Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast

Michelle Wintersteen

The Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is hosted by Michelle Wintersteen, the Brand Designer and Creative Director behind MKW Creative Co. a freelance brand design firm helping to define, design, build and grow vibrant brands for social-media-minded entrepreneurs. The KMA Podcast is an extension of the Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group and covers topics like creating brand awareness, mastering social media marketing, cementing your brand's online presence, and being your own damn boss. Michelle lives in sunny San Diego, California designing for brands & creating content with an undeniable west coast energy, punchy color palette & her yellow lab pup.

  1. 16 HRS AGO

    Design Trend Predictions 2026

    Ditch the beige and step into a world where bold color, real storytelling, and cultural pride take center stage. In this long-awaited episode, Michelle shares her design trend predictions for 2026, breaking down how you'll see them explode across pop culture, fashion, IRL gatherings, print, and beyond. Plus, gain insights on how to notice these trends all around you in the New Year! ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Trend #1: Star Spangled Spanglish and Vibrant Maxim Multiculturalism Trend #2: Medieval Romanesque Revival Trend #3: Community Curator & the Niche Retreat, aka the Fourth Space Trend #4: New Wave Entrepreneurship of The Unsexy Biz Dos and donts for branding in 2026 ---------------------- RESOURCES: Read the Design Trend Predictions 2026 blog Episode 231: Styled to Lead: The Intersection of Aesthetic and Authority Episode 201: Building a Global Brand with Shay Bacani Episode 234: Succession Planning and Branding with Lauren Goldstein Episode 235: Concierge Branding & Community Building with FRG Real Estate Episode 233: Why In-Person Client Meetings Matter Episode 229: Why Your Rebrand Deserves a Launch Party Episode 198: Marketing without Social Media Episode 202: Creating DIML & Case Study Content Step-by-Step Guide ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

    1h 7m
  2. 16 HRS AGO

    Email Marketing Essentials with ALLMOST

    Raise your hand if you've ever ghosted your own email list. Don't worry, we're guilty of it, too. Michelle teams up with email marketing expert Kieryn Wang to share everything you've definitely been ignoring in your inbox management. Turn subscribers into superfans, battle the fears of sounding salesy, and discover why a "one sentence" email might actually be what works for your audience. From list revivals to clever segmentation and the ultimate "unsubscribe" mindset shift, this episode is your reminder to stop sleeping on email— and start making it work for you.   Kieryn Wang is an Email Marketer and Founder of ALLMOST, a boutique email marketing agency that turns email lists into revenue-generating powerhouses. With over 12 years of experience in digital marketing, she specializes in building high-converting automations, data-driven campaigns, and retention strategies that drive measurable sales growth.   Since launching ALLMOST, Kieryn has supported over 60 brands in the beauty and wellness space through her campaigns and membership community, helping clients transform their email marketing into one of their most profitable and reliable sales channels. Her expertise has led to six- and seven-figure revenue growth for clients, and her insights have been featured in Bon Appétit, Bloomberg, and other top-tier publications. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Starting in email marketing Consistency in emails How service-based businesses can tend to their email list Analyzing your email metrics Design-based vs text-based emails Setting up your welcome series How to audit your emails Trends to look out for you in 2026 ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get $30 off when you use code KISS ItsAllMost.com/KissMyAesthetic ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Kieryn and ALLMOST, follow them on Instagram @ItsAllMost an visit their website ItsAllMost.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

    41 min
  3. DEC 16

    How to Build an Inclusive Brand with Ashley Jefferson

    Ready for an honest conversation on entrepreneurship, leadership, and community? This week, Michelle is joined by product management leader Ashley Jefferson. Discover how blending corporate experience with creative instincts can shape a distinctly authentic approach to business, personal branding, and networking— plus why true connection goes far beyond job titles or online followers. This episode delivers insightful perspectives and practical tips you don't want to miss.   Ashley Jefferson is the founder of Startup Baddie, where she works with founders and brands from a product, community, and content perspective. As a fractional product leader, Ashley makes sure you're building the right thing, for the right people, in the right way—and that it drives results (revenue, funding, customers). She draws on a decade of experience at JP Morgan, Prudential, and her work with early-stage founders and medium-sized companies to guide teams through strategy, launches, go-to-market execution, and critical business decisions.   She is also the creator of Founders, Funders, Fractionals (F3), a hub for the future of work that brings together founders, investors, and fractional executives. F3 focuses on education, meaningful connections, and practical ways to bring the fractional model into companies. Ashley holds an MBA from NYU Stern and a Bachelor's degree in Business from Seton Hall University. --------------------- In today's episode, we cover the following: Ashley's background and professional journey Corporate vs. creative work styles LinkedIn as a platform for community Podcasting for growth Should you get your MBA? Intersectionality in discussions about community In-person experiences vs. online communities The future of work and community engagement ---------------------- RESOURCES: Get 40% a Strategy Session with Ashley when you us the code KMAPOD25 Watch part one of this episode on LinkedIn! ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Ashley and Start Up Baddie, follow them on Instagram @StartUpBaddie and Tik Tok @StartUpBaddieAcademy and visit her website AshleyGraceJefferson.com ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

    36 min
  4. DEC 9

    Level Up Your Design Presentations

    Trade self-doubt for confidence. Discover how to present your creative work as the expert you are. Imagine: less revisions and ongoing partnerships. Whether you're shy or an extraverted creative, Michelle shares the simple hacks for showing off your ideas, getting real client buy-in, and using video to bring your humanness front and center (no more hiding behind a mood board!). From the power of mockups to psychological tricks for smooth feedback, you'll learn how to lead with conviction and get those "slam dunk" approvals every designer craves. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The reason for presenting through video The one concept method Setting client expectations Skill-building for presentations Framing your work as a solution to your client's problem Visual storytelling in design presentations Showing design work in process How to lead as the expert Strategic feedback opportunities ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 240: Streamline Your Brand Design Process with AI ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

    23 min
  5. DEC 2

    Self-Loyalty and Business Success with Chedva Lumir

    Thinking your business is just an extension of yourself? Think again. This week, Michelle chats with Chedva Lumir to get real about entrepreneurship, identity, and why asking the right questions might save your sanity (and your strategy). Crack open the secrets to self-loyalty, business relationships, navigating uncertainty, and the real meaning behind "work-life balance." Whether you're a creative, founder, eldest daughter, or anyone juggling a million hats, tune in to learn how to celebrate tiny wins, rethink failure, and get curious about what's next.   Chedva "Vivi" Ludmir is a business coach, strategist, and founder of Consider, a question-led strategy studio helping entrepreneurs and teams navigate foggy pivots, decision fatigue, and the messy middle of growth. Through her signature programs like The Curiosity Lab and Gravitas, Vivi blends startup-style structure with deep personal inquiry—helping founders stop shrinking and start leading with presence, direction, and momentum. A former tech founder turned multi-venture entrepreneur, Vivi's work lives at the intersection of business strategy, brand identity, and human behavior. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Chedva's journey in entrepreneurship What is means to be a curious person in today's world Consider Labs and frameworks for growth How to ask better questions Podcasts as a playground for curiosity Identity, work and burnout Shifting from girl boss to self-loyalty Emotional vs intellectual knowing vs physical sense Dealings with cycles ---------------------- RESOURCES: Download your free Unshrinking Workbook ----------------------- Guest info: To learn more about Chedva and Consider Labs, follow them on Instagram and Tik Tok @ChedvaKL and visit their website https://www.consider.club/. ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

    44 min
  6. NOV 25

    Brand Guidelines Made Simple

    Struggling to keep your brand looking consistent across all platforms? In today's episode, we're breaking down brand guidelines: what they are, why you need them, and how to make them actually useful. From mood boards and color palettes to logo do's and don'ts, you'll learn about all the essentials in a super approachable way. Tune in for how to build the brand bible of your dreams and how to keep your visual identity as consistent as your coffee order. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: What are brand guidelines Structure and format of brand guidelines Creating your brand recipe Key sections to include in your brand guidelines ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 240: Streamline Your Brand Design Process with AI ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

    25 min
  7. NOV 18

    10 Most Common Rebranding Questions Answered

    Considering a rebrand? Here are the things you can expect before moving forward with the process. From determining whether you really need to overhaul everything or just a little facelift, to what it actually costs and how to avoid alarming your loyal customers in the process, Michelle answers the 10 most common questions she's asked on rebrand discovery calls. Tune in to learn what it takes to get a brag-worthy brand makeover. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: Question #1: What is rebranding, and how does it differ from a brand refresh? Question #2: When should a company consider rebranding? Question #3: What are the key steps involved in a rebrand process? Question #4: How can a rebrand impact a company's market position? Question #5: What are the benefits and risks of a rebrand? Question #6: How do we measure the success of a rebrand? Question #7: What costs are associated with rebranding? Question #8: How can rebranding affect existing customer perception? Question #9: What role does company culture play in a rebrand? Question #10: How does the rebranding process typically take? ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 196: Client Case Study: InLight Hyperbarics Episode 174: Client Case Study: FRG Real Estate Episode 230: Client Case Study: The Galavant Society ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMAPODCAST25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

    25 min
  8. NOV 11

    Streamline Your Brand Design Process with AI

    The most skilled creatives understand that refinement is crucial when it comes to generative tools. First drafts are just the starting line. Explore how a strategic blend of custom GPTs accelerates the brand development process, streamlines mockup creation, and helps clarify project vision for both teams and clients. Plus, get the real answer to: should you rely on AI for logo design, or does human touch still reign supreme? Discover how to use AI intentionally to amplify creative output— without sacrificing authenticity. ------------------------ In today's episode, we cover the following: The iterative nature of generative AI Combining human talent with AI tools Strategy sessions and brand information processing Creating a brand recipe sheet Moodboard and ideation phase Building visual alignment Mockup and asset creation with AI Presentation and communicating with clients AI content creation Future considerations and predictions ---------------------- RESOURCES: Episode 192: Authenticity and AI with Lauren deVane Episode 216: AI for Brand Designers with Lauren deVane Episode 162: Leveraging AI Tools for Innovative Marketing with Lauren deVane ----------------------- Boring packaging? Forgettable branding? StickerGiant fixes that with custom stickers and labels designed to make your brand stick—literally. Use code KMA25 at stickergiant.com for 25% off your first order. ----------------------- WORK WITH MKW CREATIVE CO.   Connect on social with Michelle at: Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group Instagram Tik Tok ----------------------- Did you know that the fuel of the POD and the KMA Team runs on coffee? ;) If you love the content shared in the KMA podcast, you're welcome to invite us to a cup of coffee any time - Buy Me a Coffee! ----------------------- This episode is brought to you by Zencastr. Create high quality video and audio content. Get your first two weeks free at https://zencastr.com/?via=kma . ----------------------- This episode of the Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is brought to you by Audible. Get your first month free at www.audible.com/kma.   This episode was edited by Berta Wired Theme music by: Eliza Rosevera and Nathan Menard

    25 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

The Kiss My Aesthetic Podcast is hosted by Michelle Wintersteen, the Brand Designer and Creative Director behind MKW Creative Co. a freelance brand design firm helping to define, design, build and grow vibrant brands for social-media-minded entrepreneurs. The KMA Podcast is an extension of the Kiss My Aesthetic Facebook Group and covers topics like creating brand awareness, mastering social media marketing, cementing your brand's online presence, and being your own damn boss. Michelle lives in sunny San Diego, California designing for brands & creating content with an undeniable west coast energy, punchy color palette & her yellow lab pup.

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