Instagram story viewer> @bymarion.co> Posts
Marion | WOC Brand Strategist(@bymarion.co)'s profile avatar HD Profile

Marion | WOC Brand Strategist

@bymarion.co

2.2K
followers
1293
following
🌍 Creative of color
🌀Full-time studio owner, Part-time AI enjoyer
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
a new era of Hearten + Hone is coming 👀 I’ve never met a tougher branding client than myself. Of all the brands I’ve helped build, none have been more challenging than developing my own. With clients, I usually land on the right direction almost intuitively, but when it comes to my own brand(s), it’s taken over a year (and too many “it’s been a hot minute” reintroductions) to figure out what I truly want. Even knowing the foundations to creating a strong brand inside and out, the process has felt anything but smooth-sailing. But finally, I’m at a place where I feel excited about the next evolution of my studio and how I want to show up as a personal brand. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing glimpses of the ideas, thought process, and decisions shaping this new chapter. And here’s where things are heading: ✨ @heartenandhone – Our wellness branding studio, dedicated to founders make health more accessible through strategic worldbuilding, storytelling, and sensory design ✨ @bymarion.co – My creative playground, where I share musings, experiments, and behind-the-scenes of being a WOC strategist and designer I won’t pretend I have it all perfectly mapped out. My vision is still evolving, and honestly, it shifts a little every day. But that’s the beauty of building something rooted in our essence as human beings - it’s never linear, it’s never black or white. The process is complex but it’s beautiful too. It’s going to be a fun ride, will you join me? 🩵 by @bymarion.co
16
2 years ago
Download
I didn’t expect February to be so full - of adventure, of joy, of moments that felt both expansive and grounding. But in hindsight, it makes perfect sense. Adventure was the word I chose for this year after all. This past month felt like the perfect balance between work and play, and it’s almost serendipitous this happened early on, as this is how I want the rest of the year to unfold. On another note, curating this recap was made me reconsider the way I show up, the way I share. For so long, I’ve led with education and value, because that’s what we’ve been taught to do. And while there’s merit in that, I think we’re all growing weary of being spoken at, of content that only instructs but rarely connects. So I’m choosing a different approach: not to market, but to DOCUMENT. To share my journey, my thoughts, my perspective without the pressure of packing them with what the online space has defined as “value”. Because sometimes, the most valuable thing we can offer isn’t another neatly crafted takeaway — it’s in our vulnerability when we let people into our world, and the invitation to open up theirs as well. 🌎 by @bymarion.co
9
2 years ago
Download
And as she walked away, I realized something unexpected: I had come here thinking I would teach her something, that I would pass down wisdom like a gift wrapped in years. But the truth is, she had reminded me Of the spark that seeped through my aura. Of the heart that had yet to know pain. Of the audacity to believe in the impossible And as she gleefully bid goodbye, I sat there hoping she’d keep her promise. I packed up my stuff and found something I thought I’d lost. She kept her promise. She’s left some light for me. ——— I’ve loved reading through everyone’s piece of poetry that came out of this trend. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting to read how most seem to have embodied exactly who their inner child was meant to be (or better). Whereas for me, there’s so much of my old self that I want back but can no longer have—the determination, the innocence, the way she moved in the world without fear. But I’ve also come to realize that growth isn’t just about holding onto who we were. It’s about making peace with who we’ve become. Because for all the things I’ve lost, I’ve gained resilience. Depth. A heart that understands love in ways she never could. And while I may never move through the world with the same untamed fearlessness, I’ve learned to move with intention, with wisdom, with grace. So to the younger, more fearless version of myself—thank you for being my biggest inspiration. I may not be you anymore, but I carry your light with me. And that is enough. by @bymarion.co
2
2 years ago
Download
2025 feels like the start of something special. Not because I’m counting on everything going perfectly. But because I’m starting to ~finally~ embrace the beauty in things not going according to plan. I’m stepping into this year with no set strategy or strict expectations — just an open heart and the belief that it will be an adventure worth remembering. And that’s the essence of the word I chose for the year. To welcoming the unknown & feeling at peace with it 🥂 What’s your word of the year? by @bymarion.co
4
2 years ago
Download
Most of my journal entries 📝 in 2024 involved beating myself up for not being “disciplined” enough to keep my business thriving. I consider myself lucky and privileged to see quick growth in the first two years of business. So when I couldn’t replicate those results, I felt embarrassed and ashamed of what I wasn’t achieving. And led me to completely doubt everything I have done and question if I was truly cut out for this. But as I look back on 2024 with renewed energy and a more neutral perspective, I realize it was actually one of the most vibrant and exciting years of my life. 🎶⛰️🧘🏻‍♀️🥂🏝️✈️🥘 While I didn’t hit the usual milestones or meet ANY of my business goals, I experienced so much life-giving moments that filled my cup again. 🌸 I hope you take this as a reminder too that our businesses are just one tiny fraction of our lives and isn’t meant to define our entire world. I didn’t grow my business in 2024. But I grew in far more meaningful ways I didn’t even know I needed. 🤍 by @bymarion.co
13
2 years ago
Download
It’s good to be back. 🤗 by @bymarion.co
64
2 years ago
Download
What I see often is brand strategy seems to be sold as this shortcut to raise rates: 👉🏼 Hold a ‘workshop’ but simply transcribe their words 👉🏼 Charge for a ‘roadmap’ but just compile the info they shared 👉🏼 Give them a ‘plan’ but only paraphrasing what they told you Maybe this has worked for others Here’s my personal take: When you simply paraphrase what your clients tell you, not only are you presenting yourself as an order taker… But you’re also inhibiting your mind from coming up with fresh and interesting solutions for your clients The practice of being overly reliant on set questions and templates during the brand strategy process is what is making it difficult for designers to take creative lead during projects AND get their clients results 👉🏼And this is exactly what I want to shift with Sought After Strategist. I firmly stand by designers like you who want sharpen your creative thinking skills, serve your clients in the best way, and charge premium for brand strategy from a place of integrity and confidence. Inside the course, my goal is to equip you with the tools, strategies, and techniques that will guide you in developing viable brand strategies that your clients actually use & gets them results — all while having fun in the process. 💕 You won’t just be given a list of questions to ask, you’ll learn to direct the conversation to encourage depth and meaning in your client’s answers You won’t just be handed over a plug-and-play template, you’ll effortlessly be able to tailor your roadmaps to your clients specific goals You won’t be given a rigid framework to stick to, you’ll be trained to exercise your innovative thinking skills and adjust your scope according to what will actually get your clients results If this is the kind of education you’re seeking out, you know where to head 😉💙 #brandstrategymatters #brandstrategist #graphicdesigner #brandstylist #branddesigners #branddesignerslife #branddesignersclub #branddevelopment by @bymarion.co
1
2 years ago
Download
💫 As brand strategists, we often face the challenge of wanting to express the depth of our expertise while ensuring we resonate with our clients. Often we get stuck on the deliverables of brand strategy, thinking this is what attracts high-value clients. The beautiful 40-page PDF. The extensive list of mission, values, positioning, messaging. The 2 hour calls. However, to clients, this is just technical jargon. What they’re looking for is how brand strategy can help them achieve their goals. A brand that resonates, connects, and stands out. The ability to make more efficient decisions. Increased loyalty among their audience. This is the language clients understand and value. When we shift our narrative from what we do to 👉🏼 what they achieve through us…the conversation changes. 🌟 Clients then start seeing us as partners in their brand building journey. 🌟 So, the next time you're crafting that proposal or engaging in a consultation call, focus on their dreams, their aspirations, and how your strategy can pave the way towards their goals Learn how to present your brand strategy services in a way that makes it an easy yes for the clients you want to work with, no matter your price point -- in my soon-to-launch brand strategy course, Sought-After Strategist You get an extra discount + a DWY marketing plan only if you're part of the waitlist, so be sure to sign up before doors open on July 23rd! 💙 by @bymarion.co
5
2 years ago
Download
It’s rare for clients to ask for revisions when we work on their identity Considering I only present a single concept & only take 2-3 hours developing full identities This doesn’t mean that I go through my branding projects haphazardly only to tick off an item on my checklist to move to the next one In fact, my clients always share their appreciation for how immersive & intentional my process is, with “happy tears” emojis to pair Even when I have shorter timelines All because of one thing: Brand strategy With this, not only are you able to present more unique design concepts But you are able to do so without wasting hours “guessing” what their visual preference is From being a strategist for almost 4 years, I’ve learned two valuable things: ⏰ Time spent pausing and let your ideas simmer is productive. But dayss spent searching for the perfect font because I’m questioning my design decisions and I’m not sure what I’m looking for until I see it is time wasted. And quite frankly, doesn’t make for a profitable project. And the latter often happens when design projects are tackled without strategy But with brand strategy, you get the front-row seat of the brand’s essence and an all-access pass to a pool of ideas, inspiration, messaging angles, and stories that you can translate visually 🎨 ✅ Brand strategy allows you to enter the design process with decisiveness and efficiency So when you open Illustrator and your favorite font foundry, you know exactly what you’re looking for and how to execute it And the best part is - your clients are already on board with it

= saving you so much time figuring out how the brand looks like as you go This is how brand strategy cuts down your design development process and makes your projects more profitable, without ever compromising on quality Next week, I’m launching my signature course for designers, Sought-After Strategist - which will teach you the fundamental brand strategy skills that gets premium clients booking your highest package and approving your concepts on the first pass. Get on the waitlist to receive an exclusive $100 discount + DWY marketing plan when you sign up! ☺️ by @bymarion.co
3
2 years ago
Download
If I had the knowledge I have now about brand strategy when I started, I would have saved a ton of time and energy trying to figure out things like: 👉🏼 What should I charge for such an in-depth service? 👉🏼 How can I add more value to my roadmap? 👉🏼 How much do I need to know about my clients' industry? After working with dozens of brand strategy clients at this, I noticed patterns in how clients approached our collaborations. And it became more evident to me, that all my worries were just stories I made up in my head So I'm sharing with you three things I wish I had known early on in my brand strategy journey so you can invite more ease and simplicity into your process (without having to repeat the same mistakes as I did!) 1. Clients will happily pay for specific solutions to their problems. Initially, I led with design in my marketing, thinking it would make it easier to sell both strategy and design. However, when you clearly communicate the benefits of brand strategy, clients will seek you out specifically for that service. 2. Clients want a straightforward action plan they can easily implement and maintain. I used to spend hours adding more details to strategies to justify the price, but this often made things more complicated. In reality, the simpler the strategy, the more effective it is. 3. I used to do hours upon hours of research on the client's industry to avoid appearing clueless. But I’ve learned that clients value fresh perspectives. They appreciate when you bring new insights that help clarify and validate their ideas and thoughts about their brand Learning brand strategy is not a walk in the park. But it's incredibly rewarding when you finally get the hang of it, while working with the dreamiest clients who just light you up Want to deliver brand strategy in a sustainable and seamless way? Join the SOUGHT-AFTER STRATEGIST waitlist via the link in my bio for an exclusive waitlist-only discount of $100. Launching July 23rd ☺️ #brandstrategydesign #brandstrategycourse by @bymarion.co
7
2 years ago
Download
If you’re a designer who offers brand strategy but don’t call yourself one, here’s what I want to tell you ➡️ There is no certification, no rule, no standard to becoming a brand strategist You can be a brand strategist by your own definition and lean into a process that feels really good to you If you help your clients solve problems in a creative way… If you bring your client clarity by offering your unique perspective on their situation… If you can listen intently and empathetically to your clients stories and transform it to meaningful brand experiences… You are a brand strategist. ✨ Seeing success as a brand strategist like consistently booking high-paying clients, working on meaningful projects that light you up, and taking on less work without sacrificing your income — Starts from believing that you are one and leaning into that role. You just have to own it. All that said, if you’re looking for guidance and support around gaining the competence and confidence to position yourself as a brand strategist I would love to invite you to enroll in SOUGHT-AFTER STRATEGIST, the course + community that allows you to hone a brand strategy process that you can feel really confident about so you can start attracting those dream clients you’re meant to serve… If you want to: 💸 See a consistent stream of high-budget inquiries you feel fully aligned with 🤓 Know how to ask the right questions during the strategy workshop 🍃 Have a spacious project calendar that gives you space to breathe and do things you love 👯‍♀️ Become a true creative partner in the decision-making process ✨ Discover a brand strategy process that resonates with your way of working Then Sought-After Strategist would be a wonderful fit for you and I would absolutely love to support you as you fully step into your role as a creative partner, PROUDLY call yourself a brand strategist, and reap all the benefits that comes with being one. Sign up for the waitlist to get an exclusive discount when doors open on the 23rd!🏃🏻‍♀️ #brandstrategytips #brandingstrategist #branddesigners #branddesignagency #branddesignstudio #womeninbranding #brandingbabe by @bymarion.co
5
2 years ago
Download
How I often see others teach brand strategy is this: 👉🏼 they share a “plug-and-play” template to fill in adjectives and flowery phrases. I’m not here to judge how others like to do it but I just want to offer a different perspective that may serve you and your clients better. I always stand by the premise that strategy is not just a bunch of elements compiled together, it’s a PLAN to help your clients see results. Simply swapping out a couple of adjectives and phrases in a roadmap doesn’t really equip your client with specific action steps they can implement, especially if you use the same template for every project you take on. ✨Different brands have different needs and goals. To craft a roadmap that actually moves your clients forward in your business, that means it also has to be tailored to that business. Think about it - how would a client know what to do with a page that says their brand is “luxurious, feminine, and elegant?” Whereas if you include implementable points that guide your clients on what their own definition of luxury is, how they can embody luxury as a brand, and where is this being presented in their touchpoints Now that gives your clients customized context that transforms your roadmap from pretty PDFs (they don’t end up opening) to valuable tools for that will move the needle in your client’s businesses When you get inside Sought-After Strategist, you’ll gain the critical thinking skills that will help you: 1️⃣ identify what the roadmap should include to get your clients the best results 2️⃣ articulate these guidelines into actionable and implementable statements Plug-and-play templates help you deliver brand strategy faster. Sought-After Strategist will help you deliver brand strategy BETTER. Join the waitlist and get first dibs when enrollment opens on July 23rd 🎁 #brandstrategycourse #brandstrategist #brandstrategistforwomen #brandstrategymatters #brandingtips by @bymarion.co
2
2 years ago
Download

Download All

Save the photos and videos currently loaded on this page.

0Photos
0Videos
Ready to download 0 / 0

Keep this tab open until your download is ready.
back to up