05/25/2026
I’ve been working behind the scenes on Kindred’s brand.
“What do you mean you build brands? Don’t you already have one?”
Yes, I do! But honestly, overthinking it had me veering off course. And if you work in brand development you know that sometimes the hardest brand to work on and see clearly is your own.
I was trying so hard to fit into the “agency mold.” I looked at what others were doing and wondered why certain things didn’t come naturally to me. I was viewing Kindred as separate from myself, and that’s where things got muddled.
Kindred is me. The only way I can show up authentically is by being myself-writing posts in my own voice, just like I would if we were talking in person. Because when you work with Kindred, you’re working with me. I’m the one you message, email, or collaborate with on a brand or photo shoot. So why was I trying to sound like something else?
I also did what many people encourage: hyper-niching. I thought it was the key to attracting the types of businesses and brands I wanted to work with. But after a couple of years of reflection, I realized that the brands I truly want to partner with are the ones I personally connect with. Sometimes they fit a specific niche or industry, and sometimes they don’t- and that’s totally okay. If we vibe together, understand each other, and get excited when we talk, then I’m in the right place. You’re a kindred spirit, and I’ve found you!
So, I’m aiming to show up more authentically here. Less polished. More stream of consciousness. I’m done overthinking how strategic my copy sounds. It’s just too hard. When I finally decided to start posting and saying what I genuinely wanted to, it started to feel effortless.
With this mindset shift, I’m working to align the visual elements of Kindred’s brand with what feels like working with me: fun, real, imperfect, interesting, exciting…
I’ll be sharing it all pretty soon, starting with a brand new website. But for now, enjoy this adorable illustration sneak peek, thanks to my super talented friend