.”(Also, take a shot every time I say “off-the-cuff”. Or don’t. We’ve got monkeys to manage.)SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why you’re never “too late”, no matter the time of year✦ Why creating a brand maintenance habit keeps momentum going✦ The brand folder system that’ll save you hours of faffing✦ How to reset your website in under 15 minutes (no overhaul required)✦ Creating social templates that make showing up feel lighter, even on low-energy daysTAKE THE STAGEPick one of the 3 resets from this episode and do it this week:Organise your brand assets(Quickly) update your websiteSimplify your social templatesThat’s it. One task.Then DM me and tell me which one you’re starting with: I’ll be cheering you on from the front row.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ ORGANISE YOUR CANVA WORKSPACE: Have your brand assets, templates and projects at your fingertips & save a lot of time!✦ TUTORIAL: Automatically update the year in your website (in Webflow)✦ BROKEN LINK CHECKER: Easily find broken links & get them fixed ASAP.✦ UPDATE YOUR LINK IN BIO: Capture subscribers right from your social media profile (*affiliate link)Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:32 You’re Not Behind (And There’s No Prize For Starting on Jan 1st)03:22 Reset #1: Organise Your Brand Assets07:17 Reset #2: (Quickly) Update Your Website08:54 Reset #3: Design Social Media Templates To Support You12:10 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

The holidays are here, Mariah's singing "All I Want for Christmas" on loop, and the internet's a snowstorm of slapped-on Santa hats & Canva snowflakes. You want your content to feel festive too (and take advantage of this massive sales season), but your branding doesn’t exactly scream "eggnog and elves"…In this bite-sized, actionable episode I’m answering the question I get every single year: “How can we sprinkle our visuals with a bit of holiday cheer without it being off-brand?”I’ll walk you through 5 designer-approved ways to bring some holiday cheer into your Instagram posts, so you can plan your content for December in a way that feels creative, festive and intentional while staying unmistakably YOU.No rebrand. No last-minute panic. No meltdown required.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Starting with your brand to keep holiday content intentional✦ How to nod to the season without going completely off-brand✦ Using fonts & colours as your non-negotiable to anchor your visual identity✦ Taking advantage of seasonal & playful language to give that Christmas feel✦ Getting inspired by holiday themes to turn everyday posts into seasonal onesTAKE THE STAGEDM me your one of your holiday posts @flyingcolorscreative on Insta, and I'll slide in with feedback on how to improve it. Or if Canva's sounding like your idea of a nightmare before Christmas, join my free community The Colour Circle, and we’ll get it sorted together!——Mentioned in this episode✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:48 Brand Consistency Isn't About Being Samey All Year Long03:26 Tip No.1: Start With The Story04:25 Tip No.2: Subtlety Wins06:14 Tip No.3: Keep Your Original Fonts & Colours07:22 Tip No.4: Add Festive Cues in Your Copy08:48 Tip No.5: Bring The Season Into Your Concepts10:13 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

We’ve all promised ourselves “next week I’ll get my act together.” And today, we’ll talk about how to actually make that happen. I’m joined by business strategist, best-selling author, speaker, and host of the Starting The Conversation podcast Alice Benham to dig into the truth about rebranding when everyone tells you you “don’t need to”.From learning to trust your business-owner gut, handling (unsolicited) feedback to juggling all the moving parts of this full rebrand — brand, website, marketing, wardrobe, and office — one thing’s for sure: what keeps things moving is implementation. We also get digress (as always) into picky girl-lunches, former monochrome palettes, running a business out of Post-it notes, and how to keep showing up in the messy middle of… well, everything.You’ll hear us talking A LOT about taking messy action and how real success comes from consistent implementation. But it can be difficult to find the time, structure & support to stay accountable to your goals. So this is your invitation to join me inside of ON IT, and finally prioritise your own brand & business.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The micro-frictions that tell you it’s time to rebrand✦ Filtering feedback & separate useful community input from noise✦ What no one tells you about capacity for all the tiny updates that come with rolling out a rebrand✦ How to market during the “messy middle”: building in public vs. big reveal announcement✦ Why business growth comes from steady & boring action——Mentioned in this episode:✦ ON IT: Cast vision, set goals, track progress & finally work ON your business *(affiliate link)✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hours✦ Listen to “Forget Notion and Asana — Here’s My System for Staying on Track” on The Ordinary Business Podcast by Jess Freeman✦ Listen to Alice’s “My experience of being bullied online” on Starting The Conversation✦ Listen to how Alice suddenly lost 26K£ due to a software glitch on Starting The ConversationAlice’s rebrand team:✦ Branding: Hannah May, Maybe Design Studios✦ Web Design: Danielle O’Reilly, Finding Design✦ Photography: Chloe Maxwell, Stories by Chloe✦ Personal Stylist: Sophia Bayly✦ Hair & Makeup: Nicola Beddoes✦ Office Interior Designer: Francesca Toman, Ches & CoFollow & Connect with Alice:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her Website✦ Listen to the Starting The Conversation podcastFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show03:52 Alice’s Freak Show Audition08:20 How running a business on post-it notes can work14:09 Micro-friction moments that added up to the big rebrand decision20:23 How to deal with pushback on your rebrand & learn to listen to useful feedback28:43 The engagement high vs. the come-down after the big reveal32:49 Setting the right time & capacity expectations for after the rebrand41:20 Showing up during the messy middle & creating momentum that lasts54:36 Growth isn’t the strategy itself, it’s the implementation of it

Yeah, I’m not perfectly consistent. In fact, no one is.Even so, I felt ashamed, guilty, and dare I say even hypocritical for missing the past couple of weeks of the podcast. So what better way to make a comeback than… to TALK ABOUT IT?And while we’re at it, let’s talk about how we’ve got consistency all wrong. Because if we let it mean never missing a beat, we’re setting ourselves up for failure before we even start. Real consistency lives somewhere between “showing up every single day” and “disappearing for 3 months because life happened.”In this episode, I’m unpacking why your bounce-back rate matters more than never falling behind, the difference between consistency in marketing vs. branding, and how your visual identity can become the system that makes consistency easier (not harder). We’ll also dig into why so many entrepreneurs mistake a shiny rebrand for a solution to inconsistency… only to stall when it’s time to actually use it (you guessed it… consistently).So if you’ve ever felt guilty for dropping the ball, burned out from chasing the algorithm, or stuck in a cycle of redesign–retreat–repeat, this one’s for you.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “perfect consistency” is setting you up to fail✦ The real reason beautiful brands gather digital dust✦ How improvisation becomes the enemy of implementation✦ What consistency actually looks like for solopreneurs (and why it’s not about posting daily)✦ Why memorability > frequency when it comes to branding——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Listen to Ep. 002 “What If You’re Bored Of Your Own Brand?”✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Fix whatever design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:33 The guilt of being perfectly inconsistent01:46 Replacing “perfect streaks” with “bounce back rate”03:21 The branding trap: beautiful visuals, no space for consistent implementation05:56 Improvisation vs. intentionality (and why we default to winging it)10:11 Social media frequency vs. brand consistency13:07 Why consistent beats pretty every time

If you don’t know what to write your newsletter about this week (or if writing anything for your business makes you wanna scream), today’s episode is exactly what you need.What do “The Unlikely Game Changer”, “The Embarrassing Moment”, “The Necessary Reframe”, “The Truth Comes Out”, and “The Unexpected Transformation” all have in common?They’re the topics inside Sara Joelle’s Swipe File (out NOW) for October!! And in this episode, she’s giving you a FREE, behind-the-scenes walkthrough of how to use it. Yep, you’re getting a front-row seat inside Sara’s squirrel genius brain as she turns one of the topics into a ready-to-go newsletter idea you can send today.And that’s just the opening act.Because Website Girl came to overdeliver, and once she gets going, every sentence is a strategy, and every tangent a mini masterclass. And this conversation is overflowing with copywriting tips & newsletter strategies, that’ll make you want to open a blank doc before the episode’s even finished.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “write like you’d talk to a friend" is not helpful copywriting advice✦ How to turn boring stories into high-converting content your subscribers wanna read✦ Free walkthrough of Sara’s October Swipe File (and ready-to-use newsletter ideas you can steal today)✦ Newsletters vs. Sales Emails: including how often you should actually send them✦ Why copy comes first and design comes second (always)TAKE THE STAGETake “The Necessary Reframe” topic to write your next newsletter or blog post:Share about a time you were forced to change your perspective about something you’d previously never considered changing your mind on. This can be a shift in mindset, a change in routine, a new perspective about an industry topic, or even something as simple as starting to like someone or something that you previously disliked.Then grab Sara's brand-new Swipe File subscription ($31/month for 31 content ideas that fit any business) to get the other x4 topics, x6 angles per topic, and x7 subject lines per angle…It’s a no-brainer: https://evacoutodesign--btlcopy.thrivecart.com/swipe-file/ (*affiliate link)——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Keep listening to us on Sara’s podcast Point Of The Story: “Cold Pitches, Freak Magnetism, and a Brand Worth Using with Eva Couto”✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hours✦ SWIPE FILE: Never worry about what to write on your newsletter again (*affiliate link)✦ MAIN CHARACTER MOMENT: Confidently write about yourself in EVERY situation✦ SITE SERIES SPRINT: An actually-easy-to-understand, self-paced website copywriting course✦ SUCCESS STORY: 3-month group mentorship program for copywriters (*affiliate link)✦ WRITE YOUR SITE: Co-working calls to help you start & finish writing your website✦ WEBSITE COPY TEMPLATE: Wicked easy template for writing your website copy✦ COLD PITCHING GUIDE: How-to guide to help you send the best, most professional cold pitch emails in the game✦ Sarah Kleist, Sara’s Website Designer✦ Mathilde Langevin, Sara’s Brand Photographer✦ Smart, Pretty & Awkward newsletter, by Molly Beck✦ The 3-2-1 Newsletter, by James ClearFollow & Connect with Sara:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her Website✦ Subscribe to Tuesday’s Table Of Contents✦ Listen to the Point Of The Story podcastFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show04:09 Sara’s Freak Show Audition10:46 The Reality Of Writing Your Own Website14:58 Why Overthinking Kills Your Brand’s Tone Of Voice24:05 Inside Swipe File: Write Your Next Newsletter Now28:51 How To Tie Everyday Stories To Tips Without Forcing It33:29 Newsletters vs. Sales Emails: Frequency & Content42:10 Selling Without The Girlboss Sleaze45:48 Why Copy Should Always Come Before Design51:34 Audacity As The Key To Success

I know Sharpay Evans said “bigger is better, and better is bigger”, but is that the ONLY path to success? Well… I don’t think so, and this game-changing realisation not only flipped my business upside down, but also redefined what growth looks like to me.What started with Paul Jarvis’ book “Company of One”, turned into me rethinking the whole myth of infinite scaling (and the pressures behind what it takes to make money while you sleep), the hidden costs of always chasing more & more, and why small businesses — like your local coffee shop or a two-person studio — often have more impact than corporate mega-brands. Which is why I’m forever inspired by the real stories of solopreneurs building thriving, human-sized businesses without chasing millions of followers or dollars.If you started your business to define success on your terms: whether that’s free time, mental health, or a community that hangs on your every word… then I invite you to listen to this one! (and I pinky promise you I’m not sponsored or endorsed in ANY WAY by Paul Jarvis, I just really like this book, it changed my life, and I recommend it to everyone).SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “bigger is better” doesn’t fit solopreneurs✦ The invisible costs of scaling: burnout, bureaucracy, and losing what you love✦ How small businesses build trust and impact through intimacy and authenticity✦ Real examples of solopreneurs thriving by staying small (and why it works)✦ What if it’s about quality of life, not just revenue?TAKE THE STAGE✦ Is growth really worth it, if the price is your creative life itself?✦ If your business’s success wasn’t measured by its scalability, how would YOU measure it?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Company Of One, by Paul Jarvis✦ Emelie Sanders, from Pass The Queso✦ Jess Freeman, from Jess Creatives, ThreadFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:25 Why Scaling Didn't Fit My Business04:27 The Trap of Infinite Growth & What You Lose With It06:40 When Intimacy Beats Size (And Bigger Isn't Better)08:52 The Practical Perks of a Human-Sized Business12:09 How You Can Redefine Success

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a beige wardrobe (or brand), wondering how to break free without losing your nerve, this episode is for you. Eva & Brigitta dive into how the messy overlap of style and branding influences the way you show up online as a personal brand.We unpack why the beige default is holding you back, how to start sprinkling colour into your wardrobe without ending up saying “I have nothing to wear!”, and why your personal style is one of the ultimate expressions of your values and personality. From cybersecurity to fashion, Brigitta is living proof that leaning into what makes you YOU is how you create your unmistakable brand.Expect history lessons, nerdy tangents, and a spicy take that’ll have you rethinking everything about what “professionalism” looks like.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The overlap of branding & style as a tangible expression of identity✦ Why beige became the go-to (and why it’s time to exit that curve)✦ The difference between choosing neutrals vs. defaulting to them✦ How to add colour to your wardrobe without tipping into overwhelm✦ Why your outfit can’t fake confidence (but it can amplify it)✦ How the rise of quiet luxury, old money and trad wife aesthetics repackage conformity as “taste”——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Brigitta:✦ Follow her Instagram✦ Check out her website✦ Subscribe to The Show Notes✦ Listen to The Style Curious private podcastFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:10 Brigitta’s Freak Show Audition13:35 The Overlap of Branding and Personal Style22:56 Trust Yourself Over a Colour Analysis25:46 Different Contexts, Different Clothes, Same You44:13 How to Start Adding Colour Without Getting Overwhelmed48:41 How to Navigate Fashion Trends57:55 The Problem Pith “Quiet Luxury”, “Old Money” & “Tradwife” Aesthetics01:05:10 Self-Expression Won’t Scare Off Your Dream Clients01:06:32 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

September is the unofficial New Year’s 2.0, and after a much-needed August break (that I hope you took too, by the way), we’re all ready to shake off the summer haze and get back into business mode with fresh energy, but without the pressure to hustle ourselves into the ground.I’m sharing three actionable ways to reconnect with your brand, spark your creativity, and make fun a part of your routine so that showing up feels exciting again. And this is your invitation to bring more clarity, play and intentionality back into your brand, so you can stop leaving it for last in the to-do list & find the consistency you’ve been searching for.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why September can be your ultimate fresh start✦ The reason you keep pushing your own brand to the bottom of the to-do list✦ How to find clarity & purpose within your brand values✦ Pausing to play and experiment as the key to consistencyTAKE THE STAGEReady to go from vacation mode to back-to-business and feel inspired by building your own business again? Here are some prompts:✦ What do you want your brand to make people feel right now?✦ What’s something new you could try for your brand, just to have fun with it?✦ How can you make your brand content recognisable from a mile away?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ BRAND DESIGNER GETS (RE)BRANDED: listen to episodes 027-029 for the mini-series✦ THE COLOUR CIRCLE: Bring the Canva design you’ve been (over)fiddling with for hoursFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome (back) to The Freak Show00:54 September Feels Like New Year’s 2.002:30 Rest Is Productive (and Hustle Isn’t Mandatory)03:54 Step 1: Find Clarity in Your Brand’s Core Message05:32 Step 2: Pause, Play, and Get Inspired06:42 Step 3: Stay True to Your Brand (Not Trends)

Something about rags-to-riches stories always rubbed me the wrong way. ‘Cause most online business journeys don’t fit that shiny (and predictable) arc. They’re pretty… normal.Take my own story for example: I followed everyone’s expectations until I said “f*ck it” on Christmas Eve 2019. That was over 6 years ago, and in honour of my 6th Brandversary, I wanted to tell you the real story. From a nightmare internship that had me designing menus in PowerPoint (yes, really) to building a business that lets me own my weird, I’m taking a trip down memory lane. Whether you’ve been here since the very beginning or just started tagging along, here are two big reminders:1) Sometimes all you have to do when you want something is send a DM.2) It takes a village to build a business & keep it running for 6+ years.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ How regular beginnings get lost in rags-to-riches funnels✦ When a nightmare internship led to starting freelancing✦ Making less than an orange juice an hour (and other corporate red flags)✦ Why it takes a village to build a business that lasts✦ Redefining what "professional" looks like——Mentioned in this episode:✦ B-SCHOOL: Online course for for entrepreneurs who want to build a meaningful, profitable business, by Marie Forleo✦ THE BREAKTHROUGH DESIGNER: 3-month coaching program to take you from frantic freelancer to badass business owner, by One6Creative (*affiliate link)✦ ON IT: Cast vision, set goals, track progress & finally work ON your business, by Alice Benham (*affiliate link)✦ LIFE OF THE PARTY: An all-encompassing social media strategy course to grow an invested community that outlasts the algorithm, by Xanthe Appleyard (*affiliate link)✦ Follow Joana Galvão, from GIF Design Studios ✦ Follow Vix Meldrew, Online Learning Expert✦ Follow Ceels Lockley, Offer Strategy CoachFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ See what my very first website looked like✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:30 Why Rags-to-Riches Stories Feel Off03:42 My 6th Brandversary & Six Years In Business04:27 The Post-Grad Panic of a Passionate Designer07:56 Rules That Didn’t Make Sense & Internship Red Flags12:41 Quitting on Christmas Eve as My Gift to Myself14:32 Toying with Freelancing and Finding a Mentor16:53 The People Behind Six Years of Success

The grand finale of our rebrand anniversary series is here, with the third ring of my Three Ring Confidence framework: Development. And THIS is where all the work, effort, energy and time you’ve put into this massive project actually starts working for you & bringing the results you crave (instead of just a shiny Google Drive folder).In this episode, we’re unpacking how I brought my rebrand from Eva Couto Design to Flying Colours Creative® to life, touchpoint by touchpoint. From having fun with Instagram (yes, it’s possible) to website rollercoasters, I’m telling you everything that worked, what needed tweaking along the way, and why implementation is where every rebrand hangs. If you’re sitting on a rebrand (or dreaming of one), this is your sign to stop planning and start doing — because a brand isn’t something you have, it’s something you use.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why your rebrand doesn’t exist until you start using it✦ How social media became my low-stakes playground for testing new visuals✦ The mammoth task of a website overhaul✦ Why backend assets matter just as much as the front-facing flair✦ How this rollercoaster ride helped shape The Extravaganza experience——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: A 12-week, all-inclusive brand transformation that gives you all the visuals, website and marketing assets it takes to succeed with Flying Colours.People I worked with for my rebrand:✦ Katie Pannell, Naming Expert & Founder of 26&thensome✦ Ceels Lockley, Offer Strategy Coach✦ João Nogueira, Website Developer✦ Adrienne Cruz, Podcast ManagerFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:36 Why Implementation Is Where Your Rebrand Lives or Dies05:35 Why Instagram Was My First Touchpoint11:47 Revamping the Newsletter: From Rebel’s Corner to Uncaged13:03 The High Stakes Of Tackling the Website16:39 Launching The Freak Show Podcast18:39 Email Signatures, Client Portals, and More Backend Implementation21:25 A Brand Is a Tool You Use, Not a Thing You Have23:12 Rethinking The Extravaganza

Time for the second ring of my Three-Ring Confidence framework: Design. Today is all about taking that big top brand energy we uncovered last week and turning it into a visual identity that screams me.Spoiler: designing my own brand wasn’t the smooth ride you’d expect from someone who does this for a living. It was a chaotic, stomach-butterfly-inducing tightrope walk, full of self-doubt and big decisions. From wrestling with colours to taming the shiny-object urge, I’m spilling the tea on how I brought this circus to life without losing sight of who I am. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a visual identity that feels like you, grows with your business, and doesn’t alienate your audience, this is one you’ll want to tune into.And if you want help with rebranding yourself… I’m booking Extravaganza projects for the rest of 2025: only 5 spots left! Apply now & let’s design a brand that looks the part, acts the part & sells out.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why seeing your brand come to life can spark some confidence wobbles✦ How I balanced nostalgia & play with a circus brand theme✦ The tightrope of keeping what works while embracing bold reinvention✦ Avoiding the Frankenstein trap and over-tweaking your brandTAKE THE STAGEWhat’s one visual element in my brand (a colour, a font, an icon) that feels like me, and how can I make it work harder to tell my story? If you’re stuck, revisit last week’s episode for the direction ring to uncover what makes your brand mesmerising before you dive into design.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: A 12-week, all-inclusive brand transformation that gives you all the visuals, website and marketing assets it takes to succeed with Flying Colours✦ Katie Pannell, Naming Expert & Founder of 26&thensome✦ Case Study: Brand Naming Flying Colours CreativeFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Say hey on Instagram✦ Check out my website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:02 Three-Ring Confidence Framework: Design02:14 Why Designing My Own Brand Was the Worst (and Best) Thing Ever05:33 Embracing Discomfort: The Key to a Bold Rebrand07:48 From Fun House Concept to Visual Identity11:12 Future-Proofing Your Brand with Intentional Design Choices12:40 Avoiding the Frankenstein Urge in Your Rebrand13:56 The Power of Implementation

This episode kicks off a 3-part mini-series called “Brand Designer Gets (re)Branded”, diving into my own rebranding journey —from Eva Couto Design to Flying Colours Creative® — one year after the fact. With my 6th Brandversary on the horizon, I’m giving you the good, the bad and the ugly of what rebranding yourself looks like (spoiler: it’s a wild ride).Using my Three Ring Confidence framework, today we’re tackling the first ring: Direction and unpacking why I decided to rebrand in the first place, the messy emotions that came with it, and how outside perspective makes all the difference to finding clarity.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The emotional rollercoaster that comes with rebranding✦ Deciding to do the unpopular thing and going from a personal name to a studio name✦ The Direction Ring: setting intentions and asking the right questions✦ Bringing it all together through the “Fun House” creative directionTAKE THE STAGECommit to treating your brand like your most important client (because it is), and set this intention: “I hereby commit to treating my own brand as my most important client, and be as thorough and intentional while rethinking my brand and business as I would for any of my clients.” Then, use one of these prompts to start thinking brand-first:— What reputation do you want your brand to have in the way it does business?— Where does your brand go against the grain and industry standards?— If your brand were a [mood, colour, song, meal, outfit], what would it be and why?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: A 12-week, all-inclusive brand transformation that gives you all the visuals, website and marketing assets it takes to succeed with Flying Colours✦ “Company Of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business”, by Paul Jarvis✦ Katie Pannell, Naming Expert & Founder of 26&thensome✦ Case Study: Brand Naming Flying Colours CreativeFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Join The Colour Circle——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:01 Introducing the Three Ring Confidence Framework03:44 Why I Decided to Rebrand for My Fifth Brandversary06:50 The Emotional Rollercoaster That Comes With Rebranding08:42 Why Changing Your Brand Name Doesn’t Mean Changing You13:36 How Some Outside Perspective Saved My Rebrand17:55 From Eva Couto Design to Flying Colours Creative23:12 Treating Your Brand Like Your Most Important Client

Personal branding isn’t just about showing your face on camera, and it certainly isn't influencer-exclusive. As an online service provider, your audience isn’t just buying your service… they’re buying YOU. So let’s unpack how to make your personality the star of your show, so you can avoid the commodity trap and create a brand that’s unmistakably yours.You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t brave, so what if I told you being a personal brand myself landed me a five-figure project once (from buttering toast, nonetheless)? Owning your weird turns lurkers into buyers, so tune in to learn how.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why your audience needs to choose you, not just your service✦ The disconnect that happens when your online personality doesn’t match your real one✦ How visuals set the stage for your brand’s first impressionTAKE THE STAGEWeaving your personality into your brand means being clear on the narrative you want your brand to tell, so start by asking yourself:✦ Does your brand look like it’s run by you?✦ Is it consistent enough to be recognisable?✦ Does it feel like an honest reflection of where you are now?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Your all-access ticket to a full-scope rebrand.✦ Listen to Ep. 025, for how Interact got in touch with me✦ Listen to Ep. 009 to learn all about that 5-figure branding projectFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emails——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:28 The Personal Brand Boom Beyond Creators & Influencers03:16 Finding a 5-Figure Project By Making It Personal05:33 Why Your Audience Needs to Want You Beyond Your Service07:30 The Risk of Mismatched Brand Personality10:25 Why Visuals Are Your Personality’s First Impression15:49 Find Resonance, Not Just Reach16:05 Making Your Brand Unmistakably You

The other day, I got a DM that sounded wayyyy too good to be true. Interact, a quiz platform that I absolutely LOVE, slid into my DMs asking if I wanted to partner with them.At first, I thought it was a scam, but no. It actually led to something I've been dreaming about for over a year: creating a quiz that actually helps you figure out what the hell is going on with your brand.In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes on how this whole thing came together, why I'm obsessed with quizzes (thanks, teen magazines), and most importantly, walking you through the four circus acts that reveal exactly where your brand is right now and what it needs to grow.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why your brand confusion isn't a you problem (you're just too close to see the label from inside the jar)✦ How to tell if your visuals have officially been outgrown by your personality✦ Meet the four circus acts: Fire Breather, Tightrope Walker, Juggler, and Contortionist — and find out which one you areTAKE THE STAGETake the "What's Your Brand's Circus Act?" quiz right now — seriously, pause this episode and do it. It takes under 5 minutes, and you'll finally understand what's been driving your brand decisions (and what you need more of to grow).——Mentioned in this episode:✦ What’s Your Brand’s Circus Act?: Take the quiz!✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Your all-access ticket to a full-scope rebrand.✦ Try out Interact & build your own on-brand quiz!✦ Pass the Queso✦ Coming Up RosesFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:36 The DM I Thought Was a Scam08:28 Meet the Four Circus Acts09:52 The Fire Breather12:26 The Tightrope Walker15:36 The Juggler17:38 The Contortionist19:34 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Ever feel like you're fighting your own content every time you sit down to create? Like no matter how many templates you buy or tips you save, nothing feels quite right anymore?You're not behind, you're not broken, and you definitely don't suck at this. You've just outgrown your brand — and that's actually a massive flex.In this episode, we're diving into why that resistance you're feeling when you create content isn't a content problem at all. It's your brand waving a big red flag that says "I'm ready for something bigger." You'll walk away understanding the difference between a surface-level refresh and a full rebrand, plus exactly how to tell which one you actually need.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why buying more Instagram templates won't fix your content struggles✦ The difference between a brand refresh and a full rebrand✦ How to tell when you've outgrown your current visual identity✦ Why trying to fit new ideas into old visuals is like squeezing into jeans two sizes too smallTAKE THE STAGEThe Content Carousel Workshop replay is waiting in your inbox if you signed up — dive into those practical Canva tips and see if that scratches the itch.But if you’re still feeling the friction, The Extravaganza might be calling your name.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Your all-access ticket to a full-scope rebrand.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show01:52 Do You Need a Rebrand?05:40 Why Social Media Templates Won’t Fix Your Problem09:12 A Refresh Is Not a Rebrand13:40 Summer = The Perfect Time for a Rebrand16:12 Signs That You’re Ready18:57 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

We've all poured our hearts into brilliant content, hit publish, and then received 2 likes on a carousel post that took 2 hours to design. If you’re feeling frustrated with your IG content lately, you’re not alone!And if you want to get out of this rut, here's the uncomfortable truth: no one is reading your brilliant content if your design is working against you. It's not the algorithm, it's not your ideas, and it's definitely not because you don't have anything valuable to say. It could just be how it looks!In this episode, we're calling out the "content over design" myth and breaking down why your posts have about 1.5 seconds to stop the scroll and how to make sure they do. You'll walk away understanding how to use design as a strategic tool to finally get your genius ideas the attention they deserve.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why "as long as your content is valuable, design doesn't matter" is complete bullshit✦ The uncomfortable truth about how people actually consume content✦ Why carousels feel harder than writing entire newsletters✦ Three non-negotiable design principles that make your content impossible to ignoreTAKE THE STAGEJoin me for the free Content Carousel Workshop happening June 16th! We're diving deep into the design strategies that turn your brilliant ideas into scroll-stopping, share-worthy content. Replay included even if you can't make it live.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Xanthe Appleyard’s postFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:51 The Annoying Truth About Content Design12:57 The 1.5 Second Rule14:44 Three Things Your Audience Is Subconsciously Scanning For18:53 Why Carousels Are Such a Pain in the Ass22:35 Join the Content Carousel Workshop!

We're halfway through the year, and while you're probably checking your revenue numbers and updating those Notion dashboards, there's one thing most people forget to audit: their brand.Whether the past six months went exactly to plan or left you quietly panicking over your unfinished goals, your brand deserves a check-in. With time, your brand, your business, your industry, and you have all evolved. And it's part of your job as a freakishly good service provider to make damn sure your brand evolves with you too.In this episode, I'm walking you through what I call a quarterly dress rehearsal (aka your brand's performance review). This is the ritual that's led me to major decisions like rebranding into Flying Colors Creative, starting this podcast, and having those clarity-gaining conversations with past clients.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why summer is the perfect time to audit your brand (before the biggest sales season hits)✦ The three-step quarterly dress rehearsal: visual lineup, audience reaction pulse, and alignment gut check✦ How to spot visual disconnects that make people think they clicked the wrong button✦ What to do when your brand isn't exciting you anymoreTAKE THE STAGESet a reminder right now — literally put "Brand Dress Rehearsal" in your calendar every quarter. Your future self and your future clients will thank you for keeping your brand front of mind so it becomes front of mind for others too.Also, if content design inconsistencies were one of your main problems, grab your ticket to my free Content Carousel Workshop happening June 16 at 3PM Lisbon time. You'll learn design tips and tricks to make your visuals enhance your content instead of hiding it. Sign up for the replay even if you can't come live!——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Sign up for the FREE Content Carousel Workshop: Design better on-brand content that looks the part, performs & steals the show.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:24 Why Your Brand Deserves a Check-In05:59 Introducing Your Quarterly Dress Rehearsal09:59 Step 1: Your Visual Lineup Check13:05 Step 2: The Audience Reaction Pulse16:41 Step 3: The Alignment Gut Check22:44 Closing Thoughts and a FREE Workshop Invite!

We’ve all been there: saving yet another “low-lift content” tip to a folder we’ll forget about, hoping it’s finally the thing that makes content feel easier. But what if the problem isn’t your templates, your workflow, or your posting schedule?In this episode, we’re breaking down the low-lift content illusion — why it sounds dreamy in theory but falls flat without the one thing that actually makes content creation easier and way more effective: a brand that does the heavy lifting for you. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s missing, what to focus on instead, and how to finally create content that’s both sustainable and unmistakably yours.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “low-lift” content only works when your brand is doing the heavy lifting✦ The difference between authenticity and autopilot (and why effort ≠ fake)✦ What actually makes your content feel sustainable, and why it’s not another custom GPT✦ How intentional branding helps you say more, with lessTAKE THE STAGEGrab your ticket to the Content Carousel Workshop (it’s free!) happening June 16 at 3PM Lisbon time. You’ll learn how to design Instagram carousels that stop the scroll and stay on brand so your message doesn’t get lost in the noise. Sign up here and get the replay even if you can’t come live!——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Sign up for the FREE Content Carousel Workshop: Design better on-brand content that looks the part, performs & steals the show.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:41 Why “Low-Lift Content” Sounds Great but Often Fails04:57 What All the Content Hacks Are Missing09:01 When Did Effort Stop Being Authentic?12:37 Closing Thoughts and FREE Workshop Invite!

It’s our 20th episode, troupe!!!And what better way to celebrate this milestone than with a good ol’ fashioned Q&A, straight from you? This past week, I opened the virtual curtain and invited you to toss your boldest, most chaotic, and curiously specific brand questions into the ring… and let’s just say, you delivered.In this solo episode, I’m answering everything from how to build a brand people remember, how to spot (and fix) invisible disconnects that are quietly repelling your dream clients, and what to do when your DMs are quiet but your to-do list is full.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ What to do when you can’t be your own case study✦ Is “being different” the reason your brand isn’t converting?✦ How to create a brand theme without sounding like you’re trying too hard✦ The real reason your rebrand feels stuck in limbo✦ What to do when you “can’t find what’s unique” about your businessTAKE THE STAGEOpen up a doc or your Notes app and ask yourself this:What’s one recurring compliment you’ve gotten from your clients or community?Now ask: how can I turn this into a brand element — a theme, a visual, a word I reuse — that makes me instantly recognizable?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Your all-access ticket to a full-scope rebrand.✦ Submit your Big Top questions every Tuesday on my Stories!✦ Sign up for the FREE Content Carousel Workshop: Design better on-brand content that looks the part, performs & steals the show.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show03:38 Can You Really Be Your Own Proof of Concept?08:49 Do Haters Mean You’re Doing Something Right?14:29 How Do You Create a Brand Theme That Sticks?20:36 Just Rebranded — Now What?24:11 Why Can’t I Make Sales?29:52 How Do I Build a Brand World People Remember?32:44 Why Can’t I Figure Out What Makes My Brand Special?38:07 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Tired of sounding like everyone else on the internet?Eleanor Mollie (aka Ellie Kime) is here to stage a full-blown messaging intervention. This episode is a joyful roast of the cool-girl copy era and your permission slip to ditch the corporate-speak, bring the weird, and enjoy talking about your business again.We’re diving into what makes a truly magnetic brand intro, why enthusiasm is a power move, and how to show up online with an authentic voice… even if your inner critic is yelling “too much!” at every turn.Plus: tea-making controversies, grandma-approved branding advice, and a spicy take on about pages that I am very much here for.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why enthusiasm is a wildly underrated business strategy✦ The difference between childlike energy vs. childish behavior✦ What makes a killer intro✦ Why your About page should actually be… about you✦ Navigating brand pivots without losing your voiceTAKE THE STAGEGrab a blank doc and try this prompt:How would you introduce yourself if there were no rules or industry expectations?Then ask yourself: Is any of that reflected in your current bio or brand copy? If not, maybe it’s time for a rewrite.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Tune in to RE: The Podcast✦ Subscribe to Ellie’s Substack Caring is Cool✦ Follow Gem Creative Co✦ Book: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le CunffFollow & Connect with Ellie:✦ Instagram✦ WebsiteFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show02:26 Ellie’s Freak Show Audition06:59 The Case for Enthusiasm in Business14:05 Childlike ≠ Childish: Reclaiming Joy Online19:45 The Importance of Doing What You Love25:08 Showing Personality Without Oversharing32:09 How to Write a Killer Brand Intro43:10 The Truth About Pivoting & Staying Consistent50:15 The About Page Hill Ellie Will Die On53:11 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

You ever open a restaurant menu and immediately lose your appetite? Not because of the food, but because the design is an absolute mess of fonts, spacing, and layout chaos? (No? Just me?)Well, that’s the exact feeling your audience gets when your visuals, voice, and vibe aren’t telling the same story.In this solo episode, I’m putting on my designer hat (my favorite one, obviously) and dishing up the unfiltered truth about why those tiny brand inconsistencies aren’t so tiny after all. Because while a rogue typo on a dinner menu might be mildly annoying, a mismatch in your brand could be quietly costing you clients.We’re getting into the definition of consistency, how to tell if your brand’s secretly out of sync, and why a cohesive brand world doesn’t box you in but gives your creativity room to breathe.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The most-asked question I get about branding✦ Why “posting consistently” won’t cut it if your brand isn’t recognizable✦ How to make your brand more memorable without being robotic✦ Consistency ≠ Boring. It’s your brand’s creative shortcut.TAKE THE STAGELook at the last 5 places your brand showed up — Instagram, your website, a lead magnet, your latest email, your sales page. Now ask:Would a total stranger be able to tell it’s all from the same person?If not, where’s the disconnect, and what would make it more cohesive?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show04:15 The Inconsistency Trap14:06 Reframing Consistency20:27 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Have you ever wondered where the line is between being “real” online and being fake?Today I’m joined by the iconic Sarah Kleist — Showit web designer, Broadway actor, unapologetic musical theatre nerd, and multi-hyphenate brand queen — for a deep and wildly validating convo on the blurry (and often misunderstood) space between authenticity and performance.We dive into what it really means to “show up online,” especially when you’re the face of your brand, and why the word “performance” gets a bad rap in the online business world.Sarah also shares her hot takes on website templates vs. custom design, why minimalist branding can be totally okay, and how creative business owners can stop shrinking themselves to fit someone else’s idea of what “legit” looks like.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The messy middle of branding when you’re multi-passionate✦ Why performance and authenticity aren’t opposites✦ The real difference between manipulation and storytelling✦ DIY websites vs. custom design and how to know what you need✦ The biggest mistake most people make when designing their websiteTAKE THE STAGEOpen your notes app or journal and reflect on this: What version of yourself are you performing when you show up online? Is it a version you like? Does it feel real, even if it’s curated?——Mentioned in this episode:✦ Sarah’s episode in Point of the Story✦ Pass the Queso✦ Monocle Productions✦ Tonic Site Shop - Showit TemplatesFollow & Connect with Sarah Kleist:✦ Instagram✦ WebsiteFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show00:23 Meet Sarah Kleist03:11 Sarah’s Freak Show Audition08:48 Can You Be Authentic Online AND Put On a Show?16:32 Website Templates vs. Custom40:34 Stop Designing Only for You44:42 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

When’s the last time you wore your favourite colour — not the “safe” one, the real one? The one you loved back in elementary school?In today’s show, we're diving into how colour (or the lack of it) shows up in our homes, our wardrobes, our brands, and what it really says about us deep-down.From the "White Cube" trap of curating ourselves into invisibility, to why adding a pop of unexpected red might just change your life, this conversation is a full permission slip to reclaim the boldness you've been told to tone down.It will inspire you to stop playing it so damn safe, and to start showing up in your business and life in full colour.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why we associate beige with “professional” (and why that’s total BS)✦ How colour becomes a form of rebellion✦ Dopamine dressing, unexpected red, and other joyful colour trends✦ Colour as emotion, strategy, and brand psychology✦ Small, fun ways to start adding more personality back into your brandTAKE THE STAGEPick one bold colour that lights you up and bring it into your brand this week.Maybe it’s your outfit, your IG stories background, your CTA buttons, your nails, your launch theme, whatever. Tiny choices build massive confidence.——Mentioned in this episode:✦ THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.✦ Article: “Scared of too much color in your life? Learn to let go of your fear — and find more joy” by Ingrid Fetell LeeFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show04:15 The Lie We’ve Been Sold11:43 Colour Psychology and Trends17:48 Colour as a Form of Rebellion23:50 Tips for Experimenting with Colour27:59 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Ever found yourself editing the edge out of your brand to fit some “timeless” aesthetic? In this rant-slash-sermon, I’m coming for the minimalist branding obsession, the “clean” studio photo shoots, and every blank canvas that’s ever made you feel like your personality was too much. We’re talking about the White Cube (yes, the art gallery concept) and how it’s sneakily become the go-to model for brands trying to look expensive, exclusive, and totally devoid of context.Because the truth is your brand was never meant to live in a sterile box. It was built in real-life chaos with color, character, and messy behind-the-scenes layers. And THAT is what makes it magnetic. Not how well it fits inside someone else's aesthetic formula.So if you’ve been toning it down, stripping it back, and wondering why your brand looks good but doesn’t feel like you anymore... this episode is the reminder you didn’t know you needed.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ What a brand photo studio and modern art museums have in common✦ Why neutral branding isn’t always “safe” ✦ The danger of curating your brand instead of contextualizing it✦ Why pre-made templates can actually dull your shine✦ How “stripping back” your brand might be making you invisible onlineTAKE THE STAGETake a look at one piece of your brand that feels generic. Ask yourself: am I curating this for mass appeal, or contextualizing it to reflect me?Then go rogue. Add one small dose of your actual personality back into the mix. That one story, one vibe, one visual detail that only YOU could bring.——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show00:47 The Reel That Sparked This Episode05:46 The White Cube Explained09:35 What Happens When You Build Your Brand Inside a Box19:07 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

If showing up authentically online feels like offering your nervous system as a sacrifice to the algorithm gods, press play!In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant and refreshingly real Tori Sprankel — brand & web designer, champion of CEO moms, and walking Pinterest board of business wisdom. Tori and I talk about everything from ditching corporate life and designing a business that truly works for your life… to the branding advice we’d love to burn and the magic of picking your personal over perfect.We also pull back the curtain on how your services can (and should) evolve, what real client experience looks like in a personal brand, and why connection > competition every single time.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why “just be yourself” is kinda useless advice✦ When aesthetics do matter on social media✦ Client experience > chasing algorithms✦ The power of polarity in personal branding✦ Corporate trauma and the rebellion that follows✦ Business is personal — and that’s not a bad thingTAKE THE STAGEGrab your journal and reflect on this:What’s one thing you’re currently doing in your business just because you saw someone else do it?Then ask yourself: Do I even want this?Bonus points if you write about what you want to do instead!——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.Follow & Connect with Tori:✦ Instagram✦ WebsiteFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show00:33 Meet Tori Sprankel05:57 The Business Skill No One Talks About Enough08:45 Why “Just Be Yourself” Is Trash Advice11:34 The Three Masks Theory24:40 Community Over Competition28:25 How to Make Business Personal43:15 Tori’s Hill to Die On: Client Experience > Everything45:41 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

You rebranded. You threw confetti. You posted your beautiful launch posts in Instagram. But now what?In this episode, I’m peeling back the glittery curtain and talking about the unsexy but oh-so-important next step in your brand journey: implementation.Because while the high of a rebrand is real (and deserved), the magic doesn't happen just because your brand looks cute. It happens when you USE it — consistently, boldly, and in every corner of your business.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ That rebrand high no one warns you will eventually wear off✦ Why a rebrand isn’t an end but a beginning✦ What consistency really means and why it’s not “post every day”✦ What to do when your gorgeous new visuals aren’t magically bringing in dream clients✦ Why your messaging needs to evolve with your visuals✦ What it really looks like to grow into your brand (spoiler: it’s a bit awkward)TAKE THE STAGEIf your brand guide .pdf is still buried several folders deep in your Google Drive, collecting digital dust, let’s change that.Start today by updating one tiny touchpoint in your brand — like your email signature. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it’s a crucial first step that will give you momentum to keep going.Want your brand to be more than just pretty? The Extravaganza is how we make it powerful.——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.Listen to my guest episode in Point of the Story with Sara from BTL Copy!Less Bland More Brand ChallengeFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show03:16 What Happens After The Rebrand High09:36 Consistency & Bringing Your Brand To Life Everywhere12:00 Do Your Words Match Your Visuals?13:44 Marketing With Intention16:37 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

What does it really mean to own your voice? To show up fully as yourself online? To shout your message from the digital rooftops and know that it's not just welcome — it's neededThat’s what we’re diving into in this very special (and slightly emotional!) finale of the Spotlight Series, featuring none other than podcast manager and launch strategist Adrienne Cruz. She's the behind-the-scenes magic-maker for The Freak Show and a creative powerhouse who helps entrepreneurs turn podcasting into a joyful, strategic, and sustainable way to amplify their voice.Adrienne and I talk about what it takes to build a sustainable podcasting practice, why downloads don’t define your success, and the importance of showing up boldly — even when the trolls are loud and the world is heavy. Plus: her journey from being overwhelmed by Canva and rainbow color palettes to running a brand that’s as unforgettable as a summer brunch.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Cult documentaries, heavy metal, and brunch aesthetics (just trust me on this and press play)✦ Why podcasting is a long game and how that's actually a good thing✦ The real reason so many podcasts fade after a few episodes✦ The challenges of being new in the online business world✦ How rebranding reignited Adrienne's confidence (and her content)✦ Why it's not "just a brand" when it helps you show up as YOUTAKE THE STAGEHere’s your challenge: choose one meaningful thing you’ve been afraid to say online, and say it — in a post, a story, a podcast, a voice note to your list. Whatever format feels like you, use it.Need a brand that makes that kind of showing up easier (and a lot more fun)? The Extravaganza is where we create it together!——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.Follow & Connect with Adrienne:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Adrienne’s Case StudyFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsOther Links:✦ Podcast episode: “Make it exist (you can make it perfect later” from Thought to Thing✦ Creative Living with Maia Benaim & Lois Mac✦ Adrienne’s rebrand process IG post✦ Visuals of Isa - Adrienne’s brand photographer✦ Vibes with Value by Xanthe AppleyardThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Wrapping the Spotlight Series02:52 Adrienne’s Freak Show Audition10:58 Why People Give Up on Podcasting20:27 Do Podcast Episodes Need to Be Short to Be Good?23:44 When Adrienne Knew Her Brand Had to Change33:21 The Hardest Part of Rebranding (and the Most Fun)42:51 Creating Content Now vs. Then45:07 Shout It From the Rooftops and Other Content Themes52:56 From Nervous Discovery Calls to Confident Biz Owner58:19 Talking Head Videos and Other Wins01:01:28 Advice to Past Adrienne (and Maybe to You, Too)01:04:52 A Success Metric That Doesn’t Matter Anymore

Your brand isn’t just how your business looks — it’s how it works. It should attract the right people, support your growth, and make it easier (not harder) to scale. But what happens when it stops keeping up? When your business outgrows the brand you built?That’s exactly what today’s guest, Polly Lavarello, experienced firsthand. Polly is a scaling strategist and mentor who helps already in-demand online business owners turn their strengthiest skills into industry-leading offers that sell on repeat. Since 2020, she’s supported over 500 founders (yes, you heard that right!) in optimizing their funnels, fixing their ads, and scaling their businesses with strategies that actually work.Because in Polly’s world, when you’re brave enough to play, you always get paid. And fun fact: She and I have worked together twice on her brand as her business grew and evolved!SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The shift from an outdated brand to a bold new direction✦ The biggest myths about scaling and why "one-size-fits-all" strategies never work✦ How Polly’s striking new visuals transformed her confidence (and conversions)✦ How a signature brand style — yes, including that towel-on-the-head moment — can make you instantly recognizable (and unforgettable)✦ Why investing in brand photography was a game-changerTAKE THE STAGEIf you’ve been feeling like your brand isn’t quite you anymore, Polly’s story is proof that you don’t have to stay stuck. You can evolve your brand to match the level of your work, your audience, and your goals.Here’s what to do next:✦ Take an honest look at your brand. Does it reflect who you are now or who you were a few years ago? Does it match the level of your work and the clients you want to attract?✦ Ask yourself if you’re playing small. Are you fully showing up, or are you holding back because your brand doesn’t feel right?✦ Decide if it’s time to stop tweaking and make a bold move.And if that moment is now? The Extravaganza is where we refine and amplify your brand so it truly feels like YOU.——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.Follow & Connect with Polly:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ The Make More Money Podcast✦ Polly’s Case StudyFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series02:09 Meet Polly Lavarello07:56 The Biggest Scaling Myths15:36 The “Oh, This Isn’t Working” Moment19:22 Playing Small vs. Owning Your Space23:24 The Towel, The Photos, The Power of a Signature Look44:34 Joyfully Showing Up Even When the World Is Heavy48:19 The Confidence Shift After a Rebrand51:54 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Your brand should do more than look good. It should attract the right people, support your sales, and give you the confidence to show up like the expert you are. But what happens when it doesn’t? When something feels off, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it?That’s exactly what today’s guest, Nikki Trailor, realized before stepping into her rebrand. Nikki is a funnel strategist and copywriter who helps feminist coaches and course creators add five to six figures in automated revenue to their current funnels or launches — without the burnout, sleazy sales tactics, or FOMO-fueled BS.And fun fact: She and I first started working together when she won my World Design Day giveaway, leading to a full brand transformation!SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The moment Nikki knew her DIY brand was holding her back✦ The biggest misconceptions about sales copy and ethical selling✦ How her rebrand gave her the confidence to own her space online✦ Why the ‘personality hire’ era of online business is finally dying (and what’s replacing it)TAKE THE STAGEIf you’re at that this isn’t quite working stage with your brand, you’re not alone. Nikki’s story is proof that you don’t have to settle for a brand that feels fine. You can have one that actually works for you.Here’s what to do next:✦ Take an honest look at your brand. Does it match the level of your work? Would you hire you based on your current visuals and messaging?✦ Pinpoint what’s feeling off. Is your website bringing in the right leads? Does your brand look as showstopping as your offers? Are you confident showing up online?✦ Decide if it’s time to stop tweaking and go all in. At some point, swapping fonts and fiddling with Canva templates won’t fix the deeper issue.And if that moment is right now? The Extravaganza is where we fix it for good.——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.Follow & Connect with Nikki:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Nikki’s Case StudyFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series01:12 Meet Nikki Trailor07:13 When She Knew It Was Time to Rebrand12:26 DIY Branding vs. Expert Branding14:19 The Trust Factor: Picking the Right Designer21:08 The Biggest Sales Copy Myths23:16 Why ‘Personality-Only’ Branding Doesn’t Cut It27:25 The Hardest Part of Running a Business31:06 How Rebranding Shifted Nikki’s Confidence & Strategy40:30 Defining Success: Then vs. Now42:26 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

This episode kicks off The Freak Show’s first-ever Spotlight Series! In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re dedicating March to celebrating bold, inspiring women who have stepped into their brand with confidence and clarity. And who better to start with than Natalie McCandless, founder of Reconnect Sisterhood?Natalie is a confidence coach, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher with nearly 20 years of experience helping women rediscover who they truly are, without guilt, without self-doubt, and without trying to fit into someone else’s version of confidence.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why confidence is not just about being bold and loud, and how it looks different for everyone.✦ How life transitions impact women’s self-esteem — from career shifts to motherhood, perimenopause, and everything in between.✦ How stress landed Natalie in the hospital and forced her to redefine success on her own terms.✦ The making of Reconnect Sisterhood — why Natalie knew from day one that her brand needed to reflect the power and warmth she brings to her work.✦ How a buttered toast Instagram reel convinced her that Flying Colors Creative was the right fit.TAKE THE STAGEConfidence is deeply personal, not a one-size-fits-all formula. Take a moment today to ask yourself:✦ What does confidence look like for me?✦ Where am I holding myself back because I think I should show up a certain way?✦ What’s one small step I can take today to own my space a little more?——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Natalie:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Reconnect Sisterhood podcast✦ Natalie’s Case StudyFollow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Spotlight Series01:20 Meet Natalie McCandless3:39 The Story Behind Reconnect Sisterhood11:41 The Truth About Confidence15:13 Why Natalie Invested in Her Brand From Day One17:23 The Buttered Toast Moment22:04 What Working Together Was Like25:34 When Branding Gives You Confidence27:49 The Health Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything40:45 When Is the Right Time to Rebrand?44:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

This is your full backstage pass to what actually happens in a rebrand. You probably already know that a rebrand is way more than just picking a new logo and colours. But what does the process really look like? How do you go from "something feels off" to "this brand finally feels like me?"In this episode, I’m walking you through the step-by-step breakdown of a rebrand inside The Extravaganza, my signature done-for-you brand transformation. If you're curious about what working with a designer is actually like, or if you're thinking about rebranding yourself, this is your behind-the-scenes moment.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why rebranding is not just an aesthetic refresh✦ The 5 key areas every rebrand must cover to actually work✦ How strategy and design work together to create a brand that sticks✦ Why a website is non-negotiable for a credible, high-level brand✦ How to confidently roll out your rebrand so it feels seamless and aligned across every touchpointTAKE THE STAGEReady to map out your rebrand? Here are the steps you need to take:✦ Start with Strategy – Before you even think about colors and fonts, define your foundations: Who are you? Who do you serve? What makes you different?✦ Find Your Creative Direction – Gather inspiration, create a Pinterest board, and start shaping the overall vibe of your brand.✦ Build Your Brand Identity – Create a logo suite, color palette, and typography that aren’t just trendy but truly work for you and align with your strategy.✦ Create a Cohesive Online Home – Your website is your digital HQ. Make sure your messaging, offers, and visuals all connect seamlessly.✦ Plan Your Big Reveal – Get your audience excited before the launch!And if you want all of this done-for-you — strategy, visuals, website, launch plan, the works — then The Extravaganza is where the magic happens.——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show02:58 Rebranding Now vs. Then06:51 Start With Strategy08:24 Find Your Creative Direction10:35 Build Your Brand Identity12:03 Create a Cohesive Online Home15:02 Plan Your Big Reveal16:34 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

If you think a rebrand starts with a new logo or trendy font, think again. Before you even touch design, there’s a whole lot of clarity work that needs to happen first. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a gorgeous brand that still feels off.So, if you’re considering a rebrand (or just feeling that itch to change everything again), this episode will walk you through exactly how I’d prep before a single pixel is designed.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why a successful rebrand is 90% prep work and 10% design✦ How to audit what’s working and what’s not before you throw everything out✦ The key questions that will make every design decision way easier✦ Why crowd-sourcing your brand decisions is NOT a good ideaTAKE THE STAGEBefore thinking about design, gain clarity on these questions: What’s already working? What do people always compliment about your brand? What feels easy and natural? What’s not working? Where do you feel friction in your brand? What’s making you cringe or hesitate to show up? What do you want to be known for? If someone described your brand to a friend, what would you want them to say? Who is your dream client? What do they need to see, hear, and know to trust you? How do you want them to feel before, during, and after working with you?——Mentioned in this episode:THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz — click the link to check out her new website and rebrand!——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show05:02 Why Doing the Prep Work Changes Everything10:09 The Pre-Rebrand Checklist18:19 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Today we’re talking about something that might feel counterintuitive but is so important: the biggest risk your brand can take isn’t being bold, it’s playing it safe.Ever find yourself softening your edges, second-guessing your branding decisions, or trying to be “professional” at the expense of actually standing out? When you dilute your personality and try to appeal to everyone, this has the unintentional effect of making your brand forgettable, which is exactly what we want to avoid!In this episode, we’re diving into why playing it safe is holding you back and how to build a brand that makes you the obvious choice for the right people.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why blending in is the fastest way to be ignored and forgotten✦ The real danger of playing it safe (it’s not fewer clients, it’s the wrong ones!)✦ Why making bold branding decisions doesn’t mean being loud but being clear✦ A test to know if your brand is truly recognizableTAKE THE STAGEAsk yourself:1. If I stripped away my logo, colours, and fonts, would people still recognise my brand?2. Do I know why clients actually choose me?3. Am I making brand decisions based on fear?——Mentioned in this episode:BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the Freak Show04:09 The Danger of Blending In15:39 How to Stop Playing It Safe in Your Brand18:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Let’s talk about the word “strategy” and how it has become one of those overused, jargon-filled words that makes branding feel way more complicated than it needs to be. Truthfully, strategy is just a fancy way of saying having a good plan, one that guides your decisions so you can grow with confidence instead of second-guessing every little thing.In this episode, I’m breaking down why branding has gotten so overcomplicated, what actually matters when building a brand, and how my Brand Thinking Method simplifies it all into five core areas you actually need to focus on.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why the word “strategy” has lost its meaning (and how to reclaim it)✦ The biggest mistake keeping service providers stuck in branding limbo✦ The 5 key areas of branding that actually matter: Foundations, Audience, Positioning, Identity, and Presence✦ Why your brand — not the latest trend — should guide your marketing✦ How to create a plan that helps you show up consistently without the overwhelmTAKE THE STAGEReflect on these five core areas and ask yourself:1. Which part of my brand feels the least clear — foundations, audience, positioning, identity, or presence?2. Am I making intentional decisions or just reacting to what feels “off” in the moment?3. How can I simplify my brand strategy to actually support my business growth?——Mentioned in this episode:BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:15 My Beef With the Word “Strategy”07:49 Why Branding Feels Overcomplicated10:53 The Brand Thinking Method: A Simpler Approach12:44 The Five Core Areas of Branding23:58 Bringing It All Together24:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Be honest — has Instagram ever made you want to throw your phone out the window? Whether your problem is the app crashing while you’re editing a reel, your stories glitching out, or feeling like you post a carousel and it’s just crickets, you’re not alone.But if we’re truly being honest, despite the occasional tech difficulties, most of the time the problem isn’t Instagram — it’s how we’re using it.In this episode, I’m unpacking why Instagram can feel like a never-ending chore, how to stop chasing trends, and why your brand is the key to making your content work for you instead of the other way around. Plus, I’ll share practical tips to simplify your strategy, create content that connects, and actually start enjoying Instagram again.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why Instagram feels overwhelming for service providers✦ How chasing trends makes your content feel fake and forced✦ The difference between content creation for influencers vs. business owners✦ Practical tips to build a content design system that saves time and energy✦ Why branding is the foundation for effortless, impactful contentTAKE THE STAGEAsk yourself these questions to transform your Instagram approach:1. Are you relying on random bursts of inspiration (or on your saved folder on IG)?2. Do you have a consistent system in place for generating ideas?3. And most importantly, is your brand fully supporting and amplifying your content efforts?Remember: Instagram isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a tool to connect with your audience, amplify your brand, and attract the right people to your business.——Mentioned in this episode:BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show03:42 Why Instagram Feels Like a Chore13:33 Reframing Instagram for Service Providers16:08 Practical Ways to Market on Instagram Without Hating It22:53 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

We’re pulling back the curtain on rebranding with 10 truths no one tells you about the process. If you’ve ever thought a shiny new logo or fresh brand colours could solve all your business problems, this episode is for you.Rebranding is a bold move, but it’s not a magic fix. It requires courage, clarity, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work. Let’s uncover the myths, explore the realities, and break down what you really need to know before embarking on your rebranding journey.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why a “finished brand” is a myth✦ The difference between standing out and just making noise✦ Why discomfort is a natural and expected part of rebranding✦ How consistent use of your new brand assets is key to making your rebrand successful✦ The most important ingredient in your brand: YOUTAKE THE STAGEReflect on these questions before considering a rebrand:1. What’s your mission?2. Who’s your audience?3. What problems are you solving, and why are you the best person for the job?Use your answers to determine if a rebrand is truly the right move (or if you’re just caught up in Shiny Object Syndrome).——Mentioned in this episode:BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.THE EXTRAVAGANZA: Create your industry-leading first impression.THE COLOUR CIRCLE: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ Instagram✦ Website✦ Get my Uncaged emailsThis episode was co-produced with Adrienne Cruz.——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show1:09 The Biggest Myth About Rebranding03:28 Stop Searching for a Finished Brand04:34 It’s Not About Standing Out for the Sake of It05:59 Change Is Messy, but It Means Growth07:30 You Get to Define What Professional Looks Like10:15 Rebranding Won’t Solve a Lack of Clarity11:36 Be Prepared to Question Everything12:27 You’ll Never Please Everyone (And That’s a Good Thing)13:39 A New Brand Might Feel Uncomfortable Before It Feels Right14:55 Implementation Is Key to Success16:18 The One Thing You Can’t Forget Is YOU17:06 Recap of All 10 Truths18:15 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

We’re diving into a feeling most of us know too well: boredom with our own brand. You know the late-night Canva binges, the urge to change everything, or the itch to start from scratch? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But before you throw out your entire brand kit, let’s talk about what boredom really means — and why it’s not the same as actually needing a rebrand.I’m sharing my tips to overcome creative ruts without burning everything down, plus how to know if it’s truly time for a rebrand or just a little refresh.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ The difference between boredom and brand misalignment✦ Why shiny object syndrome won’t fix a creative rut✦ How consistency can be the key to standing out✦ Questions to help you pinpoint the real problemTAKE THE STAGEI want to leave you with three thoughts today: 1. Boring doesn't mean broken.2. Consistency doesn't have to be boring. 3. It's not necessarily about starting over. It's about refining what's already working.——Mentioned in this episode:⁠BEHIND THE CURTAIN⁠: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.⁠THE EXTRAVAGANZA⁠: Create your industry-leading first impression.⁠THE COLOUR CIRCLE⁠: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ ⁠Instagram⁠✦ ⁠Website⁠✦ Get my ⁠Uncaged⁠ emailsThis episode was co-produced with ⁠Adrienne Cruz.⁠——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show00:39 Blue Monday and the Branding Blues03:48 The Canva Rabbit Hole and Shiny Object Syndrome05:35 Consistency vs. Reinvention07:51 Is It Boredom or Time for a Rebrand?11:33 Questions to Pinpoint Your Brand Misalignment16:01 When a Rebrand IS the Right Move17:18 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

It's finally here... The debut episode! I’m kicking things off with a deep dive into a question I get constantly: What if there’s nothing special about my brand?Listen, I know how easy it is to feel like you’re blending into the noise, but I’m here to remind you: your show-stopping factor — the thing that makes your audience say, “Wow, there’s no one else like you!” — already exists. You’re not inventing it out of thin air. You’re uncovering it.SPOTLIGHT MOMENTS✦ Why "standing out" isn’t about being flashy✦ The three questions that will help you pinpoint what makes you unforgettable✦ Exactly what NOT to do when figuring out your brand’s secret sauce (trust me, it’s a trap!)✦ The Venn diagram trick to zero in on your show-stopping factorTAKE THE STAGETake a few minutes to answer these questions:1. What brands or people stand out to you?2. Why do clients pick you over another service provider?3. What results do you achieve for your clients?Notice the patterns and start thinking about how you can bring that magic front and centre for your brand! And if you want to take this work even further, my Behind the Curtain branding experience is your next step ↓——Mentioned in this episode:⁠BEHIND THE CURTAIN⁠: Close the gap between your big top personality and your business vision.⁠THE EXTRAVAGANZA⁠: Create your industry-leading first impression.⁠THE COLOUR CIRCLE⁠: A free monthly event where bold and daring service providers get to network with freaks like them, create community, and find how to own their weird.Follow & Connect with Eva:✦ ⁠Instagram⁠✦ ⁠Website⁠✦ Get my ⁠Uncaged⁠ emailsThis episode was co-produced with ⁠Adrienne Cruz.⁠——TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to The Freak Show01:59 Finding Your Show-Stopping Factor05:17 The Power of Clarity and Alignment06:12 Michelangelo’s Approach to Branding07:35 The Three Key Questions12:05 What Not to Do13:31 Your Homework and Next Steps

Welcome to The Freak Show: the podcast for ambitious, creative service providers who are done blending in and playing small. If you’ve ever been told you’re “too much” or felt like the business world wasn’t made for someone as bold, quirky, and unconventional as you, you’re in the right place. This is where ambitious weirdos like you stop hiding and step into the spotlight. I’m Eva, Brand Designer and ringleader at Flying Colours Creative. For the past 5 years, I’ve helped service providers turn their personality into their biggest brand asset. In each episode, I sit down with creative entrepreneurs and business owners who’ve dared to do things differently. We’ll talk about what it really takes to stand out in a sea of sameness, own your weird, and build a brand that’s as unforgettable as you are. Your personality is your show-stopping factor, and I’m here to help you embrace it fully so you can create a brand that stands out and attracts the right audience. The Freak Show launches on January 20th. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s start building a brand that’s unapologetically you. —— Follow & Connect with Eva: ✦ ⁠Instagram⁠ ✦ ⁠Website⁠ ✦ Get my ⁠Uncaged⁠ emails This episode was co-produced with ⁠Adrienne Cruz.