More Than A Brand

THE JOURNEY OF ASHLEY LACER AND MICHELLE MAE: A PEOPLE-FIRST APPROACH IN FASHION In the latest episode of the More Than A Brand Podcast, host Lindsay Trammell-Jones interviews Ashley Lacer, the founder of Michelle Mae, a fashion brand dedicated to providing stylish and comfortable clothing for women of all sizes. Ashley's journey is not just about building a successful business; it's about creating a positive impact on the lives of others, particularly women entrepreneurs. THE HEART BEHIND THE BRAND Ashley emphasizes that her identity extends beyond her roles as a business owner, wife, and mother. At her core, she aims to leave a positive mark on everyone she encounters, whether personally or professionally. This philosophy is reflected in the mission of Michelle Mae, which was born out of Ashley's frustration with the fashion industry's lack of options for women of all sizes. She recognized a gap in the market for quality, fashionable clothing that didn't come with inflated prices based on size. BUILDING COMMUNITY AND RELATIONSHIPS One of the standout features of Michelle Mae is its commitment to fostering a community among its retailers. Ashley has created a private Facebook group for boutique owners who carry her brand, allowing them to share experiences, photos, and support one another. This collaborative environment sets Michelle Mae apart from other wholesale brands, as it emphasizes relationship-building over mere transactions. Ashley believes that when businesses prioritize people over profits, success naturally follows. ADVICE FOR BALANCING LIFE AND BUSINESS For those juggling multiple roles, Ashley offers valuable advice: take a breath and reassess your priorities regularly. Time is a precious currency, and being mindful of how it’s spent can lead to a more fulfilling life. She encourages others to live without regrets and to focus on what truly matters. In conclusion, Ashley Lacer's story is a testament to the power of a people-first approach in business. Through Michelle Mae, she is not only redefining fashion for women of all sizes but also creating a supportive community that uplifts and empowers others. Her journey serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere to prioritize relationships and integrity in their business practices. Get to know Ashley at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurAshley/ https://www.michellemaewholesale.com/

Customer expectations are changing, and it’s time to keep up. In this episode of More Than a Brand, we’re diving into the five most impactful CX trends for 2025. We’re talking about: * Writing copy that’s concise, convincing, and cuts through the noise during the purchase phase. * Balancing short-form and long-form content to create awareness and close sales. * Saying goodbye to fake urgency and hello to smarter, more authentic pricing models. * Leveraging AI as a powerful tool for personalization and problem-solving while keeping the human connection alive. * Crafting retention strategies that meet customers where they are, ensuring loyalty and growth. This episode is more than just predictions—it’s a roadmap for building stronger, smarter CX strategies. Ready to take your brand to the next level?

In the podcast episode, Angie M. Jordan takes over More Than a Brand and interviews Lindsay so the audience can get to know her more. Lindsay and Angie discussed the importance of being authentic and transparent about struggles and imperfections. Lindsay shared personal stories about her journey, including mistakes she made in her business, like forgetting to print addresses on wedding invitations. Despite the mishap, Lindsay highlighted the valuable lesson she learned from the experience - the importance of having a process and being organized to avoid similar mistakes in the future. The conversation emphasized that everyone faces challenges and makes mistakes, even successful entrepreneurs. By sharing these stories openly, it helps others feel less alone in their own journeys. Angie mentioned a prominent entrepreneur who appeared successful from the outside but had faced numerous setbacks and challenges in building their business. This example illustrated that success is often accompanied by struggles and imperfections behind the scenes. The key takeaway from the episode is that authenticity and transparency in sharing struggles can create a sense of connection and relatability with others. By being open about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, individuals can inspire and support each other through shared experiences. This approach fosters a community where individuals feel understood, validated, and encouraged to keep moving forward despite setbacks. Ultimately, embracing authenticity and transparency can help individuals navigate challenges with resilience and empathy, knowing that they are not alone in their journey. Connect on IG @fierceified.agency [https://www.instagram.com/fierceified.agency/] For more tips, connect with me on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-tramel-jones-fierceified/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-tramel-jones-fierceified/] Learn more about Fierceified Creative and Consulting at https://fierceified.agency/ [https://fierceified.agency/] Music Credit: Trust The Vibes by Vincent Tone A Podcast Launch Bestie [https://www.angiemjordan.com/plb-production]production Want to connect with Angie? Find her over on TikTok @angiemjordan

In the podcast episode featuring Angela Williams, the discussion sheds light on the significant impact of mindset on one's brand, particularly during a transition from a neutral role to a personal brand. Angela shares her personal journey of transitioning from a psychotherapist, where she maintained a neutral presence, to a personal brand where visibility and sharing opinions were crucial. 1. Transition Challenges: Angela's experience exemplifies the challenges individuals face when moving from a behind-the-scenes role to becoming the face of their brand. The shift required her to step out of her comfort zone, share her values, beliefs, and opinions, and be more visible to her audience. 2. Mindset Shift: The transition demanded a substantial mindset shift. Angela had to overcome insecurities about being visible, sharing personal aspects, and being outspoken about her beliefs. This shift in mindset was vital for her to effectively represent her personal brand and connect authentically with her audience. 3. Visibility and Consistency: Building a personal brand necessitates consistent visibility and sharing of opinions. This transition from a neutral role to a personal brand underscores the importance of mindset in embracing visibility, maintaining communication consistency, and confidently sharing expertise and values with the audience. 4. Mastering Emotions: Angela stresses the importance of mastering emotions and mindset when stepping into the spotlight. The ability to navigate insecurities, handle the spotlight, and maintain clarity and perspective in sharing opinions and values is crucial for a successful transition to a personal brand. 5. Impact on Brand: The episode highlights how mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping the perception of a personal brand. A positive and confident mindset can enhance brand authenticity, credibility, and audience connection, while a negative or insecure mindset can impede brand growth and impact. In conclusion, the episode featuring Angela Williams underscores how mindset significantly influences the transition from a neutral role to a personal brand. Embracing visibility, authentically sharing opinions, and mastering emotions are essential for building a successful personal brand that resonates with the audience. Connect on IG @fierceified.agency [https://www.instagram.com/fierceified.agency/] For more tips, connect with me on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-tramel-jones-fierceified/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-tramel-jones-fierceified/] Learn more about Fierceified Creative and Consulting at https://fierceified.agency/ [https://fierceified.agency/] Music Credit: Trust The Vibes by Vincent Tone A Podcast Launch Bestie [https://www.angiemjordan.com/plb-production]production Visit Angela Williams on her website at  https://www.angelamarie.co [https://www.angelamarie.co/] or tune into her podcast The Bigger Braver Life Show on all major streaming platforms.

In this episode of "More Than a Brand," I had the pleasure of hosting Patrice Brown, a master stylist and colorist, who I fondly refer to as the "abstract visionary." This episode marks a special occasion as it is our first time recording in person with two people in the same room. We began by discussing Patrice's unique approach to hairstyling and her commitment to educating her clients about proper hair care. Patrice shared her journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of identifying who she is beyond her professional titles. She spoke about her healing process, which includes daily meditation and shadow work, and how these practices have helped her become more self-aware. Our conversation took an interesting turn as we delved into the challenges of unlearning ingrained behaviors, especially those rooted in our upbringing in the Bible Belt. Patrice and I discussed the importance of interpreting religious teachings in a way that promotes personal growth rather than judgment. We also touched on the significance of setting boundaries, particularly as entrepreneurs. Patrice shared her experience of learning to be accessible but not always available, a lesson that has helped her maintain a healthier work-life balance. As we explored our personal lives, Patrice revealed her interest in Latin ballroom dancing as a potential new hobby, while I considered learning how to do facials. We both acknowledged the difficulty of finding new activities that are unrelated to our professional lives but agreed on the importance of trying new things. The episode also covered the emotional toll of friendship breakups and the necessity of self-reflection in maintaining healthy relationships. Patrice's wisdom, particularly her childhood insight of asking "Can they and will they?" in relationships, resonated deeply with me. Finally, we discussed our future aspirations. Patrice aims to expand her salon and train the next generation of professional stylists, while I am preparing for my transition out of the army and exploring new interests. This episode was a heartfelt and enlightening conversation about personal growth, self-awareness, and the journey of healing. I hope our listeners find inspiration and valuable insights from our discussion. Connect with Patrice on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignstudio_md/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedesignstudio_md/] Web: https://www.thedesignstudiomd.com/ [https://www.thedesignstudiomd.com/] Podcast: https://tr.ee/L2lpFzzIff [https://tr.ee/L2lpFzzIff]